State Laws Do Not Have Precedence in National Parks
36 CFR 4.30 provides the restrictions for bicyclists on roads in National Parks. 4.30(d)(3) prohibits "Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle except where authorized by the superintendent." Bicyclists cannot ride two abreast in a National park.
Research of law blogs has revealed crackdowns in the Smoky Mountain National Park even when there is no automobile traffic. Being a National Park, the federal statutes (aka National Park Service regulations ) take precedence. These regulations specify that state traffic law is generally applicable within the National Parks, but go on to specify certain exceptions to state law, including the requirement that cyclists must ride single file within all National Parks unless the superintendent of a particular National Park specifically authorizes cyclists to ride two abreast.
TENNESSEE Code: Operation of bicycles
These regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles subject to those exceptions stated herein.
55-8-172: Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 71; T.C.A., � 59-872; Acts 1989, ch. 591, � 113.]
(a) Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except as to special regulations in 55-8-171 - 55-8-177, and except as to those provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title which by their nature can have no application. (See Note 1)
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
55-8-173: Riding on bicycles - Playing and use of play vehicles.
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 72; T.C.A., � 59-873; Acts 1989, ch. 591, � 113.]
(a) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto, except for a certified police cyclist who is performing duties that require riding in a side dismounting position.
(b) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one (1) time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.
(c) No person shall play on a highway other than upon the sidewalk thereof, within a city or town, or in any part of a highway outside the limits of a city or town, or use thereon roller skates, coasters or any similar vehicle or toy or article on wheels or a runner, except in such areas as may be specially designated for that purpose by local authorities.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
55-8-174 Clinging to vehicles
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, - 73; T.C.A.,59-874;Acts 1985, ch. 138, 3; 1989, ch. 591,113; 1995, ch. 140,4.]
(a) No person riding upon any bicycle, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach such bicycle, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle, or such person's own body, to any streetcar or vehicle upon a roadway.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the attachment of a bicycle trailer or bicycle semitrailer to a bicycle if such trailer or semitrailer is designed specifically for such purpose.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
55-8-175 Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 74; T.C.A., � 59-875; Acts 1985, ch. 138, � 4; 1989, ch. 591, � 113.]
(a) (1) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:
(A) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(B) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
(C) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (a standard width lane is elsewhere defined as 12')
(2) This subsection does not apply to a certified police cyclist engaged in the lawful performance of duty relating to traffic control.
(b) (1) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
(2) This subsection does not apply to a certified police cyclist engaged in the lawful performance of duty relating to traffic control or in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
(c) (1) This subsection (c) shall be known and may be cited as the "Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007.
(2)The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3') and shall maintain the clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
55-8-176: Carrying articles on bicycles
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 75; T.C.A., � 59-876; Acts 1985, ch. 138, � 5; 1989, ch. 591, � 113; 1995, ch. 140, �� 5, 6; 2007, ch. 81, � 1.]
(a) No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least one (1) hand upon the handlebars.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
55-8-177. Bicycle lamps and brakes.
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 76; T.C.A., � 59-877; Acts 1989, ch. 591, � 113.]
(a) Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the department of safety which shall be visible from all distances from fifty feet (50') to three hundred feet (300') to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
(b) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within twenty-five feet (25') from a speed of ten miles per hour (10 mph) on dry, level, clean pavement.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
55-8-178. Regulations governing nonmotor vehicles and animals.
History: [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 77; T.C.A., � 59-878; Acts 1985, ch. 138, � 6; 1989, ch. 591, � 113.]
(a) Every driver or person having charge of any nonmotor vehicle, on any of the public roads in or of this state, on meeting and passing another vehicle, shall give one half (1/2) of the road by turning to the right, so as not to interfere in passing. (ed. note: this same verbiage in one other state code is clarified as meaning simply to ride on the right -side-of the road)
(b) When nonmotor vehicles on such roads are traveling in the same direction, and the driver of the hindmost desires to pass the foremost, each driver shall give one half (1/2) of the road, the foremost by turning to the right, and the hindmost to the left.
(c) (1) No driver shall stop a nonmotor vehicle on any of the public roads, for any cause or pretense whatever, without turning so far to the right as to leave at least one half (1/2) of the road free, open, and unobstructed for other travelers and vehicles.
(2) This subsection does not apply to a certified police cyclist engaged in the lawful performance of duty relating to traffic control.
(d) Drivers of nonmotor vehicles on public roads shall pass each other in a quiet, orderly, and peaceable manner, and shall not make any noise intended to disturb or frighten the driver or the animals drawing nonmotor vehicles.
(e) No person shall willfully, by noise, gesture or by other means, on or near public roads, disturb or frighten the driver or rider or the animals ridden or drawing vehicles thereon.
(f) (1) An intentional or careless violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(2) A willful or malicious violation of this section, whereby the death of any person is occasioned, is a Class E felony.
55-8-117. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. --
The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction. subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:
(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle: and
(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of the overtaken vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle [Acts 1955, ch. 329, && T.C,A., � 59-817.]
55-8-119, Limitations on overtaking on the left. --
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free from oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100') of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. [Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 18; T.C.A., B 59-819.]
55-52-101. Short title. This chapter is and may be cited as the "Child Bicycle Safety Act."
History: [Acts 1993, ch. 399, � 2.]
55-52-102. Legislative findings and declarations. The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(1) Disability and death of children resulting from injuries sustained in bicycling accidents are a serious threat to the public health, welfare, and safety of the people of Tennessee, and the prevention of such disability and death is a goal of such people;
(2) Head injuries are the leading cause of disability and death from bicycling accidents;
(3) The risk of head injury from bicycling accidents is significantly reduced for bicyclists who wear proper protective bicycle helmets; yet helmets are worn by fewer than five percent (5%) of child bicyclists nationwide; and
(4) The risk of head injury or of any other injury to a small child who is a passenger on a bicycle operated by another person would be significantly reduced if any such child-passenger sat in a separate restraining seat.
55-52-103. Definitions.
History: [Acts 1993, ch. 399, � 3.]
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Bicycle" means a human-powered vehicle with two (2) wheels in tandem designed to transport, by the action of pedaling, one (1) or more persons seated on one (1) or more saddle seats on its frame. "Bicycle" also includes a human-powered vehicle designed to transport by pedaling which has more than two (2) wheels where the vehicle is used on a public roadway, public bicycle path or other public right-of-way, but does not include a tricycle.
(2) "Operator" means a person who travels on a bicycle seated on a saddle seat from which that person is intended to and can pedal the bicycle.
(3) "Other public right-of-way" means any right-of-way other than a public roadway or public bicycle path that is under the jurisdiction and control of the state or a local political subdivision thereof and is designed for use and used by vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.
(4) "Passenger" means any person who travels on a bicycle in any manner except as an operator.
(5) "Protective bicycle helmet" means a piece of headgear which meets or exceeds the impact standards for protective bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation, or which is otherwise approved by the commissioner of safety.
(6) "Public bicycle path" means a right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of the state or a local political subdivision thereof for use primarily by bicycles and pedestrians.
(7) "State roadway" means a right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of the state for use primarily by motor vehicles.
(8) "Restraining seat" means a seat separate from the saddle seat of the operator of the bicycle that is fastened securely to the frame of the bicycle and is adequately equipped to restrain the passenger in such seat and protect such passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle.
(9) "Tricycle" means a three-wheeled human-powered vehicle.
55-52-104. Purpose.
History: [Acts 1993, ch. 399, � 4.]
The purpose of this chapter is to reduce the incidence of disability and death resulting from injuries incurred in bicycling accidents by requiring that, while riding on a bicycle on state roadways, all bicycle operators and passengers under the age of twelve (12) years wear approved protective bicycle helmets; that all bicycle passengers who weigh less than forty pounds (40 lbs.) or are less than forty inches (40") in height be seated in separate restraining seats; and that no person who is unable to maintain an erect, seated position shall be a passenger in a bicycle restraining seat.
55-52-105. Child bicycle safety rules and regulations.
History: [Acts 1993, ch. 399, � 5.]
With regard to any bicycle used on a state roadway, it is unlawful:
(1) For any person under the age of twelve (12) to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when so engaged such 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 fewer 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 below the age of twelve (12) to knowingly permit such person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in violation of subdivision (1) or (2).
(4) To rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of any person under the age of twelve (12) unless:
(A) The person is in possession of a protective bicycle helmet of good fit at the time of such 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.
55-52-106. Penalty - Defense - Inadmissibility as evidence in civil action.
History: [Acts 1993, ch. 399, � 6.]
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) below, any adult person violating any requirement set forth in � 55-52-105 shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction sentenced to pay a fine of two dollars ($2) and court costs.
(b) Upon commission of the first offense within a twelve-month period under � 55-52-105(3), it shall be a defense that the accused has since the date of the violation purchased or provided a protective bicycle helmet or a restraining seat, and uses and intends to use or causes to be used or intends to cause to be used the same as the law requires.
(c) In no event shall failure to wear a protective bicycle helmet or to secure a passenger to a restraining seat be admissible as evidence in a trial of any civil action.
55-8-123. Driving on roadways laned for traffic. �
History: [Acts 1993, ch. 399, �� 7, 8.]
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply:
(1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety;
(4)(A) Where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five (5) or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn or pull off the roadway wherever sufficient area exists to do so safely, in order to permit vehicles following it to proceed. As used in this subdivision (4), a slow-moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speed which is ten (10) miles per hour or more below the lawful maximum speed for that particular roadway at that time.
(B) Any person failing to conform with the provisions of subdivision (4)(A) shall receive a warning citation on first offense and be liable for a fine of twenty dollars ($20.00) on second offense, and fifty dollars ($50.00) on third and subsequent offenses.
55-8-101. Chapter definitions. �
[Acts 1955, ch. 329, � 22; T.C.A., � 59-823; Acts 1983, ch. 172, �� 1, 2; 1984, ch. 518, � 1.]
(4) "Bicycle" means every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two (2) tandem wheels, either of which is more than twenty inches (20�) in diameter;
(7) "Certified police cyclist" means any full time, sworn law enforcement officer who is certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association or has otherwise been certified by the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission as having received and successfully completed appropriate bicycle training in the performance of law enforcement functions;
(34) "Motorized bicycle" means a vehicle with two (2) or three (3) wheels, an automatic transmission, and a motor with a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters (50cc) which produces no more than two (2) brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum design speed of no more than thirty miles per hour (30 mph) on level ground. The operator of a motorized bicycle must be in possession of a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, and shall be subject to all applicable and practical rules of the road. A motorized bicycle may not be operated on a highway of the interstate and defense highway system, any similar limited access multilane divided highway, or upon sidewalks;
(51) "Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder. In the event a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways, "roadway" refers to any such roadway separately but not to all such roadways collectively;
(67)"Traffic" means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel;
(73) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks
44-8-408. Dogs not allowed at large - Exception.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "owner" means a person who, at the time of the offense, regularly harbors, keeps or exercises control over the dog, but does not include a person who, at the time of the offense, is temporarily harboring, keeping or exercising control over the dog.
(b) The owner of a dog commits an offense if that dog goes uncontrolled by the owner upon the premises of another without the consent of the owner of the premises or other person authorized to give consent, or goes uncontrolled by the owner upon a highway, public road, street or any other place open to the public generally.
(e) It is not a defense to prosecution for a violation of subsection (b) and punished pursuant to subdivision (g)(1), (g)(2) or (g)(3) that the dog owner exercised reasonable care in attempting to confine or control the dog.
(f) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of subsection (b) and punished pursuant to subdivision (g)(4) or (g)(5) that the dog owner exercised reasonable care in attempting to confine or control the dog.
(g)(1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fine only($50).
(2) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fine($500) only if the dog running at large causes damage to the property of another.
(3) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fine($2500) only if the dog running at large causes bodily injury, as defined by 39-11-106, to another.
(4) A violation of this section is a Class E felony if the dog running at large causes serious bodily injury, as defined by 39-11-106, to another.
(5) A violation of this section is a Class D felony if the dog running at large causes the death of another.
39-11-106. Title definitions.
History: [Acts 1901, ch. 50, � 1; 1903, ch. 419, � 1; Shan., � 2853a4; Code 1932, � 5086; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 44-1408, 44-8-108; Acts 2007, ch. 533, � 1; 2007, ch. 556, � 1.]
(2) "Bodily injury" includes a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn or disfigurement, and physical pain or temporary illness or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty;
39-14-205. Intentional killing of animal.
[Acts 1989,ch.591,� 1;1996, ch.927,�� 1,2; 2004,ch.957,�1;2007,ch.466,�1.]
(a) (1) A person who intentionally or knowingly unlawfully kills the animal of another, with the intent to deprive the owner of the right to the animal's life and without the owner's effective consent commits theft of that animal and shall be punished under � 39-14-105.
(b) A person is justified in killing the animal of another if such person acted under a reasonable belief that the animal was creating an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to such person or another or an imminent danger of death to an animal owned by such person. A person is not justified in killing the animal of another if at the time of the killing such person is trespassing upon the property of the owner of such animal.
NOTES:
1) The law say Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the rights. . . Some cyclists assume this provision of the law says Every person is granted the right to ride a bicycle upon any roadway. That assumption is false. A notable exception in Tennessee law is
55-8-127. Restrictions on use of controlled-access roadway. —
(a) The department of transportation and local authorities may, with respect to any controlled-access roadway under their respective jurisdictions, prohibit the use of that roadway by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motor-driven cycle.
(b) The department or the local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled-access roadway on which the regulations are applicable, and when the signs are erected, a person who disobeys the restrictions stated on the signs commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Cyclists should also use good sense. Regardless of what the law seems to imply, road and traffic conditions dictate when a road is suitable for bicycles. When a route poses higher than normal safety risks, such the inability of motorized vehicles traveling legally to avoid a cyclist safely due to limited visibility, the cyclist does not belong on that road. These conditions may be temporary due to weather or continuous due to terrain or surrounding obstructions.
2007 TN Drivers Manual: TN Drivers Manual / Study Guide
(--- Below from Tennessee Drivers Manual, pages 84-86, June 1996 ----) Similar sections in manuals until 2005 then totally removed in 2007 (unintentionally) with no direct mention that bicyclist are even legal road users!
SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES
Many drivers have trouble adjusting to bicycles and motorcycles operating on our streets and highways. Cyclist have the same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as other drivers.
Lane Positions
Both bicycles and motorcycles are required to travel on the right hand side of the road with other traffic. Bicycles are not allowed to travel facing traffic, since this is far less safe. They must ride as near to the right hand side of the road as practical, while avoiding road hazards that could cause them to swerve into traffic.
To avoid gravel, debris, sewer grates and the like, experienced cyclist tend to pick a line on the road that is far enough on the right to avoid obstructing traffic, while not being so close to the shoulder or curb that they would have to swerve suddenly to avoid a hazard. Cyclist who are not on the extreme right hand side of the lane are not being careless, but are in fact attempting to account for traffic conditions.
Similarly, when cyclist are traveling past parked cars, they tend to move away from the cars, toward the center of the lane. This is to avoid injuring, or being injured by, persons getting out of those cars. In such cases, the cyclist is operating the bicycle properly. If possible, give the cyclist the entire lane. When road conditions prevent this, pass the cyclist with caution.
Motorcycles need a full lane width like other vehicles. A skilled motorcyclist is constantly changing positions within a lane to increase his ability to see and be seen, and to avoid objects on the road. Never move into the same lane with a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide and the cyclist is riding to one side. It is not only illegal, it is extremely hazardous.
Special Conditions
Special conditions and situations may cause problems for cyclist, which drivers need to anticipate. Drivers should be aware of these problems, so they can help share the road safely with cyclist. Here are a few examples:
* The speed and distance of cyclists are not easily identified in traffic. Even when the drivers see them, many say it's difficult to judge how far away cyclists are or how fast they are traveling.
* This may be more of a problem for judging the speed of bicyclist. People know that motorcycles can keep up with automobiles, but the speeds of bicyclist bay vary greatly. With today's improved equipment, some bicyclist may be traveling 25 or 30 miles per hour, if not faster. Others will be traveling at much slower speeds. No cyclist's speed can be taken for granted.
* Cyclist riding at night create visibility problems. Cyclists are required to have proper illumination to ride at night, but motorists should be aware that cyclists are not easily seen.
* Children riding bicycles create special problems for motorists. Children are not capable of proper judgment in determining traffic conditions, therefore motorists should be alert to the possibility of erratic movement and sudden changes in direction when children on bicycles are present.
* Drivers turning left in front of oncoming cyclist cause a large percentage of car/cycle accidents. Drivers often fail to pick the cyclist out of the traffic scene, or inaccurately judge the speed of the oncoming cycle. Overtaking, then making a right turn in front of the cyclist is also a cause of many accidents. LOOK ONCE, THEN AGAIN. MAKE SURE YOU SEE THE CYCLE AND KNOW ITS SPEED BEFORE YOU TURN.
* Cyclists maintain eye contact with the drivers of the automobiles around them, particularly when the cyclist or the automobile is making a turn. So too, before turning, a driver should attempt to gain and maintain eye contact with the cyclist.
* Bad weather and slippery surfaces cause greater problems for cyclists than for cars. These conditions create stability problems for all vehicles. Allow more following distant for cyclist when the road surface is wet and slippery. Also be alert to the problem of glare that rain and wet surface create, especially at night.
* Strong cross winds can move a cycle out of its lane of travel. Areas where this can happen are wide open, long stretches of highways and bridges. Large, fast moving trucks sometimes create wind blasts which, under certain conditions, can move the cyclist out of his or her path of travel.
* Railroad grade crossings are a particular hazard to cyclists, and will usually cause them to slow down and possibly zigzag to cross the tracks head on.
* Metal or grated bridges cause a cycle to wobble much more than a car. An experienced cyclist shows down and moves to the center of the lane to allow room for handling the uneven surface. An inexperienced cyclist may become startled and try to quickly change directions. Be prepared for either reaction.
TENNESSEE CODE ANNOTATED - Electric Bicycles
TCA 55-8-301: Part definitions.
As used in this part:
(1) "Class 1 electric bicycle"means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph);
(2) "Class 2 electric bicycle"means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph);
(3) "Class 3 electric bicycle"means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour (28 mph); and
(4) "Electric bicycle" means a device upon which any person may ride that is equipped with two (2) or three (3) wheels, any of which is twenty inches (20") or more in diameter, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty (750) watts, and meets the requirements of one (1) of the three (3) classes of electric bicycles defined in subdivision (1), (2), or (3).
TCA 55-8-302: Requirements and laws applicable to electric bicycles.
An electric bicycle and any person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to any requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12, part 1 of this title; the Uniform Classified and Commercial Driver License Act of 1988, compiled in chapter 50 of this title; and chapters 3 and 4 of this title, relating to titling and registration. Except as otherwise specified by this part, the requirements and laws applicable to bicycles in this title shall apply to electric bicycles.
TCA 55-8-303: Label.
(a) On or after January 1, 2017, every manufacturer or distributor of new electric bicycles intended for sale or distribution in this state shall permanently affix, in a prominent location, to the electric bicycle a label that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and is printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type.
(b) On or after January 1, 2017, no new electric bicycle shall be sold to the general public in this state unless a label is affixed to the electric bicycle pursuant to subsection (a).
(c) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is an unfair and deceptive act or practice under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1.
TCA 55-8-304: Unlawful modification of electric bicycle.
It is an offense for a person to knowingly modify an electric bicycle so as to change the speed capability of the electric bicycle and not appropriately replace, or cause to be replaced, the label indicating the classification required in § 55-8-303. A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
TCA 55-8-305: Equipment requirements.
(a) No electric bicycle shall be operated upon any street or highway unless the electric bicycle:
(1) Complies with applicable equipment and manufacturing requirements for electric bicycles established by state and federal law, including federal standards adopted by the United States consumer product safety commission and compiled in 16 CFR Part 1512; and
(2) Is equipped in such a manner that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or that the electric motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released or activated, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function.
(b) No class 3 electric bicycle shall be operated upon any street or highway unless it is equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the electric bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.
(c) A person who knowingly operates an electric bicycle in violation of subsection (a) or (b) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
TCA 55-8-306: Operation of electric bicycle on street or highway or path or trail.
(a)(1) A class 1 electric bicycle or a class 2 electric bicycle may be operated on any part of a street or highway where bicycles are authorized to travel, including a bicycle lane or other portion of a roadway designated for exclusive use by bicyclists, the shoulder or berm, and any path or trail intended for use by bicyclists.
(2) A local government or state agency having jurisdiction over any part of any path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel may regulate or prohibit, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on that path or trail, if the local government or state agency determines that the regulation or prohibition is necessary, in the interest of public safety.
(3) No class 3 electric bicycle shall be operated on any part of a path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel, unless the path or trail is within or adjacent to the street or highway, or the local governing body or state agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on that path or trail.
(4) No electric bicycle shall be operated on any sidewalk unless the use of bicycles on sidewalks is authorized by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, of the local government or state agency having jurisdiction over that sidewalk, and the electric motor is disabled.
(5) Any local resolution or ordinance or state agency rule or policy adopted in accordance with this subsection (a) shall use the definitions in this part for electric bicycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, or class 3 electric bicycle. References to motor vehicles in any local resolution or ordinance shall not be applicable to an electric bicycle.
(6) A person who knowingly operates an electric bicycle in violation of subdivision (a)(3) or (a)(4) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) On any roadway, highway, or street, electric bicycles shall be restricted, limited, or excluded by local resolutions and ordinances to the same extent as bicycles are restricted, limited, or excluded.
TCA 55-8-307: Prohibited operation of class 3 electric bicycle by person under 14 years of age -- Helmet requirements.
(a) It is a delinquent act for a person under fourteen (14) years of age to operate a class 3 electric bicycle upon any street or highway; provided, that the person may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.
(b) The operator and all passengers of a class 3 electric bicycle, regardless of age, shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting federal standards established by the United States consumer product safety commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials. A label on the helmet shall be affixed signifying the helmet complies with this subsection (b).
(c)(1) A violation of subsection (a) shall be punishable only by a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) commits a Class C misdemeanor.