Texas, as the second largest state in the country, offers miles and miles of road for motorcycle riders to enjoy. It is estimated that there are over 400,000 registered motorcycles in the state.
Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating. With the bump in gas prices, they are also a smart economical choice. Before you hit the open road, be smart about safety. A motorcycle and its rider are more vulnerable on the road. If you are in a collision, you could sustain serious injuries.
There are some important things to consider before you get on your motorcycle and prepare to hit the open road in Houston. First, you’ll need to get a valid motorcycle license and make sure you’re properly trained.
Remember, motorcycles are harder to see on the roads, so you have to ride extra defensively. It is also essential that you wear the proper safety gear.
When they are not in motion, there are no specific rules for parking a motorcycle in Houston, Texas.
All general matters related to parking are addressed in Section 545 of the Texas Transportation Code.
Motorcycles Are Treated the Same as Regular Vehicles
In Texas, motorcycles are considered regular vehicles and are treated as such under the law for the purposes of parking. Therefore, you can only park your motorcycle where you’d otherwise be able to park your car.
For a legal consultation call (713) 500-5000
May I Park My Motorcycle on a Sidewalk?
It is not legal under state law to park a motorcycle on a sidewalk. You also can’t park in an intersection, on a crosswalk, between a safety zone and the adjacent curb, on a bridge, or on a railroad track. Also illegal is parking a motorcycle anywhere that could block access or on a curb ramp.
Even though it is tempting, motorcycles can’t park in places that aren’t designated as parking spaces. The same goes for a pedestrian walkway.
Motorcycles and Street Parking
By default, you may park your motorcycle with the rear wheel touching the curb in Texas as you might expect. However, certain cities do have ordinances that require you to park the same way you would park a car, with both wheels of the motorcycle equally close to the curb.
Click to contact us today
Parking in Disabled Spots
You can only park your motorcycle in a handicapped parking spot if you have a disabled license plate and valid placard attached to your bike. Sharing or lending the placard with others isn’t allowed.
You can’t park your motorcycle in the striped area next to a handicapped parking spot, convenient as it may be. The reason for this is that that space is generally reserved for wheelchair lifts.
Complete a Case Evaluation Form Now
Metered Spaces
Parking rules in metered spaces are generally dealt with by the locality. If you aren’t sure what the rules are, you can ask a parking authority or look online to see if the rules are addressed there. You can always take a chance, but you run the risk of getting a ticket or, worse, towed.
Parking Lots
Unless you are in a special parking lot designed for motorcycles, it’s smart to follow the general rule of one vehicle per spot. The same would apply to parking garages. Each garage will have its own rules and procedures. You will have to figure out your parking options on a case-by-case basis.
Consult With an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you need help after a motorcycle accident in Houston, whether you were parked or moving, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston, TX
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy, Houston, TX
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop, Houston, TX
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway, Houston, TX
11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515
Houston, TX 77079
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Clear Lake, Houston, TX
1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268
Houston, TX 77058
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Cypress, TX
4606 Farm to Market 1960 W. Ste 444,
Houston, Texas 77069
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – The Woodlands, TX
1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203,
The Woodlands, TX 77380
About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and more.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives across Houston. Client testimonials highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.
Avvo / Justia / Linkedin / Facebook / Youtube / Instagram / Yelp
Call or Text (713) 500-5000 or Complete a Case Evaluation Form
