Though motorcycle helmets are not required in Texas, it is still recommended that all riders wear one. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, and a helmet can greatly reduce the severity of those injuries. Wearing a helmet also increases your visibility to other drivers on the road.
If more riders were to wear helmets, it would help make Texas roads safer for everyone.
In Texas, motorcycle helmets are required by law for all riders and passengers. This applies to both operable and inoperable motorcycles. The purpose of this law is to help protect riders from serious injuries in the event of a crash.
Texas is one of many states with a universal motorcycle helmet law. These laws are effective in reducing fatalities and serious injuries among riders. In fact, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that states with universal helmet laws had a 26% lower fatality rate than states without such laws.
So, if you’re planning on riding a motorcycle in Texas, be sure to wear a helmet! It could save your life.
Credit: www.enjuris.com
What is the Helmet Exemption in Texas?
In Texas, there is a helmet exemption for motorcycle riders who are over the age of 21 and who have completed an approved motorcycle operator training course or hold a certificate of completion for such a course. Riders who meet these criteria are not required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Texas.
Is Texas A Mandatory Helmet State?
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about mandatory helmet laws, so let’s set the record straight: as of 2017, Texas is not a mandatory helmet state. That means that while helmets are certainly encouraged—and can help reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash— adults over the age of 21 are not required by law to wear one while riding a motorcycle.
Now, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any Helmet Laws in Texas at all; far from it, in fact.
For riders under the age of 21, helmets are required by law—no ifs, ands or buts about it. And even for adult riders, there are certain situations in which wearing a helmet is required by law.
For example, riders with instructional permits or those who have had their license for less than one year must wear a helmet at all times while operating a motorcycle.
Additionally, any rider who is covered by an insurance plan that requires the use of a helmet must also comply with that requirement—even if they’re over the age of 21.
So while Texas may not have a universal mandatory helmet law like some other states do, there are still plenty of circumstances in which riders will need to don a lid before hitting the open road.
Which States Can You Ride a Motorcycle Without a Helmet?
There are currently 19 states in the United States where you are not required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada New Hampshire and South Dakota. In Ohio and Pennsylvania you are only required to wear a helmet if you are 21 years of age or younger.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet is always a good idea—it can protect you from serious injuries in the event of an accident.
But if you live in one of the states listed above and choose not to wear a helmet while riding your motorcycle (at your own risk), here are some tips to help keep you safe:
-Wear proper eye protection. This means investing in a good pair of motorcycle glasses or goggles that will shield your eyes from wind and debris.
-Dress for safety. Long pants and long sleeves made from sturdy materials will help protect your skin if you should happen to fall off your bike. Wearing brightly colored clothing will also make it easier for other drivers on the road to see you.
-Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means staying alert and being cautious of other drivers who may not be paying attention to motorcyclists on the road. Be extra careful when passing other vehicles or making turns—give yourself plenty of time and space so that other drivers have time to react accordingly.
Can You Drive a Motorcycle Without a Helmet?
You can technically drive a motorcycle without a helmet, but it is not recommended. In many states, it is actually against the law to do so. Not wearing a helmet puts you at a much higher risk for serious injury or death if you are involved in an accident.
Head injuries are one of the leading causes of death in motorcycle accidents, so it is important to take every precaution possible to protect yourself. Wearing a helmet may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but it could save your life.
Texas' Motorcycle Helmet Law
Texas Eligible Helmet Exemption
As of September 1, 2009, all motorcycle riders in the state of Texas are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet while operating their vehicle. However, there is an exemption to this rule for riders who meet certain criteria. In order to be eligible for the helmet exemption, riders must:
– Be 21 years of age or older
– Have completed a motorcycle operator training course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) OR have held a motorcycle license for at least one year
– Carry proof of completion of the training course or proof of holding a license for at least one year while operating their motorcycle
– Carry liability insurance with coverage limits of at least $30,000/$60,000/$25,000
Riders who meet all of the above criteria are exempt from wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Texas.
Conclusion
In Texas, motorcycle riders are not required by law to wear a helmet while operating their vehicle. However, wearing a helmet is always strongly encouraged as it can help protect riders in the event of an accident. Not wearing a helmet puts riders at a much higher risk for serious injury or death if they are involved in a crash.