Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Texas
Texas law states that all persons under the age of 21 driving or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle must wear a helmet.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Although Texas has not passed a universal helmet law for motorcyclists, current laws do require all persons under the age of 21 riding on a motorcycle to wear a helmet. Violation of the law can land you a fine up to $50.
Motorcycles can be a rush of exhilaration, but they can be incredibly dangerous if you’re not following safety regulations and laws. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
showed that in 2019 alone more than 5,000 motorcyclists were killed, which accounted for 14% of all traffic accidents. Knowing the motorcycle helmet laws in your state is important to keep yourself protected on and off the road. Car insurance shopping app
Jerry
is guiding you through what you need to know about Texas motorcycle helmet laws—what they are, exemptions to the law, and the penalties for violation of motorcycle helmet laws in Texas. We'll even show you the easiest way to find cheap car insurance in Texas.
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Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Texas?
According to
Chapter 661
of the Texas Transportation Code, all persons under the age of 21 must wear protective headgear when driving or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. Anyone over the age of 21 is not required to wear a helmet if they meet the following requirements:- Have completed an approved motorcycle operator training and safety course
- Are covered by a health insurance plan that provides medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of motorcycle accidents
If you are over 21 and do not meet the exemption requirements, you must wear a helmet on a motorcycle if you are driving or riding as a passenger.
Exceptions to Texas’s motorcycle helmet law
Section 661.003 of the Texas Transportation Code states that there are exemptions to the law requiring motorcyclists to wear headgear. You do not need to wear a helmet if:
- You’re over the age of 21; and
- You’ve completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course; and
- You are covered by a health insurance plan that covers motorcycle accident injuries, you do not need to wear a helmet
Penalties for breaking Tennessee’s motorcycle helmet law
You’ve committed an offense if you operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle on a public street or highway without wearing protective headgear that meets state safety standards.
Both driver and passenger are required to wear a helmet under the age of 21.
Committing an offense under this section is classified as a misdemeanor and can result in a $10 to $50 fine.
Why it’s important to wear a motorcycle helmet
Just as car drivers are required to wear a seatbelt for safety, motorcycle drivers shoulder wear protective headgear to prevent head injuries and/or fatality in the case of an accident.
The
Texas Department of Transportation
says that despite a reduction in road traffic and a 2% drop in motorcycle crashes, there was a whopping 17% increase in Texas motorcycle fatalities from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, 482 motorcyclists died as a result of crashes, accounting for 12% of all traffic fatalities statewide. Of the 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas in 2020, 1,856 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 482 were killed.
On average, one motorcyclist dies every day from motorcycle accidents in Texas.
Remember—motorcyclists don’t have the same protection as drivers in vehicles. Staying alert and wearing protection can help you safely reach your destination.
How to find affordable car and motorcycle insurance
Accidents happen, and when they do, having the right insurance coverage is key. Insurance shopping app
Jerry
can help you find the best coverage for the most affordable price.Just download the Jerry app, answer a few questions, and let Jerry find you the best plans from among more than 50 insurers. As a
licensed broker
, Jerry will finalize it and help cancel your old one. Why pay more than you have to? The average Jerry user saves $887 per year on insurance—that’s savings that you could be putting into protective gear!
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