Who must wear a helmet in Texas, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Texas has a partial (age-based) motorcycle helmet law. Helmets meeting the USDOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS-218) are required for motorcycle operators and passengers, and the requirement applies to all motorcycles and mopeds regardless of size or number of wheels (manual p.3).
A rider 21 years of age or older is exempt from the helmet requirement only if they have completed a TDLR-approved motorcycle operator training course, or are covered by qualifying medical insurance (manual p.3).
Every operator and passenger under 21 must wear a FMVSS-218 helmet — there is no exemption below age 21.
Riders 21 and older may legally ride without a helmet, but only if they hold proof of the approved training course or carry medical insurance. Acceptable proof of insurance is a card or certificate showing the insurer's name, the policy number, and the policy period.
An operator who uses someone else's motorcycle to take the skills test must wear a helmet unless they are 21 or older and meet the course or insurance requirement (manual p.3).
Riding without a required helmet — or carrying an under-21 passenger who is not wearing one — violates the Texas Transportation Code and can bring a fine. Because the law covers passengers, an operator can be cited for an unhelmeted minor passenger. Confirm current fine amounts with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Unlike many states, Texas does not have a separate statutory eye-protection requirement for motorcyclists, and eye protection is not on the manual's list of required motorcycle equipment (manual p.2).
The manual still strongly recommends shatter-resistant eye or face protection. A face shield helps protect your whole face; goggles protect only the eyes; and a windshield is not a substitute for either. Tinted eye protection should never be worn at night or in low light (manual p.5, 9).
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. Majority third-party consensus is 20 questions / 80%. Texas is unusual: a TDLR-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course is required of every applicant, and completing it waives the Class M knowledge (written) test. The written test is required by statute only for applicants restricted to operating a moped.