TN SB1420Tennessee SB1420 requires that the written tests for getting a driver license or intermediate driver license include questions about hand signals used by cyclists. This means that new drivers will learn how cyclists communicate when they are turning, slowing down, or stopping. The change aims to improve road safety for both drivers and cyclists.
TN SB1420 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Raumesh Akbari (D), currently “Passed” since May 15, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 237 of them sponsored by Raumesh Akbari.
Supporters of SB1420 argue that this bill enhances road safety by ensuring that all drivers are educated about the hand signals used by cyclists. By incorporating this knowledge into the licensing process, it promotes awareness and reduces the likelihood of accidents between vehicles and bicycles.
Critics of SB1420 may contend that adding questions about bicycle hand signals to the driver licensing exam could unnecessarily complicate the testing process. They might argue that it distracts from more pressing issues related to driver education and that most drivers may not encounter cyclists frequently enough to warrant this requirement.
The bill SB1420 focuses on amending regulations related to driver licenses, specifically incorporating questions about hand signals used by bicycle operators. The sponsor, Raumesh Akbari, has a background as an attorney and is self-employed at Akbari Law, which does not directly relate to the transportation or motor vehicle industries. Additionally, her involvement with organizations such as the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and her various corporate affiliations do not present any direct financial interests that would be impacted by the legislation concerning driver licenses.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Attorney | Lawyers/Law Firms | AI-researched |
| Employer | Self-employed at Akbari Law | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Board Member | Board member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators | — | AI-researched |
| Employer | AKBARI CORPORATION | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | DELIVER THE AMERICAN DREAM | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Occupation | Law, HAIR, COSMETOLOGY, BEAUTY, PUBLIC POLICY | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | Leadership PAC: AKBARI PAC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN SB1420 do?
Tennessee SB1420 requires that the written tests for getting a driver license or intermediate driver license include questions about hand signals used by cyclists. This means that new drivers will learn how cyclists communicate when they are turning, slowing down, or stopping. The change aims to improve road safety for both drivers and cyclists.
What is the status of TN SB1420?
TN SB1420 is currently “Passed” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB1420?
Raumesh Akbari (D) sponsored TN SB1420.
