← Texas driving laws›Motorcycle Helmet Law

Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Conditional: Texas requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Texas requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older are exempt if they have completed a safety course or carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance. See Tex. Transp. Code 661.003.

Official source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Texas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArkansasConditional
Arkansas requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 21. See Ark. Code 27-20-104.
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
LouisianaRestricted
Louisiana requires every operator and rider of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle to wear a helmet, at any age. See La. R.S. 32:190.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
New MexicoConditional
New Mexico requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 18; adults 18 and older are exempt. See NMSA 66-7-356.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nmlegis.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaConditional
Oklahoma requires a helmet only for riders under 18; adults are exempt. See 47 O.S. 12-609.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: oscn.net · Full Oklahoma rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Texas vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.