New Tennessee bill to make motorcycle helmets optional

AAA urges Tennesseans to fight against changing the helmet law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new Tennessee bill would exempt some motorcycle drivers and passengers from having to wear a crash helmet. The AAA auto group is urging Tennessee to maintain the current law instead.

The current law states that any driver or passenger of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle is required to wear a helmet.

Tennessee House Bill 42 would make that voluntary for certain groups. The bill creates a four-year pilot program for the new law.

During this, those who are at least 21 years of age would not be required by law to wear a helmet. However, anyone who is insured with TennCare would still be required to wear a helmet under this bill.

AAA says this bill would result in an increase in the number of deaths and traumatic injuries in Tennessee.

This bill would not permit officers to conduct a traffic stop based on whether someone is wearing a helmet. Additionally, violation of the bill would only be a second offense.

The House Transportation Subcommittee will review this bill on March 1.

AAA is requesting the public to contact legislators and request they vote against changing the law.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%. They also lower the risk of death by 42%.

“According to a 2021 survey conducted by AAA, 92 percent of Tennesseans support maintaining an all-rider helmet law,” said AAA Spokeswoman Megan Cooper. “The current law has worked well in keeping motorcyclists safe on our roadways and we cannot afford to weaken it.”

Find more details about the bill here.