# Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Motorcycle Helmets and Texas Law 2. The Risks of Riding a Motorcycle  3. How a Helmet Makes a Difference 4. What a Quality Helmet Looks Like 5. Call an Attorney After an Accident 6. Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Do-You-Have-to-Wear-a-Motorcycle-Helmet-in-Texas-1-300x200.jpg) Most people ride motorcycles for the thrill of the journey. And most people who ride motorcycles know that they take on a little risk every time they hop on a bike. Still, that little bit of risk is usually worth the adventures, the experience, and the memories. But if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, there are things you can and should do to protect yourself while adventuring. After all, if you can minimize the risks, why wouldn’t you? In this post, we’ll cover the importance of a good motorcycle helmet. If you’ve been debating whether you really need to wear a motorcycle helmet in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), discover the laws that apply to its riders below.  ## Motorcycle Helmets and Texas Law According to the [Texas Department of Transportation](https://www.txdot.gov/), every rider *should* wear a helmet. But under Texas law, not every rider has to.  In Texas, you may be exempt from the helmet requirement if you meet [these standards](https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/motorcycles/motorcycle-helmet-laws-table/): - You are 21 years or older; and  - You have passed an operator training course; or - You maintain at least $10,000 in medical insurance A Texas police officer cannot pull you over to ask if you meet these requirements. A violation will only cost you about $10 to $50 in fees.  With that being said, you really should consider wearing a helmet when you hop on your bike. These vehicles are notoriously dangerous. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## The Risks of Riding a Motorcycle  Motorcycle riders are [29 times](https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles) more likely to die in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. In all, more than 5,000 riders die each year.  Why is riding so dangerous? It comes down to two inherent problems: size and visibility. Motorcycles are smaller than other traveling vehicles; they tend to sustain the most [damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) in accidents. And since they are so small, they easily fall into the blind spots of other drivers.  ## How a Helmet Makes a Difference There are a lot of things you can do to avoid unnecessary accidents. Skillful riding requires good judgment, awareness, and coordination. However, not every accident is avoidable, and even skilled riders can become injured. That’s why a quality helmet is so important. According to the CDC, a universal [helmet law](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-helmet-laws/) could save hundreds and even thousands of lives. Protective gear is proven to reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. The next time you ride, think twice about leaving your helmet at home. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## What a Quality Helmet Looks Like Of course, not all helmets are created equal. Invest in a DOT-approved helmet if you really want to protect yourself from a devastating injury, invest in a DOT-approved helmet. And if you want to go the extra mile, look for one that has Snell certification. Keep in mind that these helmets aren’t always the most expensive option. In this case, money does not equal superiority. As long as the helmet has a DOT sticker or logo, you can feel comfortable making the purchase. Keep in mind that most helmets need to be replaced every five years. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Call an Attorney After an Accident Now you know that wearing a helmet can save your life and help you avoid [catastrophic injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/catastrophic-injury-lawyer/) in an accident. But what a helmet *can’t* do is prevent every [motorcycle accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/). If you do become injured because of another driver’s [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/), call an attorney. They can help you explore your options for recovering compensation for your losses. If you were injured in Houston, TX, then call Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for a [free consultation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-approach-a-free-consultation-with-an-attorney/). ## Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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[![Houston Among Deadliest Cities for Motorcycles](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Houston-Among-Deadliest-Cities-for-Motorcycles-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-among-deadliest-cities-for-motorcycles/) [Houston Among Deadliest Cities for Motorcycles](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-among-deadliest-cities-for-motorcycles/) Houston was one of the nine cities with the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in 2019. Last year, 412 [![7 Common Motorcycle Crashes and How to Avoid Them](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/7-common-motorcycle-crashes-and-how-to-avoid-them/) [7 Common Motorcycle Crashes and How to Avoid Them](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/7-common-motorcycle-crashes-and-how-to-avoid-them/) For riders, there’s nothing better than the traveling trifecta: an open road, wind on the face, and freedom. Riding [![Laws For Electric Scooters In Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Laws-For-Electric-Scooters-In-Texas-300x225.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-for-electric-scooters-in-texas/) [Laws for Electric Scooters in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-for-electric-scooters-in-texas/) In Texas, electric scooters provide a fun, convenient way of commuting short distances in busy neighborhoods like The --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-you-have-to-wear-a-motorcycle-helmet-in-texas/