ATV Riding Laws – Tennessee

The state of Tennessee enforces regulations for different types of all-terrain vehicles. For example, four-wheeled ATVs cannot be driven in state parks, but three-wheeled ones can be used in designated areas within state parks. However, all operators and passengers must always wear helmets and eye protection. The Tennessee Statutes also permit three- and four-wheel vehicles to be driven in specified areas; one of these is Lake City on a stretch of State Route 116. Drivers are expected to obey all applicable rules and laws, have headlights able to provide visibility of up to 200 feet, and have working tail lamps as well.

In general, ATVs are prohibited on highways, but state law permits operators to cross roads to access designated riding areas. No state agency regulates all-terrain vehicles in Tennessee. Operators, however, must obtain a title for their vehicle and place an identification device on it.

Even on designated trails, all-terrain, off-road, and other vehicles with less than four wheels can only be operated during daylight hours. They must have mufflers and spark arrestors in working condition. Drivers do not need a vehicle or operator’s license if they stay in designated areas. The statutes also provide hours of allowable operation, which are from 9:00 a.m. to a half-hour before sundown.

In addition, riders must travel in the indicated direction on one-way paths, and wear safety helmets and other equipment per American Motorcycle Association recommendations. Safety is a priority, and any disturbance or harassment of people or local wildlife is against the law. All-terrain vehicles are restricted to unpaved roads even in State Forest areas.

ATV-Related Trends in Tennessee

In March 2017, new legislation was introduced by the State Senate, allowing the use of ATVs on Campbell County roads, including State Route 63. Riders have permission to use that road on two weekends each year during special events. If passed, the new bill would allow all-terrain vehicles on additional stretches of the road and parts of U.S. Highway 25W and State Route 297, according to a WBNT report. Also, another bill, approved by the Senate in March, would let operators ride on S.R. 63 after dark on one weekend day. They’d be able to attend concerts and other events and travel on public roads during extended hours, which would range from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sundown.

New legislation was inspired by tourism officials. In recent years, ATV tourism has accelerated in Scott County and in Campbell, Anderson, and Morgan Counties.

State Statistics of Note

The Consumer Product Safety Commission put Tennessee in seventh place for the number of deaths due to all-terrain vehicle accidents from 1982 through 2015, which were 556. It was tied with Florida for the ongoing 2013 to 2015 reporting period with 64 fatalities.

From year to year, the number of ATV accidents fluctuates. Statistical data from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security shows there were 95 injury-producing crashes in the state in 2015, up from 80 in 2014. Since 2003, the peak year for injuries was 2007, when there were 132 all-terrain vehicle accidents resulting in personal injuries. The following year, there were just 74.