Helmet Exempt Sticker -

Was curious how many Texans out there had the 'Helmet Exempt' sticker on their license plate? Reason I ask is that I was riding back to Austin today from San Antonio with a few buddies and got pulled over by a DPS trooper almost immediately upon our having left a roadside restaurant. Nobody was speeding, tags were current, as well as everyone's inspection stickers. When asked why we were all pulled over, the trooper told us that he saw that we were riding without helmets and that none of us had the 'Helmet Exempt' sticker on our tags? This, according to him, gave him cause to stop us and ask for - not our bike insurance (which he did as well) - but for proof of medical insurance.

Now I knew that in Texas you can ride without a helmet if you are over 21 and have either completed a motorcycle safety course or have the required medical insurance as mandated by the DMV. I was not aware (until today) that the state issued actual'Helmet Exempt' stickers which are to be placed directly on bike license plates? The trooper told us all that without the 'Helmet Exempt' stickers on the tags, that it was cause enough for an officer to pull us over (if we were riding without helmets) if he were so inclinedto verify proof of medical insurance.

Anyhow, I went to the DMV website and found the form for the 'Helmet Exempt' sticker. Must demonstrate proof of medical insurance. registration, and a fee of $5.00 bucks. The 'Helmet Exempt' sticker lasts for 3 years. Not bad for $5.00 bucks and worth getting in my opinion. Any Texas rider(s) out there have theirs?

Naked Riders:

On a totally different note, I was riding my bike downtown Saturday afternoon when I was at a stoplight on Congress Avenue. As I was waiting on the light, I noticed 6 bicyclists coming in my direction over the Congress Avenue bridge. As they approached closer, I noticed that they were all girls and that they were all topless. No joke. Topless! As they approached even closer, I then noticed that they were buck naked. I mean, zippo. No clothes. Nada. All they had on were sneakers and bicycle helmets. They were headed north on Congress Avenue toward the Capital bldg. I did a double and triple take as I couldn't believe they were all riding their bikes completely naked. Definitely don't see that every day.

 

Anytime a motor vehicle violation occurs the cop can pull you over and ask for your papers.

Perfectly legal.

 

It must get REALLY HOT in Texas.

 

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Nipple road rash has GOT to hurt!

 

its been my experience that a cop can pull you over whenever they want for whatever they want. they can find a reason after the fact if they have too.

 

I agree wholeheartedly. It was one of the few times that I was without my digital camera. I always try to carry one with me. Learned my lesson. Will be in my bag 24/7 from here on out. One just never knows when one'll be faced with a 'Kodak moment!'

 

What he said!!!

 

I would [sm=drooldude.gif][sm=drooldude.gif]suppose it goes with out saying that you gave them a motorcycle escort.

 

Technically you must be violating a traffic law, which is REALLY easy to do.

So yeah, you're right.