What Age Can a Child Ride on the Back of a Motorcycle in Texas?
Motorcycles are thrilling, but they are not without risks, especially when children are involved. Texas imposes specific laws to protect young passengers who ride on the back of motorcycles. Understanding the state’s motorcycle laws is critical, whether you are a parent or a motorcyclist. Here is what you need to know.
What Is The Minimum Age to Ride on the Back of a Motorcycle in Texas?
Under Texas law, a child must be at least five years old to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle. This is outlined in Texas Transportation Code § 545.416, which states that an operator may not carry another person on a motorcycle unless the other person is at least five years of age.
However, a child younger than five may ride if secured in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle. Most motorcycles do not have sidecars, so for practical purposes, five years old is often the general legal minimum age.
Other Requirements for Children Riding as Passengers
Age is not the only restriction. Even if a child is old enough, there are additional requirements under Texas law to help ensure their safety.
These include:
- Helmet use: All motorcycle passengers under 21 must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet, regardless of age.
- Passenger footrests: The motorcycle must be equipped with footrests for the passenger. It may be unsafe and illegal for a child to ride if they cannot reach the footrests.
- Proper seating: The child must be able to sit securely on the seat and hold on safely. Texas law does not specify a minimum height or weight, but safety experts recommend that children be physically able to stay balanced and hold onto the rider or passenger handholds.
- No carrying in front: A child cannot be carried in front of the driver. Passengers must ride behind the operator and have their own seat.
Failing to meet any of these requirements puts the child at risk and could also result in legal consequences for the rider.
Is It Safe for a Child to Ride on a Motorcycle?
Texas law permits children as young as five to ride as passengers, but safety experts often urge caution. Motorcycle crashes are disproportionately deadly compared to other vehicle accidents, and children are particularly vulnerable.
Some safety considerations include:
- Size and strength: Can the child hold on during turns or sudden stops?
- Maturity: Does the child understand how to sit still and follow instructions?
- Protective Gear: Is the child wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots to reduce injury risk?
Failing to meet any of these requirements puts the child at risk and could also result in legal consequences for the rider.
What Should I Do if A Child Is Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?
It is important to act quickly if your child has been injured while riding on a motorcycle.
Be sure you and the child:
- Call 911 to report the accident and any injuries or property damage.
- Get medical care immediately. Some motorcycle injuries do not show symptoms immediately, so err on the side of caution. Do not delay.
- Preserve evidence. Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries. Save helmets and gear.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer. Anything you can say can be used against you.
In Texas, a child must be at least five years old to ride on the back of a motorcycle, and even then, there are strict safety requirements. Just because something is legal does not always mean it is safe.
Contact the Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If your child has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, or you have uncertainty about the law, you do not have to face it alone. Contact a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
