Fort Worth Motorcycle Traffic Laws

Fort Worth motorcycle traffic laws govern how you ride, and they can affect your compensation after a collision. These rules matter on local streets and highways, as insurers may review whether you followed state law before assigning fault.

After a crash, our seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys can help you preserve evidence and challenge efforts to blame you unfairly. We can explain the governing rules and how they may shape your injury claim.

Lane Use and Lane-Splitting Rules

In Fort Worth, traffic laws allow a motorcycle full use of a traffic lane, and other motorists may not take that space. State law also bars threading a motorcycle between lanes, whether traffic is moving or stopped. This ban on lane-splitting appears in Texas Transportation Code § 545.0605.

This rule can support a crash claim when a driver crowds your lane or sideswipes your motorcycle. An insurer may argue that you contributed to the crash if you rode between lanes. A traffic violation does not automatically decide civil liability, but it can still provide evidence of negligence.

What Equipment Does State Law Require for Motorcycles?

Tex. Transp. Code § 547.801 requires a motorcycle to have at least one headlamp and no more than two. At night and during other times of insufficient visibility listed in Tex. Transp. Code § 547.302, riders must display each illuminated lamp. State law also requires rear lighting and reflectors under Tex. Transp. Code § 547.322 to 547.325.

Motorcycle regulations also govern vehicle equipment, and compliance can affect a Fort Worth injury case. For example, a driver may claim your motorcycle was not visible and question whether the headlamp worked. To address these claims, we can seek photographs, inspection records, video footage, and witness statements. We can also investigate whether defective equipment on the other vehicle contributed to the collision.

Passenger Limits and Helmet Requirements

Motorcycle traffic statutes limit when a Fort Worth rider may carry a passenger. If you carry a passenger, you must ensure the bike has a passenger seat and footrests. Under Tex. Transp. Code § 545.416, a passenger younger than five generally may not ride unless seated in a sidecar.

Tex. Transp. Code § 661.003 requires every rider or passenger under 21 years to wear approved headgear. Riders or passengers who are 21 years or older may ride without a helmet only when an exemption applies, such as finishing an approved safety course or carrying qualifying health coverage.

Although the lack of a helmet does not erase the driver’s fault, the defense may argue that helmet use affected the severity of any head injury. We can challenge unsupported assumptions and demand evidence linking the alleged violation to your damages.

How Traffic Violations Affect Fault

Under comparative fault rules, if your share of responsibility exceeds 50 percent, you cannot seek damages. If your share of fault is 50 percent or less, the court reduces your award by your assigned share. That framework appears in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 and § 33.012.

A Fort Worth rider’s violation of motorcycle road rules may reduce their compensation if their conduct caused the crash. However, if a driver was speeding or failed to yield, this can increase their share of responsibility. When these laws are in dispute, we can analyze the full sequence of events rather than allowing an insurer to treat one citation as the entire case.

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a) sets a two-year deadline for filing a motorcycle injury suit. While exceptions may apply, delays in filing can lead to the loss of key evidence.

Contact Our Fort Worth Team To Learn How Local Motorcycle Traffic Laws Apply to Your Case

Understanding Fort Worth motorcycle traffic laws is only the first step after a serious crash. We can help you gather evidence and take immediate action before the deadline expires.

At The Wilhite Law Firm, we will evaluate the collision, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve because Wilhite wins. Schedule a free consultation with our team today.