Safety Tips and Guidance

Click here to access a free online version of The Tennessee Code. To find a particular statute, enter the statute number (i.e. 39-17-1351) into the search box at the top left of the page and click the 'search' button. That will give you a direct link to the statute you want to read.

  1. Texting While Driving Law (TCA 55-8-199) Texting while driving a vehicle in Tennessee is illegal.
  2. Move Over Law (TCA 55-8-132) When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with visual emergency lights activated, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to the vehicle by moving into the closest available lane from the emergency vehicle, whenever possible. When the roadway does not provide an additional lane, drivers are required to slow down and provide as much space as possible to protect emergency vehicle operators in action.
  3. Seat Belt Law (TCA 55-9-603) Tennessee is a primary Safety Belt state. Drivers are required to wear safety belts at all times when operating a motor vehicle in Tennessee. Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that all passengers are belted in.
  4. Speeding in Construction Zones Law (TCA 55-8-153) Drivers are required to obey speed limits at all times, especially when workers are in a construction zone. Violators are subject to a minimum $250.00 fine.
  5. Handgun Carry Permit Law (TCA 39-17-1351) Tennessee allows out-of-state residents who possess a legally issued Handgun Carry Permit to bear a handgun; Tennessee laws regulating the use and carry of a handgun shall take precedence. To view Tennessee law and listing of states Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with, click here.
  6. Tennessee's DUI Law and Penalties (TCA 55-10-401 and 55-10-403) Individuals are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08%. First time offenders are subject to a $350.00 minimum fine and 48 hours in jail. Vehicle towing and storage will also be charged to offenders. Enhanced penalties and sanctions will result if BAC is greater than the legal limit or if children are present at the time of arrest.
  7. Maximum Length of Recreational Vehicle Combination Law (TCA 55-7-201) The maximum length of this type of combination vehicle is sixty-five feet (65'). Any towed vehicle shall also be securely attached to the pulling unit and equipped with functional brake and signal lights.
  8. Child Restraint Devices Law (TCA 55-9-602) All child passengers through the age of eight (8) must be secured in a Child Restraint Device. Infants are required in a rear facing child restraint device in the rear seat, if available, until the age of one (1) or weighing twenty pounds (20 lbs.) or less. Children ages one (1) through three (3) weighing greater than twenty pounds (20 lbs.) must be in a child restraint device in a forward facing position in the rear seat, if available. Children ages four (4) through eight (8) and less than four-feet, nine inches (4’ 9”) in height must be in a booster seat in the rear seat, if available. Children above the age of nine (9) must be secured by a safety belt restraint system.
  9. Motorcycle Helmet Law (TCA 55-9-302) All motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a helmet. Helmets must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards and be certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
  10. Open Container Law (TCA 55-10-416) Drivers shall not consume or possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle in Tennessee.

Seat belts for Adults: 

Safety belts are required for ALL drivers and all passengers in the FRONT seat, any time the vehicle is in motion.

Safety belts are also required for BACKSEAT if the passengers are under 17 years old. While adults over 18 in the back seat are not explicitly required by the general seat belt law to buckle up, they are highly encouraged to do so for safety.

Seat belts for Children:

Protecting the safety and well being of our children is, and has been, a priority for the State of Tennessee.  More than 30 years ago, on January 1, 1978, Tennessee became the first state in the nation to require the use of safety seats for child passengers. 

Since pioneering the nation’s child safety seat laws, Tennessee has continued to strengthen laws regarding the use of child restraint devices understanding that occupant protection laws and the enforcement of those laws are critical components to saving lives. 

The intent of the Tennessee’s child restraint law is to protect every child in every seating position in a motor vehicle.   THP Troopers have seen far too many deadly crashes where a child was not buckled up or was improperly restrained.  That’s why the agency is committed to this issue, and to enforcing all occupant protection laws.  Failure to properly restrain a child is a primary offense – one the THP takes very seriously. 

Child Restraint Guidance

The following changes have been made to the Child Passenger Restraint Law effective July 1st, 2004.

Children must be properly secured in the right type of car seat or seat belt based on their age, weight, and height:

  • Under age 1 or 20 pounds or less: Use a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat, if available. Follow the seat manufacturer’s instructions. If the seat allows a higher rear-facing weight (such as 30–35 pounds), the child may remain rear-facing until they reach that limit.
  • Ages 1–3 and over 20 pounds: Use a forward-facing child safety seat in the back seat, if available, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Ages 4–8 and under 4'9" in height: Use a belt-positioning booster seat in the back seat, if available.
  • Ages 9–12, or any child 4'9" or taller: Use a seat belt. Riding in the back seat is recommended when possible.
  • Ages 13–15: Must use a seat belt or other approved passenger restraint.

Children who need medically prescribed child restraints may use them, but a copy of the doctor’s prescription must be kept in the vehicle.

The driver is responsible for making sure children under age 16 are properly restrained and may be fined $50 for violations. If a parent or legal guardian is in the vehicle but not driving, they are responsible for ensuring the child is properly secured and may also be fined. Law enforcement officers may stop a vehicle if a child is not properly restrained. Always make sure children are safely secured before driving.

For more information on Tennessee's Child Restraint Laws, refer to T.C.A. 55-9-602. Click here to access a free online version of Tennessee Code Annotated.

Police vehicles attempting to stop drivers will do so by means of a visual, flashing blue or flashing blue and red lights, and/or an audible signal. Remember, a police officer never knows what to expect when stopping a driver. Do not let your emotions or sudden unexplained movements (or those of your passengers) raise tensions or anxiety in the situation.

A police officer may be more likely to listen to what you have to say and less likely to feel threatened by you (or your passengers) if you follow these guidelines:

  • Drive as closely as is safely practical to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection, stop and park.
  • Limit the movements of the driver and/or passengers while stopping your vehicle.
  • Drivers should keep their hands on the steering wheel and passengers should keep their hands in plain view. Drivers should advise officers if they have a handgun permit and if they are armed.
    Provide your driver license and/or vehicle registration when requested.
  • Keep all vehicle doors closed and remain in the vehicle unless asked to get out.
  • If the stop is made after dark, turn on the vehicle’s interior light before the officer approaches.
  • If enforcement action is taken against you that you disagree with, do not argue with the officer at the scene. Traffic violations and traffic crimes charged against you are decided in court.
  • If you find yourself being directed to pull over and stop by someone in an UNMARKED police car, you may drive slowly a short distance to the nearest area where there are other people, such as the next business parking lot or the next exit, if on the interstate. This may be important if traveling at night and/or alone.

Informational video (Public Chapter 820) Link

This informational material provides guidance on how to safely and appropriately interact with law enforcement during a traffic stop. It explains what law enforcement vehicles typically look like, how officers signal and conduct a stop, and steps a driver can take to verify that the vehicle is operated by a legitimate law enforcement officer. It also outlines how a person may proceed if they wish to continue to a safer location before stopping, helping ensure the safety and understanding of both the driver and the officer during the encounter.

10 Things To Know

If You Encounter Trouble On The Road

Last year in Tennessee there were more than 158,000 motor vehicle crashes statewide.  According to the National Safety Council, one in eight drivers will be involved in a crash this year.  If that one person is you, do you know what to do?

The Tennessee Highway Patrol responds to more than 500,000 calls for service each year.  We’ll be there to help you too should you need us – whether it’s an accident or a flat tire.  But, since these types of problems can cause anxiety, we’ve listed some tips on what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.

1. Call *THP (*847)

Should you need the assistance of a Trooper while traveling anywhere in Tennessee, simply dial *THP (*847) from your cell phone.  You will be automatically connected to the closest THP dispatch office and the operator will send a Trooper to your location.  The Tennessee Highway Patrol is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day a year and we’re ready to help you. 

Calling 911 is still an option and can be used if you find yourself in an emergency situation.  However, dialing *THP may cut down on wait time as the call goes directly to the Troopers where you’re located.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you’re traveling.  Pay attention to mile markers, road signs and landmarks along the road.  Should you encounter problems, knowing your location will make it much easier for a Trooper to find you and provide assistance.

2. Steer Your Vehicle Off the Traveled Roadway

No matter your particular problem, move your vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.  Carefully maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the road.  If the traffic is too heavy and it will cause more danger to you and others around you, move the vehicle to the emergency lane, median or other place off the roadway.  Do not stop on a bridge or next to a guardrail if at all possible. 

Turn your wheels to the right when pulling off to the shoulder of the road.  If the car is struck by another vehicle, there is a better chance it will be pushed off the roadway and not into the path of traffic.

If you’re involved in a crash and there are no serious injuries, you should move the vehicle out of traffic.  Not only is it safer to move your vehicle from the main roadway before an officer arrives, but it is also legal.  Tennessee law protects a driver or any other licensed person who moves the vehicle out of the main flow of traffic from being considered liable or at fault because of such action.  (T.C.A 55-10-117)

3. Maneuvering Off the Roadway

A flat or blowout in a highly trafficked area can cause great alarm.  At the first sign of tire trouble, firmly grip the steering wheel, but do not slam on the brakes.  Let the vehicle slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal.  Carefully maneuver your vehicle to the shoulder or toward the nearest exit.  If you have to change lanes, make sure and use your signals and watch the traffic around you by using your mirrors and looking over your shoulder.  Once you’re safely off the road, continue to steer as your vehicle slows down.  Lightly apply the brakes until you come to a complete stop.  Turn on your emergency flashers. 

If you know how to change the tire and have the right equipment, proceed cautiously.  If you need assistance, simply dial *THP.  Inform the dispatcher of your problem and location so a Trooper can be sent to assist!

4. Wait In A Safe Area

Once you’ve dialed *THP and are waiting for help to arrive, determine the safest place for you and any passengers to wait.   That may mean remaining in your vehicle or walking to an area away from traffic. 

If you are well off the roadway and traffic is light, the best policy would be to remain in vehicle until help arrives. 

However, if traffic is heavy you may feel more comfortable several feet away from the roadway.  If you choose to exit your vehicle, get out on the side furthest from the passing vehicles and find a spot where you feel secure.  Don’t stand next to, behind, or in front of your vehicle. 

5. Signaling For Assistance

If you find yourself in trouble and don’t have a cell phone, there are several actions you can take to let people know you need help.  First, turn on your emergency flashers.  This will alert passing motorists that you’re there as well as you need assistance.  Raising the hood of your car and/or placing something white on the antenna or out a window is also a signal that you need help.

6. Abandoning Your Vehicle

If you encounter an emergency that requires you to abandon your vehicle on the side of the road, try your best to leave the vehicle in a location that does not impede traffic.  Again, turning your wheels to the right is a good idea.

Tennessee law states you have 48 hours to remove a vehicle before it is towed.  Abandoned vehicles may be legally removed from the roadway if left for more than 48 hours.  However, if a vehicle is left in a place that interferes or impedes traffic, that vehicle can be towed immediately.  If towed by THP, the vehicle will be taken to a local towing lot.  You can contact the THP District Headquarters in the area where you left your car to find out where the vehicle was towed.

7. Exchange Information With Other Parties

If you have a crash where another vehicle is involved, it’s important that you obtain all the contact information for the other driver that you can at the time of incident.  The crash report provided by the law enforcement agency investigating the incident does not contain all the information you need for insurance filing purposes.

Ask the other driver for their name, phone number, address and driver license number.  Record the make and model of the vehicle.  If the driver is not the vehicle owner, ask for the owner’s name too.  You should also obtain the name of the driver’s insurance company, agent, phone number and policy number if known.

If witnesses stop, get their information also as well as a contact number for the Trooper or officer who investigates the crash.  It’s best that you save discussions about the crash for the law enforcement officers on the scene.

8. Dealing With Road Rage

If you’re a victim of road rage or any other form of aggressive driving, report it by dialing *THP.  Never retaliate or react in a manner that causes more danger. Slow down and let the other driver pass.  When it’s safe to use your cell phone, call *THP and provide them with your location, a description of the vehicle and details regarding the aggressive driving behavior. 

9. Move Over For Others

In Tennessee it’s the law to move over for emergency vehicles such as police, fire, rescue and highway maintenance personnel.  This principle should also be applied to fellow motorists along the side of the road.  Should you pass a stranded motorist, follow the move over law by moving into the adjacent lane away from the vehicle if it’s clear.  If there is too much traffic, simply slow down.  Next, if it’s safe to do so, dial *THP to alert dispatchers of the problem you saw.  That person may not have a cell phone and need the assistance of the Highway Patrol.

10. Prepare In Advance

Before you hit the road, prepare for emergency situations.  Take a cell phone and charger with you so you can easily call *THP for help.  Keep an emergency safety kit in your vehicle.  Assembled kits are available for purchase at many retail outlets, or you can create your own.  THP recommends having a flashlight, reflectors, jumper cables, first aid kit and an empty gas can.  It’s also a good idea to have a pair of gloves for tire changes and a poncho and blanket for inclement weather.

Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of your most important responsibilities. You must always secure your firearm and ammunition so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
 

Basic Safety Rules

Before handling any firearm, understand how it operates.
Not all firearms are the same. Familiarize yourself with the mechanical features of any firearm you intend to use.

Always safely store and secure your firearm
Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of the most important responsibilities of firearms ownership.

Always lock and store bullets in separate location.
Secure your firearm and ammunition separately so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.

Make sure children do not have access to the gun safe/cabinet keys

Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded
Do not take anyone's word that the firearm is unloaded - always check for yourself.

Always keep you firearm pointed in a safe direction
This is particularly important when loading, unloading, or field stripping the gun.

Never place your finger inside the trigger guard unless you intend to fire.
Your firearm cannot fire unless the trigger is pulled. Ensure that other objects do not touch the trigger.

Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Do not use your firearm if you are on any medication which impairs, even slightly, your mental or physical ability.
 

Safety Training

All gun owners should understand how a firearm operates before handling it.

In Tennessee, all applicants are required to submit proof of the successful completion of a department approved Handgun Safety Course within the past six (6) months. Call toll free 1-866-849-3548 to find out more information on handgun schools, locations and contact information.

Department of Safety Approved Handgun Safety Program
 

Handguns and Children

There are about 200 million firearms in the U.S., so even if you do not own a gun, there's a good chance that your children will encounter one someday. Your children's friends might live in homes with guns, or your children might find one that a criminal has discarded.

In 2005, there were 77 firearm deaths of children and teens in Tennessee, including 22 suicides and 7 accidents.

If You Do Not Own A Gun:

  • Talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play.
  • Tell your children to stay away from guns when they are in the homes of their friends.
  • Speak with the parents of your children’s friend to determine whether they have a gun in the home.
  • If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock it up.

Teach your children these steps to follow if they encounter a gun:

  1. Stop!
  2. Don't touch.
  3. Leave the area.
  4. Tell an adult.

On average every day, 14 American children under the age of 20 are killed and many more are wounded by guns. In 1992, firearms surpassed motor vehicles as the number one cause of brain injury fatalities in the United States.

Hiding your gun is a good idea, but not good enough. Kids have a tendency to like to explore. Putting the gun out of reach only works until your kid learns to climb or use a ladder or stepping-stool. Don't make the mistake of thinking your child is too weak to use the gun.

According to Safe Kids USA:

  • Nearly two-thirds of firearm-owning parents with school-age children believe they keep their firearm safely away from their children. However, one study found that when a gun was in the home, 75 percent to 80 percent of first- and second-graders knew where it was kept.
  • Few children under age 8 can reliably distinguish between real and toy guns or fully understand the consequences of their actions. Yet children as young as age 3 are strong enough to pull the trigger of many handguns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2013 that an estimated 15-33 percent of fatal crashes might involve drowsy drivers. Dr. Mark Rosekind, noted sleep scientist and now a member of the National Transportation Safety Board warns about the dangers of drowsy driving and the need for more public awareness. “For some reason people in our culture think it’s OK to lose sleep and get behind the wheel. It’s just as bad as drinking and driving. As far as public awareness, drowsy driving is in the dark ages,” he said.
 

Who’s at Risk?

  • Young drivers, especially men under 26 years old
  • New parents
  • People working long shifts and/or more than 60 hours per week
  • Shift workers, especially swing shift workers
  • Long haul commercial drivers
  • Business travelers that travel across time zones and suffer from “jet lag”
  • People with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy – conditions that can cause excessive sleepiness
     

Drowsy Driving is a Choice

  • A driver makes the choice to either drive drowsy or continue driving after becoming sleepy
  • Driving drowsy can cause impairment equal to driving under the influence of alcohol
  • A drowsy driver is usually unable to gauge the degree of his/her sleepiness
  • When the need for sleep becomes overwhelming the driver does not have the ability to prevent it
  • Choosing to drive drowsy is reckless behavior and a threat to public safety
     

The Signs of Drowsy Driving

  • Fighting to stay awake
  • Frequent yawning and eye blinking
  • Head bobbing up and down – you have fallen asleep!
  • Lane drifting/departures
  • Hitting the rumble strip or shoulder of the road
     

Preventing a Drowsy Driving Accident

  • Plan your trip in advance and make sure you get adequate sleep
  • Do not start a trip tired or sleepy
  • Check to see if any medications you are taking causes drowsiness
  • Do not mix alcohol and sleepiness – never drink and drive
  • Schedule regular stops (about every 100 miles or 2 hours)
  • During stops participate in some brisk activity to promote alertness
  • If drowsy – stop, drink some caffeine, and take a 15-20 minute power nap
  • If drowsiness continues – find lodging and get a good night’s sleep!

* If you are frequently sleepy or fatigued consult your physician

A highway safety survey conducted by the Center for Transportation Research and the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation at the University of Tennessee found that ninety-four percent of drivers say driving drowsy is unacceptable, yet nearly a quarter of the respondents had admitted to driving drowsy in the last thirty days.

If you have any questions about drowsy driving, please contact the Tennessee Sleep Society at ltstddd@gmail.com.

Statistical information provided by the Tennessee Sleep Society.

What is the Move Over Law?

  • The "Move Over Law," which passed in 2006, is a part of the [State Law: Move Over for Stopped Emergency Vehicles] "Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles Law" (T.C.A. 55-8-132) and requires motorists to move over into the adjacent lane of traffic, when safe to do so, or alternatively to slow down for emergency vehicles. In 2011, the law was expanded to include utility service equipment to the list of vehicles for which motorists are required to either slow down or move over.
  • Tennessee was the 30th state to establish a move over law which creates a safety zone to protect police, firefighters, other emergency personnel, and utility workers.
  • The penalty for violating the "Move Over Law" in Tennessee is a maximum fine of up to $500 and possibly up to 30 days in jail.
  • Operation of vehicles and streetcars on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.
  • The "Move Over" campaign was created to raise awareness of the move over law, and protect state troopers and others whose workplace is often the side of a busy highway.
  • Upon approaching a stationary recovery vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, solid waste vehicle, or utility service vehicle, when the vehicle is giving a signal by use of authorized flashing lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

Proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary recovery vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, solid waste vehicle, or utility service vehicle if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.

  • Upon approaching a stationary motor vehicle that is located on the shoulder, emergency lane, or median and the vehicle is giving a signal by use of flashing lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

Proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the motor vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.

 

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