Understanding Safety Equipment Requirements for Tennessee Motorcycle Riders

For many people in Tennessee, riding a motorcycle provides a convenient and fun way to commute, run errands, or see our state’s beautiful natural scenery. However, being involved in a motorcycle accident can lead to severe, life-altering injuries.

Wearing the appropriate safety equipment for motorcycle riding can minimize your chances of suffering serious harm. It will also ensure that you remain compliant with state laws.

Basic Safety Requirements for Motorcyclists in Tennessee

Motorcycle riders must have a current motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle legally in the state. In addition, Tennessee has several laws in place regarding mandatory safety equipment that motorcycle owners must have and use when operating their bikes. These include requirements for the following:

• Helmets – All motorcycle riders must wear an approved helmet under Tennessee’s helmet laws to prevent head injuries.
• Eye protection – When operating a motorcycle without a Department of Transportation-approved windshield, all motorcyclists must wear eye protection – either safety goggles or a helmet with a face shield to protect their eyes with impact-resistant lenses.
• Mirrors – All motorcycles must be equipped with an upright rear-view mirror on the left side of the handlebars.
• Footrests – All motorcycles must be equipped with securely attached footrests for both operators and passengers.
• Lights – A motorcycle’s headlight must always be turned on when in operation. All motorcycles must be equipped with at least one tail light and one brake light, visible from a distance of at least 100 feet.
• Mufflers – To be considered street legal, all motorcycles in Tennessee require mufflers to prevent smoke and noise pollution.

Failure to comply with Tennessee motorcycle laws can result in citations and fines, as well as increase your risk of suffering severe injuries due to an accident.

Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Law

Tennessee has a universal helmet law. All motorcycle operators and passengers in Tennessee must wear a safety helmet that meets the federal safety standard 49 CFR 571.218. However, motorcycle riders 21 years of age and older can wear helmets that meet alternative safety certifications like ASTM, CPSC, or Snell Foundation standards instead of the penetration, contour, and labeling requirements of 49 CFR 571.218. However, the helmet must have a label showing it meets one of those alternative certifications.

Recommended Motorcycle Safety Gear

While only approved helmets meeting specific standards are legally mandated under Tennessee law, safety experts strongly recommend wearing additional safety equipment for motorcycle riders, such as:

• Eye protection (shatterproof goggles or a face shield)
• Sturdy boots or other over-the-ankle footwear
• Gloves designed for motorcycling
• A snug-fitting jacket, pants, and suit made of abrasion-resistant material like leather

Wearing proper gear can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash or collision. All riders should make sure safety is their top priority.

Talk to Our Experienced Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

Even if you are following all legal and recommended motorcycle safety gear protocols, a collision with a negligent motorist can lead to injuries that cause excruciating pain, overwhelming medical bills, and debilitating mental health consequences.

The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm understand how devastating the aftermath of motorcycle accidents can be, and we are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve for these and other losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.