GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Tennessee. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Universal helmet law enacted 1967.
8 years
60 and over: fee reduced 65 and over: no expiration
None
Illegal
None
70
70
70
70
65
65
0.2
1 year
yes
Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions
No
Yes
9 yrs and older if taller than 4'9"
Under 1 yr or 20 lbs or less in rear-facing child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions
1-3 yrs and over 20 lbs in harnessed child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions
4-9 yrs and shorter than 4'9" in booster seat, following manufacturer instructions (until 9th birthday)
9 yrs or younger and taller than 4'9", seat belt and in rear seat if available
Rear seat recommended for 9-12 yrs
17 years
15
6
50 (10)
16
11 p.m. - 6 a.m.
No more than 1
Primary
16 and over
Front
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Primary law.
All drivers, while vehicle is in motion. Primary law.
Statewide
Permitted by state law
In school zones; on any S-curve that inhibits a driver's vision through the bend
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
What do traffic gardens and Crosswalk Talks have in common? Those are two strategies being implemented by agencies across Tennessee to increase pedestrian safety, according to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).
October 1, 2024
On Monday, April 1, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office is launching “Operation Hands Free” to crack down on violators of Tennessee’s Hands Free Law during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The THSO is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement in this statewide effort to crack down on distracted driving. “Since 2017, we’ve been working with agencies statewide to localize this effort, and now it’s become a common practice," said THSO Director Buddy Lewis.
States that have laws to govern when ignition interlock devices may be removed from drunk driving offenders’ vehicles have significantly lower rates of repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenses than states which do not. Those are the main findings of a new study recently released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), a nonprofit organization representing state highway safety offices, that addressed measures to help reduce the number of drunk driving repeat incidents.
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office was awarded a grant from Ford Driving Skills for Life & GHSA to educate and promote safe teen driving behavior through a series of in-person events in conjunction with SADD, Alliance Marketing & State Farm to connect schools with teen traffic safety activities.
Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, & GHSA are extending their 18-year commitment to improving teen driving skills by awarding grants totaling $135,000 to six State Highway Safety Offices & announcing the return of Ford Driving Skills for Life hands-on driver training clinics.
Ford Motor Company Fund and GHSA are extending their 18-year commitment to improving teen driving skills by awarding grants totaling $135,000 to six State Highway Safety Offices and announcing the return of Ford Driving Skills for Life hands-on driver training clinics.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
As traffic volumes rise, State Highway Safety Offices increase efforts to protect road users
