Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
Here is the requirement in Texas:
"(a) A person may not operate a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (B) lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle."
So, you can also be ticketed for not having a tail light, but I never have been. The brake requirement is worded in such a way that it only makes sense when applied to a rear brake. Therefore, a cop could probably ticket me for only having a front brake on my fixed gear, unless I could somehow demonstrate the ability to skid my bike on dry clean pavement without high siding my bike first.
With a fixie you could ride backwards to skid the front wheel. If you can't ride backwards, I guess you're in violation.