Do Motorcycles Have the Right of Way?

Motorcyclists in Texas enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists under state law. Still, myths persist that motorcycles have fewer legal protections or must yield more often than other vehicles. In reality, Texas law does not distinguish between cars, trucks, or motorcycles when it comes to traffic rules, including those related to the right of way. Misunderstandings around this can make the roads unsafe for motorcyclists and lead to devastating outcomes.

What Does Texas Law Say About Motorcycle Rights on the Road?

Under Texas Law, motorcycles are considered motor vehicles. As such, they are entitled to use a full lane and are bound by the same rules as cars and trucks. The law prohibits other motorists from encroaching on a motorcycle’s lane or treating the vehicle as inferior to a standard automobile.

Importantly, motorcyclists are granted the same right-of-way at intersections, stop signs, yield signs, and roundabouts. This legal equivalency means that a motorcyclist who has the right of way and is struck by a car has the same standing under the law as if the vehicle were another automobile.

If a driver ignored your right to the road and caused a crash, you have legal protections, and we can help you enforce them. Call 888-298-4070 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Right-of-Way Awareness Helps Keep Riders Safe

Right-of-way rules apply in a wide variety of driving situations, including intersections, highway entrances, pedestrian crossings, and lane changes. These rules are codified in Texas statutes and apply equally to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles.

• Intersections and Stop Signs: At four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections, motorcycles follow the same hierarchy as other vehicles. If two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the one on the right. If a motorcycle arrives first, it proceeds first.
• Left Turns: Under Texas law, any vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. Failing to do so can form the basis for negligence in a civil claim.
• Lane Usage: Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. Drivers may not crowd, “share,” or push them toward the shoulder, actions that often cause side-swipes or near misses.
• Yield Signs and Merging: Motorcycles with the right-of-way must be treated like any other vehicle. Cutting them off or assuming they’ll “just stop” directly violates Texas law.

Why Do Motorcycles Often Get Overlooked?

Even though motorcycles have rightful legal protections, negligent drivers often claim, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” While smaller and harder to spot, missing a rider doesn’t excuse the failure to yield. Texas law requires all drivers to exercise reasonable care; motorcyclists shouldn’t bear the burden for another’s oversight.

What Happens When Right-of-Way Rules Are Ignored?

Drivers often fail to look carefully for motorcycles in everyday situations, putting riders at serious risk. Two of the most dangerous scenarios include the following:

• Pulling out of driveways or parking lots without adequately scanning for motorcycles traveling on the main road. This failure to yield often causes rear-end or side-impact collisions.
• Turning left across oncoming traffic and cutting off a motorcyclist with the right of way. These crashes are especially severe and can result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries, often leading to civil liability and criminal charges for the driver.

If you or someone you love was hit because another driver failed to yield, you deserve answers and support from a team that understands what you’re going through. Call 888-298-4070 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re here 24/7 to help you move forward.

Can Riders Lose Compensation if They’re Partly at Fault?

Like all drivers, motorcyclists must obey traffic rules. If a motorcyclist fails to yield the right of way, such as by running a stop sign or failing to observe a red light, they can be held at fault.

Texas law uses a modified comparative fault system. This means that if a motorcyclist is found to be 51 percent or more at fault, they cannot recover compensation. However, if they are found to be less than 51 percent at fault, their damages will be reduced proportionally.

Trust Guss Injury Lawyers carefully reviews every detail to ensure fault is assigned fairly, especially in cases involving shared driving behaviors.

Why Trust Guss Injury Lawyers?

Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim by questioning your right-of-way. You need a firm that understands riders—legally and personally. Our attorneys collaborate with crash specialists to counter assumptions and refer to equitable statutes when negotiating fair settlements or taking your case to court. We’re not just your lawyers—we’re on your team.

• Over 30 years protecting riders across Texas
• 58,000+ clients served, with a record of compassionate representation
• No fees unless we win; you pay nothing upfront
• 24/7 access to real people
• Meticulous preparation, from helmet-cam review to powerful testimony
• Immersed in Texas traffic laws and motorcyclist rights

Evidence We Gather to Prove Right-of-Way Violations

We Act Quickly to Collect Critical Proof

• Officer and witness reports
• Helmet cams, dash videos, and surveillance footage
• Traffic camera or business footage
• Event data recorders (when available)
• Skid marks, debris patterns, and crash scene details
• Injury-location consistency and medical records

Your Right of Way Matters

And So Does Your Recovery

Every rider deserves to feel safe and respected on Texas roads. If another driver ignored your right of way and caused you harm, our team at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers is ready to stand up for you. We’ll fight to protect your rights, uncover the truth, and pursue the compensation you need to heal. Call us 24/7 at 888-298-4070 or reach out online for your free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win for you.