College Station Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Wearing a helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle is the most effective way to protect yourself from severe and life-changing injuries while riding. Traffic regulations do not require riders over 21 to wear protective headgear if they meet insurance and other requirements.

However, headgear reduces the chances of traumatic brain injuries and death significantly. Schedule to meet with a hard-working attorney knowledgeable about College Station motorcycle helmet laws for more information.

Important Things to Know About Wearing Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of head and brain injuries and save many lives in the United States yearly. According to research and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, protective equipment saves billions of dollars yearly when riders wear federally-approved safety gear, including helmets.

Motor vehicle crashes are unpredictable, and many occur every day. While riders cannot ensure they avoid collisions entirely, wearing a helmet will protect them and help to reduce severe head injuries that cause permanent disabilities or death. An attorney in College Station could answer questions about the regulations and benefits of wearing a motorcycle helmet.

State Safety Helmet Laws and Requirements

State laws require motorcycle riders and passengers to wear safety helmets that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. However, while the Texas Department of Transportation DOT encourages everyone to wear headgear, there is an exception to the regulations.

Texas laws do not require motorcycle operators over 21 who complete a court-approved safety training course and carry a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance coverage to wear headgear. While wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement for all motorcycle riders in Texas, the DOT highly recommends everyone driving or riding on a bike protect themselves by wearing them as a safety precaution.

Helmet Wearing is a Secondary Enforcement

Police officers do not have legal authorization to pull motorcycle riders over and issue a ticket because they are not wearing a helmet. Per Texas Transportation Code § 661.004, safety gear and equipment, including helmets, fall within secondary enforcement regulations, and officers may only issue citations after pulling them over for violating a primary offense, such as running a stop sign or red light and speeding.

Wearing Motorcycle Helmets Could Affect the Settlement Under the Comparative Fault Statute

Using helmets and safety gear protects riders in accidents, and countless studies prove they save lives. When a motorcycle operator is in a collision with a negligent motorist and suffers losses, wearing a helmet could mean recovering the fair settlement amount from the at-fault driver. The comparative fault rule is an injury statute that could reduce settlement amounts significantly.

Collecting an award for the total amount of damages for a rider suffering from head and brain injuries might be challenging if they were not wearing a federally approved helmet. Under the statute, the court could diminish the compensation amount substantially when they determine the rider is partly liable for their injuries because they failed to wear safety gear. An attorney in College Station could answer questions about comparative fault and other applicable statutes that may take motorcycle helmets into consideration.

Speak with an Attorney About Motorcycle Helmet Laws in College Station

Motorcycle riders over 21 who pass a safety course and meet the minimum healthcare insurance coverage requirement can ride lawfully without wearing a helmet. However, wearing safety gear is the best way to protect yourself while traveling on roads and highways.

Helmets significantly reduce the risk of motorcyclists suffering severe injuries and fatalities in collisions. Call a skilled attorney who is experienced with College Station motorcycle helmet laws for questions and to learn more.