Texas Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
There is a requirement of motorcycle insurance with a compulsory liability in Texas. The minimum compulsory liability of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $20,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $40,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $15,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Texas, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.
Licensing and Registration
In order to get a motorcycle license in TX, you must meet the requirements
for an applicant and present a completion certificate of the Motorcycle
Safety Course (MSB-8 or MSB-8R) approved by the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation. This completion certificate waives the driving test if you
are 18 years of age or older.
Please visit these Texas websites for updated and detailed information
- Texas Driver License Information
- Texas DMV
- Department of Transportation
- Texas Transportation Institute
Helmet Laws
In Texas, riders 21 years or older are exempt if they can either show proof of successfully completing a motorcycle operator training and safety course or can show proof of having a medical insurance policy. A police officer may not stop or detain a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed the motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.
Use our specialized search to find Texas motorcycle resources
Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs
Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in Texas. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Houston - Hcc Commercial Truck Driving School
- San Antonio - The Motorcycle School
- Dallas - Dallas Valley View Mall
- Austin - Austin Studios East
- Fort Worth - Fort Worth/moto-ed
- Carrollton - Harley-Davidson of North Texas
- Denison - Sherman, Texas - American Ace
- Frisco - Pizza Hut Park
Accidents and Safety in Texas
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 435,492 motorcycles registered in Texas with only 480 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| TX | 435.492 | 480 | 38% | 62% | 46% |
| OK | 115.588 | 80 | 25% | 75% | 32% |
| AR | 71.080 | 59 | 42% | 58% | 37% |
| LA | 68.496 | 76 | 59% | 41% | 36% |
| NM | 46.882 | 45 | 4% | 96% | 38% |
Sweet Rides in Texas
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Brazos Trail
- Forest Trail
- Forts Trail
- Hill Country Trail
- Independence Trail
- Lakes Trail
- Mountain Trail
- Pecos Trail
- Plains Trail
- Tropical Trail
Biking Clubs
- YOUNG GUNS
- Fort Sam Rough Riders
- Chrome Angels of Texas
- WASTELANDERS
- Tyler Sport Pilots
- Texas SportRiders
- Texians
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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