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
Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions
No
Yes
0.2
1 year
yes
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
9 yrs and older if taller than 4'9"
17 years
15
6
50 (10)
16
11 p.m. - 6 a.m.
No more than 1
Primary
16 and over
Front
All drivers, while vehicle is in motion. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Primary law.
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
Statewide
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is running it's annual Operation Incognito campaign to detect and deter distracted driving. THSO Director and GHSA Region 4 Representative Vic Donoho discusses the effort.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2018
CONTACT: Madison Forker, mforker@ghsa.org
202-789-0942 x120
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Ford Driving Skills for Life (Ford DSFL) have awarded State Highway Safety Offices in five states funding to support teen safe driving programs.
Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee are partnering again for Operation Southern Shield, a high visibility enforcement period focusing on speeding. Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety Director and GHSA Vice Chair Harris Blackwood discusses.
Story by Isabel Hughes
July 11, 2018
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1967.
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
8 years
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
