What You Should Know about Traffic Laws in Tennessee

Many car crashes are preventable. As a driver, you can make a difference by adhering to safe driving practices and following the rules of the road.

Read on for a reminder of the key traffic laws in Tennessee and to find out how you can help make the roads safer.

Basic Traffic Laws in Tennessee: Speed Limits and Safe Driving Practices

Tennessee's speed limit is 70 mph on interstate highways and 65 mph on other public roads. For roads under the jurisdiction of a municipality, the local government has the authority to set the speed limit as long as it doesn't exceed 55 mph.

Tennessee municipalities have been taking steps to reduce the posted speed limit on local roads. For instance, Nashville recently lowered the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph in many areas, including near intersections known to be dangerous.

Chattanooga has taken similar measures by lowering the speed limit on Frazier Avenue, and cities like Memphis and Knoxville adopted 25 mph as their default speed limit a few years ago.

Speeding makes you more likely to get into a crash by increasing your stopping distance. It also increases the risk of striking another vehicle or colliding with a guard rail, especially if roads are slippery or visibility is reduced. With close to a third of U.S. traffic fatalities being speed-related, speeding is one of the key contributors to car crashes and can significantly increase the severity of an accident.

Respecting the posted speed limit is a simple step you can take to create a safer environment on the roads.

Traffic Signals and Right-of-Way Rules

Data from the Metro Nashville Police Department reveals that over 100 crashes happened at two specific Nashville intersections last year. This number reflects how dangerous intersections can be, especially when drivers speed, engage in distracted driving, or fail to follow the traffic laws in Tennessee.

You can prevent human errors at intersections by keeping a few traffic rules in mind:

• Traffic signals regulate traffic at intersections. You can turn right on red in Tennessee, but your vehicle first must come to a complete stop.
• A common mistake is to speed up so you can get through the intersection before the light turns red. Remember that you should stop when the light turns yellow, as long as it's safe to do so.
• As a pedestrian, follow all the posted signs and stay within crosswalks.
• As a general rule of thumb, be extra aware of your surroundings when approaching an intersection. Pay attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists who might be about to cross.

Not all intersections have traffic signals. When approaching a stop sign, it's essential to keep right-of-way rules in mind. If two or more drivers reach an intersection at the same time, the driver coming from the right has the right of way.

You should also yield to oncoming traffic when entering a road from a driveway or parking lot, yield when turning left, and always use your turn signal to inform other drivers of your intentions. All of these are important traffic laws in Tennessee.

Traffic Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee has a few traffic laws unique to the state. Here is a non-exhaustive list of traffic rules to keep in mind:

• Drivers and front passengers should wear seatbelts at all times. You will need a child restraint device for children under the age of eight, and children nine and older should use a seatbelt. Adult passengers in the backseat are not required to use a seatbelt, but it's a good idea to use one anyway.
• Tennessee has a "move over" law for emergency vehicles. You should give these vehicles the right of way in all circumstances. A recent change to this law introduced steeper fines for drivers who fail to comply.
• The state has a strict Hands-Free Law. According to the traffic laws in Tennessee, making phone calls, texting, or reaching for your phone while driving is illegal.
• You must turn your headlights on when driving at night or when there is fog, smoke, or rain.
• All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear protective gear, including helmets, windshields, and goggles.
• Driving without insurance is illegal. The minimum required coverage is $25,000 per injury or death per accident, $25,000 in property damage, and $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident. A Tennessee lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims and related matters.

For a refresher on traffic laws in Tennessee, the state's official Driver License Manual is a great place to start.

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Get Legal Help After a Tennessee Car Accident

Following a few traffic laws in Tennessee and generally being a safe and courteous driver can go a long way in preventing car crashes. Stay within the posted speed limit, respect right-of-way rules at intersections, and follow traffic rules such as Tennessee's Hands-Free law.

However, crashes can happen to anyone. If you were involved in a car crash, Accident.com can put you in touch with a local lawyer who will discuss your options with you. Get started by filling out our online form.

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