How do you know if a motor scooter is street legal in Texas?

Question

We are thinking about buying a motor scooter and we want to make sure that the one we buy is street legal. What are the rules and regulations of a street legal motor scooter?

Answer 1

If you buy from a normal bike dealer you can be reassured. But my understanding is a 50cc or less engine on a bike or scooter is legal as long as it has all the lights, blinkers, mirrors, etc. But before you buy the bike make sure you can return if it is not street legal.

Answer 2

in Texas:  working head light with both high & low beam, tail light with brake light for the rear brake, horn and one mirror.  this will be the minimum to get an inspection sticker which is required.  likewise, make sure you have a title as that will be required to get the necessary registration.

blinkers are not mandatory but if they are on the bike, they must function properly.  so if they don't work, take them off prior to going for inspection.

there may be certain rules pertaining to less than 50cc, but the above is the minimum requirements to be street legal for a motorcycle.

Answer 3

If you take it down to the DMV they can perform an inspection on it.  Tell the people you might purchase from that you need to test drive it, then drive it to the DMV.  They might charge you like 5 bucks or something but its worth it.

Answer 4

                            EQUIPMENT                            

Texas Law requires the following equipment on Motorcycles and Motor Driven Cycles:

1. Wheel Assembly

8. Motorcycle, Serial, or, Vehicle Identification Number



2. Exhaust System 9. Horn

3. Tail Lamp (1) 10. Mirror

4. Stop Lamp (1) 11. Steering

5. License Plate Lamp 12. Brakes

6. Rear Red Reflector 13. Tires

7. Head Lamp (1)  

Texas Law requires the following equipment on Mopeds

1. Brake 3. Head Lamp

2. Reflector 4. Rear Lamp

These are just minimum requirements. To survive in traffic, you should have a mirror on each side. It is also a good idea to have additional reflectors on the motorcycle.

Answer 5

You have to pass all of the state and Federal requirments for a motor scooter. To start with a MSO so you can get a title.