Heard about the Texas motorcycle rule shakeup last week and figured, nah, maybe later. But then my buddy Jim wiped out near Austin. Not bad, thank god, but it jolted me awake. Grabbed my coffee this morning and told myself, “Right. Doing this today. No excuses.”
The Digging In Part
Started simple: fired up the laptop. Googled “Texas motorcycle laws 2024.” Clicked the first legit-looking .gov link – gotta be official, right? Scrolled past the usual blah-blah. Found the meat:
- Lane Splitting: Still a hard no. Like, zero tolerance. Felt a sigh. Wishful thinking, I guess.
- Headlights: Daytime running lights? Now mandatory for all new bikes sold after Sept 1st. My old girl’s exempt, but good to know.
- Helmet Law: No change. Still gotta be 21+ and have proof of that $10k medical insurance if you wanna feel the wind in your hair. My noggin prefers protection anyway.
- Exhaust Noise: They’re cracking down harder. That super loud pipe you love? Tickets are flying.
- Passengers: Clearer rules now. Footrests mandatory for them. No more just hangin’ on!
The Parking Lot Test
Reading ain’t riding. After lunch, geared up – full face, jacket, gloves, boots. Even in this heat. Sweat was dripping down my neck before I even fired up the bike. Rolled out onto my quiet street, then looped into the deserted mall lot.
Practiced the passenger thing mentally. If Jane hops on, gotta confirm those footpegs are solid. Did a slow crawl, really listening to my exhaust (stock, thankfully). Checked the headlight – bright and clear. Felt dumb just sitting there checking mirrors, but hey, awareness is key. Imagined a car drifting into my lane. Practice that swerve, man.
Straight Talk
Look, nobody loves more rules. That crackdown on pipes? Not gonna sugarcoat it, stings a bit. But seeing Jim walk away from his spill… yeah. Most of this? Common dang sense. Lights on so you’re seen? Makes riding safer for everybody. Solid gear? Saved my skin more than once.
Bottom line: Don’t be lazy like I almost was. Take half an hour. Know the rules. Ride aware. It’s not about the man hassling you. It’s about getting home in one piece. That’s the real win. Stay safe out there.
