Generally under present law, the driver of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or motor-driven cycle, and any passenger on such a vehicle, is required to wear a crash helmet.
This bill establishes a four-year pilot program to make the wearing of a crash helmet voluntary for drivers and passengers of motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or motor-driven cycles who are 21 years of age or older beginning the first week in September and ending the last week of May of each year of the program. A driver or passenger will still be required to wear a crash helmet during the pilot program if:
(1) The driver or passenger is less than 21 years of age; or
(2) The driver or passenger is 21 years of age or older and maintains medical or health insurance provided by the state to low-income individuals, or otherwise provided through the bureau of TennCare.
This bill specifies that (2) above will also apply to a passenger in an unenclosed side car or unenclosed cab attached to a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or motor-driven cycle.
Under this bill, a law enforcement officer will not be authorized to issue a citation to a person pursuant to this bill based solely upon evidence of a violation of this bill. A law enforcement officer will be authorized to issue a citation pursuant to this bill if the person is issued a citation for another separate traffic offense in violation of a municipal ordinance or in violation of provisions relating to the operation of motor vehicles or the equipment of such vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-1-225(f), 49-1-225