As of June 2019, Texas is one of only three states that do not have a statewide law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The other two states are Iowa and New Hampshire. In Texas, riders are only required to wear helmets if they are under the age of 21 or if they have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Department of Public Safety.
There has been much debate over whether or not Texas should enact a statewide helmet law for motorcycle riders. Some argue that it is a personal choice and that adults should be able to decide for themselves whether or not to wear a helmet. Others argue that requiring all riders to wear helmets would save lives and prevent serious injuries.
If you’re a motorcycle rider in Texas, you might be wondering if there’s a helmet law that requires you to wear one while riding. The answer is yes, there is a helmet law in Texas. All riders are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times when operating a motorcycle on public roads.
Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $500.
Credit: www.underwoodlawoffice.com
Can You Get a Ticket for Not Wearing a Helmet on a Motorcycle in Texas?
Yes, you can get a ticket for not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle in Texas. The penalty for not wearing a helmet is a fine of up to $200.
What are the Helmet Exemptions in Texas?
In Texas, there are a few reasons you may be exempt from wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. If you’re over the age of 21 and have completed an approved motorcycle operator training course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for injuries incurred while operating a motorcycle, you don’t have to wear a helmet. Additionally, if you’re riding a motorcycle that’s registered as an antique with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, you’re not required to wear a helmet either.
Which Us States Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws?
As of May 2019, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place that require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets while on the road. These states are: Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.
The helmet law in each state varies slightly – for instance, some states only require riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while others mandate that all riders must do so regardless of their age.
Additionally, a few states have what are known as “partial” helmet laws which require riders to meet certain criteria (such as having insurance) before they are exempt from wearing a helmet.
There has been much debate over whether or not motorcycle helmet laws should be put into place nationwide. Some argue that it is a rider’s personal choice whether or not to wear a helmet and that mandating their use takes away this freedom.
Others counter that motorcycle accidents can often be fatal or result in severe injuries and that helmets greatly increase the chances of surviving such an accident.
What do you think? Should all US states have motorcycle helmet laws?
Let us know in the comments below!
Can You Drive a Motorcycle Without a Helmet?
The answer to this question is no, you cannot drive a motorcycle without a helmet. Helmets are required by law in many states and provinces, and are an important safety measure when operating a motorcycle. Without a helmet, you are at increased risk of suffering a head injury in the event of an accident.
Additionally, helmets can help reduce wind noise and protect your face from debris kicked up by other vehicles on the road.
Texas Motorcycle Laws What we need to know!
Texas Eligible Helmet Exemption
In Texas, there is an eligible helmet exemption for those who are operating a motorcycle with a valid driver’s license and insurance. The rider must be 21 years of age or older and must have completed a safety course approved by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
If you choose to ride without a helmet in Texas, you are taking on additional risks.
Not only are you more likely to suffer serious head injuries in the event of an accident, but you are also more likely to be ticketed by law enforcement. In fact, not wearing a helmet is one of the most commonly cited reasons for being pulled over on a motorcycle in Texas.
So if you’re planning on hitting the open road in Texas without a helmet, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and understand the risks involved.
Otherwise, play it safe and strap on some head protection.
Conclusion
As of June 2019, Texas is one of only three states that do not have a law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets. This has been a controversial issue for many years, with proponents arguing that it should be the rider’s choice whether or not to wear a helmet. Opponents argue that without a law mandating helmet use, more riders will choose not to wear them, leading to an increase in serious injuries and fatalities.
Texas has had a long history of debate over this issue. In 1997, the state repealed its mandatory helmet law after pressure from motorcycle rights groups. Since then, various bills proposing to reinstate the law have been introduced in the legislature, but none have succeeded in passing.
The most recent attempt was in 2017, when a bill mandating helmet use for all riders was approved by the House but failed to pass the Senate.
The lack of a mandatory helmet law in Texas has led to some concerns from safety advocates. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities in Texas increased by 13% between 2016 and 2017, while they decreased by 3% nationally during that same time period.
It’s unclear how much of this increase is due to factors such as weather or road conditions, but it’s possible that the lack of a helmet law may be playing a role.
Despite these concerns, it doesn’t seem likely that Texas will enact a mandatory motorcycle helmet law anytime soon. With opposition from powerful lobby groups and many lawmakers reluctant to impose new regulations on riders, it seems unlikely that such a bill would be able to pass through the legislature.