Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-202 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-202
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Chop shop" means any building, lot, or other premises where one (1) or more persons knew, or should have known, that they were engaged in altering, destroying, disassembling, dismantling, reassembling, or storing any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part that was obtained by theft, or any other unlawful means to either: (A) Alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge, obliterate or remove the identity, including the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, or to prevent the identification of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; or (B) Sell or dispose of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; (2) "Motor vehicle" includes every device in, upon, or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn upon a highway, that is self-propelled or which may be connected to and towed by a self-propelled device, and shall also include any and all devices which are self-propelled but are not designed for use upon a highway, including, but not limited to, farm machinery, construction equipment, and water craft; (3) "Motor vehicle component part" includes any and all parts installed upon the "motor vehicle," including, but not limited to, engines, transmissions, vehicle bodies, chassis, doors, deck lids, front end clips (fenders and grill), seats, differentials, tires, wheels, steering wheels, air bags, automobile radios, automobile tape players, and bumpers; (4) "Person" includes a natural person, company, corporation, unincorporated association, partnership, professional corporation, and any other legal entity; (5) "Tool, implement, instrumentality" means any tool or device, either electrical, mechanical or electronic that can be and is being used to: (A) Alter, destroy, disassemble, dismantle, or reassemble any stolen motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, including, but not limited to, hand tools, power tools, wrenches, air guns, and tool boxes; (B) Alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge, obliterate, or remove the vehicle identification number on any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, to include, but not be limited to, grinders, die stamps, rivet guns, rivets, drills, torches, and welders; or (C) Sell, dispose, or transport a stolen motor vehicle or stolen motor vehicle component part, including, but not limited to, passenger vehicles, towing vehicles (wreckers or rollbacks), shipping containers, cellular telephones and pagers; (6) "Unidentifiable" means that the uniqueness of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part cannot be established by either expert law enforcement investigative personnel specially trained and experienced in motor vehicle theft investigation procedures and motor vehicle theft examination techniques, or by expert employees of not-for-profit motor vehicle theft prevention agencies, specially trained and experienced in motor vehicle theft investigation procedures and motor vehicle theft examination techniques; and (7) "Vehicle identification number" means: (A) A number or numbers, a letter or set of letters, a character or set of characters, a derivative or derivatives, or a combination thereof, used by the manufacturer for the purpose of uniquely identifying a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; or (B) Any number, set of numbers, a letter or set of letters, a character or set of characters, a derivative or derivatives, or a combination thereof assigned by the department of revenue in the normal course of its duties in salvage conversion or restoration. Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 73.
As used in this part:
(1) "Chop shop" means any building, lot, or other premises where one (1) or more persons knew, or should have known, that they were engaged in altering, destroying, disassembling, dismantling, reassembling, or storing any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part that was obtained by theft, or any other unlawful means to either: (A) Alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge, obliterate or remove the identity, including the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, or to prevent the identification of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; or (B) Sell or dispose of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part;
(A) Alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge, obliterate or remove the identity, including the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, or to prevent the identification of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; or
(B) Sell or dispose of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part;
(2) "Motor vehicle" includes every device in, upon, or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn upon a highway, that is self-propelled or which may be connected to and towed by a self-propelled device, and shall also include any and all devices which are self-propelled but are not designed for use upon a highway, including, but not limited to, farm machinery, construction equipment, and water craft;
(3) "Motor vehicle component part" includes any and all parts installed upon the "motor vehicle," including, but not limited to, engines, transmissions, vehicle bodies, chassis, doors, deck lids, front end clips (fenders and grill), seats, differentials, tires, wheels, steering wheels, air bags, automobile radios, automobile tape players, and bumpers;
(4) "Person" includes a natural person, company, corporation, unincorporated association, partnership, professional corporation, and any other legal entity;
(5) "Tool, implement, instrumentality" means any tool or device, either electrical, mechanical or electronic that can be and is being used to: (A) Alter, destroy, disassemble, dismantle, or reassemble any stolen motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, including, but not limited to, hand tools, power tools, wrenches, air guns, and tool boxes; (B) Alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge, obliterate, or remove the vehicle identification number on any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, to include, but not be limited to, grinders, die stamps, rivet guns, rivets, drills, torches, and welders; or (C) Sell, dispose, or transport a stolen motor vehicle or stolen motor vehicle component part, including, but not limited to, passenger vehicles, towing vehicles (wreckers or rollbacks), shipping containers, cellular telephones and pagers;
(A) Alter, destroy, disassemble, dismantle, or reassemble any stolen motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, including, but not limited to, hand tools, power tools, wrenches, air guns, and tool boxes;
(B) Alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge, obliterate, or remove the vehicle identification number on any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, to include, but not be limited to, grinders, die stamps, rivet guns, rivets, drills, torches, and welders; or
(C) Sell, dispose, or transport a stolen motor vehicle or stolen motor vehicle component part, including, but not limited to, passenger vehicles, towing vehicles (wreckers or rollbacks), shipping containers, cellular telephones and pagers;
(6) "Unidentifiable" means that the uniqueness of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part cannot be established by either expert law enforcement investigative personnel specially trained and experienced in motor vehicle theft investigation procedures and motor vehicle theft examination techniques, or by expert employees of not-for-profit motor vehicle theft prevention agencies, specially trained and experienced in motor vehicle theft investigation procedures and motor vehicle theft examination techniques; and
(7) "Vehicle identification number" means: (A) A number or numbers, a letter or set of letters, a character or set of characters, a derivative or derivatives, or a combination thereof, used by the manufacturer for the purpose of uniquely identifying a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; or (B) Any number, set of numbers, a letter or set of letters, a character or set of characters, a derivative or derivatives, or a combination thereof assigned by the department of revenue in the normal course of its duties in salvage conversion or restoration.
(A) A number or numbers, a letter or set of letters, a character or set of characters, a derivative or derivatives, or a combination thereof, used by the manufacturer for the purpose of uniquely identifying a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part; or
(B) Any number, set of numbers, a letter or set of letters, a character or set of characters, a derivative or derivatives, or a combination thereof assigned by the department of revenue in the normal course of its duties in salvage conversion or restoration.
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 73.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-201 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-201
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Motor Vehicle Chop Shop Act of 2000." Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Motor Vehicle Chop Shop Act of 2000."
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-396 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-396
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 16, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 16, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-127 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-127
Exemptions for volunteer first aid or rescue squad vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall be required to obtain an annual registration certificate and license plates or to pay the fee prescribed therefor pursuant to this chapter for vehicles owned or used exclusively by volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crews or rescue squads; provided, that: (1) The vehicle is used exclusively as a lifesaving, rescue, or first-aid vehicle and is not rented, leased or loaned to any private individual, firm or corporation; (2) No charges are made by the organization for the use of the vehicles; and (3) The organization is chartered by the state as a volunteer, nonprofit organization. (b) The equipment must be painted a distinguishing color and conspicuously display in letters and figures, not less than three inches (3") in height, the identity of the volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crew or rescue squad having control of its operation; provided, that the equipment be used exclusively for lifesaving, first-aid, or rescue activities. (c) Before the equipment may be operated upon the highways of this state without license plates, there must be filed with the department a certification by the county clerk of the county in which the equipment is based, certifying a description of the equipment and the name of the lifesaving or first-aid crew, or rescue squad. (d) "Rescue squad," as used in this section, means only those persons or organizations who are members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, except that in counties having a population of six hundred thousand (600,000) or more, according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, "rescue squad" includes persons and organizations which meet the requirements of this section but who are not members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads. Acts 1984, ch. 966, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 39.
(a) No person shall be required to obtain an annual registration certificate and license plates or to pay the fee prescribed therefor pursuant to this chapter for vehicles owned or used exclusively by volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crews or rescue squads; provided, that: (1) The vehicle is used exclusively as a lifesaving, rescue, or first-aid vehicle and is not rented, leased or loaned to any private individual, firm or corporation; (2) No charges are made by the organization for the use of the vehicles; and (3) The organization is chartered by the state as a volunteer, nonprofit organization.
(1) The vehicle is used exclusively as a lifesaving, rescue, or first-aid vehicle and is not rented, leased or loaned to any private individual, firm or corporation;
(2) No charges are made by the organization for the use of the vehicles; and
(3) The organization is chartered by the state as a volunteer, nonprofit organization.
(b) The equipment must be painted a distinguishing color and conspicuously display in letters and figures, not less than three inches (3") in height, the identity of the volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crew or rescue squad having control of its operation; provided, that the equipment be used exclusively for lifesaving, first-aid, or rescue activities.
(c) Before the equipment may be operated upon the highways of this state without license plates, there must be filed with the department a certification by the county clerk of the county in which the equipment is based, certifying a description of the equipment and the name of the lifesaving or first-aid crew, or rescue squad.
(d) "Rescue squad," as used in this section, means only those persons or organizations who are members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, except that in counties having a population of six hundred thousand (600,000) or more, according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, "rescue squad" includes persons and organizations which meet the requirements of this section but who are not members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.
Acts 1984, ch. 966, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 39.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-327 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-327
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2005, ch. 506, § 9; 2010 , ch. 1151, § 2.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2005, ch. 506, § 9; 2010 , ch. 1151, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-125 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-125
Annual sales reports - Eligibility for dealer plates
Status: in_force

(a) (1) On or before February 15 of each year, each motor vehicle dealer shall submit to the commission an annual sales report indicating the number of motor vehicles sold by the dealer during the preceding calendar year, the number of dealer registration plates issued to the dealer during the year and the county or counties in which the plates were issued. (2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a motor vehicle dealer: (A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the dealer shall not be eligible for any dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed; (B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more motor vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use dealer registration plates otherwise authorized by § 55-4-226 ; or (C) Timely files the annual sales report, and sells fewer than twenty-four (24) motor vehicles during a calendar year or if a dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the dealer and with justification shown, the motor vehicle commission may approve the issuance of additional plates. The commission shall furnish to each county clerk a listing of eligible dealers. (3) If pursuant to this section, a dealer is no longer eligible to receive, retain or use dealer registration plates, then the commission is authorized to undertake appropriate action to take possession of any plates issued to the dealer and shall promptly forward the plates to the department of revenue. (b) Upon request of the commission, the department shall make available for the commission's inspection departmental information concerning the number of dealer registration plates issued to each dealer. Acts 1994, ch. 922, § 3; 1995, ch. 19, § 1.
(a) (1) On or before February 15 of each year, each motor vehicle dealer shall submit to the commission an annual sales report indicating the number of motor vehicles sold by the dealer during the preceding calendar year, the number of dealer registration plates issued to the dealer during the year and the county or counties in which the plates were issued. (2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a motor vehicle dealer: (A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the dealer shall not be eligible for any dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed; (B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more motor vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use dealer registration plates otherwise authorized by § 55-4-226 ; or (C) Timely files the annual sales report, and sells fewer than twenty-four (24) motor vehicles during a calendar year or if a dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the dealer and with justification shown, the motor vehicle commission may approve the issuance of additional plates. The commission shall furnish to each county clerk a listing of eligible dealers. (3) If pursuant to this section, a dealer is no longer eligible to receive, retain or use dealer registration plates, then the commission is authorized to undertake appropriate action to take possession of any plates issued to the dealer and shall promptly forward the plates to the department of revenue.
(1) On or before February 15 of each year, each motor vehicle dealer shall submit to the commission an annual sales report indicating the number of motor vehicles sold by the dealer during the preceding calendar year, the number of dealer registration plates issued to the dealer during the year and the county or counties in which the plates were issued.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a motor vehicle dealer: (A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the dealer shall not be eligible for any dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed; (B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more motor vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use dealer registration plates otherwise authorized by § 55-4-226 ; or (C) Timely files the annual sales report, and sells fewer than twenty-four (24) motor vehicles during a calendar year or if a dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the dealer and with justification shown, the motor vehicle commission may approve the issuance of additional plates. The commission shall furnish to each county clerk a listing of eligible dealers.
(A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the dealer shall not be eligible for any dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed;
(B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more motor vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use dealer registration plates otherwise authorized by § 55-4-226 ; or
(C) Timely files the annual sales report, and sells fewer than twenty-four (24) motor vehicles during a calendar year or if a dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the dealer and with justification shown, the motor vehicle commission may approve the issuance of additional plates. The commission shall furnish to each county clerk a listing of eligible dealers.
(3) If pursuant to this section, a dealer is no longer eligible to receive, retain or use dealer registration plates, then the commission is authorized to undertake appropriate action to take possession of any plates issued to the dealer and shall promptly forward the plates to the department of revenue.
(b) Upon request of the commission, the department shall make available for the commission's inspection departmental information concerning the number of dealer registration plates issued to each dealer.
Acts 1994, ch. 922, § 3; 1995, ch. 19, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-102
Forms for certificates of registration furnished by department - Contents
Status: in_force

The department shall furnish to the county clerks of the various counties forms for certificates of registration, which certificates shall contain upon their face blank spaces for the following information: the date issued; the full name and bona fide residence of the owner, including the residential street address and number or route and box number, or post office box number if the applicant has no residential street address; provided, however, that a post office box shall not be sufficient to establish an individual's bona fide residence; mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association, or corporation; the registration plate number assigned to the vehicle; and the description of the vehicle as determined by the commissioner. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 63 (Williams, § 5538.163); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-402; Acts 1989, ch. 341, § 4; 2009, ch. 530, § 110.
The department shall furnish to the county clerks of the various counties forms for certificates of registration, which certificates shall contain upon their face blank spaces for the following information: the date issued; the full name and bona fide residence of the owner, including the residential street address and number or route and box number, or post office box number if the applicant has no residential street address; provided, however, that a post office box shall not be sufficient to establish an individual's bona fide residence; mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association, or corporation; the registration plate number assigned to the vehicle; and the description of the vehicle as determined by the commissioner.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 63 (Williams, § 5538.163); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-402; Acts 1989, ch. 341, § 4; 2009, ch. 530, § 110.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-304 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-304
Collections of fines and penalties
Status: in_force

The commissioner of safety is empowered in the name of the state to take all steps necessary to enforce the collection and prompt return of all the fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds; and the same when so collected shall be credited to the department of safety and used to carry out chapters 8 and 9 of this title, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 . Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 17; 1937, ch. 245, § 7; 1939, ch. 206, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.19 (Williams, § 2698); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 105; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1025; Acts 2001, ch. 292, § 3.
The commissioner of safety is empowered in the name of the state to take all steps necessary to enforce the collection and prompt return of all the fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds; and the same when so collected shall be credited to the department of safety and used to carry out chapters 8 and 9 of this title, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 .
Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 17; 1937, ch. 245, § 7; 1939, ch. 206, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.19 (Williams, § 2698); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 105; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1025; Acts 2001, ch. 292, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-184 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-184
Indication of ownership on traffic control signs, signals, markers or devices - Unlawful possession - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) The department of transportation or any agency of local government responsible for erection or maintenance of any traffic-control sign, signal, marker or device is authorized to indicate the ownership of the sign, signal, marker and device in letters on the back of those items in letters not less than one-fourth inch (1/4") nor more than three-fourths inch (3/4") in height by use of a metal stamp, etching, or other permanent marking. (b) Unlawful possession of any such sign, signal, marker or device is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1978, ch. 778, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-885; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) The department of transportation or any agency of local government responsible for erection or maintenance of any traffic-control sign, signal, marker or device is authorized to indicate the ownership of the sign, signal, marker and device in letters on the back of those items in letters not less than one-fourth inch (1/4") nor more than three-fourths inch (3/4") in height by use of a metal stamp, etching, or other permanent marking.
(b) Unlawful possession of any such sign, signal, marker or device is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1978, ch. 778, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-885; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-110
Proof of damages sustained - Determination of amount of financial security required
Status: in_force

(a) Any party who has suffered damages as a result of an accident may submit to the commissioner an affidavit or an accident report showing thereon the amount of damages suffered. The affidavit or accident report, when properly executed, shall, for the purpose of this chapter, be accepted by the commissioner as satisfactory evidence to indicate the amount of actual damages, unless evidence to the contrary is received, in which case the commissioner shall, for the purposes of this chapter, determine the damages from written evidence submitted to the commissioner. (b) In no case shall security be required that is greater in amount than that specified in § 55-12-102 , and in no event shall this security be in an amount less than five hundred dollars ($500). (c) In any case where the amount of security required in this section is questioned by any party required to deposit security, that party shall deposit security in the maximum amount as designated in subsection (b) until the amount of actual damages suffered is determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-1260; Acts 1983, ch. 53, § 5.
(a) Any party who has suffered damages as a result of an accident may submit to the commissioner an affidavit or an accident report showing thereon the amount of damages suffered. The affidavit or accident report, when properly executed, shall, for the purpose of this chapter, be accepted by the commissioner as satisfactory evidence to indicate the amount of actual damages, unless evidence to the contrary is received, in which case the commissioner shall, for the purposes of this chapter, determine the damages from written evidence submitted to the commissioner.
(b) In no case shall security be required that is greater in amount than that specified in § 55-12-102 , and in no event shall this security be in an amount less than five hundred dollars ($500).
(c) In any case where the amount of security required in this section is questioned by any party required to deposit security, that party shall deposit security in the maximum amount as designated in subsection (b) until the amount of actual damages suffered is determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-1260; Acts 1983, ch. 53, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-224 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-224
Firefighters
Status: in_force

(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a member of a volunteer fire department or full-time firefighting unit, or another bona fide firefighter, including a paid, paid-on-call, or volunteer firefighter, or a bona fide retired firefighter, shall be issued a special firefighter registration plate, as provided for in this part, upon proof of current membership in a firefighting unit, or upon proof of former membership in a firefighting unit from which the owner or lessee is a retired member in good standing, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws and payment of the applicable registration fee under § 55-4-111 ; except, that any active volunteer firefighter who has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the applicable registration fee for only one (1) motor vehicle, upon the certification or sworn statement from the chief of the fire department to which the person is attached confirming the person is an active volunteer firefighter. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (a), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (a) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under § 5-8-102 . (b) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202 , the commissioner is authorized and shall issue a license plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a special firefighter registration plate; provided, however, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles and shall pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204 prior to the issuance of the plate. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 923,s 1, eff. 5/15/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2004, ch. 481, § 7; 2007, ch. 604, § 3; 2009, ch. 589, § 42.
(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a member of a volunteer fire department or full-time firefighting unit, or another bona fide firefighter, including a paid, paid-on-call, or volunteer firefighter, or a bona fide retired firefighter, shall be issued a special firefighter registration plate, as provided for in this part, upon proof of current membership in a firefighting unit, or upon proof of former membership in a firefighting unit from which the owner or lessee is a retired member in good standing, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws and payment of the applicable registration fee under § 55-4-111 ; except, that any active volunteer firefighter who has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the applicable registration fee for only one (1) motor vehicle, upon the certification or sworn statement from the chief of the fire department to which the person is attached confirming the person is an active volunteer firefighter. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (a), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (a) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under § 5-8-102 .
(b) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202 , the commissioner is authorized and shall issue a license plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a special firefighter registration plate; provided, however, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles and shall pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204 prior to the issuance of the plate.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 923,s 1, eff. 5/15/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2004, ch. 481, § 7; 2007, ch. 604, § 3; 2009, ch. 589, § 42.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-218 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-218
Allocation of revenue from special purpose and memorial plates
Status: in_force

Effective July 1, 1998, and for all subsequent fiscal years, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of special purpose motor vehicle registration plates and memorial motor vehicle registration plates as defined in § 55-4-201 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in manufacturing the plates, shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Effective July 1, 1998, and for all subsequent fiscal years, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of special purpose motor vehicle registration plates and memorial motor vehicle registration plates as defined in § 55-4-201 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in manufacturing the plates, shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-2-109 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 2 / Section 55-2-109
Synopsis of laws - Distribution
Status: in_force

If the commissioner of safety publishes a synopsis or summary of the laws of this state regulating the operation of vehicles, and provides copies of the published synopsis or summary to the commissioner of revenue, and requests that a copy be delivered with each certificate of title, the commissioner of revenue shall do so without charge. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 24 (Williams, § 5538.124); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-209; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 7.
If the commissioner of safety publishes a synopsis or summary of the laws of this state regulating the operation of vehicles, and provides copies of the published synopsis or summary to the commissioner of revenue, and requests that a copy be delivered with each certificate of title, the commissioner of revenue shall do so without charge.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 24 (Williams, § 5538.124); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-209; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-311 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-311
Conflicts
Status: in_force

Nothing in chapter 796 of Public Acts of 2020 shall expand or restrict in any manner the respective rights or obligations of, or limitations upon, motor vehicle manufacturers and licensed motor vehicle dealers as set forth in chapter 17, part 1 of this title. To the extent that this act conflicts with chapter 17, part 1 of this title, then chapter 17, part 1 of this title shall control. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Nothing in chapter 796 of Public Acts of 2020 shall expand or restrict in any manner the respective rights or obligations of, or limitations upon, motor vehicle manufacturers and licensed motor vehicle dealers as set forth in chapter 17, part 1 of this title. To the extent that this act conflicts with chapter 17, part 1 of this title, then chapter 17, part 1 of this title shall control.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-413 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-413
Payment of fees and charges into state treasury - Allotments - Expenditures by commissioner
Status: in_force

The commission shall pay all money received as fees and charges into the state treasury, and the commissioner of finance and administration shall make these allotments out of the general fund as the commissioner may deem proper for the necessary and proper expenses of the commission. No expenditure shall be made by the commission unless and until the allotment has been made by the commissioner. The allotment shall be subject to an appropriation being made by the general assembly in the annual general appropriations act. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
The commission shall pay all money received as fees and charges into the state treasury, and the commissioner of finance and administration shall make these allotments out of the general fund as the commissioner may deem proper for the necessary and proper expenses of the commission. No expenditure shall be made by the commission unless and until the allotment has been made by the commissioner. The allotment shall be subject to an appropriation being made by the general assembly in the annual general appropriations act.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-328 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-328
Music and art
Status: in_force

(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a Grand Ole Opry new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (b) The new specialty earmarked license plates authorized by this section must be of an appropriate design or logo representative of the Grand Ole Opry. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative from Opry Trust Fund, Inc. (c) The funds produced from the sale of Grand Ole Opry new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Opry Trust Fund, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to provide financial assistance in time of extraordinary need, emergency, or catastrophe to individuals residing in this state who are or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 36, eff. 7/1/2024. Prior version repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a Grand Ole Opry new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(b) The new specialty earmarked license plates authorized by this section must be of an appropriate design or logo representative of the Grand Ole Opry. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative from Opry Trust Fund, Inc.
(c) The funds produced from the sale of Grand Ole Opry new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Opry Trust Fund, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to provide financial assistance in time of extraordinary need, emergency, or catastrophe to individuals residing in this state who are or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 36, eff. 7/1/2024.
Prior version repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-104
"Farm tractor," "motor home," "truck," and "truck tractor" defined
Status: in_force

(a) "Farm tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry. (b) "Motor home" has the same meaning as defined in § 55-28-102 . (c) "Truck" means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. (d) "Truck tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 3 (Williams, § 5538.103); 1974, ch. 525, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-104.
(a) "Farm tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry.
(b) "Motor home" has the same meaning as defined in § 55-28-102 .
(c) "Truck" means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
(d) "Truck tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 3 (Williams, § 5538.103); 1974, ch. 525, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-104.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-335 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-335
K-12 schools
Status: in_force

(a) Memphis/Shelby County Schools Alumni [Obsolete. See Compiler's Notes.] (b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Robotics in Education new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of Tennessee Valley Robotics. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Robotics in Education new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Tennessee Valley Robotics in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support robotics in K-12 education through the purchase of robotics equipment for schools in this state. (c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Elizabethton Cyclones new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative from Elizabethton City Schools and the Elizabethton High School Alumni Association, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of the Elizabethton Cyclones new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Elizabethton High School Alumni Association, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support educational needs of students, including the funding of scholarships. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) Memphis/Shelby County Schools Alumni [Obsolete. See Compiler's Notes.]
(b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Robotics in Education new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of Tennessee Valley Robotics. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Robotics in Education new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Tennessee Valley Robotics in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support robotics in K-12 education through the purchase of robotics equipment for schools in this state.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Robotics in Education new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of Tennessee Valley Robotics.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Robotics in Education new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Tennessee Valley Robotics in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support robotics in K-12 education through the purchase of robotics equipment for schools in this state.
(c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Elizabethton Cyclones new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative from Elizabethton City Schools and the Elizabethton High School Alumni Association, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of the Elizabethton Cyclones new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Elizabethton High School Alumni Association, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support educational needs of students, including the funding of scholarships.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Elizabethton Cyclones new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative from Elizabethton City Schools and the Elizabethton High School Alumni Association, Inc.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of the Elizabethton Cyclones new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Elizabethton High School Alumni Association, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support educational needs of students, including the funding of scholarships.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-303 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-303
Disposition of collections
Status: in_force

(a) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under any of the provisions of chapters 8 and 9 of this title, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 , except such as may be imposed or collected under § 55-10-401 , shall, within fifteen (15) days following the last day of the month in which the fines, penalties and forfeitures of bond were received, be paid to the commissioner of safety, with a statement accompanying the same, setting forth the action or proceeding in which the moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense and fines, penalties, forfeitures or sentence, if any, imposed. (b) The fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under § 55-10-401 shall be paid to the jurisdiction that initiated the arrest; provided, that the collections that were initiated by state officers shall be retained and deposited in the general funds of the county wherein the case is tried. In counties having a population over six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the collections shall be retained and deposited in the general fund of the county wherein the case is tried, except that whenever the case is tried in a municipal court of a municipality that lies in any county falling within the population category hereinbefore provided, the collections shall be retained and deposited in the general fund of the municipality. Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 17; 1937, ch. 245, § 7; 1939, ch. 206, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.18 (Williams, § 2697); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 104; 1957, ch. 70, § 1; 1977, ch. 470, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1024; Acts 1981, ch. 178, § 1; 1986, ch. 753, § 1; 2001, ch. 292, § 2.
(a) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under any of the provisions of chapters 8 and 9 of this title, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 , except such as may be imposed or collected under § 55-10-401 , shall, within fifteen (15) days following the last day of the month in which the fines, penalties and forfeitures of bond were received, be paid to the commissioner of safety, with a statement accompanying the same, setting forth the action or proceeding in which the moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense and fines, penalties, forfeitures or sentence, if any, imposed.
(b) The fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under § 55-10-401 shall be paid to the jurisdiction that initiated the arrest; provided, that the collections that were initiated by state officers shall be retained and deposited in the general funds of the county wherein the case is tried. In counties having a population over six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the collections shall be retained and deposited in the general fund of the county wherein the case is tried, except that whenever the case is tried in a municipal court of a municipality that lies in any county falling within the population category hereinbefore provided, the collections shall be retained and deposited in the general fund of the municipality.
Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 17; 1937, ch. 245, § 7; 1939, ch. 206, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.18 (Williams, § 2697); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 104; 1957, ch. 70, § 1; 1977, ch. 470, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1024; Acts 1981, ch. 178, § 1; 1986, ch. 753, § 1; 2001, ch. 292, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-13-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 13 / Section 55-13-101
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Dealer" means any person, partnership, or corporation who is engaged in, or who intends to engage in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail in this state. "Dealer" also includes "retail agent"; (2) "Finance company or finance agency" means any person engaged in the business of financing the sale of motor vehicles, or engaged in the business of purchasing or acquiring promissory notes, either secured by vendor's lien or chattel mortgage, arising from the sale of motor vehicles in this state; (3) "Manufacturer" means any person who is engaged, either directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of motor vehicles; (4) "Persons" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trustee, receiver or assignee for the benefit of creditors; (5) "Sell," "sold," "buy," and "purchase" include exchange, barter, gift, and offer to contract to sell or buy; and (6) "Wholesale distributor" means any person engaged, directly or indirectly, in the sale or distribution of motor vehicles to agents or to dealers. Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.25 (Williams, § 6770.14); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1301.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Dealer" means any person, partnership, or corporation who is engaged in, or who intends to engage in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail in this state. "Dealer" also includes "retail agent";
(2) "Finance company or finance agency" means any person engaged in the business of financing the sale of motor vehicles, or engaged in the business of purchasing or acquiring promissory notes, either secured by vendor's lien or chattel mortgage, arising from the sale of motor vehicles in this state;
(3) "Manufacturer" means any person who is engaged, either directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of motor vehicles;
(4) "Persons" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trustee, receiver or assignee for the benefit of creditors;
(5) "Sell," "sold," "buy," and "purchase" include exchange, barter, gift, and offer to contract to sell or buy; and
(6) "Wholesale distributor" means any person engaged, directly or indirectly, in the sale or distribution of motor vehicles to agents or to dealers.
Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.25 (Williams, § 6770.14); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1301.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-107
Minimum requirements of insurance policy or bond for security - Acceptable proof of existence of insurance or bond
Status: in_force

(a) No policy or bond shall be effective under § 55-12-106 , unless issued by an insurance company or surety company licensed to do business in this state, except as provided in subsection (b), and unless the policy or bond provides security not less than the amounts specified in § 55-12-102 . (b) No policy or bond shall be effective under § 55-12-106 with respect to any motor vehicle that was not registered in this state or that was registered elsewhere as of the effective date of the policy or bond or the most recent renewal thereof, unless the policy or bond executes a power of attorney authorizing the commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process of any action upon the policy or bond arising out of the accident. (c) The commissioner may rely upon the accuracy of the information in the report of an accident as to the existence of insurance or a bond unless and until the commissioner has reason to believe that the information is erroneous. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-1257; Acts 1983, ch. 53, § 4.
(a) No policy or bond shall be effective under § 55-12-106 , unless issued by an insurance company or surety company licensed to do business in this state, except as provided in subsection (b), and unless the policy or bond provides security not less than the amounts specified in § 55-12-102 .
(b) No policy or bond shall be effective under § 55-12-106 with respect to any motor vehicle that was not registered in this state or that was registered elsewhere as of the effective date of the policy or bond or the most recent renewal thereof, unless the policy or bond executes a power of attorney authorizing the commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process of any action upon the policy or bond arising out of the accident.
(c) The commissioner may rely upon the accuracy of the information in the report of an accident as to the existence of insurance or a bond unless and until the commissioner has reason to believe that the information is erroneous.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-1257; Acts 1983, ch. 53, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-290 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-290
Allocation of revenue from specialty earmarked plates
Status: in_force

(a) Effective July 1, 1998, and for all subsequent fiscal years, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates as defined in § 55-4-201 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in designing, manufacturing and marketing the plates, shall be allocated in each fiscal year as earmarked or specified in the statute authorizing the issuance of each individual specialty earmarked plate. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as reallocating the revenues produced from the regular motor vehicle registration fees, or renewals thereof, imposed by part 1 of this chapter. The revenues shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
(a) Effective July 1, 1998, and for all subsequent fiscal years, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates as defined in § 55-4-201 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in designing, manufacturing and marketing the plates, shall be allocated in each fiscal year as earmarked or specified in the statute authorizing the issuance of each individual specialty earmarked plate.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as reallocating the revenues produced from the regular motor vehicle registration fees, or renewals thereof, imposed by part 1 of this chapter. The revenues shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-207 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-207
Penalty for operating truck without rearview mirror
Status: in_force

Any person driving a motor truck without a rearview mirror, and the owner of the motor truck, operated upon any public thoroughfare, in violation of § 55-9-206 , commits a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1923, ch. 53, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a11; Code 1932, § 2710; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-922; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Any person driving a motor truck without a rearview mirror, and the owner of the motor truck, operated upon any public thoroughfare, in violation of § 55-9-206 , commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1923, ch. 53, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a11; Code 1932, § 2710; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-922; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-124 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-124
"Custom-built car" defined
Status: in_force

"Custom-built car" means a motor vehicle that is built for private use and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. Acts 2008, ch. 765, § 1.
"Custom-built car" means a motor vehicle that is built for private use and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer.
Acts 2008, ch. 765, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-128 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-128
Operation of other business at dealer's established place of business
Status: in_force

A motor vehicle dealer licensed to sell motor vehicles may operate one (1) additional business at the dealer's established place of business; provided, at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the dealer's established place of business is used for the sale or service, or both, of motor vehicles and that the income derived from the additional business is less than thirty-three percent (33%) of the gross income of the dealership. The dealer may also install signs at the dealer's established place of business for the purpose of advertising the other businesses. Repealed by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 9, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 2007, ch. 93, § 1.
A motor vehicle dealer licensed to sell motor vehicles may operate one (1) additional business at the dealer's established place of business; provided, at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the dealer's established place of business is used for the sale or service, or both, of motor vehicles and that the income derived from the additional business is less than thirty-three percent (33%) of the gross income of the dealership. The dealer may also install signs at the dealer's established place of business for the purpose of advertising the other businesses.
Repealed by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 9, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 2007, ch. 93, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-301 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-301
Penalty for violations of chapters 8 and 9 and parts 1-5 of this chapter
Status: in_force

(a) Any person violating any of chapters 8 and 9 of this title and parts 1-5 of this chapter where a penalty is not specifically prescribed commits a Class C misdemeanor. (b) (1) Any person violating any of the provisions of chapters 8 and 9 of this title and parts 1-5 of this chapter may be required, at the discretion of the court, to attend a driver education course approved by the department of safety in addition to or in lieu of any portion of other penalty imposed; provided, that the course is approved by the department, it may be operated and conducted by a: (A) County, municipality or other entity of local government; (B) Nonprofit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); or (C) Private entity that: (i) Is licensed by the secretary of state to conduct business in this state, if required of the entity by state law; (ii) Is registered with the department of revenue for all applicable taxes; and (iii) Conducts at least two (2) courses per calendar year, whether in person or online. (2) A reasonable fee between fifty dollars ($50.00) and one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) may be assessed for the driver education or driver improvement course; provided, that no one shall be refused admittance for inability to pay. This fee shall apply only to driver improvement courses that may be required pursuant to this section, and shall not apply to any program offered pursuant to title 49, chapter 1, or to any other driving instruction school. (3) By operating a driver education or improvement course pursuant to this subsection (b), the entity operating or conducting the course consents to the inspection of all records concerning the course by the department of safety; provided, that inspection made pursuant to this subdivision (b)(3) shall not preclude inspection of any records pursuant to any other provision of law. (4) Each court clerk shall provide a list of approved entities in the county to any person ordered to attend a driver education or improvement course. (5) Upon certification to the court clerk that a court ordered driver education or improvement course has been completed, the court clerk shall report the completion to the department of safety. The report shall be accomplished on the abstract of record of the court referenced in § 55-10-306 . (c) Subsection (b) shall not apply to any person who holds a Class A, B, or C license and is charged with any violation, except a parking violation, in any type of motor vehicle. (d) Subsection (b) shall not apply to any person who holds any class of driver license and who is charged with any violation, except a parking violation, while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 220, s 1, eff. 4/22/2021. Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 16; 1937, ch. 245, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.17 (Williams, § 2696); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 103; 1971, ch. 234, § 1; 1975, ch. 162, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1023; Acts 1981, ch. 91, §§ 1, 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 869, § 1; 1995, ch. 178, § 1; 2001, ch. 186, § 1; 2005, ch. 235, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1181, § 1; 2009 , ch. 321, § 1.
(a) Any person violating any of chapters 8 and 9 of this title and parts 1-5 of this chapter where a penalty is not specifically prescribed commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) (1) Any person violating any of the provisions of chapters 8 and 9 of this title and parts 1-5 of this chapter may be required, at the discretion of the court, to attend a driver education course approved by the department of safety in addition to or in lieu of any portion of other penalty imposed; provided, that the course is approved by the department, it may be operated and conducted by a: (A) County, municipality or other entity of local government; (B) Nonprofit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); or (C) Private entity that: (i) Is licensed by the secretary of state to conduct business in this state, if required of the entity by state law; (ii) Is registered with the department of revenue for all applicable taxes; and (iii) Conducts at least two (2) courses per calendar year, whether in person or online. (2) A reasonable fee between fifty dollars ($50.00) and one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) may be assessed for the driver education or driver improvement course; provided, that no one shall be refused admittance for inability to pay. This fee shall apply only to driver improvement courses that may be required pursuant to this section, and shall not apply to any program offered pursuant to title 49, chapter 1, or to any other driving instruction school. (3) By operating a driver education or improvement course pursuant to this subsection (b), the entity operating or conducting the course consents to the inspection of all records concerning the course by the department of safety; provided, that inspection made pursuant to this subdivision (b)(3) shall not preclude inspection of any records pursuant to any other provision of law. (4) Each court clerk shall provide a list of approved entities in the county to any person ordered to attend a driver education or improvement course. (5) Upon certification to the court clerk that a court ordered driver education or improvement course has been completed, the court clerk shall report the completion to the department of safety. The report shall be accomplished on the abstract of record of the court referenced in § 55-10-306 .
(1) Any person violating any of the provisions of chapters 8 and 9 of this title and parts 1-5 of this chapter may be required, at the discretion of the court, to attend a driver education course approved by the department of safety in addition to or in lieu of any portion of other penalty imposed; provided, that the course is approved by the department, it may be operated and conducted by a: (A) County, municipality or other entity of local government; (B) Nonprofit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); or (C) Private entity that: (i) Is licensed by the secretary of state to conduct business in this state, if required of the entity by state law; (ii) Is registered with the department of revenue for all applicable taxes; and (iii) Conducts at least two (2) courses per calendar year, whether in person or online.
(A) County, municipality or other entity of local government;
(B) Nonprofit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); or
(C) Private entity that: (i) Is licensed by the secretary of state to conduct business in this state, if required of the entity by state law; (ii) Is registered with the department of revenue for all applicable taxes; and (iii) Conducts at least two (2) courses per calendar year, whether in person or online.
(i) Is licensed by the secretary of state to conduct business in this state, if required of the entity by state law;
(ii) Is registered with the department of revenue for all applicable taxes; and
(iii) Conducts at least two (2) courses per calendar year, whether in person or online.
(2) A reasonable fee between fifty dollars ($50.00) and one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) may be assessed for the driver education or driver improvement course; provided, that no one shall be refused admittance for inability to pay. This fee shall apply only to driver improvement courses that may be required pursuant to this section, and shall not apply to any program offered pursuant to title 49, chapter 1, or to any other driving instruction school.
(3) By operating a driver education or improvement course pursuant to this subsection (b), the entity operating or conducting the course consents to the inspection of all records concerning the course by the department of safety; provided, that inspection made pursuant to this subdivision (b)(3) shall not preclude inspection of any records pursuant to any other provision of law.
(4) Each court clerk shall provide a list of approved entities in the county to any person ordered to attend a driver education or improvement course.
(5) Upon certification to the court clerk that a court ordered driver education or improvement course has been completed, the court clerk shall report the completion to the department of safety. The report shall be accomplished on the abstract of record of the court referenced in § 55-10-306 .
(c) Subsection (b) shall not apply to any person who holds a Class A, B, or C license and is charged with any violation, except a parking violation, in any type of motor vehicle.
(d) Subsection (b) shall not apply to any person who holds any class of driver license and who is charged with any violation, except a parking violation, while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 220, s 1, eff. 4/22/2021.
Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 16; 1937, ch. 245, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.17 (Williams, § 2696); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 103; 1971, ch. 234, § 1; 1975, ch. 162, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1023; Acts 1981, ch. 91, §§ 1, 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 869, § 1; 1995, ch. 178, § 1; 2001, ch. 186, § 1; 2005, ch. 235, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1181, § 1; 2009 , ch. 321, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-308 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-308
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 2002, ch. 876, § 40; 2004, ch. 937, § 4.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 2002, ch. 876, § 40; 2004, ch. 937, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-187 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-187
Obscene or patently offensive bumper stickers, window signs, or other markings prohibited
Status: in_force

To avoid distracting other drivers and thereby reduce the likelihood of accidents arising from lack of attention or concentration, the display of obscene and patently offensive movies, bumper stickers, window signs or other markings on or in a motor vehicle that are visible to other drivers is prohibited and display of such materials shall subject the owner of the vehicle on which they are displayed, upon conviction, to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). "Obscene" or "patently offensive" has the meaning specified in § 39-17-901 . Acts 1988, ch. 764, § 1; 1996, ch. 675, § 64; 2004, ch. 796, § 1; 2011 , ch. 58, § 1.
To avoid distracting other drivers and thereby reduce the likelihood of accidents arising from lack of attention or concentration, the display of obscene and patently offensive movies, bumper stickers, window signs or other markings on or in a motor vehicle that are visible to other drivers is prohibited and display of such materials shall subject the owner of the vehicle on which they are displayed, upon conviction, to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). "Obscene" or "patently offensive" has the meaning specified in § 39-17-901 .
Acts 1988, ch. 764, § 1; 1996, ch. 675, § 64; 2004, ch. 796, § 1; 2011 , ch. 58, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-416 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-416
Open container law
Status: in_force

(a) (1) No driver shall consume any alcoholic beverage or beer or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle in this state. (2) For purposes of this section: (A) "Open container" means any container containing alcoholic beverages or beer, the contents of which are immediately capable of being consumed or the seal of which has been broken; (B) An open container is in the possession of the driver when it is not in the possession of any passenger and is not located in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other nonpassenger area of the vehicle; and (C) A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving. (b) (1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. (2) For a violation of this section, a law enforcement officer shall issue a citation in lieu of continued custody, unless the offender refuses to sign and accept the citation, as provided in § 40-7-118 . (c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit any municipality, by ordinance, or any county, by resolution, from prohibiting the passengers in a motor vehicle from consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage or beer in an open container during the operation of the vehicle by its driver, or be construed to limit the penalties authorized by law for violation of the ordinance or resolution. Acts 1994, ch. 638, § 1.
(a) (1) No driver shall consume any alcoholic beverage or beer or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle in this state. (2) For purposes of this section: (A) "Open container" means any container containing alcoholic beverages or beer, the contents of which are immediately capable of being consumed or the seal of which has been broken; (B) An open container is in the possession of the driver when it is not in the possession of any passenger and is not located in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other nonpassenger area of the vehicle; and (C) A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
(1) No driver shall consume any alcoholic beverage or beer or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle in this state.
(2) For purposes of this section: (A) "Open container" means any container containing alcoholic beverages or beer, the contents of which are immediately capable of being consumed or the seal of which has been broken; (B) An open container is in the possession of the driver when it is not in the possession of any passenger and is not located in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other nonpassenger area of the vehicle; and (C) A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
(A) "Open container" means any container containing alcoholic beverages or beer, the contents of which are immediately capable of being consumed or the seal of which has been broken;
(B) An open container is in the possession of the driver when it is not in the possession of any passenger and is not located in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other nonpassenger area of the vehicle; and
(C) A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
(b) (1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. (2) For a violation of this section, a law enforcement officer shall issue a citation in lieu of continued custody, unless the offender refuses to sign and accept the citation, as provided in § 40-7-118 .
(1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only.
(2) For a violation of this section, a law enforcement officer shall issue a citation in lieu of continued custody, unless the offender refuses to sign and accept the citation, as provided in § 40-7-118 .
(c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit any municipality, by ordinance, or any county, by resolution, from prohibiting the passengers in a motor vehicle from consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage or beer in an open container during the operation of the vehicle by its driver, or be construed to limit the penalties authorized by law for violation of the ordinance or resolution.
Acts 1994, ch. 638, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-108
Duration of suspension or revocation for failure to report accident or deposit security - Restoration - Determination of fault inadmissible in court of law
Status: in_force

(a) Any license, registration, or nonresident's operating privilege suspended or revoked under authority of this part shall remain suspended or revoked and shall not be renewed, nor shall any license or registration be issued to the person until: (1) The person whose driver license and registration have been suspended by authority of § 55-12-104 shall file an accident report and pay a restoration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (2) A court has rendered a final judgment that relieves the revoked person of any liability for the accident for which failure to deposit security caused revocation; (3) One (1) year from the date of the accident has expired and proof is submitted that no court action has been brought as a result of the accident or when the revoked party has deposited security; (4) A court has rendered a judgment and the judgment is paid, payment of which relieves the revoked party of any further liability for the accident for which failure to deposit security caused revocation; (5) The owner or operator files with the commissioner notarized releases executed by all parties who have previously filed claims with the department as a result of the accident; (6) The person submits a discharge in bankruptcy that discharges all claims of persons involved in the accident with that person; provided, that the discharge from payment of the claims shall not relieve the person from the financial responsibility requirements specified in subdivision (a)(8); (7) The owner or operator submits proof satisfactory to the commissioner of acceptance of liability for the accident and an agreement satisfactory to all parties claiming damages concerning the payment of damages; provided, however, that, if the owner or operator fails to carry out the terms of the agreement, the commissioner may at any time within three (3) years after the accident, upon notice of such failure, take any action that the commissioner might have taken had the agreement not been made; or (8) The person, in addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a)(3)-(7) for restoration of privileges, shall also give and maintain proof of financial responsibility as required under § 55-12-126 , pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee and pass the driver license examination as a condition precedent to the restoration of such privileges. (b) The determination by the department as to fault shall be purely an administrative decision and shall not be admissible in any court of law. (c) If a motor vehicle operator or owner has met the requirements set forth in subsection (a) to have the registration of a motor vehicle reinstated, the commissioner of revenue, upon request of the commissioner of safety and upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 or § 55-4-113 , shall immediately make that reinstatement. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-1258; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1980, ch. 868, § 4; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 20, 21, 27; 2007, ch. 484, § 81.
(a) Any license, registration, or nonresident's operating privilege suspended or revoked under authority of this part shall remain suspended or revoked and shall not be renewed, nor shall any license or registration be issued to the person until: (1) The person whose driver license and registration have been suspended by authority of § 55-12-104 shall file an accident report and pay a restoration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (2) A court has rendered a final judgment that relieves the revoked person of any liability for the accident for which failure to deposit security caused revocation; (3) One (1) year from the date of the accident has expired and proof is submitted that no court action has been brought as a result of the accident or when the revoked party has deposited security; (4) A court has rendered a judgment and the judgment is paid, payment of which relieves the revoked party of any further liability for the accident for which failure to deposit security caused revocation; (5) The owner or operator files with the commissioner notarized releases executed by all parties who have previously filed claims with the department as a result of the accident; (6) The person submits a discharge in bankruptcy that discharges all claims of persons involved in the accident with that person; provided, that the discharge from payment of the claims shall not relieve the person from the financial responsibility requirements specified in subdivision (a)(8); (7) The owner or operator submits proof satisfactory to the commissioner of acceptance of liability for the accident and an agreement satisfactory to all parties claiming damages concerning the payment of damages; provided, however, that, if the owner or operator fails to carry out the terms of the agreement, the commissioner may at any time within three (3) years after the accident, upon notice of such failure, take any action that the commissioner might have taken had the agreement not been made; or (8) The person, in addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a)(3)-(7) for restoration of privileges, shall also give and maintain proof of financial responsibility as required under § 55-12-126 , pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee and pass the driver license examination as a condition precedent to the restoration of such privileges.
(1) The person whose driver license and registration have been suspended by authority of § 55-12-104 shall file an accident report and pay a restoration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(2) A court has rendered a final judgment that relieves the revoked person of any liability for the accident for which failure to deposit security caused revocation;
(3) One (1) year from the date of the accident has expired and proof is submitted that no court action has been brought as a result of the accident or when the revoked party has deposited security;
(4) A court has rendered a judgment and the judgment is paid, payment of which relieves the revoked party of any further liability for the accident for which failure to deposit security caused revocation;
(5) The owner or operator files with the commissioner notarized releases executed by all parties who have previously filed claims with the department as a result of the accident;
(6) The person submits a discharge in bankruptcy that discharges all claims of persons involved in the accident with that person; provided, that the discharge from payment of the claims shall not relieve the person from the financial responsibility requirements specified in subdivision (a)(8);
(7) The owner or operator submits proof satisfactory to the commissioner of acceptance of liability for the accident and an agreement satisfactory to all parties claiming damages concerning the payment of damages; provided, however, that, if the owner or operator fails to carry out the terms of the agreement, the commissioner may at any time within three (3) years after the accident, upon notice of such failure, take any action that the commissioner might have taken had the agreement not been made; or
(8) The person, in addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a)(3)-(7) for restoration of privileges, shall also give and maintain proof of financial responsibility as required under § 55-12-126 , pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee and pass the driver license examination as a condition precedent to the restoration of such privileges.
(b) The determination by the department as to fault shall be purely an administrative decision and shall not be admissible in any court of law.
(c) If a motor vehicle operator or owner has met the requirements set forth in subsection (a) to have the registration of a motor vehicle reinstated, the commissioner of revenue, upon request of the commissioner of safety and upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 or § 55-4-113 , shall immediately make that reinstatement.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-1258; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1980, ch. 868, § 4; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 20, 21, 27; 2007, ch. 484, § 81.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-159 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-159
Officers authorized to remove illegally stopped vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of § 55-8-158 , the officer is authorized to move the vehicle, or to require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it, to a position off the paved or main-traveled part of the highway. (b) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any bridge or causeway or in any tunnel, or on any highway, where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, the officer is authorized to provide for the removal of that vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety, at the expense of the owner. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 59; T.C.A., § 59-860.
(a) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of § 55-8-158 , the officer is authorized to move the vehicle, or to require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it, to a position off the paved or main-traveled part of the highway.
(b) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any bridge or causeway or in any tunnel, or on any highway, where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, the officer is authorized to provide for the removal of that vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety, at the expense of the owner.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 59; T.C.A., § 59-860.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-115 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-115
Suspension of driver license for failure to comply with financial responsibility law
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt by the commissioner of a record of conviction of failing to show evidence of financial responsibility pursuant to § 55-12-139 , the commissioner shall suspend the driver license of the person convicted of this offense. (b) (1) The person may obtain reinstatement of the person's driver license by meeting the following requirements: (A) Submitting evidence of financial responsibility as required by this section; and (B) Paying the fee provided for in § 55-12-129 . (2) After satisfying the requirements of subdivision (b)(1), the person is entitled to the return of operating privileges, unless otherwise suspended or revoked under this title. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 4, eff. 1/1/2024. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 15; 1978, ch. 645, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1265; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 23, 27; 1995, ch. 305, § 116; 1998, ch. 682, § 4; 2001, ch. 292, § 8.
(a) Upon receipt by the commissioner of a record of conviction of failing to show evidence of financial responsibility pursuant to § 55-12-139 , the commissioner shall suspend the driver license of the person convicted of this offense.
(b) (1) The person may obtain reinstatement of the person's driver license by meeting the following requirements: (A) Submitting evidence of financial responsibility as required by this section; and (B) Paying the fee provided for in § 55-12-129 . (2) After satisfying the requirements of subdivision (b)(1), the person is entitled to the return of operating privileges, unless otherwise suspended or revoked under this title.
(1) The person may obtain reinstatement of the person's driver license by meeting the following requirements: (A) Submitting evidence of financial responsibility as required by this section; and (B) Paying the fee provided for in § 55-12-129 .
(A) Submitting evidence of financial responsibility as required by this section; and
(B) Paying the fee provided for in § 55-12-129 .
(2) After satisfying the requirements of subdivision (b)(1), the person is entitled to the return of operating privileges, unless otherwise suspended or revoked under this title.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 4, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 15; 1978, ch. 645, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1265; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 23, 27; 1995, ch. 305, § 116; 1998, ch. 682, § 4; 2001, ch. 292, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-211 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-211
Informational material on how to interact with law enforcement when person is being pulled over
Status: in_force

The department of safety, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies, shall produce informational material on how to interact with law enforcement when a person is being pulled over. This information may include, but is not limited to, the following: (1) What a law enforcement vehicle will look like; (2) How a law enforcement vehicle will act when stopping a person; (3) How a person being stopped can verify the vehicle is operated by a law enforcement officer; and (4) How a person may proceed if the person wants to travel to a safer location for the traffic stop. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 820,s 1, eff. 10/1/2022.
The department of safety, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies, shall produce informational material on how to interact with law enforcement when a person is being pulled over. This information may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) What a law enforcement vehicle will look like;
(2) How a law enforcement vehicle will act when stopping a person;
(3) How a person being stopped can verify the vehicle is operated by a law enforcement officer; and
(4) How a person may proceed if the person wants to travel to a safer location for the traffic stop.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 820,s 1, eff. 10/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-212 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-212
Mudguards on trucks - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall operate upon a public highway or street any motor vehicle, including a separate truck tractor (normally used in a tractor-trailer combination), or combination of vehicles having a carrying capacity in excess of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.), if the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is not equipped with rear fenders, mudflaps or mudguards of such size as to substantially prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water or other substances to the rear. The fenders, flaps or guards shall be of a type approved by the commissioner of safety. (b) This section shall have no application to farm vehicles, or vehicles used by farmers to haul produce from farm to market, nor shall it apply to vehicles used exclusively for hauling logs. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 227, §§ 1-3; 1973, ch. 326, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-928; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) No person shall operate upon a public highway or street any motor vehicle, including a separate truck tractor (normally used in a tractor-trailer combination), or combination of vehicles having a carrying capacity in excess of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.), if the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is not equipped with rear fenders, mudflaps or mudguards of such size as to substantially prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water or other substances to the rear. The fenders, flaps or guards shall be of a type approved by the commissioner of safety.
(b) This section shall have no application to farm vehicles, or vehicles used by farmers to haul produce from farm to market, nor shall it apply to vehicles used exclusively for hauling logs.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 227, §§ 1-3; 1973, ch. 326, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-928; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-217 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-217
New tires required on new trailers - Waiver - Violations
Status: in_force

(a) After December 31, 2004, any new trailer manufactured in this state and intended for sale to the general public within this state with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less shall be equipped with new tires appropriate for the weight rating of the vehicle. (b) (1) After December 31, 2004, no new trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less shall be sold to the general public in this state unless equipped with new tires appropriate for the weight rating of the vehicle. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a buyer of a new trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less may waive the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) and accept the trailer with used tires from a willing seller. To effectuate the waiver, a buyer shall sign a written waiver acknowledging that the trailer is not equipped with new tires and the buyer's willingness to accept the trailer without new tires, and relieving the seller from any liability for any malfunction of the tires with which the trailer is equipped at the time of the sale. (c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sale of a trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less that is not equipped with any tires. (d) A violation of this section shall be deemed an offense under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18. A civil penalty of not more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) may be imposed for a violation of this section. Acts 2004, ch. 844, §§ 1, 2.
(a) After December 31, 2004, any new trailer manufactured in this state and intended for sale to the general public within this state with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less shall be equipped with new tires appropriate for the weight rating of the vehicle.
(b) (1) After December 31, 2004, no new trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less shall be sold to the general public in this state unless equipped with new tires appropriate for the weight rating of the vehicle. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a buyer of a new trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less may waive the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) and accept the trailer with used tires from a willing seller. To effectuate the waiver, a buyer shall sign a written waiver acknowledging that the trailer is not equipped with new tires and the buyer's willingness to accept the trailer without new tires, and relieving the seller from any liability for any malfunction of the tires with which the trailer is equipped at the time of the sale.
(1) After December 31, 2004, no new trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less shall be sold to the general public in this state unless equipped with new tires appropriate for the weight rating of the vehicle.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a buyer of a new trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less may waive the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) and accept the trailer with used tires from a willing seller. To effectuate the waiver, a buyer shall sign a written waiver acknowledging that the trailer is not equipped with new tires and the buyer's willingness to accept the trailer without new tires, and relieving the seller from any liability for any malfunction of the tires with which the trailer is equipped at the time of the sale.
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sale of a trailer with a GVWR of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less that is not equipped with any tires.
(d) A violation of this section shall be deemed an offense under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18. A civil penalty of not more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) may be imposed for a violation of this section.
Acts 2004, ch. 844, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-301 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-301
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Car sharing delivery period" means the period of time during which a shared vehicle is being delivered to the location of the car sharing start time, if applicable, as documented by the governing car sharing program agreement; (2) "Car sharing period" means the period of time: (A) That commences with the car sharing delivery period and ends at the car sharing termination time; or (B) If there is no car sharing delivery period, that commences with the car sharing start time and ends at the car sharing termination time; (3) "Car sharing program agreement": (A) Means the terms and conditions applicable to a shared vehicle owner and a shared vehicle driver that govern the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and (B) Does not mean rental car agreement with a rental car company; (4) "Car sharing start time" means the time when the shared vehicle becomes subject to the control of the shared vehicle driver at or after the time the reservation of a shared vehicle is scheduled to begin as documented in the records of a peer-to-peer car sharing program; (5) "Car sharing termination time" means the earliest of the following events: (A) The expiration of the agreed upon period of time established for the use of a shared vehicle according to the terms of the car sharing program agreement if the shared vehicle is delivered to the location agreed upon in the car sharing program agreement; (B) When the shared vehicle is returned to a location as alternatively agreed upon by the shared vehicle owner and shared vehicle driver as communicated through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (C) When the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle owner's authorized designee, takes possession and control of the shared vehicle; (6) "Peer-to-peer car sharing": (A) Means the authorized use of a vehicle by an individual other than the vehicle's owner through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and (B) Does not include the services offered by a rental car company; (7) "Peer-to-peer car sharing program": (A) Means a business platform that connects vehicle owners with drivers to enable the sharing of vehicles for financial consideration; and (B) Does not include: (i) The services offered by a rental car company; or (ii) A service provider who is solely providing hardware or software as a service to a person or entity that is not effectuating payment of financial consideration for use of a shared vehicle; (8) "Rental car company" means a business engaged in the rental of motor vehicles that is subject to title 67, chapter 4, part 19, and not a peer-to-peer car sharing program; (9) "Shared vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that is available for sharing through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and (B) Does not mean a rental vehicle provided by a rental car company; (10) "Shared vehicle driver" means an individual who has been authorized to drive the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle owner under a car sharing program agreement; and (11) "Shared vehicle owner" means the registered owner, or a person or entity designated by the registered owner, of a vehicle made available for sharing to shared vehicle drivers through a peer-to-peer car sharing program. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
As used in this part:
(1) "Car sharing delivery period" means the period of time during which a shared vehicle is being delivered to the location of the car sharing start time, if applicable, as documented by the governing car sharing program agreement;
(2) "Car sharing period" means the period of time: (A) That commences with the car sharing delivery period and ends at the car sharing termination time; or (B) If there is no car sharing delivery period, that commences with the car sharing start time and ends at the car sharing termination time;
(A) That commences with the car sharing delivery period and ends at the car sharing termination time; or
(B) If there is no car sharing delivery period, that commences with the car sharing start time and ends at the car sharing termination time;
(3) "Car sharing program agreement": (A) Means the terms and conditions applicable to a shared vehicle owner and a shared vehicle driver that govern the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and (B) Does not mean rental car agreement with a rental car company;
(A) Means the terms and conditions applicable to a shared vehicle owner and a shared vehicle driver that govern the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and
(B) Does not mean rental car agreement with a rental car company;
(4) "Car sharing start time" means the time when the shared vehicle becomes subject to the control of the shared vehicle driver at or after the time the reservation of a shared vehicle is scheduled to begin as documented in the records of a peer-to-peer car sharing program;
(5) "Car sharing termination time" means the earliest of the following events: (A) The expiration of the agreed upon period of time established for the use of a shared vehicle according to the terms of the car sharing program agreement if the shared vehicle is delivered to the location agreed upon in the car sharing program agreement; (B) When the shared vehicle is returned to a location as alternatively agreed upon by the shared vehicle owner and shared vehicle driver as communicated through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (C) When the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle owner's authorized designee, takes possession and control of the shared vehicle;
(A) The expiration of the agreed upon period of time established for the use of a shared vehicle according to the terms of the car sharing program agreement if the shared vehicle is delivered to the location agreed upon in the car sharing program agreement;
(B) When the shared vehicle is returned to a location as alternatively agreed upon by the shared vehicle owner and shared vehicle driver as communicated through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or
(C) When the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle owner's authorized designee, takes possession and control of the shared vehicle;
(6) "Peer-to-peer car sharing": (A) Means the authorized use of a vehicle by an individual other than the vehicle's owner through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and (B) Does not include the services offered by a rental car company;
(A) Means the authorized use of a vehicle by an individual other than the vehicle's owner through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and
(B) Does not include the services offered by a rental car company;
(7) "Peer-to-peer car sharing program": (A) Means a business platform that connects vehicle owners with drivers to enable the sharing of vehicles for financial consideration; and (B) Does not include: (i) The services offered by a rental car company; or (ii) A service provider who is solely providing hardware or software as a service to a person or entity that is not effectuating payment of financial consideration for use of a shared vehicle;
(A) Means a business platform that connects vehicle owners with drivers to enable the sharing of vehicles for financial consideration; and
(B) Does not include: (i) The services offered by a rental car company; or (ii) A service provider who is solely providing hardware or software as a service to a person or entity that is not effectuating payment of financial consideration for use of a shared vehicle;
(i) The services offered by a rental car company; or
(ii) A service provider who is solely providing hardware or software as a service to a person or entity that is not effectuating payment of financial consideration for use of a shared vehicle;
(8) "Rental car company" means a business engaged in the rental of motor vehicles that is subject to title 67, chapter 4, part 19, and not a peer-to-peer car sharing program;
(9) "Shared vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that is available for sharing through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and (B) Does not mean a rental vehicle provided by a rental car company;
(A) Means a vehicle that is available for sharing through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; and
(B) Does not mean a rental vehicle provided by a rental car company;
(10) "Shared vehicle driver" means an individual who has been authorized to drive the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle owner under a car sharing program agreement; and
(11) "Shared vehicle owner" means the registered owner, or a person or entity designated by the registered owner, of a vehicle made available for sharing to shared vehicle drivers through a peer-to-peer car sharing program.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-147 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-147
Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus whether or not the school bus is carrying any school child, or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as provided in this section, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely. After stopping as required in this section and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any such vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks. (b) No stop need be made at any crossing where a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed. (c) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 46; T.C.A., § 59-847; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 134, § 1; 2001, ch. 73, § 1.
(a) The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus whether or not the school bus is carrying any school child, or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as provided in this section, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely. After stopping as required in this section and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any such vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
(b) No stop need be made at any crossing where a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(c) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 46; T.C.A., § 59-847; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 134, § 1; 2001, ch. 73, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-302 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-302
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this part is to empower citizens to communicate specific needs to law enforcement and first responders. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55, s 1, eff. 1/1/2022.
The purpose of this part is to empower citizens to communicate specific needs to law enforcement and first responders.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55, s 1, eff. 1/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-203 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-203
Authority to enter agreements
Status: in_force

The department of safety may execute or make agreements, arrangements, or declarations to carry out this chapter with the licensing authorities of other states and the provinces or territories of Canada, and with third parties permitted in 49 CFR Part 383. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.13 (Williams, § 2715.18); Acts 1973, ch. 224, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-706; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-106 , 55-7-203 .
The department of safety may execute or make agreements, arrangements, or declarations to carry out this chapter with the licensing authorities of other states and the provinces or territories of Canada, and with third parties permitted in 49 CFR Part 383.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.13 (Williams, § 2715.18); Acts 1973, ch. 224, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-706; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-106 , 55-7-203 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-124 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-124
Following too closely
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. (b) The driver of any motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy that space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle. (c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy the space without danger. This subsection (c) does not apply to funeral processions. (d) Except for a motor vehicle in a platoon, no motor truck of more than one and one-half ton rated capacity shall approach any other motor truck of like or greater capacity proceeding in the same direction on any of the highways of this state without the corporate limits of any municipality at a distance nearer than three hundred feet (300'), except in overtaking and passing such other trucks, or unless one (1) or both of these trucks have come to a stop or except in rendering assistance to a disabled or partly disabled truck. (e) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 171,s 3, eff. 4/24/2017. Acts 1951, ch. 146, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, § 2715.10a); 1955, ch. 329, § 23; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-824; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
(b) The driver of any motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy that space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.
(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy the space without danger. This subsection (c) does not apply to funeral processions.
(d) Except for a motor vehicle in a platoon, no motor truck of more than one and one-half ton rated capacity shall approach any other motor truck of like or greater capacity proceeding in the same direction on any of the highways of this state without the corporate limits of any municipality at a distance nearer than three hundred feet (300'), except in overtaking and passing such other trucks, or unless one (1) or both of these trucks have come to a stop or except in rendering assistance to a disabled or partly disabled truck.
(e) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 171,s 3, eff. 4/24/2017.
Acts 1951, ch. 146, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, § 2715.10a); 1955, ch. 329, § 23; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-824; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-127 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-127
Restrictions on use of controlled-access roadway
Status: in_force

(a) The department of transportation and local authorities may, with respect to any controlled-access roadway under their respective jurisdictions, prohibit the use of that roadway by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motorscooter. (b) The department or the local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled-access roadway on which the regulations are applicable, and when the signs are erected, a person who disobeys the restrictions stated on the signs commits a Class C misdemeanor. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 3, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 26; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-827; Acts 1981, ch. 264, § 12; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) The department of transportation and local authorities may, with respect to any controlled-access roadway under their respective jurisdictions, prohibit the use of that roadway by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motorscooter.
(b) The department or the local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled-access roadway on which the regulations are applicable, and when the signs are erected, a person who disobeys the restrictions stated on the signs commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 26; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-827; Acts 1981, ch. 264, § 12; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-120 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-120
Transfers to or from dealers or insurance companies - Salvage title, flood title, or nonrepairable vehicle certificate
Status: in_force

(a) When the transferee of a vehicle is a dealer who holds the same for resale and lawfully operates the same under dealer's registration plates, the transferee shall not be required to obtain a new registration of the vehicle or be required to obtain a new certificate of title, but the transferee, upon transferring title or interest to another person, shall execute an assignment and warranty of title upon the certificate of title, if in the transferee's possession or if in the possession of a lienor, or the transferee shall execute a bill of sale and deliver the same to the person to whom the transfer is made, together with evidence of ownership. (b) (1) When the vehicle is held for resale outside of the state, this exclusion from the title and registration requirements may be waived with respect to the title provision, and the dealer shall be permitted to obtain a new certificate of title in the name of the dealership for the vehicle so held. (2) Any dealer that resells more than five percent (5%) of the vehicles titled for foreign resale to residents of Tennessee during any given period of twelve (12) consecutive months shall, by so doing, forfeit the right to title vehicles without registering them. (c) An insurance company that obtains title to a motor vehicle as a result of paying a total loss claim resulting from collision, fire, or water damage shall obtain a salvage title, flood title, or nonrepairable vehicle certificate from the department. This subsection (c) shall not apply to vehicles ten (10) years old or older with a value of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or less. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 50 (Williams, § 5538.150); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-321; Acts 1981, ch. 2, § 1; 1986, ch. 791, § 5; 1987, ch. 443, § 1; 1989, ch. 377, § 1; 2006, ch. 517, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 21.
(a) When the transferee of a vehicle is a dealer who holds the same for resale and lawfully operates the same under dealer's registration plates, the transferee shall not be required to obtain a new registration of the vehicle or be required to obtain a new certificate of title, but the transferee, upon transferring title or interest to another person, shall execute an assignment and warranty of title upon the certificate of title, if in the transferee's possession or if in the possession of a lienor, or the transferee shall execute a bill of sale and deliver the same to the person to whom the transfer is made, together with evidence of ownership.
(b) (1) When the vehicle is held for resale outside of the state, this exclusion from the title and registration requirements may be waived with respect to the title provision, and the dealer shall be permitted to obtain a new certificate of title in the name of the dealership for the vehicle so held. (2) Any dealer that resells more than five percent (5%) of the vehicles titled for foreign resale to residents of Tennessee during any given period of twelve (12) consecutive months shall, by so doing, forfeit the right to title vehicles without registering them.
(1) When the vehicle is held for resale outside of the state, this exclusion from the title and registration requirements may be waived with respect to the title provision, and the dealer shall be permitted to obtain a new certificate of title in the name of the dealership for the vehicle so held.
(2) Any dealer that resells more than five percent (5%) of the vehicles titled for foreign resale to residents of Tennessee during any given period of twelve (12) consecutive months shall, by so doing, forfeit the right to title vehicles without registering them.
(c) An insurance company that obtains title to a motor vehicle as a result of paying a total loss claim resulting from collision, fire, or water damage shall obtain a salvage title, flood title, or nonrepairable vehicle certificate from the department. This subsection (c) shall not apply to vehicles ten (10) years old or older with a value of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or less.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 50 (Williams, § 5538.150); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-321; Acts 1981, ch. 2, § 1; 1986, ch. 791, § 5; 1987, ch. 443, § 1; 1989, ch. 377, § 1; 2006, ch. 517, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 21.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-28-109 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 28 / Section 55-28-109
Notice of damaged recreational vehicle - Reversion - Timeframe for inspection and rejection - Rejection of recreational vehicle with unreasonable amount of miles on odometer
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever a new recreational vehicle is damaged prior to transit to the dealer or is damaged in transit to the dealer when the carrier or means of transportation has been selected by the manufacturer or distributor, the dealer shall notify the manufacturer or distributor of the damage within the timeframe specified in the manufacturer/dealer agreement and: (1) Request from the manufacturer or distributor authorization to replace the components, parts, and accessories damaged or otherwise correct the damage; or (2) Reject the vehicle within the timeframe set forth in subsection (d). (b) If the manufacturer or distributor refuses or fails to authorize repair of such damage within ten (10) days after receipt of notification, or if the dealer rejects the recreational vehicle because of damage, ownership of the new recreational vehicle shall revert to the manufacturer or distributor. (c) The dealer shall exercise due care in custody of the damaged recreational vehicle, but the dealer shall have no other obligations, financial or otherwise, with respect to that recreational vehicle. (d) The timeframe for inspection and rejection by the dealer must be part of the manufacturer/dealer agreement and shall not be less than two (2) business days after the physical delivery of the recreational vehicle. (e) Any recreational vehicle that has, at the time of delivery to the dealer, an unreasonable amount of miles on its odometer, as determined by the dealer, may be subject to rejection by the dealer and reversion of the vehicle to the manufacturer or distributor. In no instance shall a dealer deem an amount less than the distance between the dealer and the manufacturer's factory or a distributor's point of distribution, plus one hundred (100) miles, as unreasonable. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
(a) Whenever a new recreational vehicle is damaged prior to transit to the dealer or is damaged in transit to the dealer when the carrier or means of transportation has been selected by the manufacturer or distributor, the dealer shall notify the manufacturer or distributor of the damage within the timeframe specified in the manufacturer/dealer agreement and: (1) Request from the manufacturer or distributor authorization to replace the components, parts, and accessories damaged or otherwise correct the damage; or (2) Reject the vehicle within the timeframe set forth in subsection (d).
(1) Request from the manufacturer or distributor authorization to replace the components, parts, and accessories damaged or otherwise correct the damage; or
(2) Reject the vehicle within the timeframe set forth in subsection (d).
(b) If the manufacturer or distributor refuses or fails to authorize repair of such damage within ten (10) days after receipt of notification, or if the dealer rejects the recreational vehicle because of damage, ownership of the new recreational vehicle shall revert to the manufacturer or distributor.
(c) The dealer shall exercise due care in custody of the damaged recreational vehicle, but the dealer shall have no other obligations, financial or otherwise, with respect to that recreational vehicle.
(d) The timeframe for inspection and rejection by the dealer must be part of the manufacturer/dealer agreement and shall not be less than two (2) business days after the physical delivery of the recreational vehicle.
(e) Any recreational vehicle that has, at the time of delivery to the dealer, an unreasonable amount of miles on its odometer, as determined by the dealer, may be subject to rejection by the dealer and reversion of the vehicle to the manufacturer or distributor. In no instance shall a dealer deem an amount less than the distance between the dealer and the manufacturer's factory or a distributor's point of distribution, plus one hundred (100) miles, as unreasonable.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-107
"Foreign vehicle" defined
Status: in_force

"Foreign vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder brought into this state from another state, territory, or country, other than in the ordinary course of business by or through a manufacturer or dealer, and not registered in this state. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 6 (Williams, § 5538.106); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-107.
"Foreign vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder brought into this state from another state, territory, or country, other than in the ordinary course of business by or through a manufacturer or dealer, and not registered in this state.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 6 (Williams, § 5538.106); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-107.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-25-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 25 / Section 55-25-102
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to implement the federal Drivers' Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (DPPA) ( Title XXX of Public Law 103-322) ( 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721 - 2725 ), in order to protect the interest of individuals in their personal privacy of prohibiting the disclosure and use of personal information contained in their motor vehicle records, except as authorized by these individuals or by law. Acts 1996, ch. 745, § 2.
The purpose of this chapter is to implement the federal Drivers' Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (DPPA) ( Title XXX of Public Law 103-322) ( 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721 - 2725 ), in order to protect the interest of individuals in their personal privacy of prohibiting the disclosure and use of personal information contained in their motor vehicle records, except as authorized by these individuals or by law.
Acts 1996, ch. 745, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-204 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-204
Exemptions
Status: in_force

This part does not apply to any of the following facilities: (1) Exclusive self-service gas stations that have remotely controlled gas pumps and that do not provide pump island service on a full-time basis; and (2) Convenience stores that sell gasoline, that have remotely controlled gas pumps and that do not provide pump island service on a full-time basis. Acts 1992, ch. 731, § 1.
This part does not apply to any of the following facilities:
(1) Exclusive self-service gas stations that have remotely controlled gas pumps and that do not provide pump island service on a full-time basis; and
(2) Convenience stores that sell gasoline, that have remotely controlled gas pumps and that do not provide pump island service on a full-time basis.
Acts 1992, ch. 731, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-144 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-144
Signals by hand and arm or signal device
Status: in_force

(a) Any stop or turn signal required by this chapter shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device approved by the department of safety as provided in § 55-8-143 , except as otherwise provided in subsection (b). (b) Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device approved by the department when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of the motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four inches (24"), or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen feet (14'). The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 43; T.C.A., § 59-844.
(a) Any stop or turn signal required by this chapter shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device approved by the department of safety as provided in § 55-8-143 , except as otherwise provided in subsection (b).
(b) Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device approved by the department when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of the motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four inches (24"), or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen feet (14'). The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 43; T.C.A., § 59-844.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-14-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 14 / Section 55-14-105
Contents of records of purchase and resale of used parts and accessories
Status: in_force

(a) All dealers as described in § 55-14-104 shall keep records of all used automobile parts and/or accessories purchased by them for resale and these records shall contain, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Name and address of the person from whom the dealer purchased the parts and/or accessories; (2) A receipt signed by the person from whom the dealer bought the parts and/or accessories, showing the dealer's purchase price; (3) The license number of the motor vehicle used by the seller, if there is one; and (4) The person or place where the seller obtained the parts or accessories. (b) The information shall be obtained by the dealer before purchasing the articles for resale. Acts 1957, ch. 411, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1405.
(a) All dealers as described in § 55-14-104 shall keep records of all used automobile parts and/or accessories purchased by them for resale and these records shall contain, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Name and address of the person from whom the dealer purchased the parts and/or accessories; (2) A receipt signed by the person from whom the dealer bought the parts and/or accessories, showing the dealer's purchase price; (3) The license number of the motor vehicle used by the seller, if there is one; and (4) The person or place where the seller obtained the parts or accessories.
(1) Name and address of the person from whom the dealer purchased the parts and/or accessories;
(2) A receipt signed by the person from whom the dealer bought the parts and/or accessories, showing the dealer's purchase price;
(3) The license number of the motor vehicle used by the seller, if there is one; and
(4) The person or place where the seller obtained the parts or accessories.
(b) The information shall be obtained by the dealer before purchasing the articles for resale.
Acts 1957, ch. 411, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-112 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 16 / Section 55-16-112
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1998, ch. 1027, §§4, 5; 2007 , ch. 479, § 1.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1998, ch. 1027, §§4, 5; 2007 , ch. 479, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-116 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-116
Assignment of new numbers when serial or motor number obliterated or destroyed
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall assign a new and distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial and/or motor number on the motor vehicle is destroyed or obliterated, which distinguishing number shall be stamped on the vehicle in a position to be determined by the commissioner. (b) The motor vehicle shall be registered under the distinguishing number in lieu of the former number. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 38 (Williams, § 5538.138); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-317.
(a) The department shall assign a new and distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial and/or motor number on the motor vehicle is destroyed or obliterated, which distinguishing number shall be stamped on the vehicle in a position to be determined by the commissioner.
(b) The motor vehicle shall be registered under the distinguishing number in lieu of the former number.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 38 (Williams, § 5538.138); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-317.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-119 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-119
Transferee to reregister vehicle and obtain certificate of title
Status: in_force

The transferee, before operating or permitting the operation of a transferred vehicle upon a highway, shall apply for and obtain a registration and apply for a certificate of title for the transferred vehicle in the manner provided in § 55-4-101 , except as otherwise permitted in §§ 55-3-120 and 55-3-121 . Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 49 (Williams, § 5538.149); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-320.
The transferee, before operating or permitting the operation of a transferred vehicle upon a highway, shall apply for and obtain a registration and apply for a certificate of title for the transferred vehicle in the manner provided in § 55-4-101 , except as otherwise permitted in §§ 55-3-120 and 55-3-121 .
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 49 (Williams, § 5538.149); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-320.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-706 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-706
Expiration of denial period - Eligibility for license - Driver safety or alcohol education programs
Status: in_force

(a) On the expiration of the applicable period of denial set out in § 55-10-702(a) , if a person has not become eligible to receive a license under § 55-10-703 , then, for a person to be eligible to receive a Tennessee driver license, the person must pay a twenty dollar ($20.00) reinstatement fee, comply with all testing requirements and pay all other driver license fees. (b) Additionally, before an offender becomes eligible to receive a driver license under this section, the court shall require the offender to complete, to the court's satisfaction, a driver safety course certified by the department of safety or an early intervention program or a youth alcohol safety education program certified by the department of mental health and substance abuse services or weapons safety course certified by the department of safety. Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 7; 1993, ch. 164, § 4; 2000, ch. 947, § 6; 2010, ch. 1100, § 89; 2012, ch. 575, § 1.
(a) On the expiration of the applicable period of denial set out in § 55-10-702(a) , if a person has not become eligible to receive a license under § 55-10-703 , then, for a person to be eligible to receive a Tennessee driver license, the person must pay a twenty dollar ($20.00) reinstatement fee, comply with all testing requirements and pay all other driver license fees.
(b) Additionally, before an offender becomes eligible to receive a driver license under this section, the court shall require the offender to complete, to the court's satisfaction, a driver safety course certified by the department of safety or an early intervention program or a youth alcohol safety education program certified by the department of mental health and substance abuse services or weapons safety course certified by the department of safety.
Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 7; 1993, ch. 164, § 4; 2000, ch. 947, § 6; 2010, ch. 1100, § 89; 2012, ch. 575, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-103
Duty to give information and render aid
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle that is driven or attended by any person shall give the driver's name, address and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving, and shall, upon request and if available, exhibit that driver's operator's or chauffeur's license, or driver license, to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with, and shall render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of the person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if carrying is requested by the injured person. (b) The requirements in subsection (a) shall apply to accidents occurring upon highways and the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large. (c) With respect to an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by § 55-30-102 , the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the motor vehicle's owner, or a person on behalf of the motor vehicle's owner, promptly contacts a law enforcement officer or agency to report the accident and the ADS-operated vehicle remains on the scene of the accident as otherwise required by law. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 10, eff. 6/6/2017. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 80; T.C.A., § 59-1003; Acts 1988, ch. 788, § 1.
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle that is driven or attended by any person shall give the driver's name, address and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving, and shall, upon request and if available, exhibit that driver's operator's or chauffeur's license, or driver license, to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with, and shall render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of the person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if carrying is requested by the injured person.
(b) The requirements in subsection (a) shall apply to accidents occurring upon highways and the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large.
(c) With respect to an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by § 55-30-102 , the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the motor vehicle's owner, or a person on behalf of the motor vehicle's owner, promptly contacts a law enforcement officer or agency to report the accident and the ADS-operated vehicle remains on the scene of the accident as otherwise required by law.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 10, eff. 6/6/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 80; T.C.A., § 59-1003; Acts 1988, ch. 788, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-2-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 2 / Section 55-2-106
Fee charged for provision of department records
Status: in_force

The commissioner and the county clerk are authorized to charge a reasonable fee for such services, not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) for each person or vehicle on which the information is requested. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 21 (Williams, § 5538.131); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-206; Acts 1984, ch. 806, § 1; 1984, ch. 816, §§ 1, 2; 1993, ch. 319, § 1; 1996, ch. 745, §15; 2007 , ch. 484, § 4.
The commissioner and the county clerk are authorized to charge a reasonable fee for such services, not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) for each person or vehicle on which the information is requested.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 21 (Williams, § 5538.131); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-206; Acts 1984, ch. 806, § 1; 1984, ch. 816, §§ 1, 2; 1993, ch. 319, § 1; 1996, ch. 745, §15; 2007 , ch. 484, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-355 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-355
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 384, s 53, eff. 5/18/2017. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 879, s 14, eff. 4/27/2016.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 384, s 53, eff. 5/18/2017.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 879, s 14, eff. 4/27/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-512 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-512
Order of suspension for a conviction or adjudication
Status: in_force

(a) The trial judge of the court wherein a juvenile is convicted, or the judge of the juvenile court wherein a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent, for committing an offense requiring a mandatory calendar year suspension from school as mandated by § 49-6-3401(g) , or for an offense for suspension or expulsion authorized by § 49-6-3401(a) resulting in a one-year expulsion pursuant to § 49-6-3401(c)(4) , may order the suspension of the juvenile's driver license until the juvenile reaches eighteen (18) years of age or up to a period of two (2) years from the date of the commission of the offense, whichever is later. (b) Upon an order of suspension for a conviction or adjudication as required by subsection (a), the court shall require the surrender to the court of all operator's licenses then held by the juvenile so convicted or adjudicated delinquent, and the court upon receipt shall forward the licenses to the department together with a record of the conviction or adjudication, and may recommend the suspension of the operator's license of the person so convicted or adjudicated delinquent. Acts 2007, ch. 457, § 2.
(a) The trial judge of the court wherein a juvenile is convicted, or the judge of the juvenile court wherein a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent, for committing an offense requiring a mandatory calendar year suspension from school as mandated by § 49-6-3401(g) , or for an offense for suspension or expulsion authorized by § 49-6-3401(a) resulting in a one-year expulsion pursuant to § 49-6-3401(c)(4) , may order the suspension of the juvenile's driver license until the juvenile reaches eighteen (18) years of age or up to a period of two (2) years from the date of the commission of the offense, whichever is later.
(b) Upon an order of suspension for a conviction or adjudication as required by subsection (a), the court shall require the surrender to the court of all operator's licenses then held by the juvenile so convicted or adjudicated delinquent, and the court upon receipt shall forward the licenses to the department together with a record of the conviction or adjudication, and may recommend the suspension of the operator's license of the person so convicted or adjudicated delinquent.
Acts 2007, ch. 457, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-278 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-278
Army Ranger
Status: in_force

(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is an active, retired, or honorably discharged member of a United States army ranger unit or who is a graduate of the United States army ranger school, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a United States army ranger license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (b) All applications pursuant to this section must be accompanied by military orders or other official documentation proving the applicant's eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section, to include: (1) Military orders detailing a current or past assignment to a United States army ranger unit; (2) Military orders awarding the ranger tab authorized by the United States army to the applicant; (3) The applicant's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, indicating the awarding of the ranger tab; or (4) The diploma issued to the applicant from the United States army ranger school, as proof of eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section. (c) In addition to providing the documentation required under subsection (b): (1) An active duty member of the military must present a valid military identification card or such other document as the commissioner designates as sufficient proof that the applicant is an active duty member of the military; or (2) A retired or honorably discharged member of the military must present: (A) A certified copy of the member's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), honorable discharge certificate, department of defense form 256 (DD 256), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, that indicates an honorable discharge characterization; (B) A valid DD form 2 (Retired) military identification card; or (C) A Tennessee driver license that indicates military service in accordance with § 55-50-354 . (d) The license plates are to feature a likeness of the ranger tab authorized by the United States army and bear the legend "U.S. Army Ranger." (e) An applicant shall be required to submit the documentation required by subsections (b) and (c) only when initially applying for license plates under this section. Subsequent license plates under this section shall be issued to that person without the repeated presentation of documentation. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 33, eff. 7/1/2021.
(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is an active, retired, or honorably discharged member of a United States army ranger unit or who is a graduate of the United States army ranger school, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a United States army ranger license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(b) All applications pursuant to this section must be accompanied by military orders or other official documentation proving the applicant's eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section, to include: (1) Military orders detailing a current or past assignment to a United States army ranger unit; (2) Military orders awarding the ranger tab authorized by the United States army to the applicant; (3) The applicant's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, indicating the awarding of the ranger tab; or (4) The diploma issued to the applicant from the United States army ranger school, as proof of eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section.
(1) Military orders detailing a current or past assignment to a United States army ranger unit;
(2) Military orders awarding the ranger tab authorized by the United States army to the applicant;
(3) The applicant's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, indicating the awarding of the ranger tab; or
(4) The diploma issued to the applicant from the United States army ranger school, as proof of eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section.
(c) In addition to providing the documentation required under subsection (b): (1) An active duty member of the military must present a valid military identification card or such other document as the commissioner designates as sufficient proof that the applicant is an active duty member of the military; or (2) A retired or honorably discharged member of the military must present: (A) A certified copy of the member's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), honorable discharge certificate, department of defense form 256 (DD 256), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, that indicates an honorable discharge characterization; (B) A valid DD form 2 (Retired) military identification card; or (C) A Tennessee driver license that indicates military service in accordance with § 55-50-354 .
(1) An active duty member of the military must present a valid military identification card or such other document as the commissioner designates as sufficient proof that the applicant is an active duty member of the military; or
(2) A retired or honorably discharged member of the military must present: (A) A certified copy of the member's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), honorable discharge certificate, department of defense form 256 (DD 256), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, that indicates an honorable discharge characterization; (B) A valid DD form 2 (Retired) military identification card; or (C) A Tennessee driver license that indicates military service in accordance with § 55-50-354 .
(A) A certified copy of the member's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), honorable discharge certificate, department of defense form 256 (DD 256), or report of separation and record of service, NGB form 22, that indicates an honorable discharge characterization;
(B) A valid DD form 2 (Retired) military identification card; or
(C) A Tennessee driver license that indicates military service in accordance with § 55-50-354 .
(d) The license plates are to feature a likeness of the ranger tab authorized by the United States army and bear the legend "U.S. Army Ranger."
(e) An applicant shall be required to submit the documentation required by subsections (b) and (c) only when initially applying for license plates under this section. Subsequent license plates under this section shall be issued to that person without the repeated presentation of documentation.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 33, eff. 7/1/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-303 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-303
Label
Status: in_force

(a) On or after January 1, 2017, every manufacturer or distributor of new electric bicycles intended for sale or distribution in this state shall permanently affix, in a prominent location, to the electric bicycle a label that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and is printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type. (b) On or after January 1, 2017, no new electric bicycle shall be sold to the general public in this state unless a label is affixed to the electric bicycle pursuant to subsection (a). (c) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is an unfair and deceptive act or practice under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) On or after January 1, 2017, every manufacturer or distributor of new electric bicycles intended for sale or distribution in this state shall permanently affix, in a prominent location, to the electric bicycle a label that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and is printed in Arial font in at least nine-point type.
(b) On or after January 1, 2017, no new electric bicycle shall be sold to the general public in this state unless a label is affixed to the electric bicycle pursuant to subsection (a).
(c) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is an unfair and deceptive act or practice under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-141 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-141
Automobile insurance coverage for driver while logged on to transportation network company's digital network or while engaged in prearranged ride
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Digital network" means any online-enabled application, software, website, or system offered or utilized by a transportation network company that enables the prearrangement of rides with transportation network company drivers; (2) "Personal vehicle" means a vehicle that is used by a transportation network company driver and is: (A) Owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the transportation network company driver; and (B) Not a taxicab, limousine, or for-hire vehicle; (3) "Prearranged ride" means the provision of transportation by a driver to a rider, beginning when a driver accepts a ride requested by a rider through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company, continuing while the driver transports a requesting rider, and ending when the last requesting rider departs from the personal vehicle. A prearranged ride does not include: (A) Shared expense carpool or vanpool arrangements provided by businesses engaged in the rental of motor vehicles; or (B) Transportation provided using a taxi, limousine, or other for-hire vehicle regulated pursuant to § 7-51-1003 ; (4) "Transportation network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity operating in this state that uses a digital network to connect transportation network company riders to transportation network company drivers who provide prearranged rides. A transportation network company shall not be deemed to control, direct, or manage the personal vehicles or transportation network company drivers that connect to its digital network, except where agreed to by written contract; (5) "Transportation network company driver" or "driver" means an individual who: (A) Receives connections to potential passengers and related services from a transportation network company in exchange for payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and (B) Uses a personal vehicle to offer or provide a prearranged ride to riders upon connection through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company in return for compensation or payment of a fee; and (6) "Transportation network company rider" or "rider" means a person or persons who use a transportation network company's digital network to connect with a transportation network driver who provides prearranged rides to the rider in the driver's personal vehicle between points chosen by the rider. (b) On and after January 1, 2016, a transportation network company driver or transportation network company on the driver's behalf shall maintain primary automobile insurance that recognizes that the driver is a transportation network company driver or otherwise uses a vehicle to transport passengers for compensation and covers the driver while the driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride. (c) The following automobile insurance requirements shall apply while a transportation network company driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network but is not engaged in a prearranged ride: (1) Primary automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for death and bodily injury per person, one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for death and bodily injury per incident, and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for property damage; (2) The automobile liability insurance required under this section shall comply with § 56-7-1201 ; and (3) The coverage requirements of this subsection (c) may be satisfied by any of the following: (A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver; (B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or (C) Any combination of subdivisions (c)(3)(A) and (B). (d) The following automobile insurance requirements shall apply while a transportation network company driver is engaged in a prearranged ride: (1) Primary automobile liability insurance that provides at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) for death, bodily injury, and property damage; (2) The automobile liability insurance required under this section shall comply with § 56-7-1201 ; and (3) The coverage requirements of this subsection (d) may be satisfied by any of the following: (A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver; (B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or (C) Any combination of subdivisions (d)(3)(A) and (B). (e) If insurance maintained by a driver under subsection (c) or (d) has lapsed or does not provide the required coverage, insurance maintained by a transportation network company shall provide the coverage required by this section beginning with the first dollar of a claim and have the duty to defend such claim. (f) Coverage under an automobile insurance policy maintained by the transportation network company pursuant to this section shall not be dependent on a personal automobile insurer first denying a claim, nor shall a personal automobile insurance policy be required to first deny a claim. (g) Insurance required by this section may be placed with an insurer authorized to do business in this state under title 56 or with a surplus lines insurer eligible under title 56, chapter 14. (h) Insurance satisfying the requirements of this section shall be deemed to satisfy the financial responsibility requirements for a motor vehicle under this part while a driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride; provided, however, nothing in this section shall relieve a motor vehicle driver not logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or not engaged in a prearranged ride from the financial responsibility requirements for a motor vehicle under this part. (i) A transportation network company driver shall carry proof of coverage satisfying subsections (c) and (d) at all times during the driver's use of a vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital network. In the event of an accident, a transportation network company driver shall provide this insurance coverage information to the directly involved parties, automobile insurers, and investigating police officers, upon request made pursuant to § 55-12-139 . Upon such request, a transportation network company driver shall also disclose to directly involved parties, automobile insurers, and investigating police officers, whether the driver was logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or on a prearranged ride at the time of the accident. (j) The transportation network company shall disclose, in writing, to a transportation network company driver the following before the driver is allowed to accept a request for a prearranged ride on the transportation network company's digital network: (1) The insurance coverage, including the types of coverage and the limits for each coverage that the transportation network company provides while the transportation network company driver uses a personal vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital network; and (2) That the transportation network company driver's personal automobile insurance policy might not provide any coverage while the driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or is engaged in a prearranged ride, depending on its terms. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 520,s 2, eff. 5/20/2015.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Digital network" means any online-enabled application, software, website, or system offered or utilized by a transportation network company that enables the prearrangement of rides with transportation network company drivers; (2) "Personal vehicle" means a vehicle that is used by a transportation network company driver and is: (A) Owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the transportation network company driver; and (B) Not a taxicab, limousine, or for-hire vehicle; (3) "Prearranged ride" means the provision of transportation by a driver to a rider, beginning when a driver accepts a ride requested by a rider through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company, continuing while the driver transports a requesting rider, and ending when the last requesting rider departs from the personal vehicle. A prearranged ride does not include: (A) Shared expense carpool or vanpool arrangements provided by businesses engaged in the rental of motor vehicles; or (B) Transportation provided using a taxi, limousine, or other for-hire vehicle regulated pursuant to § 7-51-1003 ; (4) "Transportation network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity operating in this state that uses a digital network to connect transportation network company riders to transportation network company drivers who provide prearranged rides. A transportation network company shall not be deemed to control, direct, or manage the personal vehicles or transportation network company drivers that connect to its digital network, except where agreed to by written contract; (5) "Transportation network company driver" or "driver" means an individual who: (A) Receives connections to potential passengers and related services from a transportation network company in exchange for payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and (B) Uses a personal vehicle to offer or provide a prearranged ride to riders upon connection through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company in return for compensation or payment of a fee; and (6) "Transportation network company rider" or "rider" means a person or persons who use a transportation network company's digital network to connect with a transportation network driver who provides prearranged rides to the rider in the driver's personal vehicle between points chosen by the rider.
(1) "Digital network" means any online-enabled application, software, website, or system offered or utilized by a transportation network company that enables the prearrangement of rides with transportation network company drivers;
(2) "Personal vehicle" means a vehicle that is used by a transportation network company driver and is: (A) Owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the transportation network company driver; and (B) Not a taxicab, limousine, or for-hire vehicle;
(A) Owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the transportation network company driver; and
(B) Not a taxicab, limousine, or for-hire vehicle;
(3) "Prearranged ride" means the provision of transportation by a driver to a rider, beginning when a driver accepts a ride requested by a rider through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company, continuing while the driver transports a requesting rider, and ending when the last requesting rider departs from the personal vehicle. A prearranged ride does not include: (A) Shared expense carpool or vanpool arrangements provided by businesses engaged in the rental of motor vehicles; or (B) Transportation provided using a taxi, limousine, or other for-hire vehicle regulated pursuant to § 7-51-1003 ;
(A) Shared expense carpool or vanpool arrangements provided by businesses engaged in the rental of motor vehicles; or
(B) Transportation provided using a taxi, limousine, or other for-hire vehicle regulated pursuant to § 7-51-1003 ;
(4) "Transportation network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity operating in this state that uses a digital network to connect transportation network company riders to transportation network company drivers who provide prearranged rides. A transportation network company shall not be deemed to control, direct, or manage the personal vehicles or transportation network company drivers that connect to its digital network, except where agreed to by written contract;
(5) "Transportation network company driver" or "driver" means an individual who: (A) Receives connections to potential passengers and related services from a transportation network company in exchange for payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and (B) Uses a personal vehicle to offer or provide a prearranged ride to riders upon connection through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company in return for compensation or payment of a fee; and
(A) Receives connections to potential passengers and related services from a transportation network company in exchange for payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and
(B) Uses a personal vehicle to offer or provide a prearranged ride to riders upon connection through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company in return for compensation or payment of a fee; and
(6) "Transportation network company rider" or "rider" means a person or persons who use a transportation network company's digital network to connect with a transportation network driver who provides prearranged rides to the rider in the driver's personal vehicle between points chosen by the rider.
(b) On and after January 1, 2016, a transportation network company driver or transportation network company on the driver's behalf shall maintain primary automobile insurance that recognizes that the driver is a transportation network company driver or otherwise uses a vehicle to transport passengers for compensation and covers the driver while the driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride.
(c) The following automobile insurance requirements shall apply while a transportation network company driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network but is not engaged in a prearranged ride: (1) Primary automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for death and bodily injury per person, one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for death and bodily injury per incident, and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for property damage; (2) The automobile liability insurance required under this section shall comply with § 56-7-1201 ; and (3) The coverage requirements of this subsection (c) may be satisfied by any of the following: (A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver; (B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or (C) Any combination of subdivisions (c)(3)(A) and (B).
(1) Primary automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for death and bodily injury per person, one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for death and bodily injury per incident, and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for property damage;
(2) The automobile liability insurance required under this section shall comply with § 56-7-1201 ; and
(3) The coverage requirements of this subsection (c) may be satisfied by any of the following: (A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver; (B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or (C) Any combination of subdivisions (c)(3)(A) and (B).
(A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver;
(B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or
(C) Any combination of subdivisions (c)(3)(A) and (B).
(d) The following automobile insurance requirements shall apply while a transportation network company driver is engaged in a prearranged ride: (1) Primary automobile liability insurance that provides at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) for death, bodily injury, and property damage; (2) The automobile liability insurance required under this section shall comply with § 56-7-1201 ; and (3) The coverage requirements of this subsection (d) may be satisfied by any of the following: (A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver; (B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or (C) Any combination of subdivisions (d)(3)(A) and (B).
(1) Primary automobile liability insurance that provides at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) for death, bodily injury, and property damage;
(2) The automobile liability insurance required under this section shall comply with § 56-7-1201 ; and
(3) The coverage requirements of this subsection (d) may be satisfied by any of the following: (A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver; (B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or (C) Any combination of subdivisions (d)(3)(A) and (B).
(A) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver;
(B) Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or
(C) Any combination of subdivisions (d)(3)(A) and (B).
(e) If insurance maintained by a driver under subsection (c) or (d) has lapsed or does not provide the required coverage, insurance maintained by a transportation network company shall provide the coverage required by this section beginning with the first dollar of a claim and have the duty to defend such claim.
(f) Coverage under an automobile insurance policy maintained by the transportation network company pursuant to this section shall not be dependent on a personal automobile insurer first denying a claim, nor shall a personal automobile insurance policy be required to first deny a claim.
(g) Insurance required by this section may be placed with an insurer authorized to do business in this state under title 56 or with a surplus lines insurer eligible under title 56, chapter 14.
(h) Insurance satisfying the requirements of this section shall be deemed to satisfy the financial responsibility requirements for a motor vehicle under this part while a driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride; provided, however, nothing in this section shall relieve a motor vehicle driver not logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or not engaged in a prearranged ride from the financial responsibility requirements for a motor vehicle under this part.
(i) A transportation network company driver shall carry proof of coverage satisfying subsections (c) and (d) at all times during the driver's use of a vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital network. In the event of an accident, a transportation network company driver shall provide this insurance coverage information to the directly involved parties, automobile insurers, and investigating police officers, upon request made pursuant to § 55-12-139 . Upon such request, a transportation network company driver shall also disclose to directly involved parties, automobile insurers, and investigating police officers, whether the driver was logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or on a prearranged ride at the time of the accident.
(j) The transportation network company shall disclose, in writing, to a transportation network company driver the following before the driver is allowed to accept a request for a prearranged ride on the transportation network company's digital network: (1) The insurance coverage, including the types of coverage and the limits for each coverage that the transportation network company provides while the transportation network company driver uses a personal vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital network; and (2) That the transportation network company driver's personal automobile insurance policy might not provide any coverage while the driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or is engaged in a prearranged ride, depending on its terms.
(1) The insurance coverage, including the types of coverage and the limits for each coverage that the transportation network company provides while the transportation network company driver uses a personal vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital network; and
(2) That the transportation network company driver's personal automobile insurance policy might not provide any coverage while the driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network or is engaged in a prearranged ride, depending on its terms.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 520,s 2, eff. 5/20/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-203 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-203
When arrested person must be taken before a magistrate - Admission to bail
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any person is arrested for a violation of chapter 8 or parts 1-5 of this chapter, the arrested person shall be taken without unnecessary delay before a magistrate or judge within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed, who has jurisdiction of the offense and is nearest or most accessible with reference to the place where the arrest is made, in any of the following cases: (1) When a person arrested demands an immediate appearance before a magistrate or judge; (2) When the person is arrested upon a charge of criminally negligent homicide, voluntary manslaughter or murder; (3) When the person is arrested upon a charge of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs; (4) When the person is arrested upon a charge of failure to stop in the event of an accident causing death, personal injury or damage to property; and (5) In any other event when the person arrested refuses to give written promise to appear in court as hereinafter provided. (b) Any person arrested and charged with violating any provision of chapters 8 and 9 of this title or §§ 55-10-103 - 55-10-310 who is taken before a magistrate or judge as provided in subsection (a) shall be admitted to bail by posting a cash bond, but in no case shall the cash bond exceed the maximum fine and costs for the offense or offenses for which the defendant is charged. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 308,s 44, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 96; 1976, ch. 697, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1018; Acts 1980, ch. 815, §§ 1, 2.
(a) Whenever any person is arrested for a violation of chapter 8 or parts 1-5 of this chapter, the arrested person shall be taken without unnecessary delay before a magistrate or judge within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed, who has jurisdiction of the offense and is nearest or most accessible with reference to the place where the arrest is made, in any of the following cases: (1) When a person arrested demands an immediate appearance before a magistrate or judge; (2) When the person is arrested upon a charge of criminally negligent homicide, voluntary manslaughter or murder; (3) When the person is arrested upon a charge of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs; (4) When the person is arrested upon a charge of failure to stop in the event of an accident causing death, personal injury or damage to property; and (5) In any other event when the person arrested refuses to give written promise to appear in court as hereinafter provided.
(1) When a person arrested demands an immediate appearance before a magistrate or judge;
(2) When the person is arrested upon a charge of criminally negligent homicide, voluntary manslaughter or murder;
(3) When the person is arrested upon a charge of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs;
(4) When the person is arrested upon a charge of failure to stop in the event of an accident causing death, personal injury or damage to property; and
(5) In any other event when the person arrested refuses to give written promise to appear in court as hereinafter provided.
(b) Any person arrested and charged with violating any provision of chapters 8 and 9 of this title or §§ 55-10-103 - 55-10-310 who is taken before a magistrate or judge as provided in subsection (a) shall be admitted to bail by posting a cash bond, but in no case shall the cash bond exceed the maximum fine and costs for the offense or offenses for which the defendant is charged.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 308,s 44, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 96; 1976, ch. 697, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1018; Acts 1980, ch. 815, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-206 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-206
Penalty for violation of this part - Injunction proceedings - Disposition of fines, penalties and forfeitures
Status: in_force

(a) Each violation of §§ 55-7-201 - 55-7-203 and each violation of restrictions on the maximum gross weight of freight motor vehicles duly adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of transportation, under § 55-7-205 , and each violation of rules and regulations duly adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of safety under that section, is a Class C misdemeanor. (b) Any taxpayers of the state shall have the right by injunction proceedings to enjoin any actual or threatened use of any highway prohibited by the sections referenced in subsection (a). (c) (1) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under this section shall be paid over within fifteen (15) days following the last day of the month in which the fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds were received to the department of safety with a statement accompanying the same, setting forth the action or proceedings in which moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense, and fine, penalty or forfeiture imposed. (2) The fines, penalties and forfeitures, when so collected by the department of safety, shall be deposited with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state. (d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, when any freight motor vehicle is found to be in violation of only § 55-7-203(b)(3) , a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be imposed. (2) The courts of general sessions have jurisdiction to hear citations issued pursuant to this provision. (e) A violation of § 55-7-204 is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (f) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a violation of the first sentence of § 55-7-201(c) is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (g) Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, any violation of § 55-7-202 , relative to excessive width or height, and any violation of permit restrictions on movements of excessive width and height as set forth in regulations duly adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of transportation under § 55-7-205 , is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for these violations. A violation of a permit requirement relative to time restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100). Acts 1933, ch. 35, § 9; 1939, ch. 171, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.5 (Williams, § 2715.9); Acts 1953, ch. 3, § 6; 1957, ch. 161, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, §§ 3, 14; Acts 1963, ch. 197, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1112; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 8; 1982, ch. 904, § 1; 1984, ch. 932, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-206; Acts 1989, ch. 156, § 2; 1991, ch. 258, § 1; 1991, ch. 502, § 1; 1995, ch. 327, § 1.
(a) Each violation of §§ 55-7-201 - 55-7-203 and each violation of restrictions on the maximum gross weight of freight motor vehicles duly adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of transportation, under § 55-7-205 , and each violation of rules and regulations duly adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of safety under that section, is a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) Any taxpayers of the state shall have the right by injunction proceedings to enjoin any actual or threatened use of any highway prohibited by the sections referenced in subsection (a).
(c) (1) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under this section shall be paid over within fifteen (15) days following the last day of the month in which the fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds were received to the department of safety with a statement accompanying the same, setting forth the action or proceedings in which moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense, and fine, penalty or forfeiture imposed. (2) The fines, penalties and forfeitures, when so collected by the department of safety, shall be deposited with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.
(1) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under this section shall be paid over within fifteen (15) days following the last day of the month in which the fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds were received to the department of safety with a statement accompanying the same, setting forth the action or proceedings in which moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense, and fine, penalty or forfeiture imposed.
(2) The fines, penalties and forfeitures, when so collected by the department of safety, shall be deposited with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, when any freight motor vehicle is found to be in violation of only § 55-7-203(b)(3) , a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be imposed. (2) The courts of general sessions have jurisdiction to hear citations issued pursuant to this provision.
(1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, when any freight motor vehicle is found to be in violation of only § 55-7-203(b)(3) , a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be imposed.
(2) The courts of general sessions have jurisdiction to hear citations issued pursuant to this provision.
(e) A violation of § 55-7-204 is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(f) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a violation of the first sentence of § 55-7-201(c) is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(g) Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, any violation of § 55-7-202 , relative to excessive width or height, and any violation of permit restrictions on movements of excessive width and height as set forth in regulations duly adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of transportation under § 55-7-205 , is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for these violations. A violation of a permit requirement relative to time restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
Acts 1933, ch. 35, § 9; 1939, ch. 171, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.5 (Williams, § 2715.9); Acts 1953, ch. 3, § 6; 1957, ch. 161, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, §§ 3, 14; Acts 1963, ch. 197, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1112; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 8; 1982, ch. 904, § 1; 1984, ch. 932, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-206; Acts 1989, ch. 156, § 2; 1991, ch. 258, § 1; 1991, ch. 502, § 1; 1995, ch. 327, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-385 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-385
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 8, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 8, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-52-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 52 / Section 55-52-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Child Bicycle Safety Act." Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 2.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Child Bicycle Safety Act."
Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-118 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-118
"Freight" defined
Status: in_force

"Freight" means any kind of property which may be carried by motor vehicle over the streets and highways by either public or private carrier. Acts 1957, ch. 244, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-118.
"Freight" means any kind of property which may be carried by motor vehicle over the streets and highways by either public or private carrier.
Acts 1957, ch. 244, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-118.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-150 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-150
Emerging from alley, driveway or building
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 49; T.C.A., § 59-850.
The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 49; T.C.A., § 59-850.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-53-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 53 / Section 55-53-103
Equipment requirements
Status: in_force

An EPAMD shall be equipped with a system that when employed will enable the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop and, if the EPAMD is operated between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, front, rear and side reflectors and a lamp emitting a white light that, while the EPAMD is in motion, illuminates the area in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of three hundred feet (300') in front of and from the sides of the EPAMD; provided, however, that the provisions of this section requiring the use of reflectors and a lamp during the period between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise shall be deemed to be satisfied if the operator of the EPAMD wears a personal headlight and reflectors. Acts 2002, ch. 734, § 4.
An EPAMD shall be equipped with a system that when employed will enable the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop and, if the EPAMD is operated between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, front, rear and side reflectors and a lamp emitting a white light that, while the EPAMD is in motion, illuminates the area in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of three hundred feet (300') in front of and from the sides of the EPAMD; provided, however, that the provisions of this section requiring the use of reflectors and a lamp during the period between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise shall be deemed to be satisfied if the operator of the EPAMD wears a personal headlight and reflectors.
Acts 2002, ch. 734, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 16 / Section 55-16-101
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 209, s 1, eff. 4/25/2019. Acts 1955, ch. 253, § 1; 1967, ch. 21, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1601; Acts 1983, ch. 463, § 1; 1999, ch. 284, §3; 2009 , ch. 530, § 128.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 209, s 1, eff. 4/25/2019.
Acts 1955, ch. 253, § 1; 1967, ch. 21, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1601; Acts 1983, ch. 463, § 1; 1999, ch. 284, §3; 2009 , ch. 530, § 128.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-168 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-168
Following fire apparatus prohibited - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred feet (500') or park the vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 68; T.C.A., § 59-869; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred feet (500') or park the vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 68; T.C.A., § 59-869; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-103
Display of warning devices during period of disablement of certain vehicles
Status: in_force

Whenever any bus, truck, or truck tractor, except pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels and equipped with emergency flashing lights at front and rear, is disabled upon the traveled portion of the highway or the shoulder next thereto, except within a business or residential district of a municipality, the following requirements shall be complied with during the period of the disablement: (1) During the time when lights are required, that is, between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise and at all other times when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible a person two hundred feet (200') ahead, a lighted fusee shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the motor vehicle. As soon thereafter as possible, and in any case within the burning period of the fusee, three (3) lighted flares or pot torches shall be placed on the roadway as follows: (A) One (1) in the center of the line of traffic occupied by the disabled motor vehicle not less than forty (40) paces or approximately one hundred feet (100') distant therefrom in the direction of traffic approaching in that line; (B) One (1) not less than forty (40) paces, or approximately one hundred feet (100') from the vehicle in the opposite direction; (C) One (1) at the traffic side of the vehicle approximately ten feet (10') rearward or forward thereof; (D) If the motor vehicle is disabled within three hundred feet (300') of a curve, crest of a hill or other obstruction to view, the flare in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than forty (40) paces, approximately one hundred feet (100') nor more than one hundred twenty (120) paces, approximately three hundred feet (300'), from the disabled vehicle; (E) Care should be taken in placing any flare, fusee, or any signal produced by a flame to prevent igniting any gasoline or other inflammable liquid or gas; and (F) As to every motor vehicle used for the transportation of inflammable liquids or inflammable compressed gas in cargo tanks, whether loaded or empty, the use of flares, pot torches, fusees or any signal produced by a flame is prohibited, and lighted red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors shall be used in lieu thereof. Every motor vehicle, whether required to carry red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors or not, may carry the red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors in lieu of flares, pot torches and fusees. The placement of the red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors in the event of disablement shall be the same as the requirements for the placing of pot torches, fusees or flares; and (2) During the time that lights are not required, red flags shall be placed in the manner prescribed for the lighted electric lanterns or flares, except that no flag shall be required to be placed at the side of the vehicle; however, if the disablement continues into the period when lights are required, lighted flares or lighted red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors shall then be placed as prescribed. Acts 1947, ch. 121, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); Acts 1975, ch. 102, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-919.
Whenever any bus, truck, or truck tractor, except pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels and equipped with emergency flashing lights at front and rear, is disabled upon the traveled portion of the highway or the shoulder next thereto, except within a business or residential district of a municipality, the following requirements shall be complied with during the period of the disablement:
(1) During the time when lights are required, that is, between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise and at all other times when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible a person two hundred feet (200') ahead, a lighted fusee shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the motor vehicle. As soon thereafter as possible, and in any case within the burning period of the fusee, three (3) lighted flares or pot torches shall be placed on the roadway as follows: (A) One (1) in the center of the line of traffic occupied by the disabled motor vehicle not less than forty (40) paces or approximately one hundred feet (100') distant therefrom in the direction of traffic approaching in that line; (B) One (1) not less than forty (40) paces, or approximately one hundred feet (100') from the vehicle in the opposite direction; (C) One (1) at the traffic side of the vehicle approximately ten feet (10') rearward or forward thereof; (D) If the motor vehicle is disabled within three hundred feet (300') of a curve, crest of a hill or other obstruction to view, the flare in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than forty (40) paces, approximately one hundred feet (100') nor more than one hundred twenty (120) paces, approximately three hundred feet (300'), from the disabled vehicle; (E) Care should be taken in placing any flare, fusee, or any signal produced by a flame to prevent igniting any gasoline or other inflammable liquid or gas; and (F) As to every motor vehicle used for the transportation of inflammable liquids or inflammable compressed gas in cargo tanks, whether loaded or empty, the use of flares, pot torches, fusees or any signal produced by a flame is prohibited, and lighted red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors shall be used in lieu thereof. Every motor vehicle, whether required to carry red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors or not, may carry the red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors in lieu of flares, pot torches and fusees. The placement of the red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors in the event of disablement shall be the same as the requirements for the placing of pot torches, fusees or flares; and
(A) One (1) in the center of the line of traffic occupied by the disabled motor vehicle not less than forty (40) paces or approximately one hundred feet (100') distant therefrom in the direction of traffic approaching in that line;
(B) One (1) not less than forty (40) paces, or approximately one hundred feet (100') from the vehicle in the opposite direction;
(C) One (1) at the traffic side of the vehicle approximately ten feet (10') rearward or forward thereof;
(D) If the motor vehicle is disabled within three hundred feet (300') of a curve, crest of a hill or other obstruction to view, the flare in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than forty (40) paces, approximately one hundred feet (100') nor more than one hundred twenty (120) paces, approximately three hundred feet (300'), from the disabled vehicle;
(E) Care should be taken in placing any flare, fusee, or any signal produced by a flame to prevent igniting any gasoline or other inflammable liquid or gas; and
(F) As to every motor vehicle used for the transportation of inflammable liquids or inflammable compressed gas in cargo tanks, whether loaded or empty, the use of flares, pot torches, fusees or any signal produced by a flame is prohibited, and lighted red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors shall be used in lieu thereof. Every motor vehicle, whether required to carry red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors or not, may carry the red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors in lieu of flares, pot torches and fusees. The placement of the red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors in the event of disablement shall be the same as the requirements for the placing of pot torches, fusees or flares; and
(2) During the time that lights are not required, red flags shall be placed in the manner prescribed for the lighted electric lanterns or flares, except that no flag shall be required to be placed at the side of the vehicle; however, if the disablement continues into the period when lights are required, lighted flares or lighted red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors shall then be placed as prescribed.
Acts 1947, ch. 121, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); Acts 1975, ch. 102, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-919.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-105
Duty upon striking fixtures - ADS-operated vehicle
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to fixtures or other property legally upon or adjacent to a highway or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large, shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of that fact, the driver's name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle that the driver was driving, and shall, upon request and if available, exhibit the driver's operator's or chauffeur's license, or driver license, and shall make report of the accident when and as required in § 55-10-107 . (b) With respect to an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by § 55-30-102 , the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the motor vehicle's owner, or a person on behalf of the motor vehicle's owner, promptly contacts a law enforcement officer or agency to report the accident and the ADS-operated vehicle remains on the scene of the accident as otherwise required by law. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 11, eff. 6/6/2017. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 82; T.C.A., § 59-1005; Acts 1988, ch. 788, § 2.
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to fixtures or other property legally upon or adjacent to a highway or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large, shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of that fact, the driver's name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle that the driver was driving, and shall, upon request and if available, exhibit the driver's operator's or chauffeur's license, or driver license, and shall make report of the accident when and as required in § 55-10-107 .
(b) With respect to an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by § 55-30-102 , the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the motor vehicle's owner, or a person on behalf of the motor vehicle's owner, promptly contacts a law enforcement officer or agency to report the accident and the ADS-operated vehicle remains on the scene of the accident as otherwise required by law.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 11, eff. 6/6/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 82; T.C.A., § 59-1005; Acts 1988, ch. 788, § 2.