Every spring and summer, Tennessee’s residents proudly maintain their lawn landscapes, from the vibrant suburbs of Knoxville to the country homes dotted across rural Shelby County. Yet, a common practice—mowing grass and allowing clippings to be blown into the street—raises not only aesthetic but also serious legal and safety concerns in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga.
The story isn’t new. Across Tennessee’s busy thoroughfares and quiet residential streets, this seemingly minor act has triggered heated debates among homeowners, motorcyclists, and city officials alike. The risk primarily lies with motorcycle riders and bicyclists. Grass clippings can create dangerously slippery surfaces, leading to avoidable accidents on Tennessee’s roads.
Understanding the Legal Landscape in Tennessee
The laws around mowing grass into the road in Tennessee aren’t as straightforward as you might think. While there’s no statute specifically mentioning grass clippings, state law does address the deposit of hazards and debris onto public roadways.
Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 55-8-170 makes it illegal to throw or deposit “any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon the highway.” While grass clippings aren’t explicitly listed, they are considered a hazard—especially to motorcyclists and bicyclists. Letting clippings accumulate on roads can reduce traction, potentially leading to accidents and injuries…