Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Law

This list of Tennessee motorcycle helmet laws is a reference only and you should always refer to the Tennessee D.O.T. for current requirements.  Please e-mail us if you believe our Tennessee motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

Tennessee has full motorcycle helmet laws for all motorcycle riders!

STATUTE: Title 55. Motor and Other Vehicles. Chapter 9. Equipment -- Lighting Regulations. Part 3--Required Equipment on Motorcycles and Motor Driven Cycles. Section 55-9-302. Crash Helmet Required For Driver and Passenger. 
"The driver of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle as defined in chapter 8 of this title, or motor-driven cycle and any passenger thereon shall be required to wear a crash helmet of a type approved by the commissioner of safety."

FINE: 55-9-306. Violation of this part - Penalty.- A violation of this part is a Class C misdemeanor.[Acts 1967, ch.45,ss(TCA (supp), ss 50-947; T.C.A., ss 59-938; Acts 1989, ch. 591, ss 113.]
Cross References. Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, ss 40-35-111 " UP TO a $50.00 fine AND 30 days in jail.

STANDARDS: Title 55. Motor and Other Vehicles. Chapter 9. Equipment -- Lighting Regulations. Part 3--Required Equipment on Motorcycles and Motor Driven Cycles. Section 55-9-302. Crash Helmet Required For Driver and Passenger.

MISCELLANEOUS TENNESSEE MOTORCYCLE LAWS

State Funded Rider Education 
Available for all eligible applicants. 
May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed. 
Eye Protection 
Required unless equipped with wind screen. 
Daytime Use Of Headlight 
Required by law. 
Modulating headlight permitted. 
Passenger Seat 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Passenger Footrests 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Mirror 
Required by law. 
65 MPH Speed Limit 
In effect on designated rural interstate highways. 

TENNESSEE: DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL

Chapter 21 of the Tennessee Code Annotated prohibits discriminatory practices within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State of Tennessee. "Discriminatory practices" means any direct or indirect act or practice of exclusion, distinction, restriction, segregation, limitation, refusal, denial, or any other act or practice of differentiation or preference in the treatment of a person or person because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. The prohibition extends to places of public accommodation, resort or amusement T.C.A. 4-21-102. The constitution of the United States prohibits the abridgment of the freedom of speech. In Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971), the United States Supreme Court found that the wearing of clothing which displays writing or designs is protected under the First Amendment It is likewise well settled law that not only is a citizen's right to wear the clothing of his choice protected, but his right to belong to clubs of his choice is also a Civil Right actionable at civil lawsuit In Tennessee, T.C.A. 39-17-309 also makes it a felony to threaten or intimidate another from exercising or enjoying any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or the laws of the State of Tennessee or the laws or Constitution of the United States.