Mobility & Curb Rules in Memphis, TN

If you live in Memphis or are thinking about moving there, mobility & curb rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Memphis has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of mobility & curb rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Red-Light Cameras

Memphis runs no red-light camera program; its only automated photo enforcement targets speeding in active school zones and reverse "S" curves under Sec. 11-21-1. Cameras cite drivers going over 15 mph in a posted school zone or over the curve limit, mailing a $50 civil penalty to the registered owner rather than a criminal charge.

Key details: Program: School-zone & S-curve speed cameras only: no red-light cameras. Speed threshold: Over 15 mph in a posted school zone. Penalty: $50.00 civil penalty per violation. Administered by: City court clerk's office. Sign spacing: Posted 500-1,000 feet before camera location.

Violating either offense draws a $50.00 civil penalty, not a criminal charge: failing to pay or to appear on the citation's return date adds court costs, and the city may pursue collection like any other civil debt. Because it is non-criminal, no points attach to the driver's license and insurers cannot use it to raise rates; only unpaid penalties escalate through the city court's civil enforcement process.

Bike Lane Rules

Memphis Code § 11-24-9 bars drivers from parking, stopping or standing in a marked bicycle lane except where the city has posted signs allowing timed parking or the city engineer has issued written special-event permission. Motor vehicles must yield to cyclists riding in the lane and can only cross it briefly to turn or enter and exit the roadway.

Key details: Governing section: Memphis Code § 11-24-9, Bike lanes. Vehicle parking in lane: Prohibited except posted hours or special-event permit. Driver yield duty: Must yield right-of-way to cyclists in lane. Fine: $20.00 civil forfeiture per Sec. 11-8-5. Crossing allowed only for: Turning or entering/leaving the roadway.

A first bike-lane offense, parking a car in a marked lane without authorization, or a cyclist ignoring the yield-and-signal rules inside the lane, is enforced as a $20.00 civil forfeiture under the citation schedule referenced at Sec. 11-8-5. Chapter 11-24 also makes any violation of the bicycle chapter a misdemeanor under Sec. 11-24-1, and a parent who knowingly lets a minor break these rules can be charged directly.

The Bottom Line

Memphis's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Memphis's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.