Getting your motorcycle license in Tennessee is exciting—with plenty of lush scenic routes to explore and the opportunity to save precious time in traffic, motorcycles can be both thrilling and convenient. Whether you’re a new rider or have been riding for decades, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the rules of the road for motorcyclists. For example, what does the Tennessee Code have to say about wearing a helmet while riding? Find out the answer, plus other Tennessee motorcycle helmet laws you should know from the personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Tennessee?
Yes. According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-302, all drivers and passengers on a motorcycle in Tennessee are required to wear a crash helmet. The helmet requirement applies not only to motorcycles, but also to motorized bicycles and any other motor-driven cycles (including most scooters and mopeds).
Helmet Requirements for Riders Under the Age of 21
All motorcycle riders, regardless of age, are legally required to wear a helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle. But for riders under the age of 21, the motorcycle helmet must conform to the strict safety guidelines set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
When purchasing a motorcycle helmet, you can verify that it meets the minimum safety requirements by looking for a seal with the words “DOT FMVSS 218 Certified” printed on it.
Helmet Requirements for Riders Over the Age of 21
If you are 21 years of age or older, Tennessee motorcycle helmet laws are slightly more relaxed. The helmet should still conform to FMVSS 218, but with the following exceptions:
- Ventilation airways are allowed to penetrate through the shell of the helmet, so long as they are no larger than 1.5 inches in diameter.
- The protective surface does not have to be a continuous contour.
An approved motorcycle helmet for those over age 21 in Tennessee must still display a seal of approval by either the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC), or the Snell Foundation.
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys strongly recommends that all motorcycle riders, regardless of age or skill level, invest in a high-quality motorcycle helmet that meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Not wearing a proper-fitting helmet can result in serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries in the event of an accident.
Exceptions to Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Laws
There are several rare instances in which motorcycle riders are exempted from wearing a helmet. These include:
- Motorcycles in a parade, as long as the rider is over 18 years of age and they do not exceed a speed of 30 miles per hour.
- Motorcycles in a funeral procession, memorial ride under a police escort, or body escort detail, as long as the rider does not go over 30 miles per hours, is over the age of 21, and the procession does not exceed 50 miles.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Even when taking all the proper precautions like following Tennessee motorcycle helmet laws and practicing defensive driving, motorcycle accidents are a common sight on Nashville roadways. If you or a loved one find yourself injured in a traffic accident due to the negligence of another driver, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. If you have lost a loved one to wrongful death, you may also be entitled to compensation for end of life care, funeral expenses, and loss of consortium.
To find out more and to claim your free consultation, contact a Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Our attentive legal team will review the details of your case at no cost to you, and with no obligation to hire us.
Should you decide to move forward with your claim, you’ll have a steadfast representative on your side every step of the way. In addition, our law firm charges no fees unless we make a financial recovery on your behalf.
Call us today at 615-333-8888. You can also get in touch with us online via our LiveChat service, or by filling out this simple form.