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