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Tennessee Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: In Tennessee, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a crash helmet.

RestrictedVerified Aug 2, 2026

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In Tennessee, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a crash helmet. See TCA 55-9-302.

Official source: capitol.tn.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Tennessee

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

AlabamaRestricted
In Alabama, every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a helmet, regardless of age. See Code of Ala. 32-5A-245.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · Full Alabama rule →
ArkansasConditional
Arkansas requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 21. See Ark. Code 27-20-104.
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
GeorgiaRestricted
Georgia requires every rider to wear a helmet — operators and passengers alike, with no age exemption. The helmet has to be DOT-compliant, meaning it is labeled with the maker's name or brand, the model, DOT, FMVSS No. 218, and CERTIFIED. Eye or face protection is also required in Georgia. The rules apply to all motor-driven cycles, including scooters and mini-bikes of 51cc or greater. See O.C.G.A. 40-6-315.
Verified Jul 29, 2026 · Source: dds.georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky requires a helmet for riders under 21, for permit holders, and for anyone licensed less than a year. See KRS 189.285.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MississippiRestricted
Mississippi requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle or motor scooter without a crash helmet, at any age. See Miss. Code 63-7-64.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: billstatus.ls.state.ms.us · Full Mississippi rule →
MissouriConditional
Missouri requires a helmet for riders under 26 and for any permit holder. Riders 26 and older may go without one. See RSMo 302.020.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
North CarolinaRestricted
North Carolina requires the operator and all passengers to wear a safety helmet meeting the FMVSS 218 standard, at any age. See N.C.G.S. 20-140.4.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets. See Va. Code 46.2-910.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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