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TCA 55-8-177

Bicycle lamps and brakes – Penalties

MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Bicycle lamps and brakes – Penalties — Class C misdemeanor. Up to 30 days in jail and $50 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) Every bicycle, when in use at nighttime, shall be equipped with a lamp on the front, which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500′) to the front, and either a red reflector or a lamp emitting a red light, which shall be visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500′) to the rear, when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. (2) tandem wheels, either of which is more than twenty inches (20") in diameter. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Driver: means :(A) For purposes of a conventionally operated vehicle, every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Vehicle: means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101(b) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within twenty-five feet (25′) from a speed of ten miles per hour (10 mph) on dry, level, clean pavement. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 26, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section55-8-177
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50