Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How much of a traffic lane is a motorcycle entitled to use under Tennessee law?

   Correct answer: The full width of the lane

   A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane, and no other motor vehicle may be driven in a way that denies it that full use.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Operation of Motorcycles on Laned Roadways

2. 2. Is riding a motorcycle between lanes of moving or stopped traffic (lane splitting) legal in Tennessee?

   Correct answer: No, it is not allowed

   Lane splitting is prohibited in Tennessee; no one may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Operation of Motorcycles on Laned Roadways

3. 3. How many motorcycles may Tennessee law permit to ride side by side in a single lane?

   Correct answer: Two

   Motorcycles may be operated no more than two abreast within one lane; riding three or more across in the same lane is not permitted.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Operation of Motorcycles on Laned Roadways

4. 4. May a Tennessee motorcyclist overtake and pass another vehicle within the same lane that vehicle occupies?

   Correct answer: No, this is prohibited

   A motorcyclist may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed; sharing a lane to pass a car is not allowed.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Operation of Motorcycles on Laned Roadways

5. 5. Which crash helmet standard must a Tennessee motorcyclist's helmet meet before an examiner will give the road test?

   Correct answer: A DOT, ASTM, CSPM, or Snell label

   The helmet must carry a DOT, ASTM, CSPM, or Snell label before the examiner can administer the on-cycle road test.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements (Crash Helmets)

6. 6. From what distance must a Tennessee motorcycle's stop light be visible when the brakes are applied?

   Correct answer: 100 feet

   When the foot or service brake is used, the stop light must be clearly visible from 100 feet away.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements (Tail Lights)

7. 7. As an alternative to a windshield, what eye protection does Tennessee law accept for a motorcycle operator?

   Correct answer: Safety goggles, impact-resistant glasses, or a face shield

   If the motorcycle lacks a DOT-approved windshield, the operator and passenger must wear safety goggles, impact-resistant glasses, or a helmet with a face shield.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements (Windshield or Safety Goggles)

8. 8. How must a rider be seated when operating a motorcycle in Tennessee?

   Correct answer: Astride, facing forward with a leg on each side

   The operator must ride astride the motorcycle, facing forward with one leg on each side; carrying an article that keeps both hands off the handlebars is illegal.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements

9. 9. In Tennessee, deliberately riding a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground on a public road is treated as what?

   Correct answer: Reckless driving

   Lifting the front tire in willful and wanton disregard for safety on a public road is a form of reckless driving under Tennessee law.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Reckless Driving

10. 10. Under Tennessee law, when must a motorcycle's headlight be turned on?

    Correct answer: At all times while it is operated

    The headlight of a motorcycle is required to stay on the entire time the machine is being operated, day or night.

    Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements (Headlight)

11. 11. Must a passenger on a Tennessee motorcycle ride on a permanent seat built for that purpose?

    Correct answer: Yes, on a permanent seat made for it

    Both operators and passengers must ride only on permanent seats attached for that use, and a person cannot be carried on a motorcycle not built to hold passengers.

    Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements

12. 12. Tennessee law requires a motorcycle to be equipped with a muffler for what reason?

    Correct answer: To prevent excessive noise and smoke

    A working muffler must be in constant operation to hold down excessive noise and annoying smoke; so-called straight pipes are illegal in Tennessee.

    Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Equipment Requirements (Mufflers)