Texas Moped Laws

A motor driven cycle whose speed attainable in one mile is not more than 30 miles per hour and that is equipped with a motor that produces not more than two-brake horsepower. If an internal combustion engine is used, the piston displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters and the power drive system may not require the operator to shift gears.

Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to propel itself with not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor.

A motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less.

A moped operator’s license is required for operators of mopeds. A person must be at least fifteen (15) years old to be issued a license to operate a moped. The department shall examine applicants for that type of license by administering to them a written examination concerning traffic laws applicable to the operation of mopeds. No test involving the operation of the vehicle is required. All applicable provisions of this Act governing restricted operator’s licenses for the operation of motorcycles only also apply to moped operator’s licenses, including provisions relating to the application, issuance, duration, suspension, and cancellation of those licenses.

Effective September 1, 1997, persons at least 21 years old are exempt from wearing a motorcycle helmet if they:

• have successfully completed a motorcycle safety course
• OR are covered by a health insurance plan providing the person with at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating or riding upon a motorcycle.

Mopeds and motorcycles are required to be registered in Texas. The annual registration fee for mopeds and motorcycles is $30.30.Registration and a title are required to obtain insurance.

After purchasing a moped, when you file the title application, you must pay the motor vehicle sales tax, which is 6.25 percent of the purchase price.You must also provide proof of liability insurance when you title and/or register your vehicle, so take your insurance card.

Laws that apply to a bicycle also apply to a moped, other than a provision that by its nature cannot apply to a moped.

• A lamp that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the moped is required for night time use
• A red reflector visible when directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear is required.
• Mopeds must be equipped with a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
• A person operating a moped on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
• the operator is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction
• the operator is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway
• a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard width lane, prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway
• A person may not use a moped to carry more persons than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry.
• A person operating a moped may not use the moped to carry an object that prevents the person from operating the moped with at least one hand on the handlebars of the moped.
• A person operating a bicycle, coaster, sled, or toy vehicle or using roller skates may not attach either the person or the bicycle, coaster, sled, toy vehicle, or roller skates to a streetcar or vehicle on a roadway.