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In many parts of the country, motorcycle riders and passengers are only required to wear safety helmets while riding if they are under the age of 21. Other states only require helmets for riders under 18, and a few do not require helmets for any riders at all. The Volunteer State, however, is one of a handful of states with a universal motorcycle helmet law, meaning that all riders of all ages and experience levels must wear a properly fitted, secured, and safety-approved helmet on the road.
Importantly, not just any helmet will suffice for the purposes of complying with Knoxville motorcycle helmet laws—some helmets may land you in legal trouble if a police officer finds you riding with one. Here is a brief overview of what state law says about motorcycle helmets and other required gear for motorcyclists, all of which a talented motorcycle injury lawyer from our team could explain in further detail as needed.
Tennessee Code § 55-9-302 is the section of state law that specifically addresses helmet requirements for motorcyclists on public roads in Knoxville. Under this statute, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear crash helmets that comply with the safety standards outlined in 49 CFR § 571.218 while riding. Riders can wear helmets with ventilation airways up to 1.5 inches in diameter, protective surfaces with non-continuous contours, and labels affirming compliance with standards set by certain other private non-profit organizations, such as the Snell Foundation.
Helmets are not required for motorcycle riders and passengers who are:
It is important to note that violating any part of this statute is categorized as a Class C misdemeanor offense.
In addition to helmets, motorcyclists in Knoxville are required by TN Code § 55-9-304 to wear safety goggles, face shields, or glasses as protective eyewear if their motorcycle is not already equipped with a windshield. Protective eyewear must be made with clear impact-resistant material in order to comply with this statute.
Furthermore, all motorcycles operated on public roads must have rearview mirrors, securely attached footrests, and separate seating and footrests for both operators and passengers if a rider intends to transport a passenger with them. Any violation of these rules is also considered a Class C misdemeanor offense.
Complying with Knoxville motorcycle helmet laws is important to protecting yourself both physically and legally in the event of a motorcycle accident. In fact, failure to wear a helmet while riding could be interpreted as comparative fault if it leads to you suffering an otherwise preventable head injury in a crash. This could significantly impede your pursuit of civil recovery from someone else, primarily at fault for causing that crash.
Our legal team has extensive experience advising motorcyclists about how to protect themselves before, during, and after roadway collisions. Call Dennis Injury Law to learn how we could assist you.