Operating a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but the rules of the road must be followed. Motorcycle riders must adhere to Cordova motorcycle traffic laws to limit the potential for accidents. If you have been injured in a collision involving a motorcycle, it is important to know if any laws have been broken.
The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs advocates for people who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. David and Elissa know the local traffic laws and can help determine if you are eligible to receive compensation after your motorcycle wreck.
Motorcycle License Requirements
To obtain a motorcycle license, a driver must be over the age of 16. If a motorcycle rider is 15 years of age, they can obtain a restricted permit. The permit places some restrictions on the young driver, such as limiting the driving hours and not traveling with passengers.
The driver must use the permit for at least six months before they can request a full motorcycle license. To obtain a motorcycle license, the biker must pass a test on their knowledge of the rules and regulations for operating a motorcycle on the road in Cordova. A driver must also pass a skills test demonstrating their ability to operate a motorcycle, as well as a vision test.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
After a rider has obtained a motorcycle license, the driver must ensure that their equipment follows all of the Cordova motorcycle regulations. If there has been an accident, David and Elissa can review your case to determine if all these rules have been followed properly.
A helmet is required to be worn by both the driver and any passenger of a motorcycle (Tennessee Code § 55-9-302). Additionally, the motorcycle must have a windshield, or the driver and any passenger must wear safety goggles, face shields, or glasses containing impact-resistant lenses (Tennessee Code § 55-9-304).
The motorcycle must have at least two but not more than four headlights, with one headlight on each side of the bike. Additionally, headlights must remain on at all times (Tennessee Code § 55-9-402, 403). Every motorcycle must have two red tail lamps and two red stoplights on the rear of the bike, and one tail lamp and one stoplight shall be on each side of the motorcycle.
A motorcycle is required to display its license plate on the rear of the bike in a horizontal position. Additionally, the license plate must be no less than 12 inches from the ground (Tennessee Code § 55-4-110).
If riding with a passenger, the motorcycle must be designed to carry two persons with footpegs. No passenger can ride in a position that interferes with the controls, such as in front of the driver (Tennessee Code § 55-8-164).
Operating a Motorcycle
Under Cordova motorcycle traffic regulations, a motorcycle is considered a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV). As such, motorcycles can utilize the HOV lane on the highway, which is reserved during specific days and times solely for the use of HOVs (Tennessee Code § 55-8-188).
In addition to using HOV lanes, motorcycles can operate two abreast in a single lane, although they are also entitled to use the entire lane. However, it is illegal for a motorcycle to operate between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles (Tennessee Code § 55-8-182).
Contact a Cordova Motorcycle Traffic Law Attorney for Help
Understanding the Cordova motorcycle traffic laws can help protect you from getting into an accident. While you may not be able to control other drivers, you can do your part to ensure that you are following all of the rules of the road.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs is here to help. David and Elissa can review the accident to determine if all laws were followed by the biker and the other vehicle. We advocate for our clients and get them the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
