Motorcycle Helmet Laws and Selection in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a driver and passenger of a motorcycle are required to wear an approved helmet.

Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-302 states:

  (a) The driver of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, as defined in chapter 8 of this title, or motor-driven cycle, and any passenger on any of these, shall be required to wear either a crash helmet meeting federal standards contained in 49 CFR 571.218 . . . .

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets that meet the federal standard are required to have a label on the helmet that says “DOT.”  There may also be stickers on the helmets guaranteeing that the helmets also meet private organization standards that are in addition to the federal standards such as Snell or ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

Another good indicator as to whether the helmet has met federal standards is if the manufacturer places a label stating the manufacturers’ name, the helmet’s model, size, month and year of manufacture, construction materials, and owner’s information.  If you do not see this label inside the helmet, there is a good chance the helmet has not met the federal safety standards and you should steer clear from using it.

    UNSAFE HELMET INTERIOR             SAFE HELMET INTERIOR

Image from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Since many black market helmets will include counterfeit labels, it is important for a buyer to examine the physical quality of the helmet and only buy from respectable sellers.  If a helmet does not seem to be as high of quality as other helmets, or the price tag is “too good to be true,” it probably is.  While it’s okay to bargain shop for many things, a helmet that could potentially prevent a traumatic brain injury is not one of them.

Even if an individual involved in a motorcycle accident was wearing a helmet, serious injuries are not always avoidable.  If you have been injured riding a motorcycle in Tennessee and feel that the accident was caused by someone else, you should consult an attorney immediately. The Memphis law firm Bailey & Greer represents motorcycle accident victims with integrity and compassion. Call us today at 901-680-9777 for a free consultation.