F.A.Q.

EQUIPMENT

Texas Law requires the following equipment on Motorcycles and Motor Driven Cycles:

1. Wheel Assembly	8. Motorcycle, Serial, or, Vehicle Identification Number
2. Exhaust System	9. Horn
3. Tail Lamp (1)	10. Mirror
4. Stop Lamp (1)	11. Steering
5. License Plate Lamp	12. Brakes
6. Rear Red Reflector	13. Tires
7. Head Lamp (1)

Texas Law requires the following equipment on Mopeds

1. Brake	3. Head Lamp
2. Reflector	4. Rear Lamp

These are just minimum requirements. To survive in traffic, you should have a mirror on each side. It is also a good idea to have additional reflectors on the motorcycle.

Helmets and Passengers. Helmets meeting the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 (FMVSS-218) are required for a motorcycle operators and passengers. Persons at least 21 years old are exempt from wearing a helmet if they have completed a Department-approved motorcycle operator training course or they are covered with at least $10,000 in medical insurance. Persons operating or riding upon a motorcycle with a helmet exemption sticker displayed are presumed to meet the helmet exemption requirements.

Helmets should also:

Fit snugly
Be securely fastened when riding
Be free of defects such as cracks, loose padding, frayed straps, or exposed metal.

A motorcycle operator cannot carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with a permanent passenger seat.

LICENSING AND OPERATION

Adult Motorcycle Operator Licensing

The operator of a motorcycle on a public roadway must hold a valid motorcycle license (Class M Driver License). This requirement also applies to operators of scooters.

To receive a license to operate a motorcycle, applicants must pass a written test covering traffic laws pertaining to motorcycles, and a road test. The road test may be waived.

Road Test and Waiver Information

In order to take a road test, applicants must have their own motorcycle and provide a passenger vehicle and a licensed driver to drive the examiner during the road test. The vehicle owners must show proof of liability insurance for both vehicles and must pass an on-site safety inspection.

An applicant who has passed a Department of Public Safety approved basic motorcycle operator training course, and has an unrestricted (not an instructional permit) class A, B, or C license, can present a an MSB-8 completion certificate and receive a waiver of the road test.

Requirements for Licensing Minors

Texas law requires that minors, ages 15 through 17 pass a basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the Department of Public Safety before applying for a motorcycle license. Before taking the course, minors must have successfully completed the classroom phase of a driver education course. A minor must present the MSB-8 before testing for a motorcycle license.

Minors over the age of 16 who already have an unrestricted Class A, B, or C driver license are eligible for a road test waiver. Minors under the age of 16 can only be licensed to ride a motorcycle with no more than 250cc piston displacement. This restriction is indicated by the restriction code "I" on the driver’s license. After the person reaches the age of 16, the 250cc restriction may be removed.

Mopeds. The operator of a moped must hold a valid license as a moped operator (Class M driver license with a restriction code of "K"). A moped is defined as a motor driven cycle that cannot exceed 30 mph, does not have an engine larger than 50cc, and does not have manual gear shifting. Applicants for a moped operator’s license must be at least 15 years old. The licensing requirements involve a written examination on traffic laws that apply to the operation of mopeds. No road test involving the operation of a moped is required.

Registration. Every owner of a motor vehicle, including motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds that will be ridden on public roadways, must register their vehicle through the County Tax Collector in their county of residence. A license plate must be attached to the rear of the vehicle, and must include a sticker showing current registration.

Inspection. All motor vehicles registered in Texas, including motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds, must be inspected each year at an official motor vehicle inspection station. When the motorcycle passes inspection, an approved certificate must be placed near the rear license plate. These certificates are good for one year from the month of inspection.

Insurance. All motor vehicle operators must show proof of liability insurance when the vehicle is registered or inspected, or when getting an operator license.