tennessee motorcycle manual | tennessee motorcycle handbook
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TENNESSEETENNESSEE
MOTOR Y LEMOTORCYCLE
OPER TOROPERATORM NU LMANUAL
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Blank Inside Front Cover
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IMPORTANTINFORMATIONABOUTTHISMANUAL
This Motorcycle Operator Manual has been developed to assist you in becoming a better
motorcyclerider.ThismanualdoesnotgiveacompletestatementofallTennesseetrafficlawsand
maynotreflectthemostrecentchangesinstatelawandregulations. Foradditionalandthemost
currentinformationinstatelaw,youshouldreviewTennesseeCodeAnnotated,Title55.
Everypossible
effort
has
been
made
to
have
all
current
and
accurate
information
included
in
this
publicationasoftheprintdate.Misprintsoroutdated informationthatmayappearwithinthese
pageswillnotoverrideorsupersedechangesthathaveoccurredinthelaw,promulgatedrulesand
regulationsorpolicythathasbeeninitiatedsincetheprintingdate.
This Motorcycle Operator Manual supplements the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver Manual
whichcanbeobtainedatanyDepartmentofSafetyandHomelandSecurityDriverServiceCenter
locatedthroughoutthestateofTennessee.
Thispublication
is
also
available
on
line
at
the
Tennessee
Department
of
Safety
and
Homeland
Securitywebsite: tn.gov/safety
ServiceLocationstoReceiveandRenewYourLicense:
TheDepartmentofSafetyandHomelandSecurityhasDriverServiceCenters locatedthroughout
thestate.Forexactlocations,daysandhoursofoperationofthedriverservicecenters,thatbest
fityourneedsgotoourwebsiteat:tn.gov/safety
TDDassistanceforthehearingimpairedcanbeprovidedbydialing(615)5322281
(TelecommunicationDevice
for
the
Hearing
Impaired).
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MOTORCYCLELICENSEREQUIREMENTS
MOTORCYCLEONLY: (ClassM) (126ccormore). Anytwoorthreewheelvehicleofmorethan
125cubiccentimeters(125cc). Amotorcyclelicenseallowstheholder16yearsofageorolderthe
privilege of operating a motorcycle. The driver examination will include a vision screening,
knowledgetestandanoncycleabilityskillstest. (SeeIdentificationandApplicationRequirements
foradditional details). Note: if the applicantdoesnot already have a validdriver license fora
passengervehicle,theknowledgetestforClassDisalsorequired.
MOTORCYCLESECONDARY: (ClassM)Motorcycle isadded in thesecondarypositiononavalid
type or class of license. The addition of a motorcycle license allows the holder the privilege of
operating a motorcycle in addition to the other vehicles. The driver examination will include a
vision screening, written test and an oncycle ability skills test. The motorcycle license expires
whentheprimarylicenseexpires.
MOTORDRIVENCYCLE(SCOOTER): (ClassMLimited)(from51125cc). Anytwoorthreewheel
vehicle with a motor that produces not to exceed five brake horsepower or a motor with a
cylindercapacitynomorethan125cubiccentimeters.The license issuedtoaperson15yearsof
agewill
be
valid
only
between
the
hours
of
4:00
a.m.
and
8:00
p.m.
and
within
aseven
(7)
mile
radiusof themotordrivencycledrivershome. The license issued toaperson16andoverwill
onlyberestrictedasdeemednecessarybytheDepartmentofSafetyandHomelandSecurity.
MOTORIZEDBICYCLE: (under50 cc)Themotorizedbicycledoesnot have tobe registered,nor
does a certificate of title need to be obtained. An owner may register the vehicle under
regulationsissuedbytheCommissionerofRevenue.
Noendorsement isrequiredonadriver license inordertooperateamotorizedbicycle;thusthe
motorized
bicycle
may
be
operated
by
anyone
with
a
valid
driver
license.
Goggles, windshields and other special equipment required for motorcycles and motordriven
cyclesarenotrequiredforoperationofamotorizedbicycle. However,crashhelmetsarerequired
regardlessoftheoperatorsage.
Minorsbetweentheagesof15and16mayapplyforarestricted licensetooperateamotorized
bicycle,justastheywouldtooperateamotordrivencycle. Forinstance,theapplicantmusttake
awrittentest,visionscreeninganddemonstratetheabilitytooperatethemotorizedbicycle. The
licenseissuedwillberestrictedtoamotorizedbicycleonly. Thelicensewillbevalidonlybetween
thehours
of
4:00
a.m.
and
8:00
p.m.
and
within
aseven
(7)
mile
radius
of
the
motor
driven
cycle
drivershome.
Applicants less than eighteen (18) along with the parent or legal guardian must complete a
Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form making the parent or legal guardian financially
liablefortheapplicantsaction.
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MOTORCYCLELEARNERPERMIT: (ClassPM)Aspecialpermitallowingminorsfifteen(15)yearsof
ageto
operate
amotorcycle
after
completing
the
requirement
established
for
amotorcycle
license
withthefollowingrestrictions:
1. MustcompleteaMinor/TeenageAffidavitandCancellationForm.
2. Must be limited to amotorcycle with a maximum cylinder size of 650 cubic centimeters
(650cc).
3. Mustnotcarrypassengers.
4. Mustberestrictedfromuseoninterstatehighwaysorroadwaysotherwisemarked.
5. Operationduringdaylighthoursonly.
6.
Mustbe
limited
to
atwenty
(20)
mile
radius
of
the
drivers
home.
7. Attheageofsixteen(16),theholderofamotorcyclelearnerpermit(ClassPM)mayreturn
to a Driver Service Center and exchange their permit for a motorcycle license to retain
theprivilege to operateamotorcycle. Note: No testsare required forexchange. After
exchangeallrestrictionandsizelimitsareremoved.
8. Permitsarevalidforone(1)yearfromdateofissuance.
SPECIALBENEFITS: AllapplicantswhoholdavalidTennesseedriverlicense,thatbringacertificate
of completion from a Tennessee Certified Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) shall be
exemptfromtakingthemotorcycleknowledgeandabilityskillstestattheDriverServiceCenter.
If an applicant does not currently hold a valid Tennessee driver license, they must also take a
knowledge test based on the TennesseeComprehensiveDriverManual. Applicants who have
completedaMotorcycleSafetyFoundation(MSF)course inanystatemaypresentthecertificate
ofcompletionorMSFwalletcardandhave theabilityskills testwaived. Thecoursemusthave
beencompletedwithinthree(3)yearsoftheapplicationdate. MSFcoursecompletiondoesNOT
waivetheknowledgetest(s).
All qualified applicants who have successfully completed a state Certified Motorcycle Rider
Education
Course,
and
successfully
complete
the
vision
screening,
by
law
will
be
granted
a
ten
percent(10%)discountonliabilityinsuranceformotorcycles.1
The premium reduction shall remain in effect for the qualifying insured persons for a period of
three (3) years from the date of successful completion of an approved course, except that the
insurermayelecttoapplythepremiumreductionbeginningatthenextrenewaldateofthepolicy
andcontinuingforaperiodofthree(3)years.Applicantsshouldcontacttheirinsurancecompany
formoreinformationaboutthisprogram.
EXAMINATIONSExaminations
are
administered
by
the
Department
of
Safety
and
Homeland
Security
at
Driver
ServiceCentersinlocationsthroughoutthestateofTennessee. PickuparegularComprehensive
Driver Manual at these locations. For exact locations, days and hours of operation, visit our
websiteat:tn.gov/safety
1Tenn. Code Ann. 55-51-106
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IDENTIFICATIONAND
APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS
Tennesseehasidentificationandapplicationrequirementsforallapplicantsincludingnewand
returningresidentsaswellasTennesseansneedingtorenewanexistinglicense.
Please be sure to review this information to become familiar with the documentation
requirements you will need to bring to the Driver Service Center to assist you in making
applicationforyourmotorcyclelicenseorpermit. Becausedocumentationrequirementsforproof
of identity,proofofU.S.citizenshipor lawfulpermanentresidentstatus,andproofofTennessee
residency
are
very
specific,
it
is
very
important
that
you
read
through
these
requirements
carefully
to avoid unnecessary trips to a Driver Service Center. All documents are subject to further
verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the
issuanceofyourpermitordriverlicense.
You must provide positive proof of your full name and date of birth at the time of application.
Suchpositiveproofofidentitymaybeanoriginalorcertifiedbirthcertificateandasocialsecurity
card. The original or certified birth certificate must have an official seal and be issued by an
authorized government agency such as the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health.
Hospitalissuedcertificates(motherscopy)arenotacceptable.
Alldocumentsmustbeoriginalorcertifiedandnophotocopiescanbeaccepted.
PROOFOFIDENTITY
ApplicantswillneedtoprovidetheDepartmentwith
Two(2)acceptableidentificationdocumentsforproofofidentity. Alldocumentsmusthavefull
nameanddateofbirth
ExamplesofAcceptablePrimaryIdentificationDocumentsincludebutnotlimitedto:
U.S.photodriverlicenseorphotoIDcard,Licensefromanothercountry
Mayalsoincludephotolearnerpermits.
U.S.DepartmentofStateDriversLicensealsoacceptable.
OriginalorCertifiedBirthCertificate
Mustbe
original
or
certified,
have
an
official
seal
and
be
issued
by
an
authorized
governmentagencysuchastheBureauofVitalStatisticsorStateBoardofHealth.
IMPORTANT: PuertoRicanbirthcertificatesissuedbeforeJuly1,2010willnotberecognizedas
proofofLawfulU.S.CitizenshipbeginningNovember1,2010.
Additionalinformationonobtainingareplacementbirthcertificatecanbeobtainedonlinefrom
thegovernmentofPuertoRicoat:www.prfaa.com
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Foreignbirthcertificates,notissuedinEnglish,mustbetranslatedandaccompaniedbya
Certificateof
Accurate
Translation.
NOTE:
Hospital
issued
certificates
(mothers
copy)
are
not
acceptable.
MilitaryIdentification
ActiveDuty,RetireeorReservistmilitaryIDcard (DDForm2or2A)
Dischargepapers (DD214)
MilitaryDependentIDcard(forspouseorchildrenofActiveDutyMilitarypersonnel)
ValidUnitedStatesPassport
ValidForeignPassport
ForeignpassportsmustcontainaValidUnitedStatesVisaorI94tobeusedasaprimary
proofofidentification.
Foreignpassports,notissuedinEnglish,mustbetranslatedandaccompaniedbya
CertificateofAccurateTranslation.Passportsarenotacceptableifexpired.
UnitedStates
Citizenship
and
Immigration
Service
Documentation
CertificateofNaturalizationN550,N570,N578
CertificateofCitizenshipN560,N561,N645
EmploymentAuthorizationcard(I766)
NorthernMarianaCard
AmericanDepartmentofIndianAffairsTribalCard
U.S.CitizenIdentificationCard(I179,I197)
TemporaryResidentIdentificationCard(I688)
TravelDocumentsRecordofArrivalandDeparture(I94)
BorderCrossingIdentification (I586)
NonimmigrantVisa/BorderCrossingCard(DSP150)
U.S.ReentryPermit(I327)
RefugeeI94RecordofArrivalandDeparturestamped"Refugee
RefugeeTravelDocument(I571)
CanadianImmigrationRecordandVisaorRecordofLanding(IMM100)
CanadianDepartmentofIndianAffairsissuedIDcard.
MarriageLicense/Certificate
Mustincludetheapplicant'sfullnameanddateofbirth.Thecertificatemustbethe
originalorcertifiedcopythatisregisteredAFTERthemarriage;NOTjustthe
"license"authorizing theunion.
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FederalCensusRecord
Mustincludetheapplicant'sfullnameanddateofbirth(age).
Applicant'sOwnChild'sBirthCertificate
Mustincludetheapplicant's(i.eparents)fullnameanddateofbirthnotjustageof
parentatthetimeofthechildsbirth.
IMPORTANT: PuertoRicanbirthcertificatesissuedbeforeJuly1,2010willnotbe
recognized
as
proof
of
Lawful
U.S.
Citizenship
beginning
November
1,
2010.
Additionalinformationonobtainingareplacementbirthcertificatecanbeobtainedonline
fromthegovernmentofPuertoRicoat:www.prfaa.com
AdoptiveDecree
Mustincludetheapplicant'sfullnameanddateofbirth.
LegalChangeofName(Marriage,Divorce,etc.)
Asrecorded
in
court
decree
with
judges
original
signature
and/or
official
court
seal.
NOTE:
Copy
of
court
document
with
copied
seal/signature
is
not
acceptable.
Copy
of
court
documentwithanoriginalsignature/sealthatisaffixedtocopyisacceptable.
Anyconfirmationofdateofbirthinacourtoflaw
Asrecordedincourtdocument(s)withjudge'soriginalsignatureand/orofficialcourtseal.
NOTE:
Copy
of
court
document
with
copied
seal/signature
is
not
acceptable.
Copy
of
courtdocumentwithanoriginalsignature/sealthatisaffixedtocopyisacceptable.
AnyotherdocumentaryevidencewhichconfirmstothesatisfactionoftheDepartmentthetrue
identityanddateofbirthoftheapplicant.
ExamplesofAcceptableSecondaryIdentificationDocuments:
ComputerizedCheckStubs
Mustinclude
the
applicant's
full
name
pre
printed
on
the
stub.
UnionMembershipCards
Mustincludetheapplicant'sfullnamepreferablywithphotoand/orSocialSecurity
number.
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WorkIDs
Preferablywithphotoand/orSocialSecuritynumber.
FinancialInstitutionDocuments
Computerprintoutsofbankstatements,savingsaccountstatements,loandocuments,etc.
(Internetbankstatementsareacceptableonlyiftakentothelocalbank,stampedand
datedbytellerasanactiveaccount.Checksandcheckbookinformationarenotacceptable)
SocialSecurityDocuments
SocialSecurityCard(originalonlynotmetalorplasticreplicas)
Printoutorbenefitsstatements,etc.
SocialSecurityCheckorDirectDepositVerificationofSocialSecurityCheck
HealthInsuranceCard
TennCare,Medicaid,Medicare,etc.
HealthInsuranceCard
InsurancePoliciesorPaymentstatements
IRS/statetaxform
CurrentW2Forms,Propertytaxreceipts,etc.withinthepast12months.
MilitaryRecords
Assignmentorders,selectiveservicecards,Leave&EarningsStatement,etc.
UnitedStates
or
Foreign
SchoolRecords
Transcriptofgrades
ElementaryImmunizationor"Shot"Records
DiplomaorG.E.D.
VehicleDocuments
VehicleRegistrationortitle
BillofSaleorpurchasecontract
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PROOFOFU.S.CITIZENSHIPORLAWFULPERMANENTRESIDENTSTATUS
IfthisisyourfirstTennesseelicenseorifyouareexchangingalicensefromanotherstateyouare
requiredtoprovideproofofUnitedStatescitizenshiporlawfulpermanentresidentstatus.
AcceptableDocumentsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,forproofofU.S.Citizenship:
OfficialBirthCertificateissuedbyaU.S.state,jurisdictionorterritory(PuertoRico,U.S.
VirginIslands,NorthernMarianaIslands,AmericanSamoa,Swain'sIsland,Guam)
IMPORTANT: PuertoRicanbirthcertificatesissuedbeforeJuly1,2010willnotbe
recognized
as
proof
of
Lawful
U.S.
Citizenship
beginning
November
1,
2010.
Additionalinformationonobtainingareplacementbirthcertificatecanbeobtainedonline
fromthegovernmentofPuertoRicoat:www.prfaa.com
(Mustbeoriginalorcertified,haveanofficialsealandbeissuedbyanauthorized
governmentagencysuchastheBureauofVitalStatisticsorStateBoardofHealth.
Hospital
issued
certificates
(mothers
copy)
are
not
acceptable.
U.S.GovernmentissuedCertifiedBirthCertificate
U.S.CertificateofBirthAbroad(DS1350orFS545)
ReportofBirthAbroadofaCitizenoftheU.S.(FS240)
Valid,unexpiredU.S.Passport
CertificateofCitizenship(N560orN561)
CertificateofNaturalization(N550,N570orN578)
U.S.CitizenIdentificationCard(I197,I179)
AcceptableDocumentsinclude,butnotlimitedto,forproofofLawfulPermanentResident
Status:
PermanentResidentAlienCard(I551)
ForeignpassportstampedbytheU.S.Governmentindicatingthattheholderhasbeen
"ProcessedforI551"
PermanentresidentReentryPermit(I327)
ArrivalDepartureFormI94withTemporaryI551stampandholdersphotograph
affixed
TravelDocumentissuedtoPermanentResidents(I327)
TravelDocument
issued
to
Refugees
(I
571)
FormI94stamped withoneofthefollowingstatuses: Asylee,ParoleeorParole,Refugee,
Asylum,HPhumanitarianparoleeorPIPpublicinterestparolee
IfyouarenotaU.S.CitizenorLawfulPermanentResidentyoumaybeeligibletoqualifyfora
TemporaryDriverLicense.
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PROOFOFTENNESSEERESIDENCY
IfyoudonotalreadyhaveaTennesseeDriverLicenseorlearnerpermit,youwillalsoberequired
toprovidetwodocumentswithyourTennesseeresidenceaddressasproofofresidency. APost
Officeboxormaildropaddressisnotacceptableasproofofresidency.
Examplesofacceptabledocumentsforproofofresidencyinclude:
Currentutilitybillincludinglandlinetelephone,electric,water,gas,cable,etc.(Wireless
telephonebillscannotbeaccepted)
Currentbank
statement
(Internet
bank
statements
are
acceptable
only
if
taken
to
the
local
bank,stampedanddatedbytellerasanactiveaccount.Checksandcheckbookinformation
arenotacceptable)
Currentrental/Mortgagecontractorreceiptincludingdeedofsaleforproperty.
Currentemployerverificationofresidenceaddressorletterfromemployeraslongasitis
oncompanyletterheadwithoriginalsignature.Ifemployerdoesnothaveletterheadthen
signatureofemployermustbenotarized.
Currentpaycheck/checkstub,workIDorbadge,ifaddressisincluded.
Currentautomobile,lifeorhealthinsurancepolicy(WalletCardscannotbeaccepted)
Currentdriver
license/ID
issued
by
the
Tennessee
Department
of
Safety
to
aparent,
legal
guardianorspouseofapplicant
CurrentTennesseemotorvehicleregistrationortitle
CurrentTennesseevoterregistration
CurrentInternalRevenueServicetaxreportingW2formwithlast12months
Receiptforpersonalpropertyorrealestatetaxespaidwithinpastlastyear
Incaseofastudentenrolledinpublicorprivateschoolinthisstate,studentmayprovidea
photostudentIDandacceptabledocumentationfromtheDeanorBursarOfficethatthe
studentlives
on
campus.
IndividualTaxpayerIdentificationNumber(ITIN)issuedbytheInternalRevenueService
BothitemsmayNOTbefromthesamesource.ForexampleanapplicantcouldNOTuse:
Vehicleregistrationandvehicletitleforsamevehicleordocumentationformultiple
vehicles
WaterandGasbillfromthesameutility
CableandTelephonebillsfromthesamecompany
Allitems
are
required
to
be
current
documents
within
the
past
four
(4)
months.
InternalRevenueServicedocumentsmustbefromthepasttwelve(12)months.
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TEMPORARYDRIVERLICENSE
YoumaybeeligibletoobtainaTemporaryDriverLicensefortheoperationofamotorcycle,motor
scooter or motor driven cycle (Class XM). The Temporary Driver License is issued to persons
whosepresenceintheUnitedStateshasbeenauthorizedbythefederalgovernmentforaspecific
purposeand for aspecificperiodof time. Qualifyingapplicants whoobtainaTemporaryDriver
Licensefortheoperationofamotorcycle,motorscooterormotordrivencycle(ClassXM)willbe
issuedaphotolicensedocumentvalidforbothdrivingandidentificationpurposes.
InordertoqualifyfortheTemporaryDriverLicense,theapplicantwillberequiredtoprovidethe
Department with proof of temporary legal presence and authorized stay in the United States.
Suchproof
must
indicate
the
applicants
length
of
authorized
stay
in
the
United
States.
ToprovetemporarylegalpresenceandauthorizedstayintheUnitedStates,applicantsmust
provideoneofthefollowing:
ConditionalResidentAlienCard(I551)
ValidForeignPassportwithValidVisaandI94attached
(Note:ThepassportmusthaveanEnglishtranslation)
ValidForeignPassportwithI94Wattached
o Holdersof
F1,
F2,
M1,
or
M2
status
should
also
present
avalid
SEVIS
I20
o HoldersofJ1orJ2statusshouldalsopresentavalidDS2019
TemporaryResidentIdentificationCard(I688)
EmploymentAuthorizationCard(I766)
TheapplicantfortheTemporaryDriverLicensewillalsoneedtoprovide:
Legal proof of name change (i.e. certified marriage certificate, certified final divorce
decree,etc.)willberequiredifthenameontheidentificationdocumentsdoesnotmatch
the
federal
document
used
for
proof
of
temporary
legal
presence.
If the applicant wishes to have the Temporary Driver License issued in a name different
that what appears on the federaldocuments, proof will need to be provided confirming
that the name change has already been submitted to the federal agency will also be
required.
Two(2)proofsofTennesseeresidency.
Proofofsocialsecuritynumber (orswornaffidavit ifnosocialsecuritynumberhasbeen
issued).
Theapplicantwillalsohavetosuccessfullypasstherequiredvisionscreening,knowledgetest(s)
andskills
tests
where
applicable.
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Minor/TeenageAffidavit
Applicants under eighteen (18) years of age must complete a Minor/Teenage Affidavit and
CancellationFormavailableatalldriverlicenseservicecenters. Thisformconfirmsthattheadult
signingtheformjoins intheapplicationforthe licenseandwillberesponsiblefortheactionsof
the minor driver. This includes assuming financial responsibility for the actions of the minor
driver. Itmustbesignedbyaparent,stepparent livingatthesameaddressas theapplicant,
legalguardian,oragrandparentauthorizedbytheparent,stepparentorguardian.
If adults cannot accompany the minor to the driver license station to sign the form, it may be
completedaheadoftimeandsignedbeforeanotarypublic.
Ifagrandparent isassuming financialresponsibility for theyouth, thegrandparentmustbringa
notarizedstatementauthorizingthis,signedbytheparent,astepparent,custodianorguardian,
asappropriate.
Additionally, if applicants under 18 do not already have a Class D or PD license, they will be
requiredtoprovideproofofschoolattendanceasdetailedintheregulardriverhandbookonour
websiteattn.gov/safety.
IfyoualreadyhaveavalidClassDorPDlicense,yourmotorcycleexaminationwillconsistof:
Visionscreening
Motorcyclerulesoftheroadknowledgetest
Motorcyclepretripinspection
Motorcycleskills/roadtest
IfyoudoNOTalreadyhaveaClassDorPDlicense,yourexaminationwillalsoinclude:
Regular Rules of the Road knowledge test. (You will need to study the regular Tennessee
ComprehensiveDriverManual,ifthistestisrequired.)
Motorcyclelicensesareissuedunderthesame5yearrenewalcycleasregulardrivelicenses. The
firstissuancecanrangebetween3to7yearsinordertosynchronizetheexpirationdatewithyour
nextmajorbirthdateevenlydivisiblebyfive(ie.25,30,35,40,etc.) Exception: ClassMLimited
issuedtoapplicantsage15willbecalculatedtoexpireonthe16th
birthday.
IMPORTANTINFORMATIONABOUTDRUGSANDALCOHOL
PLEASENOTE: Tennessee isseriousabouteducatingthepubliconthetragediesofdrivingunder
the
influence
of
drugs
or
alcohol.
To
underscore
this,
the
law
requires
at
least
25%
of
the
knowledgetesttoconsistofquestionsdealingwiththistopic. DrivingUndertheInfluence(DUI)
includes not only alcohol, but any intoxicant, narcotic drug, or other drug producing central
nervoussystemeffectsincludingprescriptiondrugs.
ThemainpointsofTennesseesDUI lawsaresummarizedbelow. However,tobefullyprepared
for your motorcycle knowledge test you must also study Section B. Chapter 7 Alcohol,Other
DrugsandDrivingintheregularTennesseeComprehensiveDriverManual.
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YoumaypickupacopyofthismanualatanyDriverServiceCenterthroughoutTennesseeoryou
canreview
the
manual
online
at
http://tn.gov/safety/dlhandbook/menu.htm.
DrinkingandDriving
AlcoholandYou
Researchersestimatethatbetweenthehoursof10:00p.m.and2:00a.m.,oneofevery10drivers
isintoxicated. Morethanonethirdofthesedrivershavebeendrinkingatsomeoneelseshome.
Nearly 50 percent of the drivers arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) are social to
moderate drinkers. Dont think that it wont happen to you. In your lifetime, theres a high
probabilitythatyoullbeinvolvedinanalcoholrelatedcrash.
AnOverviewoftheEffectsofAlcohol
Beforeyoucanfullyunderstandwhydrinkinganddrivingresultinfatalitiesonthehighways,you
firstneedabetterunderstandingoftheeffectsofalcoholonthebody.
HowDoesAlcoholAffecttheBody?
Alcoholbeginstobeabsorbedintothebloodstreamwithinonetotwominutesafteranalcoholic
beverageisconsumed. Asyouconsumealcohol,itaccumulatesinyourblood.Intoxicationoccurs
whenyoudrinkalcoholfasterthanthe livercanoxidize it. Asthepercentageofalcohol inyour
bloodincreases,youbecomemoreintoxicated.
Onceinthebloodstream,thealcoholisdistributedtoallpartsofthebody,includingthebrainand
liver. Uponreachingthe liver,thealcohol immediatelybeginstobeoxidized.However,the liver
can only oxidize about one drink per hour. Contrary to popular belief, this rate cannot be
increasedbydrinkingcoffee,exercising,takingacoldshoweroranythingelse.Onlytimecansober
apersonthathasbeendrinking. Andremember,itisaslowprocess.
WhatIsBloodAlcoholConcentration(BAC)?
BloodAlcoholConcentration (BAC) isameasurementof thepercentageofalcohol in theblood.
ThehighertheBACnumber,themoreimpairedapersonis. Inmoststates,includingTennessee,
.08isthelevelofintoxicationwhichisalwaysillegal. Thismeansthatforevery10,000dropsof
blood inapersonsbody,thereareeightdropsofalcohol. BACchangeswithbodyweight,time
spentdrinking,andtheamountofalcoholthatisconsumed.
AmountofAlcoholConsumption.
Each drink consumed within an hour increases the BAC level. The more you drink in a fixed
amountoftime,thehigheryourBACwillregister. Thishappensnomatterwhatyouweighor
whatkindofalcoholicbeverageyoudrink.
Rateof
Alcoholic
Consumption.
Drinking threedrinks inonehourwillaffectyoumorethandrinkingthreedrinks inthreehours.
Spacingthedrinksoveralongerperiodoftimewillslowtherateatwhichyoubecomeintoxicated
andindicatesresponsibledrinkinghabits.
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BodyWeightandFat.
Theheavier
the
person,
the
more
alcohol
it
takes
to
raise
the
BAC.
Be
aware
of
your
size
when
drinkingwithothers. Ifyouaresmallerthanyourfriendsandtrytodrinkasmuchastheydo,your
judgmentandinhibitionswillprobablybeaffectedbeforetheirsare.
Body fatalsoaffectshowquicklyyouareaffectedbyalcohol. Alcohol isable tobeabsorbed in
water, not fat. This simply means that people with less body fat have more water in which to
dilutethealcohol. So,drinkfordrink,ifpeopleweighthesame,theonewithmorebodyfatwill
showsignsofintoxicationfirst.
AmountofFoodintheStomach.
Allthe
alcohol
consumed
eventually
gets
into
the
blood
whether
you
have
eaten
or
not.
Food
in
thestomachcausesalcoholtobeabsorbedmoreslowly,slowingdowntherateandtheamountof
intoxication.
OverallConditionoftheBody
Heavyandchronicdrinkingcanharmvirtuallyeveryorganandsystem in thebody. The liver is
particularlyvulnerable toalcohols harmful effectssince it oxidizes approximately90 percent of
the alcohol in the body. If the liver is damaged or diseased, the rate of oxidation is reduced,
causingthealcoholtostayinthebodylongerandtheBACtobehigherforalongertime. Further,
theeffectsofalcoholonthelivercanleadtosuchdiseasesashepatitisandcirrhosis.
RelationshipofAlcoholtoTrafficCrashes
Drivingafterdrinkingisawidespreadproblem. ItisestimatedthattwoineveryfiveAmericans(or
40%)willbeinvolvedinanalcoholrelatedcrashatsometimeintheirlives.
Eachdrinkdrasticallyincreasesyourriskofhavingatrafficcrash.
WithaBACof.10percent,youareseventimesmorelikelytocauseacrashthanifyouweresober.
As
your
BAC
increases
to
.15
percent,
your
chances
of
causing
a
traffic
crash
increase
to
25
times.
At.17percentBAC,youare50timesmorelikelytocauseacrash.
BehaviorateachBAClevelmaydiffersomewhatwiththeindividual. ALLpeopleatthe.10percent
level are definitely too impaired to drive safely. Research has proven that driving skills, good
judgmentandvisionaregreatlyimpairedatBAClevelsaslowas.03and.04percent,especiallyfor
youngdrinkers.
AlcoholsEffectsonDrivingAbility
Drivinginvolves
multiple
tasks,
and
the
demands
can
change
continually.
To
drive
safely,
you
must
maintain alertness, make decisions based on everchanging information present in the
environmentandexecutemaneuversbasedonthesedecisions. Drinkingalcohol impairsawide
rangeofskillsnecessaryforcarryingoutthesetasks. Fatalinjuries,resultingfromalcoholrelated
traffic crashes, represent a tremendous loss of human life. In 2008, 15,438 deaths nationwide
(41%ofall trafficfatalities)werealcoholrelated. InTennessee,39percentofalltrafficfatalities
(404deaths)werealcoholrelated.
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Theplainandsimplefact isthatyoucannotdrivesafelywhenyouare impairedbyalcohol. The
two
abilities
most
important
to
the
driving
task
arejudgment
and
vision
both
of
which
are
affectedbysmallamountsofalcohol. Yourabilitytojudgespeed,timeanddistancearealtered
afteronlyonedrink. Eachextradrinkgreatlyaffectsyourdrivingability. Inaddition,yourreaction
timeandcoordinationbegin todeteriorate,whileyouralertnessandconcentration fade. Allof
thisaddsuptoadeadlycombination.
Judgment:
AbilitytoThinkClearlyandMakeQuickDecisions
Goodjudgment decreases with the use of alcohol. The concern for physical well being also
lessens.
Peopleunder
the
influence
of
alcohol
take
unnecessary
and
dangerous
risks.
Examples
are driving too fast, passing cars without enough clear distance and speeding around curves.
Showingoffisanotherexampleofimpairedjudgment.
Vision:
AbilitytoSeeClearlyStraightAhead,totheSideandatNight
Alcoholdecreasesclearnessofvision. Itreducestheability toseeclearlyatnightbymorethan
half. Glarevisionispoorbecauseofrelaxedeyemuscles. Glarerecoveryisalsoslowedbyalcohol.
Side vision is reduced by about 30 percent at .05 percent BAC. Judging depth or distance is
affected
because
alcohol
causes
each
eye
to
get
a
slightly
different
picture.
These
vision
impairments greatly increase the chances of a headon or rearend collision. Eye muscles are
relaxedbyalcoholandcannotfocusproperly. Becausetheeyesprovidealmost90percentofthe
informationusedindriving,anyrestrictioninvisioncancausedisastrousresults.
ReactionTimeandCoordination
Thisistheabilitytoreactquicklyandsafelytoanemergencyorhazardoussituationbeingableto
keepeyes,handsandfeetworkingtogether.
Reaction
and
coordination
are
impaired
by
alcohol
consumption
as
low
as
.02
percent
BAC.
It
takeslongertoreact. Coordinationskillstocontrolthecarwithhands,feetandeyesinresponse
toothervehiclesandtheroadaredrasticallyreducedasalcoholintakeincreases.
AlertnessandConcentration
Beingreadytoreacttochangingdrivingconditionsorsituations,keepingyourmindondrivingand
payingattentiontothetaskathand.
Alcohol, inanyconcentration, isadepressant,notastimulant. Alcoholslowsallnerve impulses
and body functions. The false feeling of stimulation that comes with small doses of alcohol is
caused
by
the
lessening
of
inhibitions.
Thats
because
the
particular
portion
of
the
braincontrolling this part of behavior is being relaxed. In reality, alcohol has the effect of limiting a
driversabilitytobealertandtoconcentrate.
EveryDayDrugs
Oneofthemostcommonandmostdangerous instancesofdrugabuseoccurswhenpeoplemix
alcohol with prescription and overthecounter drugs. For example, when alcohol is combined
with another depressant, like tranquilizers or sedatives, etc., the results are not just added
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together. They are multiplied. Even some overthecounter medicines can affect driving. The
effectsare
much
stronger,
much
more
dangerous
and
can
affect
your
driving
skills.
Ifyourdoctorprescribesatranquilizerorsedative,makeapointtodiscusshowthedrugwillaffect
yourabilitytodrivesafely. JustbecauseadrugisprescribedisbylawthisisNOdefensefor
drivingundertheinfluenceofit.
Nonprescriptiondrugs,suchascoldtablets,coughsyrups,allergyremedies,etc.,purchasedover
thecounter may contain antihistamines, alcohol, codeine and other compounds that can be
especially dangerous for drivers. Read labels and pay attention to warnings (e.g., may cause
drowsiness, do not operate machinery, caution against engaging in operations requiring
alertness).
Ifyouhavequestionsaboutaparticulardrugorcombinationofdrugs,checkwithyourdoctoror
pharmacist.
DrivingUndertheInfluenceofDrugsorAlcohol(TheDUILaw)
Studies indicate that marijuana and other drugs also affectjudgment and motor functions. This
makesdrivingundertheinfluenceofdrugsotherthanalcoholdangerousaswell. InTennessee,it
is unlawful for any person to drive or be in physical control of an automobile or other motor
driven vehicle on any public street, highway, road or alley, or while on the premises of any
shopping
center,trailer
park
or
any
apartment
house
complex,
or
any
place
frequented
by
the
publicwhile:
1. Undertheinfluenceofanyintoxicant,marijuana,narcoticdrugordrugsproducing
stimulatingeffectsonthecentralnervoussystem;or
2. Whilethealcoholconcentrationoftheoperatorsbloodorbreathis.08percentor
higher.
The
defendants
ability
to
drive
when
using
drugs
may
be
sufficiently
impaired
to
constitute
a
DUI
violation. AdrivercanregisteraBACof.00percentandstillbeconvictedofaDUI. The levelof
BACdoesnotclearadriverwhen it isbelow .08percent. Ifa lawenforcementofficerobserves
things, such as erratic driving behavior, or maintaining an inappropriate speed (too fast or too
slow),itwouldbesufficientcauseforstoppingthevehicletoinvestigate. Furthersobrietychecks
could lead to the conclusion that the driver was indeed Driving Under the Influence of an
intoxicant, narcotic drug or other drug producing stimulating effects on the central nervous
system, includingprescriptiondrugs. Ifyouhaveanydoubtaboutyourabilitytodrive,dontget
behindthewheel.
ImpliedConsent
Law
Bylaw,whenyoudriveinTennessee,youhavegivenyourconsenttobetestedtodeterminethe
alcohol or drug content of your blood. This test must be administered at the request of a law
enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to believe you have been driving under the
influenceofanintoxicantordrug.
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Ifyouareplacedunderarrestanda lawenforcementofficerasksyou to take the testandyou
refuse,the
test
will
not
be
given.
The
court
will
send
notification
of
action
to
the
Department
of
SafetyandHomelandSecurityandyourdriverlicensewillbesuspendedfortwelve(12)months.
ConsequencesofaDUIArrest
Drinkinganddrivingposesseveralproblems. Oneistheprobabilityofanaccident,andanotheris
being arrested for DUI. The penalties for a DUI arrest are the same whether the driver was
drinkingalcoholortakingdrugs(evenprescriptionoroverthecounterdrugs). Ifyouarearrested
forDUI,theconsequencescanbesevere.
DUIPenalties
PenaltiesApplyingtoAnyDUIConviction
Regardlessof
whether
the
conviction
for
driving
under
the
influence
is
adrivers
first
or
not,
severalotherlawsapply:
IDswithDUIOffender: IfapersonwithalicenserevokedforDUIappliesforaphoto
identificationlicensetocarryduringtheperiodbeforehisorherlicensecanberestored,
thedepartmentisrequiredtoindicateontheIDthatthepersonisaDUIoffender.
LitterRemoval: ADUIconvictionalsorequiresasaconditionofprobation,Litterpickup
forthreeeighthourshifts. Whileremovinglitter,theoffenderhastowearavestorother
clothingdisplayingthemessage,IamaDRUNKDRIVER. IftheoffenderisaTennessee
resident,the
litter
pick
up
is
done
in
his/her
home
county.
VehicleSeizure: Avehiclecanbeseizedifadriverischargedwithdrivingonarevoked
licensewhenhis/herdrivingprivilegesarealreadyrevokedasaresultofaDUIconviction
(firstorsubsequent).
JailTime FinesLicenseRevocation
PeriodVehicleSeizure
1stConviction48hours (7daysifBACis
0.20%ormore)$350$1500 1Year DoesNotApply
2ndConviction45days11months,29
days$600$3,500 2Years
Vehicleissubjecttoseizure
andforfeiture
3rdConviction
120days11months,29
days
$1,100
$10,000 310Years
Vehicleissubjecttoseizure
andforfeiture
4thorsubsequent
Conviction
(isaClassEfelony)
150daysmaximum
allowableforClassE
felony
$3,000
$15,000
5Years (to
indefinite)
Vehicleissubjecttoseizure
andforfeiture
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VehicularHomicide: Ifyouareoperatingamotorvehicleundertheinfluenceofadrugor
alcohol,and
you
are
involved
in
acrash
resulting
in
the
death
of
another
person(s),
you
maybechargedwithvehicularhomicide. Ifconvicted,youmaybefinedandsentencedto
prison. Itispossibletobeimprisonedformanyyears.
AggravatedAssault: Ifyouareoperatingavehicleundertheinfluenceof adrugoralcohol,
andyouareinvolvedinamotorvehiclecrashthatresultsintheinjuryofanotherperson,
youmaybechargedwithaggravatedassault. Ifconvicted,youmaybefinedandsentenced
toprison.
ChildEndangerment: KnownastheDrunkDrivingChildProtectionAct,thereareadded
penaltiesfor
people
who
violate
DUI
laws
when
accompanied
by
achild
under
18
years
old.
Thereisamandatoryminimumjailsentenceof30days,andamandatoryminimumfineof
$1,000. Bothofthesechildrelatedpenaltiesareaddedontoanyotherincarceration,
penaltyandfines. Ifthechildsuffersseriousbodilyinjury,theviolationisaClassDfelony,
andif thechilddies,itisaClassCfelonyofespeciallyaggravatedchildendangerment.
AdditionalDUIPenalties
Inadditiontotheminimumpenaltiesabove,thejudgewillalsorequirethefollowingoftheDUI
offender:
Toundergo
adrug
and
treatment
assessment
and
receive
treatment,
as
appropriate,
forthosewhohavehadapriorDUIinthefiveyearspriortothecurrentDUI.
ParticipationinanalcoholsafetyDUIschoolprogram,ifavailable;or
Participationinaprogramofalcoholordrugrehabilitationatatreatmentfacility,if
available,forsecondandsubsequentconvictions;and
Thepaymentofrestitutiontoanypersonsufferingphysicalinjuryorpersonallossesasa
resultoftheDUI,iftheoffenderiseconomicallycapableofmakingrestitution.
Thedriversvehiclewillbeseizedifhe/shehastwoDUIconvictionswithinfiveyears
ANDbotheventshappenedafterJanuary1997.
CourtsmayalsolimittheDUIoffendertodrivingonlyamotorvehicleequippedwithafunctioning
ignitioninterlockdevice(whichkeepsacarfromstartingifthedriversBACistoohigh).
PLEASENOTE:Apersonwith2DUIsinafiveyearperiodMUSToperateamotorvehiclewiththe
ignitionblockdeviceforsixmonthsafterreinstatementofdrivingprivileges.
Remember,drivingwhileundertheinfluenceofdrugsevenprescriptiondrugscarriesthe
samepenaltiesasforalcohol.
DUIsAre
Expensive!
Besidesbeingextremelydangerousandagainstthe law,DUIsarecostly. Inadditiontothefines
andcourtcosts,apersonchargedwithDUIcanbefacedwithpostingbondtogetreleasedfrom
jail,attorneyfees,lossoftimefromworktoattendcourthearings,lossoftimefromworktoserve
timeinjail,feesforalcoholsafetycoursesandpossibletreatment,increasedinsurancepremiums,
andotherexpenses.Thiscanadduptoseveralthousanddollars.
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AsingleDUI (DrivingUnder the Influence)convictioncouldcostyouasmuchas$5,000ormore
afterall
fines
and
fees
have
been
paid.
A
first
offense
DUI
charge
could
easily
add
up
to
such
astaggeringcost!
PotentialcostsofaDUIconvictioninclude:
CourtCosts&Fines
Bail
TowingandVehicleStorageFees
AttorneyFees
AlcoholEducation
Program
Enrollment
DriverLicenseReinstatementFees
IgnitionInterlockProgramCosts
HigherInsurancePremiumsandSR22Form
YoungDriverRisksandLaws
NotJustDrivingRidingWithOthers!
Youngpeople remainespeciallyvulnerable to the threatofalcoholandotherdrugs. This isnot
only from their own impaired driving, but also from getting in the car or on a motorcycle withotherdriverswhoarenotsober. TRAFFICCRASHESARETHELEADINGKILLEROFYOUNGPEOPLE,
ANDNEARLYHALFAREALCOHOLRELATED. Inanationalsurvey,nearlyhalfof10thgradersanda
thirdofeighthgradersreportedhavingriddenduringthepastmonthwithadriverwhohadused
alcoholorotherdrugsbeforetakingthewheel.
Crashrecordsindicatethatyoungdriversundertheinfluenceofsmallamountsofalcoholappear
to have more driving problems than older drivers. Most teenagers are intoxicated at low BAC
levels. Theyoungdriverschanceofacrash ismuchgreaterwithBACbetween .01.08percent
than
older
drivers.
This
is
due
to
low
tolerance
of
alcohol
and
limited
driving
experience.
THEDECISIONISYOURS. BERESPONSIBLEANDSMARTHELPYOURSELFANDYOURFRIENDS!
Under21Laws
Inadditiontothestandardpenaltiesfordrivingundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcoholdiscussed
previously,therearethreespeciallawsthatapplytopeopleundertheageof21:
1820AlcoholViolations: Ifyouare18,19or20yearsoldandareconvictedof
purchasing,attemptingtopurchase,orpossessinganyalcoholicbeverage,youwilllose
yourprivilege
to
drive
for
one
year.
If
it
happens
asecond
time
you
will
lose
your
license
fortwoyears. Thelawappliestoanyalcoholrelatedconviction,whetherornotyouwere
drivingoreveninavehicle.
JuvenileOffenders: Ifyouarebetweentheagesof13and17andarefoundtohave
possessed,consumedorsoldeitheralcoholordrugs,yourdrivingprivilegewillbe
suspendedforoneyearoruntilage17,whicheverislonger. Evenifyouhaveneverbeen
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licensed,youcouldloseyourprivilegetodriveuntilyoureachage17. Ifyouhavea
secondconviction,
the
suspension
is
for
two
years
or
until
age
18,
whichever
is
longer.
Under21BAC: Apersonwhoisatleast16,butisnotyet21yearsold,andwho isfound:
(1)drivingwithaBACof.02percent;(2)undertheinfluenceofalcohol;or(3)underthe
influenceofanyotherintoxicant,willbeconvictedofunderagedrivingwhileimpaired.
Penaltiesforthisconvictionare: losingyourlicenseforoneyear,afineof$250and
sometimes,includespublicservicework.
CONSEQUENCESOFUNDERAGEDRIVINGWHILEIMPAIRED
Thedelinquent
act
of
underage
driving
while
impaired
for
aperson
age
sixteen
(16)
or
over
but
undertheageofeighteen(18) ispunishablebyadriver licensesuspensionofone(1)yearanda
fineoftwohundredfiftydollars($250). Asadditionalpunishment,thecourtmay imposepublic
servicework.
PreventionofDrinkingandDriving
Thebestadvice,ofcourse,issimplytonotdrinkwhenyouknowyouaregoingtodrive.Oneofthe
mostsuccessfulprograms inrecentyearshasbeenthedesignateddriverconcept,wherefriends
agree ahead of time which person will remain strictly sober. Many night clubs offer the
designateddriver
free
non
alcoholic
beverages
for
the
evening.
Young
people,
who
do
not
want
to drink in the first place, are finding it more socially acceptable to offer to be the designated
driver.
AvoidingtheRisks
Alcoholrelatedcrashesarenotaccidents. Theycanbeprevented. Ifyouareplanninganighton
the town,decidebeforeyoustartdrinking thatyouarenotgoing todrive. Remember, alcohol
affectsyourjudgment. Itsalotmoredifficulttomakethedecisionnottodriveafteroneortwo
drinks.
DIDYOUKNOW?
1. Theamountofalcoholinone(12ounce)bottleofbeerisaboutequalto
thatina(1ounce)shotofwhiskey.
2. Whenalcoholisconsumed,itquicklyreachesthebrainwhereit,ineffect,
shortcircuitsthepartsthatcontroljudgment,emotionsandconfidence.
3. Thefirstthingaffectedafterdrinkingalcoholisapersonsjudgment.
4. Reliableresearchstudiesshowthattwoorthreedrinksofalcoholinthree
hoursorlessimpairthedrivingabilityofmostindividuals.
5.
Ittakes
about
one
hour
to
cancel
the
effects
of
one
drink.
It
takes
about
threehourstocanceltheintoxicatingeffectsofthreedrinks.
6. Alcoholrelatedvehiclecrashesarethenumberonekillerofpersonsunder
theageof40.
7. Manydrugs,evenlegaloverthecounterdrugs,canimpairyourabilityto
drive. Ifyouaretakingthemforacold,theymakeyoufeelwellenough
todrive,buttheycanalsoaffectalertness,judgment,coordinationand
vision.
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Anypersoneighteen(18)yearsofageorolderisexemptfromwearingahelmetonamotorcycleif
itis
being
ridden
in
aparade
at
aspeed
not
exceeding
thirty
(30)
miles
per
hour.
WINDSHIELDORSAFETYGOGGLES
Every motorcycle or motordriven cycle operated on a public road must be equipped with a
windshield that meets U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, or as an alternative,
operatorsandpassengersmustwearsafetygogglesorglassescontaining impactresistant lenses
orahelmetwithafaceshield.
REARVIEWMIRRORSANDFOOTRESTS
Allmotorcyclesormotordrivingcyclesmustbeequippedwitharearviewmirror,mountedonthe
lefthandlebarinanuprightposition. Theymustalsobeequippedwithfootrestsforthedriverand
passenger.
TAILLIGHTS
Motorcyclesandmotordrivencyclesmusthaveat leastoneredtail lightandoneredstop light.
Whentheserviceorfootbrakesareapplied,thelightshouldbevisibleanddistinguishablefroma
distanceofonehundredfeet(100). Thestoplightmaybeincorporatedinthetaillight.
Continuous flashing brake light systems for motorcycles are permissible where the brake lamp
pulsesrapidlyfornomorethanfive(5)secondswhenthebrakeisappliedandthenconvertstoa
continuouslightasanormalbrakelampuntilsuchtimeasthebrakeisreleased.
MUFFLERS
Itisillegalforyoutooperateyourmotorcycleonanyroadunlessitisequippedwithamufflerin
good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise or annoying smoke.
StraightpipesareillegalinTennessee.
VIOLATINGTHELAW
Parents and guardianswho knowingly permits aminor to operate amotorcycle or amotor
drivencycleinviolationofthelawcanbeconvictedofamisdemeanorandcouldbefinedupto
$100foreachviolation.
IMPORTANTNEWLAWONCARRYINGMOTORCYCLEPASSENGERS
EffectiveJuly
1,
2012,
it
is
aClass
Cmisdemeanor
to
carry
achild
as
apassenger
on
amotorcyclewhosefeetarenotonfootpegs.This lawdoesnotapplytopersons
ridinginamotorcyclesidecar. (2012PublicChapter907).
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OPERATIONINROADWAYLANES
A. Allmotorcyclesareentitledtothefulluseofalaneandnomotorvehicleshallbedrivenin
suchawayastodepriveamotorcyclesuchuse.
B. Theoperatorofamotorcycleshallnotovertakeandpassinthesamelaneoccupiedbythe
vehiclebeingovertaken.
C. Nopersonshalloperateamotorcyclebetween lanesoftrafficorbetweenadjacent lanes
orrowsofvehicles.
D.
Motorcyclesshall
not
be
operated
more
than
two
(2)
side
by
side
in
asingle
lane.
E. Motorcyclesmaybeoperatedindesignatedhighoccupancyvehicle(H.O.V.)lanes.
SectionBandCshallnotapplytopoliceofficersintheperformanceofofficialduties.
SHARINGTHEROADSAFELY
Among all motor vehicles, motorcycles are the most vulnerable on the road. Because
motorcycles
do
not
have
seat
belts,
you
can
be
thrown
off
your
seat
in
a
crash,
which
can
result
inseriousinjuryorevendeath.Imagineyourchanceforsurvivalifatruckstrikesyou,orifyou
strike it. Hitting a truck is like hitting a steel wall. However, your chance for survival will be
increasedifyouwearahelmetandfollowthesafetytipsbelowwhenridingyourmotorcycle.
WATCHTHENOZONES
Neverhangoutinatruck'sblindspotor"NoZone."TruckshavelargeNoZonesonbothsides,
thefrontandbehindthetruck.Truckdriverscannotseeyouwhenyourideintheseblindspots,
whichallowsforagreaterchanceofacrash.Thefrontblindspotisparticularlydangerousifyou
needto
stop
quickly.
Because
of
their
lightweight
and
braking
system,
motorcycles
can
stop
muchfasterthantrucks.Atruckmaynotbeabletostopasquicklyasyoudo,soyouneedto
takespecialprecautionstoavoidcrashesbeforetheyhappen.
ALWAYSWEARAHELMET
Makesuretoalwayswearahelmet.BewareofhelmetsthatdonotmeetU.S.Departmentof
Transportation (DOT)standards.Check for theDOT label insideyourhelmet.Helmetsarethe
mostimportantpieceofequipmentyoucanwearwhenridingyourmotorcycle.Ahelmetcould
beyouronlysourceofprotectioninaseriouscrash.
DRIVETOSURVIVE
Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. Unfortunately they provide virtually no
protectioninacrash.Otherdriversmaynotseeyouonyourmotorcycle,soyoumustbeaware
ofeverythingontheroad.Beextracautious,payingattentiontothesignalsandbrakelightsof
other vehicles, especially trucks. However, you still need to be prepared in the event their
signals or lights don't work. Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your
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motorcyclemaybesmall,youmustadheretothelawsoftheroad.Neverrideinbetweenlanes
in
traffic
or
share
a
lane
with
another
vehicle.
Don't
instigate
aggressive
driving
with
othermotorists;youwillonlyincreaseyourchanceofacrash.
CHECKYOURSELFANDYOURBIKE
Conductasafety inspectionofyourmotorcyclebeforeeachride,andwearprotectiveclothing
including gloves, boots and ajacket. Proper maintenance and protective clothing will help
reduceyourchanceofacrashortheseverityofinjuryifyouareinvolvedinacrash,especially
withalargetruckorbus.
WATCHYOUR
SPEED
Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest.
Pleasewatchyourspeedaroundtrucks,especiallyinbadweatheroratnight.Collidingwiththe
backofatruckwillendyourridingdays.
SHARINGTHEROADWITHLARGETRUCKSANDBUSES
Youwillalwaysbesharingtheroadwithtrucksbecausetheyhaulmorefreightmoremilesthan
anyother
form
of
transportation.
Trucks
are
the
sole
method
of
delivery
and
pickup
for
approximatelyseventysevenpercent(77%)ofAmericascommunities.
Atypicaltractortrailercombination,apowerunitpullingaloadedsemitrailerhingedtoitsrear
end,mayweighupto80,000pounds. Dependingonthetrailerlength,thetotallengthofthe
combination may exceed 70 feet. On the busiest intercity routes, a driver may encounter
doubleoreventripletrailercombinationssometimesexceeding100feetinlength.
The number of trucks that were involved in fatal accidents nationally has decreased by 35%
percent from 2005 to 2009. When driving on a highway you are at a serious disadvantage if
involvedwith
alarger
vehicle.
In
crashes
involving
large
trucks,
the
occupants
of
acar,
usually
thedriverssustain78%ofthefatalities.
Manytruckcarcrashescouldbeavoided ifdriversknowabouttruck(andbus) limitationsand
howtosteerclearofunsafesituationsinvolvinglargevehicles. Seemsobvious,doesntit? But
thefact is thatwhilemostpeoplerealize it ismoredifficulttodriveatruckthanacar,many
dont know exactly what a trucks limitations are in terms of maneuverability, stopping
distances,andblindspots. Remember: Large trucks,recreationalvehiclesandbusesarenot
simplybigcars. Thebiggertheyare:
1. Thebiggertheirblindspots. Truckshavedeepblindspotsinfront,behindandonbothsides.
Makesureyoupositionyourmotorcyclesothatthedriverofthetruckcanseeyouintheside
mirrorsofhistruck.
2. Thelongerittakestruckstostop. Acartravelingat55MPHcanstopin240feethowevera
trucktravelingatthesamespeedof55MPH,takesabout450+feettostop.
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3. Themoreroomtheyneedtomaneuver,suchasmakingrightturns. Trucksmustswingwideto
theleft
to
safely
negotiate
aright
turn.
They
cannot
see
motorcycles
or
cars
behind
or
beside
them.
4. Thelongerittakesanautomobileormotorcycletopassthem.
5. Asstatedabove,themorelikelyyouaretobetheloserinacollision.
Truckdriversarealwayswatching forsmallervehiclesandmotorcyclesandworking to
avoidcollisions. Therearesometechniquesthatyoucanusetohelpthemandyourself
sharetheroadsafelyandreducethelikelihoodofacollisionwithalargevehicle.
DoNOTenteraroadwayinfrontofalargevehicle. Atruckorbuscannotslowdownor
stopas
quickly
as
an
automobile.
By
pulling
out
in
front
of
these
vehicles,
you
could
easilycausearearendcollision.
DoNOTdrivedirectlybehindatruckorbus. Keepareasonabledistancebetweenyour
motorcycle and the large vehicle ahead. This gives you a better view of the road to
anticipateproblems,andyouwillgiveyourselfroomforanemergencyout.
DoNOTcutabruptlyinfrontofalargevehicle. Ifyouareexiting,itwillonlytakeafew
extrasecondstoslowdownandexitbehindthetruck. Cuttingoffalargevehicleonthe
interstateisparticularlydangerousbecauseofthehighspeedsbeingtraveled.
Whenpassinga largevehicle,doNOTpullbackover intothe lane infrontofthetruck
unlessyoucanseethewholefrontofthevehicleinyourrearviewmirror. Completeyour
passasquicklyaspossibleanddontstayalongsidethetruck.DoNOTslowdownonce
youareinfrontofthetruck.
Positionyourvehiclesoyouareoutsidethetruckdriversblindspots,andbesurethe
truckdrivercanseeYOUinthesiderearviewmirror. Ifyoucantseethetrucksmirror,
thedrivercannotseeYOU. Atrucksblindspotsareimmediateinfront,oneithersideof
the
care
and
up
to
200
feet
in
the
rear.
A
trucker
may
not
be
able
to
see
the
roaddirectlyinfrontofthecab. Ifthetractorhasalonghood,thetruckermaynotbeableto
seethefirst1020feetinfrontofthebumperplentyofroomforamotorcycleorcarto
slipunnoticedintoadangerousposition.
Ifyouarestoppedbehindatruckonanuphillgrade,staytotheleftinyourlanesothe
drivercanseeyou. Whenstoppedinatrafficlane,leaveextraspaceinfrontofyourcar
incasethetruckrollsbackwhenitstartstomove.
Paycloseattentiontothelargevehiclesturnsignals. Trucksmakewiderightturnsthat
requirethem
to
swing
to
the
left
before
turning
right.
Always
make
sure
you
know
which
waythevehicleisturningbeforetryingtopass.
Donot lingerbesidea largevehiclebecauseyoumaynotbevisibletothedriver inthe
wideareathetruckneedsformaneuveringaturn.
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WhenyouarenearaCommercialVehicleWeighStation,avoiddriving intheright lane
soslow
moving
trucks
can
easily
merge
back
onto
the
roadway.
Dimyourlightsatnight. Brightlightsreflectedinthemirrorscanblindthedriver.
Neverunderestimate thesizeandspeedofapproaching trucksandbuses. Becauseof
theirlargesizetheyoftenappeartobetravelingmoreslowlythantheiractualspeed.
RiskySituationswithLargeVehicles
Passing
a
Large
Vehicle:
Atractor
trailer
or
other
combination
vehicles
take
alonger
time
and
requiresmorespacetogetaroundthanacar.
On a twoway road, leave yourself more time and space when passing these large
vehicles. Checktoyourfrontandrearandmove intothepassing laneonly if it isclear
andyouareinalegalpassingzone.
Ifthetruckorbusdriverblinktheirvehicleheadlightsafteryoupass,itsasignalthatyou
areclearedtopullbackinfrontoftheirvehicle. Movebackonlywhenyoucanseethe
frontofthetruckinyourrearviewmirror.
Remember
that
on
an
upgrade
or
steep
hill,
a
large
vehicle
usually
loses
speed.
Becauseoftheirweight,truckstravelfasterdownhillandyoumayhavetoincreaseyour
speedtopassatruckonadownhillgrade. Completeyourpassasquicklyaspossibleand
dontstayalongsidethetruck. Afteryoupass,maintainyourspeed. Dontpassatruck,
thenslowdown,makingthetruckdriverbrakewhiletravelingdownhill.
Whenatruckpassesyou,youcanhelpthedriverbykeepingtothefarsideofyourlane
andreducingyourspeedslightly. NEVERSPEEDUPASATRUCKORBUSISPASSING.
Whenyoumeetatruck/buscomingfromtheoppositedirection,keepasfaraspossible
to the right of the road to avoid being sideswiped and to reduce wind turbulence
between vehicles. The turbulence PUSHES vehicles APART. It does NOT suck them
together.
TheRightTurnSqueeze: Trucksmakewiderightturnsandoftenmustleaveanopenspace
ontherightside. DoNOTmove intothatspaceortrytopassatruck if itmightbemakinga
rightturn. Ifyouarebetweenthetruckandthecurb,thedrivermaynotbeabletoseeyouand
yourcarcanbecrunchedorsideswipedbythetruckstrailer.
ATruckBackingUp: Whenatruckistryingtobackintoaloadingdock,theremaybenochoice
except to block the roadway for a short time. Never try to cross behind a truck when it is
preparingtobackup. This isahighcollisionsituationbecauseyouwillbeinthedriversblind
spots.
Give
the
driver
plenty
of
room
and
wait
patiently
for
the
few
minutes
it
takes
to
completethemaneuver.
Maintaininga SafetyCushionwith LargeVehicles: As stated previously, trucks and buses
need more maneuvering room and stopping distance than small vehicles. A good safety
strategy istoleaveplentyofspacebetweenyourmotorcycleandthelargervehicle,especially
inthesesituations:
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Ifyou
are
driving
in
front
of
atruck,
keep
your
speed
up
so
you
maintain
asafe
distance
in
front
ofthetruck. Alwaysindicateyourintentiontoturnorchangelanesearlyenoughforthedriver
ofthetruckorbusttoprepareforyourmaneuver. Avoidsuddenmoves,slowdownsorstops.
Dontcutinfrontofatruckorbus,oryouremovethedriverscushionofsafety.
Whenfollowingatruckorbus,itisagoodideatoaddmorefollowingdistance.
Ifrainorwater isstandingon the road,spray froma truckpassingyou,or the truckyouare
tryingtopass,willseriouslyreduceyourvision. Youshouldmoveasfarawayfromthetruckas
youcan,
while
staying
in
your
lane.
Dont drive too close to trucks that are transporting hazardous materials, since they make
frequentstops,suchasrailroadcrossings.
HillsorMountainRoads: Beware of dangers caused by slower moving trucks or buses on
steephills,inclines,ormountainroads. Watchforslowmovingtrucksorbusesgoingbothup
anddownhills. Heavyvehiclescannotmaintainspeedwhenclimbinghillsandmustgoslowly
downhillstostayundercontrol.
Watchfor
trucks
or
buses
that
may
be
in
trouble.
Smoking
wheels
or
ahigh
speed
can
be
asign
ofbrakeloss. Ifyouencounterthissituation,fallbackandDONOTpass.
Runaway
Truck
Ramps:
Theserampsaredesignedtostopoutofcontroltrucksorbusesgoing
downstepdowngrades. Vehiclesshouldneverstoporparkintheseareas.
LearntheNOZONESforlargevehicles:
Manymotoristsfalselyassumethattrucksandbusescanseetheroadbetterbecausetheysit
twice
as
high
as
the
driver
of
a
small
vehicle.
While
trucks
and
buses
do
enjoy
a
better
forward
view and have bigger mirrors, they have serious blind spots into which a small vehicle can
disappearfromview.
TheNOZONErepresentsdangerareasaroundtrucksandbuseswherecrashesaremorelikely
tooccur.
1. Theareaapproximatelyupto20feetdirectlyinfrontofalargevehicleisconsideredaNO
ZONE. Whensmallvehiclescutintoosoonafterpassingorchanginglanes,thenabruptly
slow down, trucks and buses are forced to compensate with very little room or time to
spare.
2. Unlikesmallvehicles,trucksandbuseshavedeepblindspotsdirectlybehindthem. Avoid
followingtoocloselyinthisNOZONE. Ifyoustayintherearblindspotofalargevehicle,
youincreasethepossibilityofatrafficcrash. Thedriverofthebusortruckcannotseeyour
motorcycleorcarandyourviewofthetrafficaheadwillbeseverelyreduced.
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3. Largevehicleshavemuchlargerblindspotsonbothsidesthancarsdo. Whenyoudrivein
these
blind
spots
for
any
length
of
time,
the
vehicles
driver
cannot
see
you.
Whenpassing, even if the vehicles driver knows you are there, remaining alongside a large
vehicle too long makes it impossible for the driver to take evasive action if an obstacle
appearsintheroadwayahead.
4. Truckandbusdriversoftencannotseevehiclesdirectlybehindorbesidethemwhenthey
areattemptingtosafelynegotiatearightturn. Ifyoucutinbetweenthetruckorbusand
thecurborshouldertotheright,itgreatlyincreasesthepossibilityofacrashinthisright
turnsqueeze.
OVERHEADVIEWOFNOZONEAREAS
Formoreinformationanddetailsonoperatingcommercialvehicles,trucksorbuses,pickupa
copyoftheTennesseeCommercialDriverLicenseManualatanyDepartmentofSafetyand
HomelandSecurityDriverLicenseServiceCenterlocatedthroughoutthestate. Also,more
safetyinformationisavailablethroughtheFederalMotorCarrierSafetyAdministrationatthe
followingwebsites:
www.sharetheroadsafely.org
www.nozone.org
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- OR
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TennesseeTruckingAssociation
4531
Trousdale
Drive
Nashville,TN37204
6157772882
Fax:6157772024
SHARINGTHEROADWITHSLOWMOVINGVEHICLESANDEQUIPMENT
Certainslowmovingfarmvehicles,constructionequipmentandvehiclesdrawnbyanimalsmay
share our roadways. Use caution and prepare to slow down when approaching and passing
slowmovingvehiclesfromtherear.
ClosingSpeeds
Normalspeedsforslowmovingvehiclesmayrangefrom5to20mph.Whenavehicletraveling
at normal highway speed approaches a slowmoving vehicle from the rear, the speed
deferentialwilldramaticallyshortenthetimeittakestoreachtheslowmovingvehicle.
TurnsandPassing
Slowmoving vehicles may make wide turns and may turn right or left at any time into
unmarkedentrances.Whenapproachingfromtherear,stayasafedistancebehindthevehicle
until it issafe topass, thenbecertain thedriverhasseenyouand isawareofyour intent topassbeforeyoubegin.
Whenlightsarerequiredfortheseslowmovingvehicles,aselfluminousredlampontherear
ofthevehicleisnormallyvisiblefor500feettotherear. Otherdevicestoidentifyslowmoving
vehicles may include slow moving emblem reflectors, as well as rotating or oscillating red or
amber lights. You may see this on slowmoving vehicles such as farm tractors, machinery,
constructionequipmentorhorsedrawnvehicles.
LaneUsage
Slowertrafficmustdrive intherighthand lane.The left lane isforpassingandturning.Slow
movingvehiclesmaybewiderthanthelanewidth.Itmaybenecessaryforthesewidevehicles
totemporarilymoveintoanadjoininglanetoavoidroadsideobstructions.
Onmostroadways,bicyclistshavethesamerightsandresponsibilitiesasotherroadwayusers.
Bicyclistsareprohibitedonlimitedaccesshighways,expresswaysandcertainothermarked
roadways.
Informationandsafetytipsmotorcyclistsshouldknowaboutsharingtheroadwithbicyclists:
SHARINGTHEROADWITHBICYCLES
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Whenpassingandovertakingabicyclistproceeding in thesamedirection,dososlowly
andleave
at
least
adistance
between
you
and
the
bicycle
of
not
less
than
3feet.
Its
the
lawinTennessee!Alsobesuretomaintainthisclearanceuntilsafelypasttheovertaken
bicycle.
Bicyclistsarerequiredtotravelinthesamedirectionasvehicles.
Bicyclistsshouldtraveljusttotherightoffastermovingtraffic.However,certainhazards,
suchasroughsurfaces,debris,drainagegratesoranarrowtrafficlane,mayrequirebike
riderstomovetowardthecenterofthelane.
Driversmustyieldtherightofwaytoabicyclistjustastheywouldtoanothervehicle.
Amotorcycleshouldnotparkordriveinmarkedbikelanes.Whenfollowingbicyclists,give
themplentyofroomandbepreparedtostopquickly.Useextracautionduringrainyand
icyweather.Atnightdonotusehighbeamswhenyouseeanoncomingbicyclerider.
When you are turning left on your motorcycle and there is a bicyclist entering the
intersection from theoppositedirection, themotorcyclistshouldwait for thebicyclist to
passbeforemaking the turn.Also, ifyourmotorcycle issharing the left turn lanewitha
bicyclist,staybehindthemuntiltheyhavesafelycompletedtheirturn.
If youareturningrightonyourmotorcycleandabicyclistisapproachingontheright,let
the
bicyclist
go
through
the
intersection
first
before
making
a
right
turn.
Remember
toalwayssignalyourturns.
SHARINGTHEROADWITHPEDESTRIANS
Asadriveryoumustrecognize thespecialsafetyneedsofpedestrians. Anypersonafootor
usingamotorizedornonmotorizedwheelchairareconsideredapedestrianbystatelaw. You
shouldbeespeciallyalertforyoung,elderly,disabledandintoxicatedpedestrians. Theyarethe
mostfrequentvictimsinpedestrianrelatedcollisions.
Generally,pedestrians
have
the
right
of
way
at
all
intersections.
There
is
acrosswalk
at
every
intersection, even if painted lines and boundaries do not mark the crossing. Crosswalks are
intendedtoencouragepeopletocrossonlyatcertainlocations. Asyouknow,somepeoplewill
crossat locationsotherthancrosswalks. Asthepersoncontrollingthepotentiallydangerous
machine,itsyourjobtoplayitsafewherepedestriansareconcernedandprotectthemwhen
yousee they maybe indanger. Regardless of the rules of the road or rightofway, the law
specifically requires YOU, as a driver, to exercise great care and extreme caution to avoid
strikingpedestrians.
Withoutavehicleorprotectiveequipment,pedestriansaremostatrisk intraffic.Driversand
pedestriansarebothresponsiblefortrafficsafety.Asimpleruleisthatmotorcyclistsanddriversshouldalwaysbepreparedtoyieldtherightofwaytopedestrians.
CrossingaRoad
Whentrafficcontrolsignalsarenotinplaceorinoperation,motorcyclistsshallyieldtheright
ofway,slowingdownorstoppingifneedbe,toyieldtoapedestriancrossingtheroadway
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2
PREFACE
Welcome to the Sixteenth Edition of
the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual
(MOM). Operating a motorcycle safely
in traffic requires special skills andknowledge. The Motorcycle Safety
Foundation (MSF) has made this manualavailable to help novice motorcyclists
reduce their risk of having a crash. The
manual conveys essential safe ridinginformation and has been designed
for use in licensing programs. While
designed for the novice, all motorcyclists
can benefit from the information thismanual contains.
The original Motorcycle Operator
Manual was developed by the NationalPublic Services Research Institute (NPSRI)
under contract to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and within the terms of a cooperative
agreement between NHTSA and theMSF. The manual and related testswere used in a multi-year study of
improved motorcycle operator licensing
procedures, conducted by the CaliforniaDepartment of Motor Vehicles under
contract to NHTSA.
The purpose of this manual is to
educate riders and to help them avoidcrashes while safely operating either
a standard two-wheel motorcycle or a
three-wheel motorcycle.
This latest edition has undergone
significant improvements, and contains
new, more in-depth information,
designed to: Guide riders in preparing to ride
safely
Develop effective street strategies
Give riders more comprehensiveunderstanding of safe group ridingpractices
Describe in detail best practices forcarrying passengers and cargo
In promoting improved licensing
programs, the MSF works closely with
state licensing agencies. The Foundationhas helped more than half the states
in the nation adopt the Motorcycle
Operator Manual for use in theirlicensing systems.
Improved licensing, along with high
quality motorcycle rider education and
increased public awareness, has thepotential to reduce crashes. Staff at the
Foundation are available to assist state,
private and governmental agencies inefforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Tim BuchePresident,Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org
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CONTENTS 3
CONTENTS
THE RIDER ANDTHE MOTORCYCLE ...........................4
PREPARING TO RIDEWear the Right Gear ............................5
Know Your Motorcycle ........................7
Know Your Responsibilities ...............10
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Basic Vehicle Control ..........................11
Keeping Your Distance .......................15
SEE .......................................................20
Intersections .......................................21
Increasing Conspicuity .......................24
Crash Avoidance .................................27
Handling Dangerous Surfaces ...........30
Mechanical Problems .........................33
Animals ...............................................34Flying Objects .....................................35
Getting Off the Road .........................35
Carrying Passengersand Cargo .......................................35
Group Riding .......................................38
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Why This Information IsImportant .......................................42
Alcohol and Other Drugs inMotorcycle Operation ....................42
Alcohol in the Body ............................42
Alcohol and the Law ..........................44
Minimize the Risks .............................44
Step in to Protect Friends ..................45
Fatigue ................................................45
EARNING YOUR LICENSE..............46
THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles .........48
Know Your Vehicle ..............................48
Basic Vehicle Control ...........................50
Carrying Passengers and Cargo ..........53
HAND SIGNALS.......................... 55
T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST....57
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4 THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycling is a
unique experience.
Compared to a car,
you dont sit in amotorcycle, you
become part of it.Not as a passive
driver, but as an
active rider arcinginto a string of
smooth corners,
playing along with
the rhythm of theroad; shifting,
accelerating,
and brakingwith precision.
Whether you
ride to and fromwork or prefer
the camaraderie of a group ride on the
weekend, motorcycling engages all yoursenses and creates an invigorating sense
of freedom.
Along with that freedom comesresponsibility. All states require
some form of license endorsement
demonstrating you possess a minimum
level of skill and knowledge. This
booklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you to
be successful. You might also considertaking a formal hands-on training
course, even if your state doesnt require
that you complete one. Youll learn howto improve your riding skills and mental
strategies, so you can be a safer, more
alert rider.
The diagram above illustrates the
complex environment that awaits you,
and supports the concept that, as theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says,
Safe riding is as much a skill of theeyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeet.
Successfully piloting a motorcycle is a
much more involved task than driving a
car. Motorcycling requires a fine senseof balance and a heightened sense of
awareness and position amidst other
roadway users. A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a car,
but is also more sensitive to outside
forces, like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds. A motorcycle is also less
visible than a car due to its narrower
profile, and offers far less protection byexposing its rider to other traffic and
the elements. All these risks can be
managed through study, training, and
practice.
RIDING ENVIRONMENT
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PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determiningwhether or not youll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any
trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Wear the right gear.
2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.
3. Check the motorcycle equipment.
4. Be a responsible rider.
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride, your gear is right
if it protects you. In any crash, you have
a far better chance of avoiding serious
injury if you wear:
A DOT compliant helmet.
Face or eye protection.
Protective clothing.
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur particularly
among untrained, beginning riders.And one out of every five motorcycle
crashes results in head or neck injuries.
Head injuries are just as severe as neck
injuries and far more common. Crashanalyses show that head and neck
injuries account for a majority of serious
and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.Research also shows that, with few
exceptions, head and neck injuries are
reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet.
Some riders dont wear helmets
because they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides. Others wear
helmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds. But, here are
some facts to consider:
A DOT-compliant helmetletsyou see as far to the sides asnecessary. A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes, where40% of the riders wore helmets,did not find even one case in which
a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger.
Most crashes happenon shorttrips (less than five miles long), justa few minutes after starting out.
Most ridersare riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs. Atthese speeds, helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half.
No matter what the speed, helmetedriders are three times more likely to
survive head injuries than those not
wearing helmets at the time of thecrash. The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances of
surviving a crash is to wear a securely-
fastened, quality helmet.
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types of
helmets, providing two different levelsof coverage: three-quarter and full face.
Whichever style you choose, you can
get the most protection by making surethat the helmet:
Is designed to meet U.S.
Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards. Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality.
Fits snugly,all the way around.
Has no obvious defects such ascracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet you
decide on, keep it securely
fastened on your head
when you ride. Otherwise,if you are involved in a
crash, its likely to fly offyour head before it gets a
chance to protect you.
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash. It also protects you
from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars ahead.These problems are distracting and
can be painful. If you have to deal
with them, you cant devote your full
attention to the road.
Goggles protect your eyes, though
they wont protect the rest of your face
like a faceshield does. A windshieldis not a substitute for a faceshield or
goggles. Most windshields will not
protect your eyes from the wind. Neitherwill eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses
wont keep your eyes from watering,
and they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding.
To be effective, eye or faceshieldprotection must:
Be freeof scratches.
Be resistantto penetration.
Give a clear viewto either side.
Fasten securely,so it does notblow off.
Permit airto pass through, toreduce fogging.
Permit enough roomforeyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available.
Clothing
The right clothing protects you ina collision. It also provides comfort,
as well as protection from heat, cold,
debris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle. It can also make you more
visible to others.
Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. They
should fit snugly enough to keep
from flapping in the wind, yet
loosely enough to move freely.Leather offers the most protection.
Sturdy synthetic material provides
a lot of protection as well. Weara jacket even in warm weather to
prevent dehydration. Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated, even on summer
days. Some riders choose jackets
and pants with rigid body armorinserts in critical areas for additional
protection.
Boots or shoesshould be highand sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support. Soles
should be made of hard, durable,
slip-resistant material. Keep heelsshort so they do not catch on rough
surfaces. Tuck in laces so they wont
catch on your motorcycle.
HELMETS
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7
Glovesallow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash. Your
gloves should be made of leather or
similar durable material. Hearing protection reduces
noise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens. Long term exposure to
engine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage even
if you wear a full face helmet.
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices, be sure you adhere
to state laws regarding hearing
protection.
In cold or wet weather, your clothes
should keep you warm and dry, as
well as protect you from injury. Youcannot control a motorcycle well if
you are numb. Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chilland fatigue. A winter jacket should
resist wind and fit snugly at the neck,
wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuits
designed for motorcycle riding resisttearing apart or ballooning up at high
speeds.
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on the
highway that can cause you trouble.
Your motorcycle should not be oneof them. To make sure that your
motorcycle wont let you down:
Startwith the right motorcyclefor you.
Readthe owners manual.
Be familiarwith the motorcyclecontrols.
Checkthe motorcycle beforeevery ride.
Keepit in safe riding conditionbetween rides.
Avoidadd-ons and modifications
that make your motorcycle harderto handle.
The Right Motorcycle For You
First, make sure your motorcycle isright for you. It should fit you. Your
feet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle, andthe controls should be easy to operate.
Smaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate.
At a minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:
Headlight, taillight andbrakelight.
CLOTHING
A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield:
A. Is not necessary if you have awindshield.
B. Only protects your eyes.
C. Helps protect your whole face.
D. Does not protect your face as wellas goggles.
TEST YOURSELF 1
Answer - page 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
Front and rear brakes.
Turn signals.
Horn.
Two mirrors.
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles,
beware. Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders especially
in the first months of riding. Riding
an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle,get familiar with it in a controlled area.
And if you lend your motorcycle to
friends, make sure they are licensed andknow how to ride before allowing them
out into traf
top related