No, Tennessee does not have a "no helmet law"; instead, it enforces a mandatory helmet law for most motorcyclists.
Tennessee law generally requires all motorcyclists, including both riders and passengers, to wear a helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle. This strict requirement emphasizes rider safety on the state's roads.
Mandatory Helmet Requirements
The state's legislation mandates universal helmet use, meaning it applies to all individuals on a motorcycle, regardless of age or experience, with very specific and limited exceptions.
Limited Exceptions to Helmet Law
While the general rule is strict helmet use, there are narrow circumstances under which an adult motorcyclist may be exempt from wearing a helmet. These exceptions are highly specific and primarily apply to certain types of organized events:
- Eligibility: The motorcyclist must be 21 years of age or older.
- Event Type: The motorcycle operation must occur during one of the following:
- A funeral procession.
- A memorial ride with a police escort.
- A body escort detail.
- Operational Restrictions: Even during these specific events, the exemption only applies if the motorcyclist adheres to strict operational limits:
- The speed does not exceed 30 miles per hour.
- The distance traveled does not exceed 50 miles.
These exceptions are designed for very controlled and specific situations and do not imply a general allowance for riding without a helmet in Tennessee. For all other situations, helmets are legally required for both riders and passengers to enhance safety and comply with state law.
