If you ride in Texas, it’s important to know the motorcycle laws that apply. While League City must adhere to all state laws, the municipality also implements an ordinance of its own. Staying on the right side of League City motorcycle traffic laws can help you stay safe when you’re on your motorbike. If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, don’t wait to reach out for the legal counsel of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP.
Motorcycle Laws in Texas
As mentioned, all state motorcycle laws apply to League City. To operate a motorcycle in Texas, you need to successfully complete a Basic Rider Course (BRC) or obtain a motorcycle endorsement. This helps to ensure that you have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to operate a motorcycle safely.
Wearing a Helmet
If you are under the age of 21, you are required to wear a helmet when you are on your motorcycle. If you are at least 21 years old, have taken the required safety course, and carry adequate insurance, you’re not required to wear a helmet when you ride. You are, however, strongly advised to do so every time you get on your motorcycle.
Protecting Your Eyes
Both operators of motorcycles and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear eye protection in Texas unless the bike has an adequate windscreen. Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields on helmets all suffice.
Outfitting Your Bike
To take your motorcycle out on the road, it must be equipped with specific equipment that includes all the following:
- Working headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Mufflers that are compliant with state law
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is the controversial practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of traffic, and is only explicitly legalized in one state. Lane Filtering refers to the same practice, but it is only allowed when the traffic the motorcyclists pass between is stopped or slowed.
While both lane splitting and lane filtering is illegal in most states, Texas was silent on the issue for many years. In 2023, however, both lane splitting and lane filtering were explicitly banned in the state. This makes driving your motorcycle in between lanes of traffic, whether the traffic is moving or stopped, against the law.
Carrying Passengers
Any motorcycle passengers in the state must be at least five years old. If you carry a passenger, they must have their own permanently attached or firmly secured seat and their own footrests. Passengers who are not yet 21 years old are required to wear helmets.
These laws are in place to help keep you and everyone else on the road safe. League City also has an additional motorcycle ordinance of its own: no motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, are allowed on their park trails, jogging paths, or sidewalks.
Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
When you’re on your motorcycle, you are far more vulnerable to the dangerous impact of an accident. And if you’re injured by another driver’s negligence, the physical, financial, and emotional losses you face can be immense. To bring a successful motorcycle claim, you’ll need to prove each of the following elements:
- The other driver breached the duty of care they owed you by engaging in some form of negligence, such as distraction or failure to follow the rules of the road.
- Their negligence was the direct cause of the accident that left you injured.
- You suffered legal damages as a result. These can include your medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
After seeking the immediate medical attention you need post-accident, consulting with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer is the most important step you can take.
Talk with a League City Attorney About How Motorcycle Traffic Laws Affect Your Claim
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most dangerous that occur on our roadways. If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured, the focused personal injury attorneys at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP, are well prepared and well positioned to fiercely advocate for a favorable claim resolution that honors your rights. Learn more about League City Motorcycle traffic laws and how we can help you recover on your losses by contacting or calling us today.
