Every summer, Pflugerville residents take to the road on two wheels. There’s nothing like the freedom and excitement of riding a motorcycle, but with that comes risk. You need to follow safety guidelines, or an enjoyable afternoon can quickly become dangerous — or even deadly.
We’ve compiled some best practices for motorcycle riders here and included information on what to do if you become involved in an accident. Stay safe out there!
Motorcycle License Requirements in Texas
To drive a motorcycle in Texas, you must meet all the requirements for a regular driver’s license (or a learner’s license) and then apply for a Class M motorcycle license. To qualify for the Class M license, you must:
- Pass an approved motorcycle safety course. Unless you already have a license from another state, you must register and take a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Your course completion certificate must be less than 24 months old when applying for your motorcycle license.
- Pass a vision test. You may be required to pass a vision test before getting a motorcycle license.
- Pass a motorcycle driving test. A practical motorcycle driving test is mandatory unless the applicant is over 18 and has either:
- An unrestricted motorcycle license in another US state or Canada
- An unrestricted commercial (Class A, B, or C) driver’s license in Texas
People under the age of 18 applying for a motorcycle license have additional requirements and restrictions, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Motorcycle Insurance
All Texas drivers, including motorcyclists, are required to carry insurance. The minimum required coverage is known as a 30/60/25 policy, which includes the following:
- $30,000 for causing injury or death to a person
- $60,000 for causing injury or death to more than one person in a single accident
- $25,000 for causing property damage
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to consult with a motorcycle attorney in Pflugerville before accepting a quick insurance settlement. A free consultation with Pastrana and García Injury Law will help ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve without any upfront payment.
Your Rights as a Motorcyclist
Motorcyclists in Texas have the same rights as drivers of any other type of vehicle. You have the right to drive safely with adequate space in a vehicle lane without being crowded by other vehicles. You have the right to drive a safe vehicle that performs as expected. And you have the right to file a claim and pursue legal action if you have been in an accident and recover your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Motorcycle Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
People who drive motorcycles in Travis County have a duty to drive responsibly. Texas motorcycle rules and regulations are designed to help you stay safe and avoid accidents, and should be followed at all times. The main responsibilities of a Texas motorcyclist are:
- Have a current Class M driver’s license
- Carry appropriate motorcycle insurance
- Drive a motorcycle that meets safety standards, including having a horn, mirror, license plate lamp, and other safety equipment
- Wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
- Obey passenger safety regulations, including only transporting passengers in a passenger seat, having a DOT-approved helmet for each passenger under the age of 21, and not transporting passengers under the age of 5
- Drive safely and observe the rules of the road. Avoid speeding, tailgating, lane splitting, and other unsafe driving behaviors
- Never drive under the influence
It is always important for motorcyclists to drive defensively at all times, because the risk of severe injury in a motorcycle accident is high, even if you aren’t at fault. All motorists should seek medical attention after any accident, no matter how minor.
Driving a motorcycle can be a fun, safe, and exciting way to explore central Texas if you follow all motorcycle regulations and drive safely and defensively. If you or a loved one have been in an accident, contact a Pflugerville motorcycle lawyer at Pastrana and García Injury Law to learn more about your rights.
