2023 Tennessee Code
Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105)
Chapter 52 - SAFETY OF CHILDREN (§§ 55-52-101 — 55-52-202)
Part 1 - CHILD BICYCLE SAFETY ACT (§§ 55-52-101 — 55-52-106)
Section 55-52-105 - Child bicycle safety rules and regulations

With regard to any bicycle operated over any highway, street or sidewalk, it is unlawful:

• (1) For any person under sixteen (16) years of age to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when so engaged the person wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet;

• (2) For any person to be a passenger on a bicycle unless, with respect to any person who weighs less than forty pounds (40 lbs.), or is less than forty inches (40") in height, the person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a restraining seat;

• (3) For any parent or legal guardian of a person under twelve (12) years of age to knowingly permit the person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in violation of subdivision (1) or (2); and

• (4) To rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of any person under sixteen (16) years of age unless:
  • (A) The person is in possession of a protective bicycle helmet of good fit at the time of the rental or lease; or
  • (B) The rental or lease includes a protective bicycle helmet of good fit, and the person intends to wear the helmet, as required by subdivision (1), at all times while operating or being a passenger on the bicycle.

Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 6; 1998, ch. 684, § 2; 2000, ch. 916, § 5.