Temple Motorcycle Traffic Laws
For many, there is nothing like the exhilaration and sense of freedom they feel when taking their motorcycle out for a ride. When you ride a motorcycle, you need to be educated about Temple motorcycle traffic laws and the consequences for violating them.
Whether you ride a cruiser or a sport bike, an experienced attorney can provide the guidance you need to ride in compliance with motorcycle laws. When the worst happens and you are injured in an accident while on your motorcycle, a seasoned attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you can bring an injury lawsuit for compensation.
Overview of Motorcycle Laws
The motorcycle traffic laws that apply in Temple are set out in the Texas Transportation Code and associated regulations. They cover license and registration requirements, as well as driving rules that apply to all vehicles, including the need to obey speed limits and traffic signs. A motorcycle rider must:
- Have a valid Class M license
- Have liability insurance in certain amounts
- Wear a helmet if under 21
- Wear a helmet if 21 or older unless exceptions apply
- Have their motorcycle properly registered and equipped
- Comply with driving rules of the road applicable to other drivers
- Not have children under five as passengers on the bike
People caught violating motorcycle traffic laws face legal consequences. Penalties range in severity from fines to jail time. Someone might get a smaller fine for a secondary offense like failing to wear a helmet and a larger fine or even jail time for a more serious offense like reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, or driving while intoxicated.
In addition to fines, motorcycle moving violations can also cause someone to accumulate points on their record, leading to higher insurance premiums.
Lane Splitting Regulations
Given the agility and ability of bikes to maneuver through narrow areas, motorcycle riders are often tempted to lane split in order to bypass traffic. Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 requires drivers – including motorcycle drivers – to drive within their lanes under most circumstances. This means motorcycle drivers are not allowed to lane split and can receive a ticket for doing so.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle can be as dangerous as it is fun, and any ride on a motorcycle can result in a collision ranging from a minor fender-bender to something more catastrophic. When someone is injured in a motorcycle accident that was not their fault, they may be able to bring an injury lawsuit to get compensation for injuries, property damage, lost wages, and more.
Recovery in an injury lawsuit involving a collision depends on the facts of the case, and under state rules of proportionate responsibility, an injured person’s recovery can be limited if they were partially at fault for the accident. Every case is different, but in general, a victim of a motorcycle accident is more likely to succeed when they have complied with all relevant motorcycle traffic laws in Temple. An experienced attorney can provide guidance about injury lawsuits and proportionate responsibility in cases of motorcycle crashes.
Call an Attorney for Guidance About Temple Motorcycle Traffic Laws
When you are experiencing the freedom of the open road on your motorcycle, you want to make sure you comply with motorcycle laws, as well as use common sense on the road. This will help you stay safe, avoid injury, and improve your chances of recovery if you are harmed in a motorcycle crash and bring a lawsuit for damages.
An experienced attorney can help educate you about Temple motorcycle traffic laws. Call today for a consultation.
