Texas has officially joined Arkansas in advancing protections for off-road motorcycle recreation by signing new inherent risk legislation into law. On June 20, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 5624, making the Lone Star State the second in the nation this year to implement motorcycle-specific inherent risk protections.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), in collaboration with Texas motocross track owners, motorcycle dealers, and off-road enthusiasts, actively supported the passage of HB 5624. The new law is designed to provide greater clarity and predictability for both property owners and riders accessing off-road facilities.
HB 5624 will take effect statewide on September 1, 2025.
Nick Sands, AMA Central States Representative, commented: “We are pleased to see HB 5624 pass in Texas and are encouraged to see inherent risk legislation continue to pick up momentum throughout the country. This bill will ensure a more transparent liability process for property owners and the riders who access off-road facilities throughout the Lone Star State.”
The inherent risk principle acknowledges that certain activities, such as riding motorcycles off-road, naturally carry unavoidable risks. This legislation helps formally define those risks to create a safer, legally consistent environment for hosting and operating off-road events on private land.
Under the new law, property owners and event organizers are shielded from civil liability for injuries or damages resulting from the inherent risks of off-road motorcycling. However, protections do not extend to cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Inherent risk legislation is already common in outdoor recreation sectors such as skiing and horseback riding. Texas HB 5624 now joins Arkansas Act 312 as one of the only inherent risk laws in the nation tailored specifically to off-road motorcycle activities.
Momentum for this type of legislation continues to grow, with the AMA working toward similar bills in Iowa and Missouri, where new proposals are expected in upcoming legislative sessions.
