Transportation Code · §661.003

Motorcycle Helmet Requirement

Motorcycle Helmet Requirement (§661.003): key points and worked practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • Under 21: helmet required
  • 21 or older: exempt if the rider completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course, or is covered by a health insurance plan providing medical benefits for crash injuries (§661.003(c))
  • Officers may not stop solely to verify the exemption

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

A motorcycle operator is required to wear a helmet under §661.003 unless the operator:

  1. Is over 16
  2. Is at least 21 AND has completed a motorcycle operator training course OR is covered by a health insurance plan providing at least $10,000 in coverage for injuries from a motorcycle accident Correct
  3. Owns the motorcycle
  4. Has a CDL
Why: Helmets required for under-21 operators always. For 21+, a helmet is required unless the rider has completed an approved training course OR has at least $10,000 of medical insurance coverage for motorcycle accidents. Officers may not stop a rider solely to verify helmet exemption.
Statute: Tex. Transp. Code §661.003

Statutory definitions for this topic

Helmet requirement (motorcycles) Tex. Transp. Code §661.003
Motorcycle operators under 21 must wear a helmet. Operators 21+ must wear a helmet UNLESS they have completed a motorcycle operator training course OR are covered by health insurance providing at least $10,000 for motorcycle accident injuries. Officers may not stop solely to verify exemption.