There is a fee when you register your off-road motorcycle for road approval, so make sure you`re prepared. This can range from $200 to $300. The information above highlights some of the differences between motorcycles and similar vehicle types in Texas. Other vehicles that are not technically considered motorcycles include car wheels, electric bikes, and motorized scooters. Most motorcyclist deaths are due to head injuries. Age restrictions also apply to motorcycle passengers. Motorcyclists cannot carry passengers under the age of eight and less than four feet nine inches tall. Texas law requires children of this age and size to ride in an approved child seat that motorcycles cannot carry legally or safely. All passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet, which is legal to drive in Texas, but those over 21 who meet the legal requirements can travel without a helmet.
While many Texans ride their motorcycles all their lives without incident, there is always a risk of accident or injury every time you hit the road. If riding your off-road motorcycle on rough terrain and tracks simply doesn`t meet your insatiable need to ride your favorite off-road motorcycle, you`ve probably thought about what it takes to legalize your off-road motorcycle on the road. Unfortunately, each state has different laws on the legality of dirt bike routes. It can be a bit difficult to figure out what you need to do to ride your motorcycle off-road on public roads. But fear not, I`m here to tell you everything you need to know to make your favorite off-road motorcycle in the state of Texas that is 100% road legal. Helmets that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 (FMVSS-218) are mandatory for motorcyclists and passengers. Compliance with this standard is indicated by the “DOT” sticker. This requirement applies to all motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, regardless of their size or number of wheels. Read on to find out exactly what Texas law requires and how you can comply if you legalize your off-road bike ride. While Texas has a law that requires some to wear a helmet, most can escape that mandate by meeting very modest requirements. To get a helmet exemption in Texas, you must be at least 21 years old and prove you have at least $10,000 in health insurance.
Finally, you must also have successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course. All electrical components to be mounted on a road-approved off-road motorcycle should have enough remaining energy to charge the battery (13 to 15 volts). It should be noted that Texas` current motorcycle law prohibits law enforcement agencies from arresting a person just to determine if any of the exemptions apply to them. With the mechanical additions you need to make to comply with Texas traffic legality regulations, you`ll make your off-road motorcycle look less like an off-road motorcycle and more like a road bike. You must add headlights, taillights, brake lights, mirrors, a horn, approved tires and an approved fuel tank. Texas is like most states when it comes to making your off-road motorcycle street legal, as there are both mechanical extras and non-mechanical steps to get your motorcycle off-road on major public roads. While taking your children, nieces, nephews, or other young family members on a motorcycle may seem like fun, it can lead to a traffic quote. Texas law prohibits passengers under the age of five from riding a motorcycle, but they can ride in a sidecar. Lane division occurs when a motorcyclist drives his motorcycle between two striped lanes. Lane separation also refers to the fact that two or more motorcycles ride side by side and share a single lane. It`s important to note that if you have a motorcycle license from another state, you can skip the safety course and simply bring your current motorcycle license out of state. Watch this YouTube video of an off-road biker in Texas who made his bike completely street legal: A license plate holder is a must for all street bikes.
For more information about the display method, see the local DMV. You can purchase replacement brackets that display license plates legally. Some motorcyclists believe that because their bikes are smaller than typical cars, they can park in scratched areas near disabled parking spaces or other similar “Do Not Stop” areas of the sidewalk. It is against the law. Motorcycles also cannot be parked on sidewalks. There are also seventeen counties in Texas that require emissions testing in addition to inspection. By checking your motorcycle`s emissions, the state can be sure that it is environmentally friendly. Each passenger on your motorcycle must be at least five years old. Each passenger between the ages of five and 21 must wear a helmet on the motorcycle.
To become legal, off-road motorcycles need: headlights; a projector indicating headlamp; DOT-approved and battery-powered taillights/brake lights; Rear-view mirror; a horn; DOT approved tyres; and a DOT approved fuel tank. The state has a process with an OHV sticker, inspection and registration. Knowing what you need to make your Dirtbike Street legal is one thing, but making it street legal is a very different and even more complicated process. But don`t worry! I can tell you exactly where to go to get all the parts you need to ride your motorcycle off-road on major and public roads and be completely legal. The simplest thing you can do if you want to buy the parts needed for the legality of the off-road motorcycle road in Texas is a Tusk kit like this on Amazon. The best thing about Tusk kits is that most of them don`t require you to cut the original wiring of your off-road motorcycle, eliminating time, stress, and even the need to know your electrical system. In the event of a motorcycle injury, you`ll need a motorcycle accident attorney in Dallas. These cases require the knowledge and sensitivity that a Texas attorney can provide. Few people love freedom more than a motorcyclist in the Lone Star State. While Texas tends to impose too many regulations across the board, most will agree that Texas motorcycle laws increase the safety of motorcyclists, passengers, and others on the road. A motorcycle windshield alone is not enough protection. Sunglasses with shatterproof lenses protect the eyes, but do not prevent your eyes from watering.
Motorcyclists are advised to wear glasses that protect the eyes and block the wind. Appropriate motorcycle goggles must be unbreakable, solid in shape, visually clear, resistant to shock and penetration, and not block peripheral vision. If you ride your motorcycle across state borders, it is the responsibility of drivers and passengers to know both each state`s laws and their rights under the laws. Motorcyclists crossing state borders should protect themselves and research the law before travelling. The best resource for motorcyclists who need to learn each state`s vehicle laws is the American Motorcyclists` Association, which has a database of all relevant state laws while advocating for motorcycle owners at the federal and state levels. That said, if you want to ride a motorcycle in Texas but are attracted to smaller motorcycles, you need to know the laws around the size of a vehicle to qualify as a legal motorcycle in our state. I hope this little guide has clarified the topic for you. Motorcycles are more than just a means of transportation — they`re a hobby and hobby for many Texans.
While motorcycles are a fun way to get around and enjoy pleasant weather on the road, it`s important for Texans to understand the state`s motorcycle laws. Knowing these laws not only ensures greater safety on the road, but also ensures that drivers are compliant and don`t have to worry about fines or legal issues due to parking or mechanical issues. The motorcycle is much more complex than the bicycle and is very different from riding. Professional training can go a long way in developing skills and habits that will protect you throughout your cycling career. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has developed and certified a course for RiderCoaches across the country, and you can find a course near you by clicking here. From there, you actually have a lot of flexibility in the type of vehicle you choose. As long as the bike has an engine of 50cc or more, you should go for it. No motorcyclist wants to be caught in the rain or snow. Not only is it uncomfortable to be outside in bad weather, but it can also make driving extremely dangerous. With only two points of contact on the ground, the consequences can be devastating if your bike loses grip.
Due to the risks associated with motorcycling in bad weather, it is best to avoid it as much as possible. Always check the forecast before you take your motorcycle out, and if you encounter a storm, stop until conditions improve or find another way home. Motorcycles must also meet other standards under Texas law. Those carrying passengers must be equipped with a saddle that meets the legal requirements of the State. It must also operate in such a way that no more than three wheels move the motorcycle forward. A functional lighthouse is one of the necessary requirements. It must not only be DOT approved, but also switchable from low beam to main-beam headlamps. It should also be illuminated day and night so that other drivers can easily recognize you. I know it`s a bit overwhelming (and expensive) to see how much needs to be done before your off-road motorcycle can be road legal in Texas, but I promise it`s worth it! In Texas, no one under the age of five is allowed to ride a motorcycle as a passenger.
