Motorcyclists must follow certain traffic rules to protect themselves from accidents and protect others on the road. Obeying motorcycle traffic laws in Spring, TX could also impact any claim for damages after a crash. Violation of traffic laws could mean the violator is liable for the accident.
Learn more about the traffic laws that are specific to motorcycle riders. If you have been in a crash, contact one of our experienced motorcycle injury attorneys today.
Class M Licensing
To operate a motorcycle in Texas, the law says that the operator needs to obtain a Class M license. To get the Class M license, the licensee must first complete a motorcycle safety training course, pass a required vision test, and pass a knowledge test related to the training course. Taking the training course is a good way for a Spring biker to gain in-depth knowledge of the traffic laws pertaining to motorcycle usage.
Helmet Rules
Motorcyclists may sometimes wonder if wearing a helmet is part of the motorcycle traffic laws. The rules pertaining to helmets for motorcycle riders are:
- All motorcycle riders (including passengers) under the age of 21 must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- Motorcycle riders 21 and older need to wear a helmet unless they have either completed a motorcycle safety course or they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage in case of a motorcycle-related accident.
Regardless of the laws, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the event of a motorcycle accident.
Lane Splitting Rules
Lane splitting is another term for driving between two lanes of traffic. Although a motorcycle rider may find lane splitting to be a convenient way to get around traffic jams, it is not allowed in Texas. Drivers of other vehicles may not know that a motorcycle is planning to zip past them in their lane, and it could result in an accident. Motorcycle traffic laws in Spring say that motorcyclists have a right to a full lane of traffic, just like drivers of other vehicles. This means that a car and a motorcycle should not share a lane.
Motorcycle Passenger Laws
Passengers on a motorcycle must be at least five years old, and they must be wearing a helmet if they are under 21 years old. Motorcycle passengers need to have their own seat and their own footrests.
Required Standards for Motorcycles
Besides knowing and obeying motorcycle traffic laws, Spring bikers must also ensure their motorcycles meet the required safety standards, such as:
- Handlebars must be no more than 15 inches above the seat
- It must have at least one rear-view mirror
- It needs to have working headlights and taillights
- It must have working turn signals
- It must have a muffler that is in good working condition
If a motorcycle does not meet state standards, it could be illegal to take it out on the road.
Talk to a Spring Attorney About Motorcycle Traffic Laws
Failure to follow Spring motorcycle traffic laws could have an impact on your injury claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer could help explain the nuances of motorcycle laws and how they relate to liability in a motorcycle accident injury claim.
If you have questions about your claim, contact Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris, LLC as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation. We are here to help you throughout the claim process.
