With its beautiful landscapes and scenic routes, Tennessee offers some of the best riding experiences in the country. But enjoying your ride starts with knowing the laws that apply to motorcyclists in the state. Ignoring these laws can lead to serious consequences, both legally and for your safety. Today, we’ll cover the essential motorcycle laws in Tennessee that every rider should know. Stay safe and ride smart by getting familiar with these important rules.
Tennessee’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
Tennessee law says motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. These helmets must have a label showing that they meet standards from the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPM), or the Snell Foundation. Wearing a helmet is both a legal requirement and crucial for safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident.
Required Motorcycle Safety Equipment
State law requires motorcycle riders to use certain types of safety equipment. For example, all motorcycles must have headlights that are on at all times while operating. Furthermore, all motorcycles must have a windshield or, if the vehicle lacks one, riders must wear safety goggles or glasses with impact-resistant lenses. All motorcycles must also have rearview mirrors mounted on the left handlebar and footrests for the rider and passenger. Finally, motorcycles must have at least one red taillight and one red stop light, with the stop light visible from at least 100 feet.
Tennessee’s Distracted Driving Law
Tennessee implemented a hands-free law in 2019. This law makes it illegal to hold a cellphone or any mobile device; write, send, or read text messages; and watch or record videos while driving. Riders must not use their hands to operate GPS devices while moving. To use a phone or GPS, riders must pull over to a safe location.
Lane-Splitting Is Illegal in Tennessee
Tennessee strictly prohibits lane-splitting. This means motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Motorcycle riders must stay in their lane and cannot weave between cars, even in heavy traffic. However, the law also says that motorcycles have the right to the full use of a lane, and no other vehicle should deprive them of this right. Two motorcycles can ride side by side in a single lane, but passing within the same lane as another vehicle is not allowed.
Stay Safe and Follow the Law When Riding in Tennessee
These examples only scratch the surface of the laws that apply to motorcycle riders in Tennessee. For more information, we recommend going through the state’s Motorcycle Operator Manual. This document contains all the essential information you need to avoid legal trouble and protect yourself while riding in Tennessee. Stay safe, and have fun out there!
Law Tigers Always Have Your Back
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our legal team here at Law Tigers Tennessee is ready to help. For decades, we’ve helped defend the rights of wronged motorcycle riders by providing skilled representation and sound legal advice across the United States. To get a free case evaluation or to schedule your free consultation, call us at Law Tigers today at 1-800-529-8443.
