Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-301 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-301
Allocation of revenue from new specialty earmarked license plates
Status: in_force

(a) All revenues produced from the sale or renewal of new specialty earmarked license plates, as defined in § 55-4-201 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in designing, manufacturing, and marketing the plates and, if applicable, disabled driver decals in accordance with § 55-21-103(a)(6) , must be allocated as follows: (1) Fifty percent (50%) of the funds must be allocated to the nonprofit organization or state agency or fund earmarked to receive the funds by the statute authorizing the issuance of the plate. The funds must be used solely to fulfill the purpose or to accomplish the goal specified in the statute authorizing the issuance of the plate; (2) Forty percent (40%) of the funds must be allocated to the Tennessee arts commission created in title 4, chapter 20; and (3) Ten percent (10%) of the funds must be allocated to the state highway fund. (b) (1) The revenues allocated to the Tennessee arts commission pursuant to subdivision (a)(2) must be distributed by the arts commission in the form of grants to arts organizations or events which meet criteria established by the arts commission for receiving grants, within the following parameters: (A) One-third (1/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in urban counties; and (B) Two-thirds (2/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in rural counties. (2) Before the revenue allocated in subdivisions (b)(1)(A) and (B) is granted to the particular local arts organizations or events, an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the revenues allocated to the Tennessee arts commission pursuant to subdivision (a)(2) may be expended for other grants and activities as determined by the commission. (c) It is the legislative intent that funds statutorily earmarked from the sale or renewal of new specialty earmarked plates must be allocated only to: (1) A nonprofit organization; (2) A department, agency, or other instrumentality of state government; or (3) A special reserve fund to be utilized by a state agency to effectuate a purpose deemed to be in the state's best interest. (d) This section does not reallocate revenues produced from the regular motor vehicle registration fees, or renewals thereof, imposed by part 1 of this chapter. Such revenues must be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 . (e) For purposes of this section: (1) "Rural counties" are those counties that are not included within a metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the federal office of management and budget; and (2) "Urban counties" are those counties that are included within a metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the federal office of management and budget and as enumerated by the Tennessee state data center. Repealed and reenacted 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; 2003 , ch. 355, § 31; 2008 , ch. 673, § 1; 2012 , ch. 845, § 3.
(a) All revenues produced from the sale or renewal of new specialty earmarked license plates, as defined in § 55-4-201 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in designing, manufacturing, and marketing the plates and, if applicable, disabled driver decals in accordance with § 55-21-103(a)(6) , must be allocated as follows: (1) Fifty percent (50%) of the funds must be allocated to the nonprofit organization or state agency or fund earmarked to receive the funds by the statute authorizing the issuance of the plate. The funds must be used solely to fulfill the purpose or to accomplish the goal specified in the statute authorizing the issuance of the plate; (2) Forty percent (40%) of the funds must be allocated to the Tennessee arts commission created in title 4, chapter 20; and (3) Ten percent (10%) of the funds must be allocated to the state highway fund.
(1) Fifty percent (50%) of the funds must be allocated to the nonprofit organization or state agency or fund earmarked to receive the funds by the statute authorizing the issuance of the plate. The funds must be used solely to fulfill the purpose or to accomplish the goal specified in the statute authorizing the issuance of the plate;
(2) Forty percent (40%) of the funds must be allocated to the Tennessee arts commission created in title 4, chapter 20; and
(3) Ten percent (10%) of the funds must be allocated to the state highway fund.
(b) (1) The revenues allocated to the Tennessee arts commission pursuant to subdivision (a)(2) must be distributed by the arts commission in the form of grants to arts organizations or events which meet criteria established by the arts commission for receiving grants, within the following parameters: (A) One-third (1/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in urban counties; and (B) Two-thirds (2/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in rural counties. (2) Before the revenue allocated in subdivisions (b)(1)(A) and (B) is granted to the particular local arts organizations or events, an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the revenues allocated to the Tennessee arts commission pursuant to subdivision (a)(2) may be expended for other grants and activities as determined by the commission.
(1) The revenues allocated to the Tennessee arts commission pursuant to subdivision (a)(2) must be distributed by the arts commission in the form of grants to arts organizations or events which meet criteria established by the arts commission for receiving grants, within the following parameters: (A) One-third (1/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in urban counties; and (B) Two-thirds (2/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in rural counties.
(A) One-third (1/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in urban counties; and
(B) Two-thirds (2/3) of the funds must be distributed to qualifying arts organizations or events in rural counties.
(2) Before the revenue allocated in subdivisions (b)(1)(A) and (B) is granted to the particular local arts organizations or events, an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the revenues allocated to the Tennessee arts commission pursuant to subdivision (a)(2) may be expended for other grants and activities as determined by the commission.
(c) It is the legislative intent that funds statutorily earmarked from the sale or renewal of new specialty earmarked plates must be allocated only to: (1) A nonprofit organization; (2) A department, agency, or other instrumentality of state government; or (3) A special reserve fund to be utilized by a state agency to effectuate a purpose deemed to be in the state's best interest.
(1) A nonprofit organization;
(2) A department, agency, or other instrumentality of state government; or
(3) A special reserve fund to be utilized by a state agency to effectuate a purpose deemed to be in the state's best interest.
(d) This section does not reallocate revenues produced from the regular motor vehicle registration fees, or renewals thereof, imposed by part 1 of this chapter. Such revenues must be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 .
(e) For purposes of this section: (1) "Rural counties" are those counties that are not included within a metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the federal office of management and budget; and (2) "Urban counties" are those counties that are included within a metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the federal office of management and budget and as enumerated by the Tennessee state data center.
(1) "Rural counties" are those counties that are not included within a metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the federal office of management and budget; and
(2) "Urban counties" are those counties that are included within a metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the federal office of management and budget and as enumerated by the Tennessee state data center.
Repealed and reenacted 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; 2003 , ch. 355, § 31; 2008 , ch. 673, § 1; 2012 , ch. 845, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-263 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-263
Enemy evadees
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is an "enemy evadee" certified as such by the department of veterans services, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) A surviving spouse of a deceased enemy evadee, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate pursuant to this section, until the surviving spouse remarries. (3) The application shall be accompanied by orders or a statement of discharge from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services, classifying the applicant as an "enemy evadee," or in the case of an application by a surviving spouse for continuation of a license plate or plates formerly held by a deceased spouse enemy evadee, a copy of the death certificate. (b) (1) The design of such license plates that are issued pursuant to this section shall be colored red, white and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States flag and shall bear the legend, "ENEMY EVADEE." (2) The registration plates provided for in this section shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans services. (c) For the purposes of this part, "enemy evadees" means veterans of the United States armed forces who, in time of war, successfully evaded capture behind enemy lines, and many of whom joined local indigenous personnel in resisting enemy forces. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is an "enemy evadee" certified as such by the department of veterans services, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) A surviving spouse of a deceased enemy evadee, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate pursuant to this section, until the surviving spouse remarries. (3) The application shall be accompanied by orders or a statement of discharge from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services, classifying the applicant as an "enemy evadee," or in the case of an application by a surviving spouse for continuation of a license plate or plates formerly held by a deceased spouse enemy evadee, a copy of the death certificate.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is an "enemy evadee" certified as such by the department of veterans services, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) A surviving spouse of a deceased enemy evadee, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate pursuant to this section, until the surviving spouse remarries.
(3) The application shall be accompanied by orders or a statement of discharge from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services, classifying the applicant as an "enemy evadee," or in the case of an application by a surviving spouse for continuation of a license plate or plates formerly held by a deceased spouse enemy evadee, a copy of the death certificate.
(b) (1) The design of such license plates that are issued pursuant to this section shall be colored red, white and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States flag and shall bear the legend, "ENEMY EVADEE." (2) The registration plates provided for in this section shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans services.
(1) The design of such license plates that are issued pursuant to this section shall be colored red, white and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States flag and shall bear the legend, "ENEMY EVADEE."
(2) The registration plates provided for in this section shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans services.
(c) For the purposes of this part, "enemy evadees" means veterans of the United States armed forces who, in time of war, successfully evaded capture behind enemy lines, and many of whom joined local indigenous personnel in resisting enemy forces.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-133 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-133
Used oil and other automotive fluids collection and recycling - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) To increase public knowledge of the availability of collection facilities for used oil and other automotive fluids and the benefits of recycling used oil and other automotive fluids, the department shall conduct a promotional campaign, including, but not limited to, the inclusion of information concerning the Used Oil Collection Act, pursuant to title 68, chapter 211, part 10, with motor vehicle registration renewal notices. This information shall include automotive fluid collection center locations and the toll-free telephone information number established by the department of environment and conservation pursuant to § 68-211-1005 . The department may include additional information as deemed appropriate by the department. (b) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Automotive fluid collection center" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 ; (2) "Other automotive fluid" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 ; and (3) "Used oil" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 . Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 771,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 2001, ch. 258, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 41.
(a) To increase public knowledge of the availability of collection facilities for used oil and other automotive fluids and the benefits of recycling used oil and other automotive fluids, the department shall conduct a promotional campaign, including, but not limited to, the inclusion of information concerning the Used Oil Collection Act, pursuant to title 68, chapter 211, part 10, with motor vehicle registration renewal notices. This information shall include automotive fluid collection center locations and the toll-free telephone information number established by the department of environment and conservation pursuant to § 68-211-1005 . The department may include additional information as deemed appropriate by the department.
(b) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Automotive fluid collection center" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 ; (2) "Other automotive fluid" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 ; and (3) "Used oil" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 .
(1) "Automotive fluid collection center" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 ;
(2) "Other automotive fluid" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 ; and
(3) "Used oil" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-211-1002 .
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 771,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2001, ch. 258, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 41.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-424 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-424
"Transdermal monitoring device" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this part, "transdermal monitoring device" means any device or instrument that is attached to the person, designed to automatically test the alcohol or drug content in a person by contact with the person's skin at least once per one-half (1/2) hour regardless of the person's location, and which detects the presence of alcohol or drugs and tampering, obstructing, or removing the device. Acts 2014 , ch. 567, § 5.
As used in this part, "transdermal monitoring device" means any device or instrument that is attached to the person, designed to automatically test the alcohol or drug content in a person by contact with the person's skin at least once per one-half (1/2) hour regardless of the person's location, and which detects the presence of alcohol or drugs and tampering, obstructing, or removing the device.
Acts 2014 , ch. 567, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-118 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-118
Multiple drivers in vehicle involved in an accident
Status: in_force

If a motor vehicle is involved in an accident and there is more than one (1) driver of the motor vehicle, only the driver contributing to the accident shall be charged with a violation of the rules of the road compiled in chapter 8 of this title. Acts 2006, ch. 679, § 1.
If a motor vehicle is involved in an accident and there is more than one (1) driver of the motor vehicle, only the driver contributing to the accident shall be charged with a violation of the rules of the road compiled in chapter 8 of this title.
Acts 2006, ch. 679, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-6-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 6 / Section 55-6-103
Disposition of fees
Status: in_force

(a) All fees collected by the department by the terms of this chapter and chapter 2 of this title shall be for the benefit of the state and the same when so collected shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state. (b) All fees required to be paid to the clerks of the various counties shall, unless otherwise specifically provided, be retained by the clerk and handled in the same manner as all other fees collected by the clerk for the clerk's benefit. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 92 (Williams, § 5538.192); Acts 1963, ch. 270, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-603; Acts 1993, ch. 327, § 11; 1995, ch. 305, § 112; 1999, ch. 98, § 11.
(a) All fees collected by the department by the terms of this chapter and chapter 2 of this title shall be for the benefit of the state and the same when so collected shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.
(b) All fees required to be paid to the clerks of the various counties shall, unless otherwise specifically provided, be retained by the clerk and handled in the same manner as all other fees collected by the clerk for the clerk's benefit.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 92 (Williams, § 5538.192); Acts 1963, ch. 270, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-603; Acts 1993, ch. 327, § 11; 1995, ch. 305, § 112; 1999, ch. 98, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-164 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-164
Riding on motorcycles
Status: in_force

(a) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person, nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle, unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one (1) person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two (2) persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator. (b) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, headlamp illuminated, facing forward, with one (1) leg on each side of the motorcycle. (c) No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article which prevents the person from keeping both hands on the handlebars. (d) No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator. (e) (1) An operator commits an offense who, on the streets of any municipality, roads of any county, or the highways of this state, carries a child as a passenger on a motorcycle whose feet are not on footpegs; provided, that this subsection (e) shall not apply to persons riding in a motorcycle sidecar. (2) (A) A violation of this subsection (e) is a Class C misdemeanor. (B) A person charged with a violation of this subsection (e) may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed. (C) No litigation tax levied pursuant to title 67, chapter 4, part 6 shall be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e), nor shall any clerk's fee or court costs, including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers, be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e). (D) (i) The revenue generated by ten dollars ($10.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e), shall be deposited in the state general fund without being designated for any specific purpose. The remaining forty dollars ($40.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) . (ii) The revenue generated from a person's second or subsequent conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) . Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 64; 1976, ch. 758, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-865; Acts 2012, ch. 907, § 1.
(a) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person, nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle, unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one (1) person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two (2) persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.
(b) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, headlamp illuminated, facing forward, with one (1) leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(c) No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article which prevents the person from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
(d) No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
(e) (1) An operator commits an offense who, on the streets of any municipality, roads of any county, or the highways of this state, carries a child as a passenger on a motorcycle whose feet are not on footpegs; provided, that this subsection (e) shall not apply to persons riding in a motorcycle sidecar. (2) (A) A violation of this subsection (e) is a Class C misdemeanor. (B) A person charged with a violation of this subsection (e) may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed. (C) No litigation tax levied pursuant to title 67, chapter 4, part 6 shall be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e), nor shall any clerk's fee or court costs, including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers, be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e). (D) (i) The revenue generated by ten dollars ($10.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e), shall be deposited in the state general fund without being designated for any specific purpose. The remaining forty dollars ($40.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) . (ii) The revenue generated from a person's second or subsequent conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) .
(1) An operator commits an offense who, on the streets of any municipality, roads of any county, or the highways of this state, carries a child as a passenger on a motorcycle whose feet are not on footpegs; provided, that this subsection (e) shall not apply to persons riding in a motorcycle sidecar.
(2) (A) A violation of this subsection (e) is a Class C misdemeanor. (B) A person charged with a violation of this subsection (e) may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed. (C) No litigation tax levied pursuant to title 67, chapter 4, part 6 shall be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e), nor shall any clerk's fee or court costs, including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers, be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e). (D) (i) The revenue generated by ten dollars ($10.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e), shall be deposited in the state general fund without being designated for any specific purpose. The remaining forty dollars ($40.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) . (ii) The revenue generated from a person's second or subsequent conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) .
(A) A violation of this subsection (e) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(B) A person charged with a violation of this subsection (e) may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed.
(C) No litigation tax levied pursuant to title 67, chapter 4, part 6 shall be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e), nor shall any clerk's fee or court costs, including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers, be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e).
(D) (i) The revenue generated by ten dollars ($10.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e), shall be deposited in the state general fund without being designated for any specific purpose. The remaining forty dollars ($40.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) . (ii) The revenue generated from a person's second or subsequent conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) .
(i) The revenue generated by ten dollars ($10.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e), shall be deposited in the state general fund without being designated for any specific purpose. The remaining forty dollars ($40.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) .
(ii) The revenue generated from a person's second or subsequent conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in § 55-9-602(f) .
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 64; 1976, ch. 758, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-865; Acts 2012, ch. 907, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-119 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-119
Limitations on overtaking and passing on the left
Status: in_force

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless the left side is clearly visible and is free from oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100') of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 18; T.C.A., § 59-819.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless the left side is clearly visible and is free from oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100') of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 18; T.C.A., § 59-819.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-215 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-215
Operation of motor vehicle without adequate energy absorption system prohibited - Alteration of altitude from ground level of passenger car prohibited - Modification of front end by lift blocks prohibited - Modification of steering mechanism prohibited - Exceptions - Enforcement - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any road, street or highway unless the vehicle is equipped with a bumper or other energy absorption system with an analogous function. (b) (1) No person shall operate a passenger vehicle, except a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle, of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway or street modified by reason of alteration of its altitude from the ground if its bumpers, measured to any point on a load-bearing member on the horizontal bumper bar, are more than twenty-two inches (22") above the ground, except that no vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground or expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and that no part of the original suspension system be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control of the vehicle. (2) No person shall operate a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway or street modified by reason of alteration of its altitude from the ground if its bumpers, measured to any point on a load-bearing member on the horizontal bumper bar, are not within the range of fourteen to thirty-one inches (14"-31") above the ground, except that no vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground or expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and that no part of the original suspension system be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control of the vehicle. In the case of a four-wheel drive vehicle where the thirty-one-inch limitation is exceeded, the vehicle will comply with this section if the vehicle is equipped with a drop bumper. The drop bumper must be bolted and welded to the frame of the vehicle and be made of a strength equal to a stock bumper. (3) No person shall modify or cause to be modified by the use of lift blocks the front end suspension of a motor vehicle. (4) (A) Maximum frame heights for motor vehicles shall be as follows: (i) Passenger cars....................22 inches (ii) Trucks and recreational vehicles: (a) 4,500 lbs. and under....................24 inches (b) 4,501-7,500 lbs.....................26 inches (c) 7,501-10,000 lbs.....................28 inches (B) Frame height measurements shall be taken from the bottom of the frame by measuring the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point of the frame directly below the point in line with the center of the steering wheel. (5) No person shall operate a motor vehicle having a distance greater than four inches (4") between the body floor and the top of the frame. (6) No person shall modify or cause to be modified the original manufacturer installed steering mechanism, including welding, nor the front spindle where the brake pads mount, on a passenger vehicle or a truck or recreational vehicle with a weight up to ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.). (c) This section does not apply to freight motor vehicles and/or other vehicles that have designs which would intrinsically preclude conformity with this provision. This section also shall not apply to any vehicle that has an unaltered and undamaged stock bumper or energy absorption system as supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle. (d) Any law enforcement officer charged with the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations may stop and inspect motor vehicles that appear to be operated in violation of this section. If, upon inspection, the vehicle is found to be in violation of this section, the operator shall be issued a citation stating the particulars of the violation and, in general, the repairs necessary to bring the vehicle into compliance with this section. The citation shall also state a time and place for appearance in a court of competent traffic jurisdiction, not less than fourteen (14) days from the date of the issuance of the citation. (e) If the vehicle is found not to be in compliance with this section, the operator shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Upon conviction of a second or subsequent offense involving the same vehicle for substantially the same defect, the registration of the vehicle and the driver licenses of the operator and the owner of the vehicle, if those persons are different, shall be suspended for one (1) year. The vehicle may, however, be operated for the purpose of traveling to and from an establishment or location where repairs are to be performed. (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to establish standards higher than those formulated by the United States department of transportation for bumpers on passenger motor vehicles sold within the United States. Acts 1976, ch. 671, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-940; Acts 1983, ch. 268, § 1; 1990, ch. 714, § 1; 1990, ch. 978, §§ 1, 2; 1991, ch. 1, § 1.
(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any road, street or highway unless the vehicle is equipped with a bumper or other energy absorption system with an analogous function.
(b) (1) No person shall operate a passenger vehicle, except a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle, of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway or street modified by reason of alteration of its altitude from the ground if its bumpers, measured to any point on a load-bearing member on the horizontal bumper bar, are more than twenty-two inches (22") above the ground, except that no vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground or expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and that no part of the original suspension system be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control of the vehicle. (2) No person shall operate a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway or street modified by reason of alteration of its altitude from the ground if its bumpers, measured to any point on a load-bearing member on the horizontal bumper bar, are not within the range of fourteen to thirty-one inches (14"-31") above the ground, except that no vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground or expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and that no part of the original suspension system be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control of the vehicle. In the case of a four-wheel drive vehicle where the thirty-one-inch limitation is exceeded, the vehicle will comply with this section if the vehicle is equipped with a drop bumper. The drop bumper must be bolted and welded to the frame of the vehicle and be made of a strength equal to a stock bumper. (3) No person shall modify or cause to be modified by the use of lift blocks the front end suspension of a motor vehicle. (4) (A) Maximum frame heights for motor vehicles shall be as follows: (i) Passenger cars....................22 inches (ii) Trucks and recreational vehicles: (a) 4,500 lbs. and under....................24 inches (b) 4,501-7,500 lbs.....................26 inches (c) 7,501-10,000 lbs.....................28 inches (B) Frame height measurements shall be taken from the bottom of the frame by measuring the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point of the frame directly below the point in line with the center of the steering wheel. (5) No person shall operate a motor vehicle having a distance greater than four inches (4") between the body floor and the top of the frame. (6) No person shall modify or cause to be modified the original manufacturer installed steering mechanism, including welding, nor the front spindle where the brake pads mount, on a passenger vehicle or a truck or recreational vehicle with a weight up to ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.).
(1) No person shall operate a passenger vehicle, except a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle, of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway or street modified by reason of alteration of its altitude from the ground if its bumpers, measured to any point on a load-bearing member on the horizontal bumper bar, are more than twenty-two inches (22") above the ground, except that no vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground or expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and that no part of the original suspension system be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control of the vehicle.
(2) No person shall operate a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway or street modified by reason of alteration of its altitude from the ground if its bumpers, measured to any point on a load-bearing member on the horizontal bumper bar, are not within the range of fourteen to thirty-one inches (14"-31") above the ground, except that no vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground or expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and that no part of the original suspension system be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control of the vehicle. In the case of a four-wheel drive vehicle where the thirty-one-inch limitation is exceeded, the vehicle will comply with this section if the vehicle is equipped with a drop bumper. The drop bumper must be bolted and welded to the frame of the vehicle and be made of a strength equal to a stock bumper.
(3) No person shall modify or cause to be modified by the use of lift blocks the front end suspension of a motor vehicle.
(4) (A) Maximum frame heights for motor vehicles shall be as follows: (i) Passenger cars....................22 inches (ii) Trucks and recreational vehicles: (a) 4,500 lbs. and under....................24 inches (b) 4,501-7,500 lbs.....................26 inches (c) 7,501-10,000 lbs.....................28 inches (B) Frame height measurements shall be taken from the bottom of the frame by measuring the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point of the frame directly below the point in line with the center of the steering wheel.
(A) Maximum frame heights for motor vehicles shall be as follows: (i) Passenger cars....................22 inches (ii) Trucks and recreational vehicles: (a) 4,500 lbs. and under....................24 inches (b) 4,501-7,500 lbs.....................26 inches (c) 7,501-10,000 lbs.....................28 inches
(i) Passenger cars....................22 inches
(ii) Trucks and recreational vehicles: (a) 4,500 lbs. and under....................24 inches (b) 4,501-7,500 lbs.....................26 inches (c) 7,501-10,000 lbs.....................28 inches
(a) 4,500 lbs. and under....................24 inches
(b) 4,501-7,500 lbs.....................26 inches
(c) 7,501-10,000 lbs.....................28 inches
(B) Frame height measurements shall be taken from the bottom of the frame by measuring the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point of the frame directly below the point in line with the center of the steering wheel.
(5) No person shall operate a motor vehicle having a distance greater than four inches (4") between the body floor and the top of the frame.
(6) No person shall modify or cause to be modified the original manufacturer installed steering mechanism, including welding, nor the front spindle where the brake pads mount, on a passenger vehicle or a truck or recreational vehicle with a weight up to ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.).
(c) This section does not apply to freight motor vehicles and/or other vehicles that have designs which would intrinsically preclude conformity with this provision. This section also shall not apply to any vehicle that has an unaltered and undamaged stock bumper or energy absorption system as supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
(d) Any law enforcement officer charged with the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations may stop and inspect motor vehicles that appear to be operated in violation of this section. If, upon inspection, the vehicle is found to be in violation of this section, the operator shall be issued a citation stating the particulars of the violation and, in general, the repairs necessary to bring the vehicle into compliance with this section. The citation shall also state a time and place for appearance in a court of competent traffic jurisdiction, not less than fourteen (14) days from the date of the issuance of the citation.
(e) If the vehicle is found not to be in compliance with this section, the operator shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Upon conviction of a second or subsequent offense involving the same vehicle for substantially the same defect, the registration of the vehicle and the driver licenses of the operator and the owner of the vehicle, if those persons are different, shall be suspended for one (1) year. The vehicle may, however, be operated for the purpose of traveling to and from an establishment or location where repairs are to be performed.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to establish standards higher than those formulated by the United States department of transportation for bumpers on passenger motor vehicles sold within the United States.
Acts 1976, ch. 671, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-940; Acts 1983, ch. 268, § 1; 1990, ch. 714, § 1; 1990, ch. 978, §§ 1, 2; 1991, ch. 1, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-105
Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles
Status: in_force

Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except those provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title that by their very nature can have no application. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 5; T.C.A., § 59-805.
Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except those provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title that by their very nature can have no application.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 5; T.C.A., § 59-805.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-126 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-126
Minimum duration of proof requirement - Suspension of license or registration for premature cancellation or termination of proof - Hearing - Restoration of license or registration
Status: in_force

(a) Except for suspensions under § 55-12-115 , and the proof required as provided in § 55-12-114 , a person who is required to provide proof of financial responsibility shall maintain that proof for the period of the revocation or suspension. If a person elects to use a policy of insurance and financial responsibility insurance certificate as proof of financial responsibility under this section, then the effective date on the financial responsibility certificate is the date upon which financial responsibility was proven, and financial responsibility must be maintained for the period of the suspension or revocation. (b) (1) If a policy of insurance or a bond required under this section and issued to a person is cancelled or terminated, then the commissioner shall suspend the license of the person and shall request that the commissioner of revenue suspend the person's motor vehicle registration. The license of the person must immediately be surrendered to the commissioner of safety, and the person's motor vehicle registration must immediately be surrendered to the commissioner of revenue. (2) If during the suspension or revocation period requiring proof of financial responsibility, the person filed proof of another policy or bond meeting the requirements of this part, then the person's license and registration shall not be suspended or revoked as required in subdivision (b)(1). (3) A notice of suspension issued under this section must be sent by United States mail to the last known address of the person at least twenty (20) days prior to the effective date of suspension, and must state that the operator, owner, or both, are entitled to an administrative hearing before the commissioner of safety, or the commissioner's designee, conducted pursuant to a request under § 55-12-103(a) . A request for an administrative hearing must be submitted in writing on or before the final date of suspension. (c) Upon reapplying for a driver license, a person whose license, registration, or both have been suspended for failure to maintain evidence of financial responsibility shall refile and maintain with the commissioner of safety evidence of financial responsibility, pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee, and pass the driver license examination if the license has been expired, revoked, or suspended for more than one (1) renewal cycle, as described in § 55-50-337 . If the commissioner of safety, pursuant to this subsection (c), reinstates a person's driver license that has been suspended under the authority of this section, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's motor vehicle registration revoked under authority of this section. After the person has paid to the commissioner of revenue the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. (d) The department of safety may release a person's requirement to provide proof of financial responsibility after the expiration of the period of suspension or revocation, if the department of safety's records establish that during the suspension or revocation period, the person was not convicted of an additional offense authorizing or requiring the suspension or revocation of the person's license, nor was the person's license suspended, revoked, prohibited, or cancelled due to a separate violation of law. If the department of safety, pursuant to this subsection (d), releases the requirement that a person furnish proof of financial responsibility, and if the person's motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked because of the person's failure to furnish that proof, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registration 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 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, this subsection (d) does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident. (e) On or after January 1, 2024, a person who was subject to the requirements of proof of financial responsibility in this chapter prior to January 1, 2024, may petition the department of safety to reduce the time that remains for the person to comply with the proof of financial responsibility requirements. If the person has not been convicted of an additional offense requiring the suspension or revocation of a license by the department, has no outstanding suspension, revocation, cancellation, or other prohibition on the person's license, and the person does not have an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident, then the department shall grant the reduction. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 2, eff. 1/1/2024. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 26; 1978, ch. 645, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1276; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1980, ch. 868, § 2; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 27, 28; 2007 , ch. 484, § 88.
(a) Except for suspensions under § 55-12-115 , and the proof required as provided in § 55-12-114 , a person who is required to provide proof of financial responsibility shall maintain that proof for the period of the revocation or suspension. If a person elects to use a policy of insurance and financial responsibility insurance certificate as proof of financial responsibility under this section, then the effective date on the financial responsibility certificate is the date upon which financial responsibility was proven, and financial responsibility must be maintained for the period of the suspension or revocation.
(b) (1) If a policy of insurance or a bond required under this section and issued to a person is cancelled or terminated, then the commissioner shall suspend the license of the person and shall request that the commissioner of revenue suspend the person's motor vehicle registration. The license of the person must immediately be surrendered to the commissioner of safety, and the person's motor vehicle registration must immediately be surrendered to the commissioner of revenue. (2) If during the suspension or revocation period requiring proof of financial responsibility, the person filed proof of another policy or bond meeting the requirements of this part, then the person's license and registration shall not be suspended or revoked as required in subdivision (b)(1). (3) A notice of suspension issued under this section must be sent by United States mail to the last known address of the person at least twenty (20) days prior to the effective date of suspension, and must state that the operator, owner, or both, are entitled to an administrative hearing before the commissioner of safety, or the commissioner's designee, conducted pursuant to a request under § 55-12-103(a) . A request for an administrative hearing must be submitted in writing on or before the final date of suspension.
(1) If a policy of insurance or a bond required under this section and issued to a person is cancelled or terminated, then the commissioner shall suspend the license of the person and shall request that the commissioner of revenue suspend the person's motor vehicle registration. The license of the person must immediately be surrendered to the commissioner of safety, and the person's motor vehicle registration must immediately be surrendered to the commissioner of revenue.
(2) If during the suspension or revocation period requiring proof of financial responsibility, the person filed proof of another policy or bond meeting the requirements of this part, then the person's license and registration shall not be suspended or revoked as required in subdivision (b)(1).
(3) A notice of suspension issued under this section must be sent by United States mail to the last known address of the person at least twenty (20) days prior to the effective date of suspension, and must state that the operator, owner, or both, are entitled to an administrative hearing before the commissioner of safety, or the commissioner's designee, conducted pursuant to a request under § 55-12-103(a) . A request for an administrative hearing must be submitted in writing on or before the final date of suspension.
(c) Upon reapplying for a driver license, a person whose license, registration, or both have been suspended for failure to maintain evidence of financial responsibility shall refile and maintain with the commissioner of safety evidence of financial responsibility, pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee, and pass the driver license examination if the license has been expired, revoked, or suspended for more than one (1) renewal cycle, as described in § 55-50-337 . If the commissioner of safety, pursuant to this subsection (c), reinstates a person's driver license that has been suspended under the authority of this section, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's motor vehicle registration revoked under authority of this section. After the person has paid to the commissioner of revenue the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately.
(d) The department of safety may release a person's requirement to provide proof of financial responsibility after the expiration of the period of suspension or revocation, if the department of safety's records establish that during the suspension or revocation period, the person was not convicted of an additional offense authorizing or requiring the suspension or revocation of the person's license, nor was the person's license suspended, revoked, prohibited, or cancelled due to a separate violation of law. If the department of safety, pursuant to this subsection (d), releases the requirement that a person furnish proof of financial responsibility, and if the person's motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked because of the person's failure to furnish that proof, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registration 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 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, this subsection (d) does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident.
(e) On or after January 1, 2024, a person who was subject to the requirements of proof of financial responsibility in this chapter prior to January 1, 2024, may petition the department of safety to reduce the time that remains for the person to comply with the proof of financial responsibility requirements. If the person has not been convicted of an additional offense requiring the suspension or revocation of a license by the department, has no outstanding suspension, revocation, cancellation, or other prohibition on the person's license, and the person does not have an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident, then the department shall grant the reduction.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 2, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 26; 1978, ch. 645, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1276; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1980, ch. 868, § 2; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 27, 28; 2007 , ch. 484, § 88.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-114 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-114
"Dealer," "manufacturer" and "transporter" defined
Status: in_force

(a) "Dealer" means every person licensed by the proper state authorities to engage in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder and who has an established place of business for such purpose in this state. (b) "Manufacturer" means every person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder. (c) "Transporter" means every person engaged in the business of delivering vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 13 (Williams, § 5538.113); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-114; Acts 1992, ch. 571, § 1.
(a) "Dealer" means every person licensed by the proper state authorities to engage in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder and who has an established place of business for such purpose in this state.
(b) "Manufacturer" means every person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder.
(c) "Transporter" means every person engaged in the business of delivering vehicles of a type required to be registered hereunder.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 13 (Williams, § 5538.113); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-114; Acts 1992, ch. 571, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-329 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-329
Arts and hobbies
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 for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Blacksmithing new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (b) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this section must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths. (c) The funds produced from the sale of Blacksmithing new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support artisan blacksmith guilds in this state and promote the art of blacksmithing. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 2, 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 for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Blacksmithing new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(b) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this section must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths.
(c) The funds produced from the sale of Blacksmithing new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support artisan blacksmith guilds in this state and promote the art of blacksmithing.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Prior version repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-402 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-402
Notification required by employee
Status: in_force

(a) Notification of Violations. (1) To State. Any operator of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver license issued by this state, and who is convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the department of the conviction in the manner specified by the department within thirty (30) days of the date of conviction. (2) To Employers. Any operator of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver license issued by this state, and who is convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the operator's employer in writing of the conviction within thirty (30) days of the date of conviction. (b) Notification of Suspensions, Revocations and Cancellations. Each employee whose driver license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled by this state, who loses the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle in any state for any period, or who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for any period, shall notify the operator's employer of that fact before the end of the business day following the day the employee received notice of that fact. (c) Notification of Previous Employment. (1) General Rule. Each person who applies for employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle, with an employer, shall provide notification to the employer, at the time of the application, of any previous employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. (2) Period of Previous Employment. The period of previous employment of which notification must be given under subdivision (c)(1) shall be the ten-year period ending on the date of application for employment, or the greater period which may be established by regulation by the secretary of transportation. 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 , 55-7-402.
(a) Notification of Violations. (1) To State. Any operator of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver license issued by this state, and who is convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the department of the conviction in the manner specified by the department within thirty (30) days of the date of conviction. (2) To Employers. Any operator of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver license issued by this state, and who is convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the operator's employer in writing of the conviction within thirty (30) days of the date of conviction.
(1) To State. Any operator of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver license issued by this state, and who is convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the department of the conviction in the manner specified by the department within thirty (30) days of the date of conviction.
(2) To Employers. Any operator of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver license issued by this state, and who is convicted of violating any state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the operator's employer in writing of the conviction within thirty (30) days of the date of conviction.
(b) Notification of Suspensions, Revocations and Cancellations. Each employee whose driver license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled by this state, who loses the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle in any state for any period, or who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for any period, shall notify the operator's employer of that fact before the end of the business day following the day the employee received notice of that fact.
(c) Notification of Previous Employment. (1) General Rule. Each person who applies for employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle, with an employer, shall provide notification to the employer, at the time of the application, of any previous employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. (2) Period of Previous Employment. The period of previous employment of which notification must be given under subdivision (c)(1) shall be the ten-year period ending on the date of application for employment, or the greater period which may be established by regulation by the secretary of transportation.
(1) General Rule. Each person who applies for employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle, with an employer, shall provide notification to the employer, at the time of the application, of any previous employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle.
(2) Period of Previous Employment. The period of previous employment of which notification must be given under subdivision (c)(1) shall be the ten-year period ending on the date of application for employment, or the greater period which may be established by regulation by the secretary of transportation.
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 , 55-7-402.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-711 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-711
Denial of driving privileges - Expunction from records - Requirements
Status: in_force

If a person's driving privileges have been denied pursuant to this part, when the person becomes eighteen (18) years of age, all records relating to the denial maintained by the court in which the conviction or adjudication occurred and by the department of safety shall be expunged and the driving record maintained by the department on the person shall not reflect that a denial of driving privileges occurred. This section shall apply only upon the expiration of the denial or suspension previously ordered by the juvenile court judge and when all requirements for reinstatement have been met. Acts 1991, ch. 473, § 5.
If a person's driving privileges have been denied pursuant to this part, when the person becomes eighteen (18) years of age, all records relating to the denial maintained by the court in which the conviction or adjudication occurred and by the department of safety shall be expunged and the driving record maintained by the department on the person shall not reflect that a denial of driving privileges occurred. This section shall apply only upon the expiration of the denial or suspension previously ordered by the juvenile court judge and when all requirements for reinstatement have been met.
Acts 1991, ch. 473, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-501 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-501
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Drag racing" means: (A) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle; (B) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the highest obtainable speed of the vehicle within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; (C) The use of any one (1) or more motor vehicles for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles, or for comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; (D) The use of one (1) or more motor vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination simultaneous with or prior to that of any other motor vehicle; or (E) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of the accepting of, or the carrying out of any challenge, made orally, in writing, or otherwise, made or received with reference to the performance abilities of one (1) or more motor vehicles; (2) "Participant" means that person or persons who operate any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon the public highways of this state, or that of any municipality or political subdivision thereof, for the purpose of drag racing, and also any person or persons who arrange for, supervise, or in any way and manner set in motion any drag racing, regardless of whether or not such person or persons may be the operator of, or be a passenger in, any motor vehicle participating in drag racing; and (3) "Public highways" means all of the streets, roads, highways, expressways, bridges and viaducts, including any and all adjacent rights-of-way, that are owned, constructed, and/or maintained by the state, and/or any municipality or political subdivision of the state, and any and all highways, roads, streets, etc., that have been dedicated to the public use. Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1040.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Drag racing" means: (A) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle; (B) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the highest obtainable speed of the vehicle within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; (C) The use of any one (1) or more motor vehicles for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles, or for comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; (D) The use of one (1) or more motor vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination simultaneous with or prior to that of any other motor vehicle; or (E) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of the accepting of, or the carrying out of any challenge, made orally, in writing, or otherwise, made or received with reference to the performance abilities of one (1) or more motor vehicles;
(A) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle;
(B) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the highest obtainable speed of the vehicle within a certain distance or within a certain time limit;
(C) The use of any one (1) or more motor vehicles for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles, or for comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or within a certain time limit;
(D) The use of one (1) or more motor vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination simultaneous with or prior to that of any other motor vehicle; or
(E) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of the accepting of, or the carrying out of any challenge, made orally, in writing, or otherwise, made or received with reference to the performance abilities of one (1) or more motor vehicles;
(2) "Participant" means that person or persons who operate any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon the public highways of this state, or that of any municipality or political subdivision thereof, for the purpose of drag racing, and also any person or persons who arrange for, supervise, or in any way and manner set in motion any drag racing, regardless of whether or not such person or persons may be the operator of, or be a passenger in, any motor vehicle participating in drag racing; and
(3) "Public highways" means all of the streets, roads, highways, expressways, bridges and viaducts, including any and all adjacent rights-of-way, that are owned, constructed, and/or maintained by the state, and/or any municipality or political subdivision of the state, and any and all highways, roads, streets, etc., that have been dedicated to the public use.
Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1040.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-188 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-188
High occupancy vehicles - Lanes
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Emergency vehicle" means a vehicle of a governmental department or public service corporation when responding to an emergency, a vehicle of a police or fire department, or an ambulance; (2) "High occupancy vehicle" means a public transportation vehicle; privately owned bus; motorcycle; private passenger motor vehicle, including vans and pick-up trucks, carrying no fewer than two (2) passengers; or as otherwise determined by the commissioner of transportation; and (3) "HOV lane" means a lane or set of lanes on a highway facility of any class, so designated by signing, pavement delineation or markings, or other means of positive guidance, that is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles during specified hours of specified days of the week, in order to provide preferential service over traditional, mixed vehicles on that remaining part of the same highway facility. (b) Drivers shall obey the directions of every official traffic control device that is erected or placed to restrict usage of a lane designated for high occupancy vehicles. (c) Operation of a vehicle other than a high occupancy vehicle in an HOV lane is an offense. Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from this subsection (c). (d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, subject only to imposition of a fine, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), and court costs, not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00), including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers. State or local litigation taxes are not applicable to a case prosecuted under this section. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159, s 34, eff. 4/17/2023. Acts 1993, ch. 35, § 1; 1999, ch. 321, § 1; 2000, ch. 770, § 2; 2008 , ch. 1121, §§ 1, 2.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Emergency vehicle" means a vehicle of a governmental department or public service corporation when responding to an emergency, a vehicle of a police or fire department, or an ambulance; (2) "High occupancy vehicle" means a public transportation vehicle; privately owned bus; motorcycle; private passenger motor vehicle, including vans and pick-up trucks, carrying no fewer than two (2) passengers; or as otherwise determined by the commissioner of transportation; and (3) "HOV lane" means a lane or set of lanes on a highway facility of any class, so designated by signing, pavement delineation or markings, or other means of positive guidance, that is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles during specified hours of specified days of the week, in order to provide preferential service over traditional, mixed vehicles on that remaining part of the same highway facility.
(1) "Emergency vehicle" means a vehicle of a governmental department or public service corporation when responding to an emergency, a vehicle of a police or fire department, or an ambulance;
(2) "High occupancy vehicle" means a public transportation vehicle; privately owned bus; motorcycle; private passenger motor vehicle, including vans and pick-up trucks, carrying no fewer than two (2) passengers; or as otherwise determined by the commissioner of transportation; and
(3) "HOV lane" means a lane or set of lanes on a highway facility of any class, so designated by signing, pavement delineation or markings, or other means of positive guidance, that is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles during specified hours of specified days of the week, in order to provide preferential service over traditional, mixed vehicles on that remaining part of the same highway facility.
(b) Drivers shall obey the directions of every official traffic control device that is erected or placed to restrict usage of a lane designated for high occupancy vehicles.
(c) Operation of a vehicle other than a high occupancy vehicle in an HOV lane is an offense. Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from this subsection (c).
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, subject only to imposition of a fine, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), and court costs, not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00), including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers. State or local litigation taxes are not applicable to a case prosecuted under this section.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159, s 34, eff. 4/17/2023.
Acts 1993, ch. 35, § 1; 1999, ch. 321, § 1; 2000, ch. 770, § 2; 2008 , ch. 1121, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-104
Temporary taking of vehicle - Joyriding - Obtaining possession fraudulently - Neglect to return - Class E felony
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who, with intent to defraud the owner of any motor vehicle or a person in lawful possession of the motor vehicle, obtains possession of the vehicle from the owner, or the servant, agents or employees of the owner, by agreeing in writing, to pay a rental for use of the vehicle based in whole or part on the distance the vehicle is driven, commits a Class E felony. (b) Obtaining possession of the vehicle by means of trick, false or fraudulent misrepresentation, or false impersonation of another, or by giving a bad or worthless check as a deposit or in payment of the rental, in obtaining possession of the vehicle, shall be prima facie evidence of intent to defraud. (c) Any person who, after hiring, leasing or renting a motor vehicle under an agreement in writing, which provides for return of the vehicle to a particular place, or at a particular time, abandons this vehicle, or refuses or willfully neglects to return the vehicle to the place and at the time specified in the agreement, or who secretes, converts, sells or attempts to sell the motor vehicle, or any part of the motor vehicle, commits a Class E felony. (d) The failure, or refusal, or neglect to return the vehicle within seventy-two (72) hours subsequent to the date or time specified in the written agreement shall be prima facie evidence of willful intent to violate this section; provided, that failure, refusal or neglect to return the vehicle within the seventy-two-hour period shall not be evidence of willful intent if the person provides written notification to the owner within the seventy-two-hour period of the person's intention to return the vehicle and returns the vehicle within twenty-four (24) hours of the notification, or when agreed upon by the owner and the person, and if the person pays the fair rental value for the vehicle. (e) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. Acts 1921, ch. 17, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 6567a4; Code 1932, § 10948; Acts 1961, ch. 108, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-504; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 5, 53; 1996, ch. 736, § 1.
(a) Any person who, with intent to defraud the owner of any motor vehicle or a person in lawful possession of the motor vehicle, obtains possession of the vehicle from the owner, or the servant, agents or employees of the owner, by agreeing in writing, to pay a rental for use of the vehicle based in whole or part on the distance the vehicle is driven, commits a Class E felony.
(b) Obtaining possession of the vehicle by means of trick, false or fraudulent misrepresentation, or false impersonation of another, or by giving a bad or worthless check as a deposit or in payment of the rental, in obtaining possession of the vehicle, shall be prima facie evidence of intent to defraud.
(c) Any person who, after hiring, leasing or renting a motor vehicle under an agreement in writing, which provides for return of the vehicle to a particular place, or at a particular time, abandons this vehicle, or refuses or willfully neglects to return the vehicle to the place and at the time specified in the agreement, or who secretes, converts, sells or attempts to sell the motor vehicle, or any part of the motor vehicle, commits a Class E felony.
(d) The failure, or refusal, or neglect to return the vehicle within seventy-two (72) hours subsequent to the date or time specified in the written agreement shall be prima facie evidence of willful intent to violate this section; provided, that failure, refusal or neglect to return the vehicle within the seventy-two-hour period shall not be evidence of willful intent if the person provides written notification to the owner within the seventy-two-hour period of the person's intention to return the vehicle and returns the vehicle within twenty-four (24) hours of the notification, or when agreed upon by the owner and the person, and if the person pays the fair rental value for the vehicle.
(e) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1921, ch. 17, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 6567a4; Code 1932, § 10948; Acts 1961, ch. 108, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-504; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 5, 53; 1996, ch. 736, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-195 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-195
Rules and regulations directing truck tractors and semitrailers to specific lanes on certain highways
Status: in_force

(a) The department of transportation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations directing truck tractors and semitrailers, as defined in § 55-8-101 , to specific lanes, as indicated by appropriate highway signage on interstate and multilane divided highways that are three (3) or more lanes in each direction. Rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall not apply when truck tractors and semi trailers are passing other motor vehicles. (b) A violation of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00). Acts 2005, ch. 288, § 1.
(a) The department of transportation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations directing truck tractors and semitrailers, as defined in § 55-8-101 , to specific lanes, as indicated by appropriate highway signage on interstate and multilane divided highways that are three (3) or more lanes in each direction. Rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall not apply when truck tractors and semi trailers are passing other motor vehicles.
(b) A violation of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
Acts 2005, ch. 288, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-30-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 30 / Section 55-30-102
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter: (1) "Automated driving system" or "ADS" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle on which the technology is installed in high or full automation mode, without any supervision by a human operator, with specific driving mode performance by the automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task that can be managed by a human driver, including the ability to automatically bring the motor vehicle into a minimal risk condition in the event of a critical vehicle or system failure or other emergency event; (2) "Automated-driving-system-operated vehicle" or "ADS-operated vehicle" means a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system; (3) "Department" means the department of revenue; (4) "Dynamic driving task" means all of the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic. "Dynamic driving task" does not include strategic functions, such as route selection and scheduling; and (5) "Minimal risk condition" means a low-risk operating mode in which an ADS-operated vehicle when the ADS is engaged achieves a reasonably safe state upon experiencing a failure of the vehicle's ADS that renders the vehicle unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474,s 16, eff. 6/6/2017.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Automated driving system" or "ADS" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle on which the technology is installed in high or full automation mode, without any supervision by a human operator, with specific driving mode performance by the automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task that can be managed by a human driver, including the ability to automatically bring the motor vehicle into a minimal risk condition in the event of a critical vehicle or system failure or other emergency event;
(2) "Automated-driving-system-operated vehicle" or "ADS-operated vehicle" means a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system;
(3) "Department" means the department of revenue;
(4) "Dynamic driving task" means all of the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic. "Dynamic driving task" does not include strategic functions, such as route selection and scheduling; and
(5) "Minimal risk condition" means a low-risk operating mode in which an ADS-operated vehicle when the ADS is engaged achieves a reasonably safe state upon experiencing a failure of the vehicle's ADS that renders the vehicle unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474,s 16, eff. 6/6/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-115 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-115
Misuse of evidences of registration a misdemeanor - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall lend to another any certificate of title, certificate of registration, registration plate, special plate, or permit issued to such person, if the person desiring to borrow the same would not be entitled to the use thereof, nor shall any person knowingly permit the use of any of the same by one not entitled thereto, nor shall any person display upon a vehicle any certificate of registration, registration plate, or permit not issued for that vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used thereon under chapters 1-6 of this title. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 78 (Williams, § 5538.178); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-511; T.C.A., § 59-516; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) No person shall lend to another any certificate of title, certificate of registration, registration plate, special plate, or permit issued to such person, if the person desiring to borrow the same would not be entitled to the use thereof, nor shall any person knowingly permit the use of any of the same by one not entitled thereto, nor shall any person display upon a vehicle any certificate of registration, registration plate, or permit not issued for that vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used thereon under chapters 1-6 of this title.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 78 (Williams, § 5538.178); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-511; T.C.A., § 59-516; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-102
Regulations governing equipment of wheels to protect surface and foundation of roadways
Status: in_force

The department of transportation is empowered to prescribe by regulations the manner in which the wheels of vehicles shall be equipped in order to protect the surface and foundation of streets, roads and highways, including bridges, on the roadways. Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a3; Code 1932, § 2704; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2704; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1102, 55-11-102.
The department of transportation is empowered to prescribe by regulations the manner in which the wheels of vehicles shall be equipped in order to protect the surface and foundation of streets, roads and highways, including bridges, on the roadways.
Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a3; Code 1932, § 2704; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2704; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1102, 55-11-102.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-265 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-265
Blue Star family
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall issue to each eligible person in the state whose spouse, parent, sibling or child is serving in the armed forces of the United States at the time of application, a blue star family military license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , upon the applicant complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 . (b) The Blue Star family plate shall include an identification legend distinctive to Blue Star families. The legend shall read "Blue Star Family." The registration number of the plate shall include the letters "FM" and a unique identifying number. The plates shall be designed in consultation with the department of veterans services. (c) Eligibility for Blue Star family plates shall be determined by the department by consulting appropriate documentation from the department of veterans services. (d) Additional license plates may be obtained by any eligible person upon payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , plus the payment of a fee equal to the cost of actually producing the plate pursuant to § 55-4-204(c) . Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 62, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 2010 , ch. 1151, § 11.
(a) The department shall issue to each eligible person in the state whose spouse, parent, sibling or child is serving in the armed forces of the United States at the time of application, a blue star family military license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , upon the applicant complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 .
(b) The Blue Star family plate shall include an identification legend distinctive to Blue Star families. The legend shall read "Blue Star Family." The registration number of the plate shall include the letters "FM" and a unique identifying number. The plates shall be designed in consultation with the department of veterans services.
(c) Eligibility for Blue Star family plates shall be determined by the department by consulting appropriate documentation from the department of veterans services.
(d) Additional license plates may be obtained by any eligible person upon payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , plus the payment of a fee equal to the cost of actually producing the plate pursuant to § 55-4-204(c) .
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 62, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1151, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-119 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-119
Receipts and expenditures
Status: in_force

The commission shall pay all money received as fees and charges into the state treasury and the budget director shall make these allotments out of the general fund as the budget director may deem proper for the necessary and proper expenses of the commission, and no expenditure shall be made by the commission unless and until the allotment has been made by the budget director. The allotment shall be disbursed under the general budgetary laws of the state. Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 9; T.C.A., § 59-1720.
The commission shall pay all money received as fees and charges into the state treasury and the budget director shall make these allotments out of the general fund as the budget director may deem proper for the necessary and proper expenses of the commission, and no expenditure shall be made by the commission unless and until the allotment has been made by the budget director. The allotment shall be disbursed under the general budgetary laws of the state.
Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 9; T.C.A., § 59-1720.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-307 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-307
Adoption of statutes and regulations by municipalities - Exceptions
Status: in_force

(a) Any incorporated municipality may by ordinance adopt, by reference, any of the appropriate provisions of chapter 8 of this title, §§ 55-10-101 - 55-10-310, 55-12-139, 55-50-301, 55-50-302, 55-50-304, 55-50-305, 55-50-311 , and 55-10-312, and may by ordinance provide additional regulations for the operation of vehicles within the municipality, which shall not be in conflict with the listed sections. All fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under the terms of §§ 55-50-311 and 55-50-312 , shall be paid over to the appropriate state agency as provided in § 55-50-604 . (b) The offenses enumerated in subdivisions (b)(1)-(5) are state offenses and any person arrested for violation of the offenses shall be tried for violation of state law in state courts or in courts having state jurisdiction in which the jurisdiction shall be exclusive. Any existing ordinance presently regulating any of the enumerated offenses and any such ordinance enacted after July 1, 1977, is declared void and of no effect. The enumerated offenses are: (1) Driving while intoxicated or drugged, as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ; (2) Failing to stop after a traffic accident, as prohibited by part 1 of this chapter; (3) Driving while license suspended or revoked, as prohibited by § 55-50-504 ; (4) Drag racing, as defined and prohibited by § 55-10-501 ; and (5) Possession of five (5) or more grams of methamphetamine, as scheduled in § 39-17-408(d)(2) , while operating a motor vehicle in this state. A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving. Acts 2007, ch. 143, § 1; 2010, ch. 966, § 1.
(a) Any incorporated municipality may by ordinance adopt, by reference, any of the appropriate provisions of chapter 8 of this title, §§ 55-10-101 - 55-10-310, 55-12-139, 55-50-301, 55-50-302, 55-50-304, 55-50-305, 55-50-311 , and 55-10-312, and may by ordinance provide additional regulations for the operation of vehicles within the municipality, which shall not be in conflict with the listed sections. All fines, penalties, and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under the terms of §§ 55-50-311 and 55-50-312 , shall be paid over to the appropriate state agency as provided in § 55-50-604 .
(b) The offenses enumerated in subdivisions (b)(1)-(5) are state offenses and any person arrested for violation of the offenses shall be tried for violation of state law in state courts or in courts having state jurisdiction in which the jurisdiction shall be exclusive. Any existing ordinance presently regulating any of the enumerated offenses and any such ordinance enacted after July 1, 1977, is declared void and of no effect. The enumerated offenses are: (1) Driving while intoxicated or drugged, as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ; (2) Failing to stop after a traffic accident, as prohibited by part 1 of this chapter; (3) Driving while license suspended or revoked, as prohibited by § 55-50-504 ; (4) Drag racing, as defined and prohibited by § 55-10-501 ; and (5) Possession of five (5) or more grams of methamphetamine, as scheduled in § 39-17-408(d)(2) , while operating a motor vehicle in this state. A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
(1) Driving while intoxicated or drugged, as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ;
(2) Failing to stop after a traffic accident, as prohibited by part 1 of this chapter;
(3) Driving while license suspended or revoked, as prohibited by § 55-50-504 ;
(4) Drag racing, as defined and prohibited by § 55-10-501 ; and
(5) Possession of five (5) or more grams of methamphetamine, as scheduled in § 39-17-408(d)(2) , while operating a motor vehicle in this state. A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
Acts 2007, ch. 143, § 1; 2010, ch. 966, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-31-306 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 31 / Section 55-31-306
Demolishers - Surrender of certificate of title or auction sales receipt for cancelation - Records and recordation
Status: in_force

(a) A demolisher who purchases or otherwise acquires a motor vehicle for purposes of wrecking, dismantling, or demolition is not required to obtain a certificate of title for the motor vehicle in the demolisher's name. After the motor vehicle has been demolished, processed, or changed so that it physically is no longer a motor vehicle, the demolisher shall surrender for cancelation the certificate of title or auction sales receipt. The taxpayer and vehicle services division shall issue forms and rules governing the surrender of auction sales receipts and certificates of title as are appropriate. (b) A demolisher shall keep an accurate and complete record of all motor vehicles purchased or received in the course of the demolisher's business. Such records must contain the name and address of the person from whom each motor vehicle was purchased or received and the date when the purchase or receipt occurred. The demolisher shall make the records open for inspection by any police department at any time during normal business hours. A record required by this section must be kept by the demolisher for at least one (1) year after the date of the transaction to which it applies. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
(a) A demolisher who purchases or otherwise acquires a motor vehicle for purposes of wrecking, dismantling, or demolition is not required to obtain a certificate of title for the motor vehicle in the demolisher's name. After the motor vehicle has been demolished, processed, or changed so that it physically is no longer a motor vehicle, the demolisher shall surrender for cancelation the certificate of title or auction sales receipt. The taxpayer and vehicle services division shall issue forms and rules governing the surrender of auction sales receipts and certificates of title as are appropriate.
(b) A demolisher shall keep an accurate and complete record of all motor vehicles purchased or received in the course of the demolisher's business. Such records must contain the name and address of the person from whom each motor vehicle was purchased or received and the date when the purchase or receipt occurred. The demolisher shall make the records open for inspection by any police department at any time during normal business hours. A record required by this section must be kept by the demolisher for at least one (1) year after the date of the transaction to which it applies.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-20-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 20 / Section 55-20-101
County and municipal participation authorized - Approval by governor - Conformity with uniform standards of secretary of commerce
Status: in_force

All counties and municipalities are authorized to carry out local highway safety programs within their jurisdictions as part of the state highway safety program if the local highway safety programs are approved by the governor, and are in accordance with the uniform standards of the secretary of commerce promulgated pursuant to the Federal Highway Safety Act of 1966 ( 23 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.). Acts 1967, ch. 193, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-2001.
All counties and municipalities are authorized to carry out local highway safety programs within their jurisdictions as part of the state highway safety program if the local highway safety programs are approved by the governor, and are in accordance with the uniform standards of the secretary of commerce promulgated pursuant to the Federal Highway Safety Act of 1966 ( 23 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.).
Acts 1967, ch. 193, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-2001.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-205 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-205
Penalty
Status: in_force

A civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed against any person who, as a responsible managing individual setting service policy of a station or facility or as an employee acting independently against set service policy, acts in violation of this part. Acts 1992, ch. 731, § 1.
A civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed against any person who, as a responsible managing individual setting service policy of a station or facility or as an employee acting independently against set service policy, acts in violation of this part.
Acts 1992, ch. 731, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-387 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-387
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 4, 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 4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-305 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-305
Recordkeeping - Use of vehicle in car sharing
Status: in_force

(a) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall collect, verify, and maintain the records necessary to comply with this section for a time period not less than the applicable bodily injury or property damage statute of limitations. (b) Upon request by a shared vehicle owner, the insurer of the shared vehicle owner, a shared vehicle driver, or the insurer of a shared vehicle driver, for the purpose of assisting a claim coverage investigation, settlement, negotiation, or litigation, a peer-to-peer car sharing program shall provide the following information: (1) The precise start and termination times for the car sharing period during which an event occurred giving rise to a claim; (2) The information set forth in § 55-12-308(b) for the car sharing period during which an event occurred giving rise to a claim; and (3) For the period twelve (12) hours preceding and twelve (12) hours following an event giving rise to a claim, the precise start and termination times for all car sharing periods other than the period disclosed under subdivision (b)(1), and the information set forth in § 55-12-308(b) with respect to the car sharing periods. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
(a) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall collect, verify, and maintain the records necessary to comply with this section for a time period not less than the applicable bodily injury or property damage statute of limitations.
(b) Upon request by a shared vehicle owner, the insurer of the shared vehicle owner, a shared vehicle driver, or the insurer of a shared vehicle driver, for the purpose of assisting a claim coverage investigation, settlement, negotiation, or litigation, a peer-to-peer car sharing program shall provide the following information: (1) The precise start and termination times for the car sharing period during which an event occurred giving rise to a claim; (2) The information set forth in § 55-12-308(b) for the car sharing period during which an event occurred giving rise to a claim; and (3) For the period twelve (12) hours preceding and twelve (12) hours following an event giving rise to a claim, the precise start and termination times for all car sharing periods other than the period disclosed under subdivision (b)(1), and the information set forth in § 55-12-308(b) with respect to the car sharing periods.
(1) The precise start and termination times for the car sharing period during which an event occurred giving rise to a claim;
(2) The information set forth in § 55-12-308(b) for the car sharing period during which an event occurred giving rise to a claim; and
(3) For the period twelve (12) hours preceding and twelve (12) hours following an event giving rise to a claim, the precise start and termination times for all car sharing periods other than the period disclosed under subdivision (b)(1), and the information set forth in § 55-12-308(b) with respect to the car sharing periods.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-29-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 29 / Section 55-29-105
Chapter not applicable to motor vehicle issued nonrepairable vehicle certificate or salvage title
Status: in_force

This chapter does not apply to the sale of any vehicle that has been issued a nonrepairable vehicle certificate or salvage title, as defined in [former] § 55-3-211 [now § 55-3-201], or any other similar certificate or title issued by another state or jurisdiction. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306, s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
This chapter does not apply to the sale of any vehicle that has been issued a nonrepairable vehicle certificate or salvage title, as defined in [former] § 55-3-211 [now § 55-3-201], or any other similar certificate or title issued by another state or jurisdiction.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306, s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-141 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-141
Turning on curve or crest of grade prohibited - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet (500'). (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 40; T.C.A., § 59-841; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet (500').
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 40; T.C.A., § 59-841; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-106
Liability for damages to highways - Suit by district attorney general
Status: in_force

The owner of any vehicle driven upon the public thoroughfare, in violation of any of §§ 55-7-101 - 55-7-105, or regulations issued thereunder, shall also be liable in an action for damages caused to these public thoroughfares, the action to be prosecuted in the name of the state by the district attorney general of the district in which the violation occurs. Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 4; Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 5; Shan. Supp., § 1616a7; Code 1932, § 2708; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2708; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1106, 59-11-106.
The owner of any vehicle driven upon the public thoroughfare, in violation of any of §§ 55-7-101 - 55-7-105, or regulations issued thereunder, shall also be liable in an action for damages caused to these public thoroughfares, the action to be prosecuted in the name of the state by the district attorney general of the district in which the violation occurs.
Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 4; Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 5; Shan. Supp., § 1616a7; Code 1932, § 2708; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2708; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1106, 59-11-106.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-106
Exceptions to requirement of security and revocation - Additional acceptable proof of financial security
Status: in_force

The requirements of security and revocation contained in this part shall not apply to: (1) An operator or owner, if the owner had in effect at the time of the accident, an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to the vehicle involved in the accident, except that an operator shall not be exempt under this subdivision (1) if, at the time of the accident, the vehicle was being operated without the owner's permission, either expressed or implied; (2) An operator who is not the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, if there was, in effect at the time of the accident, an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to driving a vehicle not owned by the operator; (3) An operator or owner whose liability for damages resulting from the accident is, in the judgment of the commissioner, covered by another form of liability insurance policy or bond; (4) Any owner qualifying as a self-insurer or to any operator of a vehicle owned by a person qualifying as a self-insurer as outlined in § 55-12-111 ; (5) Any operator or owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident wherein no injury or damage was caused to the person or property of anyone other than the operator or owner; (6) An owner of a motor vehicle, if at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated without the owner's permission, either expressed or implied, or was parked by a person who had been operating the motor vehicle without permission; (7) Any owner or operator who shall submit, on or before the date of revocation, proof satisfactory to the commissioner of acceptance of liability for the accident and an agreement concerning the payment of damages satisfactory to all parties claiming damages. This exemption shall not apply, however, 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 might have been taken had the agreement not been made; (8) Vehicles owned by the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state or any municipality therein, or to the operator of any vehicle so owned, when the vehicle is involved in an accident; (9) Any vehicle owned and operated by a carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the department of safety or the interstate commerce commission; (10) Any person licensed and engaged in the business of renting or leasing motor vehicles to be operated on the public highways shall be required only to furnish proof of financial ability to satisfy any judgment or judgments rendered against the person in the person's capacity as owner of the motor vehicle, and shall not be required to furnish proof of its financial ability to satisfy any judgment or judgments rendered against the person to whom the motor vehicle was rented or leased at the time of the accident; (11) A driver or owner of a vehicle that, at the time of the accident, was parked, unless the vehicle was parked at a place where parking at the time of the accident was prohibited by any applicable law or ordinance, or unless the vehicle was parked in an otherwise unlawful manner; (12) Any person employed by the government of the United States, while the person is acting within the scope of the office or employment and is involved in a motor vehicle accident; (13) An owner or operator of any vehicle where there is no physical contact with another vehicle or object or person, unless a judgment has been obtained; (14) A driver or owner of a vehicle who has submitted to the commissioner on or before the date of revocation notarized releases executed by all parties who have previously filed claims with the department as a result of the accident; or (15) Any person who has obtained a discharge in bankruptcy that discharged all claims against the person because of the accident listed in the petition; provided, that the discharge shall not relieve the person from the requirements of giving and maintaining proof of financial responsibility as required by § 55-12-126 , and the person must pay a restoration fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) and pass the driver license examination. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 6; T.C.A., § 59-1256; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, § 19; 1995, ch. 305, § 115.
The requirements of security and revocation contained in this part shall not apply to:
(1) An operator or owner, if the owner had in effect at the time of the accident, an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to the vehicle involved in the accident, except that an operator shall not be exempt under this subdivision (1) if, at the time of the accident, the vehicle was being operated without the owner's permission, either expressed or implied;
(2) An operator who is not the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, if there was, in effect at the time of the accident, an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to driving a vehicle not owned by the operator;
(3) An operator or owner whose liability for damages resulting from the accident is, in the judgment of the commissioner, covered by another form of liability insurance policy or bond;
(4) Any owner qualifying as a self-insurer or to any operator of a vehicle owned by a person qualifying as a self-insurer as outlined in § 55-12-111 ;
(5) Any operator or owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident wherein no injury or damage was caused to the person or property of anyone other than the operator or owner;
(6) An owner of a motor vehicle, if at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated without the owner's permission, either expressed or implied, or was parked by a person who had been operating the motor vehicle without permission;
(7) Any owner or operator who shall submit, on or before the date of revocation, proof satisfactory to the commissioner of acceptance of liability for the accident and an agreement concerning the payment of damages satisfactory to all parties claiming damages. This exemption shall not apply, however, 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 might have been taken had the agreement not been made;
(8) Vehicles owned by the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state or any municipality therein, or to the operator of any vehicle so owned, when the vehicle is involved in an accident;
(9) Any vehicle owned and operated by a carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the department of safety or the interstate commerce commission;
(10) Any person licensed and engaged in the business of renting or leasing motor vehicles to be operated on the public highways shall be required only to furnish proof of financial ability to satisfy any judgment or judgments rendered against the person in the person's capacity as owner of the motor vehicle, and shall not be required to furnish proof of its financial ability to satisfy any judgment or judgments rendered against the person to whom the motor vehicle was rented or leased at the time of the accident;
(11) A driver or owner of a vehicle that, at the time of the accident, was parked, unless the vehicle was parked at a place where parking at the time of the accident was prohibited by any applicable law or ordinance, or unless the vehicle was parked in an otherwise unlawful manner;
(12) Any person employed by the government of the United States, while the person is acting within the scope of the office or employment and is involved in a motor vehicle accident;
(13) An owner or operator of any vehicle where there is no physical contact with another vehicle or object or person, unless a judgment has been obtained;
(14) A driver or owner of a vehicle who has submitted to the commissioner on or before the date of revocation notarized releases executed by all parties who have previously filed claims with the department as a result of the accident; or
(15) Any person who has obtained a discharge in bankruptcy that discharged all claims against the person because of the accident listed in the petition; provided, that the discharge shall not relieve the person from the requirements of giving and maintaining proof of financial responsibility as required by § 55-12-126 , and the person must pay a restoration fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) and pass the driver license examination.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 6; T.C.A., § 59-1256; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, § 19; 1995, ch. 305, § 115.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-417 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-417
Annual sales report
Status: in_force

(a) (1) On or before February 15 of each year, each recreational vehicle dealer shall submit to the commission an annual sales report indicating the number of recreational vehicles sold by the recreational vehicle dealer during the preceding calendar year, the number of recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealer: (A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the recreational vehicle dealer shall not be eligible for any recreational vehicle dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed; (B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more recreational vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the recreational vehicle 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) recreational vehicles during a calendar year or if a recreational vehicle dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) recreational vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the recreational vehicle dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) recreational vehicle dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealers. (3) If pursuant to this section, a dealer is no longer eligible to receive, retain, or use recreational vehicle dealer registration plates, then the commission is authorized to undertake appropriate action to take possession of any plates issued to the recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealer registration plates issued to each recreational vehicle dealer. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) (1) On or before February 15 of each year, each recreational vehicle dealer shall submit to the commission an annual sales report indicating the number of recreational vehicles sold by the recreational vehicle dealer during the preceding calendar year, the number of recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealer: (A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the recreational vehicle dealer shall not be eligible for any recreational vehicle dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed; (B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more recreational vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the recreational vehicle 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) recreational vehicles during a calendar year or if a recreational vehicle dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) recreational vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the recreational vehicle dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) recreational vehicle dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealers. (3) If pursuant to this section, a dealer is no longer eligible to receive, retain, or use recreational vehicle dealer registration plates, then the commission is authorized to undertake appropriate action to take possession of any plates issued to the recreational vehicle dealer and shall promptly forward the plates to the department of revenue.
(1) On or before February 15 of each year, each recreational vehicle dealer shall submit to the commission an annual sales report indicating the number of recreational vehicles sold by the recreational vehicle dealer during the preceding calendar year, the number of recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealer: (A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the recreational vehicle dealer shall not be eligible for any recreational vehicle dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed; (B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more recreational vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the recreational vehicle 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) recreational vehicles during a calendar year or if a recreational vehicle dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) recreational vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the recreational vehicle dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) recreational vehicle dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealers.
(A) Fails to timely file the annual sales report, the recreational vehicle dealer shall not be eligible for any recreational vehicle dealer registration plates until the annual sales report is filed;
(B) Timely files the annual sales report and sells twenty-four (24) or more recreational vehicles during a calendar year, then there is a rebuttable presumption that the recreational vehicle 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) recreational vehicles during a calendar year or if a recreational vehicle dealer engaged in business for only a portion of the calendar year but sold fewer than two (2) recreational vehicles on average per month during this portion of the year, then the recreational vehicle dealer is eligible to receive, retain, and use up to three (3) recreational vehicle dealer registration plates. Upon written request by the recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealers.
(3) If pursuant to this section, a dealer is no longer eligible to receive, retain, or use recreational vehicle dealer registration plates, then the commission is authorized to undertake appropriate action to take possession of any plates issued to the recreational vehicle 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 recreational vehicle dealer registration plates issued to each recreational vehicle dealer.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-501 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-501
"Fleet" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, "fleet" means one thousand (1,000) or more vehicles owned or long-term leased by a corporation or other legal entity and registered in the state pursuant to this part. Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 64.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, "fleet" means one thousand (1,000) or more vehicles owned or long-term leased by a corporation or other legal entity and registered in the state pursuant to this part.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 64.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-117 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-117
Grounds for suspension or revocation of registrations, certificates of titles, and permits
Status: in_force

(a) The department is authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a vehicle or a certificate of title, certificate of registration, or registration plate, or any nonresident or other permit in any of the following events: (1) When the department is satisfied that the registration or that the certificate, plate, or permit was fraudulently or erroneously issued; (2) When a registered vehicle has been dismantled or wrecked; (3) When the department determines that the required fee has not been paid and the same is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand; (4) When a certificate of registration, registration plate or permit is knowingly displayed upon a vehicle other than the one for which it was issued; and (5) The commissioner shall be empowered to suspend the permit or right of any nonresident under any reciprocal agreement executed under § 55-4-121 if the nonresident is found to have violated any of the laws of this state regulating motor vehicles. (b) Nothing in chapters 1-6 of this title shall be construed to affect or change the power of the commissioner to revoke motor vehicle registrations under the financial responsibility law in chapter 12 of this title. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 80 (Williams, § 5538.180); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-513; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 12; T.C.A., § 59-518.
(a) The department is authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a vehicle or a certificate of title, certificate of registration, or registration plate, or any nonresident or other permit in any of the following events: (1) When the department is satisfied that the registration or that the certificate, plate, or permit was fraudulently or erroneously issued; (2) When a registered vehicle has been dismantled or wrecked; (3) When the department determines that the required fee has not been paid and the same is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand; (4) When a certificate of registration, registration plate or permit is knowingly displayed upon a vehicle other than the one for which it was issued; and (5) The commissioner shall be empowered to suspend the permit or right of any nonresident under any reciprocal agreement executed under § 55-4-121 if the nonresident is found to have violated any of the laws of this state regulating motor vehicles.
(1) When the department is satisfied that the registration or that the certificate, plate, or permit was fraudulently or erroneously issued;
(2) When a registered vehicle has been dismantled or wrecked;
(3) When the department determines that the required fee has not been paid and the same is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand;
(4) When a certificate of registration, registration plate or permit is knowingly displayed upon a vehicle other than the one for which it was issued; and
(5) The commissioner shall be empowered to suspend the permit or right of any nonresident under any reciprocal agreement executed under § 55-4-121 if the nonresident is found to have violated any of the laws of this state regulating motor vehicles.
(b) Nothing in chapters 1-6 of this title shall be construed to affect or change the power of the commissioner to revoke motor vehicle registrations under the financial responsibility law in chapter 12 of this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 80 (Williams, § 5538.180); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-513; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 12; T.C.A., § 59-518.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-207 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-207
Exception from length and weight requirements for public transit systems
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "publicly owned transit system" means a system of vehicles, designed to carry all persons who desire to use the system, over designated routes within a designated area, which is owned or operated by a county or municipality, incorporated or existing under the laws of Tennessee, or any combination thereof, with any other county or counties, municipality or municipalities, intrastate or interstate, or its or their agencies or instrumentalities, including a transit authority created pursuant to title 7, chapter 56 or other operating or management organization created by any such county, municipality or combination for the purpose of managing a public transportation system. (b) (1) Section 55-7-202 , other than the limitation on height, and § 55-7-204 , shall not be applicable to buses owned or operated by publicly owned transit systems as defined above; provided, that the width and weight limitations of 23 U.S.C. § 127 , as amended, shall not be exceeded. (2) Subdivision (b)(1) shall apply on all public roads in any county in which is provided by the publicly-owned transit system regularly scheduled public mass transportation service. (c) This section shall apply only to buses owned and/or operated by a publicly owned transit system that itself is an agency of a metropolitan government or county or municipality whose population according to the 1970 census exceeds four hundred thousand (400,000) but is less than eight hundred thousand (800,000). Acts 1980, ch. 808, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 55-11-207.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "publicly owned transit system" means a system of vehicles, designed to carry all persons who desire to use the system, over designated routes within a designated area, which is owned or operated by a county or municipality, incorporated or existing under the laws of Tennessee, or any combination thereof, with any other county or counties, municipality or municipalities, intrastate or interstate, or its or their agencies or instrumentalities, including a transit authority created pursuant to title 7, chapter 56 or other operating or management organization created by any such county, municipality or combination for the purpose of managing a public transportation system.
(b) (1) Section 55-7-202 , other than the limitation on height, and § 55-7-204 , shall not be applicable to buses owned or operated by publicly owned transit systems as defined above; provided, that the width and weight limitations of 23 U.S.C. § 127 , as amended, shall not be exceeded. (2) Subdivision (b)(1) shall apply on all public roads in any county in which is provided by the publicly-owned transit system regularly scheduled public mass transportation service.
(1) Section 55-7-202 , other than the limitation on height, and § 55-7-204 , shall not be applicable to buses owned or operated by publicly owned transit systems as defined above; provided, that the width and weight limitations of 23 U.S.C. § 127 , as amended, shall not be exceeded.
(2) Subdivision (b)(1) shall apply on all public roads in any county in which is provided by the publicly-owned transit system regularly scheduled public mass transportation service.
(c) This section shall apply only to buses owned and/or operated by a publicly owned transit system that itself is an agency of a metropolitan government or county or municipality whose population according to the 1970 census exceeds four hundred thousand (400,000) but is less than eight hundred thousand (800,000).
Acts 1980, ch. 808, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 55-11-207.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-403 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-403
Time restrictions of transport - Enforcement by electronic surveillance
Status: in_force

(a) Transport of mobile homes may only take place between sunrise and sunset, Monday through Saturday, except for the holidays enumerated in § 55-7-205 ( l )(2)(B). (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), transport of mobile homes eighty-five feet (85') or greater in length, or fourteen feet (14') or greater in width, or fourteen feet two inches (14' 2") or greater in height, is prohibited in heavily traveled urban areas between the hours of seven o'clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.) to nine o'clock a.m. (9:00 a.m.) and four o'clock p.m. (4:00 p.m.) to six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.). (c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, this section may be enforced using photo, video or other electronic proof of violation. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 786, s 1, eff. 10/1/2020. Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 3.
(a) Transport of mobile homes may only take place between sunrise and sunset, Monday through Saturday, except for the holidays enumerated in § 55-7-205 ( l )(2)(B).
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), transport of mobile homes eighty-five feet (85') or greater in length, or fourteen feet (14') or greater in width, or fourteen feet two inches (14' 2") or greater in height, is prohibited in heavily traveled urban areas between the hours of seven o'clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.) to nine o'clock a.m. (9:00 a.m.) and four o'clock p.m. (4:00 p.m.) to six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.).
(c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, this section may be enforced using photo, video or other electronic proof of violation.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 786, s 1, eff. 10/1/2020.
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-126 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-126
Use of stolen plates - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to display upon a vehicle, for the purpose of indicating its registration, any license plate known by the user to have been stolen, or reported as lost or stolen in an application made to the department for a replacement plate, or issued as the replacement for a plate falsely reported to have been lost or stolen. (b) When any person is apprehended while operating an unregistered vehicle on which there is displayed a plate known to the owner or user as having been stolen, reported as lost or stolen, or issued as the replacement for a plate falsely reported to have been stolen, the registration fee for the vehicle shall be in a sum treble the amount of the annual registration fee provided in chapter 4 of this title. Acts 1976, ch. 460, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-527; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2007, ch. 484, § 72.
(a) It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to display upon a vehicle, for the purpose of indicating its registration, any license plate known by the user to have been stolen, or reported as lost or stolen in an application made to the department for a replacement plate, or issued as the replacement for a plate falsely reported to have been lost or stolen.
(b) When any person is apprehended while operating an unregistered vehicle on which there is displayed a plate known to the owner or user as having been stolen, reported as lost or stolen, or issued as the replacement for a plate falsely reported to have been stolen, the registration fee for the vehicle shall be in a sum treble the amount of the annual registration fee provided in chapter 4 of this title.
Acts 1976, ch. 460, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-527; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2007, ch. 484, § 72.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-13-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 13 / Section 55-13-104
Subsidization or discrimination prohibited
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any manufacturer or wholesale distributor to pay or give a subsidy to any finance company or finance agency or class of persons, or to discriminate against or in favor of any finance company or finance agency or class of persons. (b) It is unlawful for any finance company or finance agency or class of persons to accept any such subsidy or the benefit of any such discrimination. Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.28 (Williams, § 6770.17); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1304.
(a) It is unlawful for any manufacturer or wholesale distributor to pay or give a subsidy to any finance company or finance agency or class of persons, or to discriminate against or in favor of any finance company or finance agency or class of persons.
(b) It is unlawful for any finance company or finance agency or class of persons to accept any such subsidy or the benefit of any such discrimination.
Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.28 (Williams, § 6770.17); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1304.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-302 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-302
Insurance coverage during car sharing period
Status: in_force

(a) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall assume liability, except as provided in subsection (b), of a shared vehicle owner for bodily injury or property damage to third parties or uninsured and underinsured motorist losses during the car sharing period in an amount, as stated in the peer-to-peer car sharing program agreement, that must not be less than the amount set forth in subsection (d). (b) Notwithstanding the car sharing termination time, the assumption of liability under subsection (a) does not apply to any shared vehicle owner when: (1) A shared vehicle owner makes an intentional or fraudulent material misrepresentation or omission to the peer-to-peer car sharing program before the car sharing period in which the loss occurred; or (2) A shared vehicle owner has acted in concert with a shared vehicle driver who fails to return the shared vehicle pursuant to the terms of the car sharing program agreement. (c) Notwithstanding the car sharing termination time, the assumption of liability under subsection (a) applies to bodily injury, property damage, uninsured and underinsured motorist, or losses by damaged third parties to the extent required for proof of financial responsibility, as defined in § 55-12-102 . (d) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall ensure that, during each car sharing period, the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle driver are insured under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that: (1) Provides insurance coverage in amounts no less than the minimum amounts for proof of financial responsibility, as defined in § 55-12-102 ; and (2) (A) Recognizes that the shared vehicle insured under the policy is made available and used through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (B) Does not exclude the use of a shared vehicle by a shared vehicle driver. (e) The insurance requirement described under subsection (d) may be satisfied by motor vehicle liability insurance maintained by: (1) A shared vehicle owner; (2) A shared vehicle driver; (3) A peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (4) Any combination of those described in subdivisions (e)(1)-(3). (f) Except as otherwise provided for in this section: (1) The insurance described in subsection (e) that is used to satisfy the insurance requirement of subsection (d) is primary during each car sharing period; (2) If coverage is applicable through more than one (1) motor vehicle liability insurance policy as set forth in subdivision (e)(4), then the order of priority of coverage is as follows, unless one (1) policy contains a provision affirmatively stating that the policy's coverage is primary and thereby is primary during the car sharing period: (A) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle driver is first in priority; (B) A policy maintained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program is next in priority; and (C) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle owner is last in priority; and (3) If coverage is applicable through more than one (1) motor vehicle liability insurance policy as set forth in subdivision (e)(4) and more than one (1) of those policies contain a provision affirmatively stating that the policy's coverage is primary, then the order of priority of coverage is as described in subdivisions (f)(2)(A)-(C). (g) (1) The peer-to-peer car sharing program shall assume primary liability for a claim when: (A) The peer-to-peer car sharing program is in whole or in part providing the insurance required under subsections (d) and (e); (B) A dispute exists as to who was in control of the shared motor vehicle at the time of the loss; and (C) The peer-to-peer car sharing program does not have available, did not retain, or fails to provide the information required by § 55-12-305 . (2) The peer-to-peer car sharing program may seek indemnity from a shared vehicle owner if the shared vehicle owner is determined to have been the operator of the shared vehicle at the time of the loss. (h) If insurance maintained by a shared vehicle owner or shared vehicle driver in accordance with subsection (e) has lapsed or does not provide the coverage required by subsection (d), then: (1) Insurance maintained by a peer-to-peer car sharing program must provide the coverage required by subsection (d) beginning with the first dollar of a claim; and (2) The peer-to-peer car sharing program has the duty to defend the claim, except under circumstances as set forth in subsection (b). (i) Coverage under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy maintained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program is not dependent on another insurer first denying a claim nor is another motor vehicle liability insurance policy required to first deny a claim. (j) This section does not: (1) Limit the liability of the peer-to-peer car sharing program for any act or omission of the peer-to-peer car sharing program itself that results in injury to any person as a result of the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; (2) Limit the ability of the peer-to-peer car sharing program to, by contract, seek indemnification from the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver for economic loss sustained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program resulting from a breach of the terms and conditions of the car sharing program agreement; or (3) Limit the obligations of a shared vehicle owner to comply with the requirements of part 1 of this chapter. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
(a) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall assume liability, except as provided in subsection (b), of a shared vehicle owner for bodily injury or property damage to third parties or uninsured and underinsured motorist losses during the car sharing period in an amount, as stated in the peer-to-peer car sharing program agreement, that must not be less than the amount set forth in subsection (d).
(b) Notwithstanding the car sharing termination time, the assumption of liability under subsection (a) does not apply to any shared vehicle owner when: (1) A shared vehicle owner makes an intentional or fraudulent material misrepresentation or omission to the peer-to-peer car sharing program before the car sharing period in which the loss occurred; or (2) A shared vehicle owner has acted in concert with a shared vehicle driver who fails to return the shared vehicle pursuant to the terms of the car sharing program agreement.
(1) A shared vehicle owner makes an intentional or fraudulent material misrepresentation or omission to the peer-to-peer car sharing program before the car sharing period in which the loss occurred; or
(2) A shared vehicle owner has acted in concert with a shared vehicle driver who fails to return the shared vehicle pursuant to the terms of the car sharing program agreement.
(c) Notwithstanding the car sharing termination time, the assumption of liability under subsection (a) applies to bodily injury, property damage, uninsured and underinsured motorist, or losses by damaged third parties to the extent required for proof of financial responsibility, as defined in § 55-12-102 .
(d) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall ensure that, during each car sharing period, the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle driver are insured under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that: (1) Provides insurance coverage in amounts no less than the minimum amounts for proof of financial responsibility, as defined in § 55-12-102 ; and (2) (A) Recognizes that the shared vehicle insured under the policy is made available and used through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (B) Does not exclude the use of a shared vehicle by a shared vehicle driver.
(1) Provides insurance coverage in amounts no less than the minimum amounts for proof of financial responsibility, as defined in § 55-12-102 ; and
(2) (A) Recognizes that the shared vehicle insured under the policy is made available and used through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (B) Does not exclude the use of a shared vehicle by a shared vehicle driver.
(A) Recognizes that the shared vehicle insured under the policy is made available and used through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; or
(B) Does not exclude the use of a shared vehicle by a shared vehicle driver.
(e) The insurance requirement described under subsection (d) may be satisfied by motor vehicle liability insurance maintained by: (1) A shared vehicle owner; (2) A shared vehicle driver; (3) A peer-to-peer car sharing program; or (4) Any combination of those described in subdivisions (e)(1)-(3).
(1) A shared vehicle owner;
(2) A shared vehicle driver;
(3) A peer-to-peer car sharing program; or
(4) Any combination of those described in subdivisions (e)(1)-(3).
(f) Except as otherwise provided for in this section: (1) The insurance described in subsection (e) that is used to satisfy the insurance requirement of subsection (d) is primary during each car sharing period; (2) If coverage is applicable through more than one (1) motor vehicle liability insurance policy as set forth in subdivision (e)(4), then the order of priority of coverage is as follows, unless one (1) policy contains a provision affirmatively stating that the policy's coverage is primary and thereby is primary during the car sharing period: (A) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle driver is first in priority; (B) A policy maintained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program is next in priority; and (C) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle owner is last in priority; and (3) If coverage is applicable through more than one (1) motor vehicle liability insurance policy as set forth in subdivision (e)(4) and more than one (1) of those policies contain a provision affirmatively stating that the policy's coverage is primary, then the order of priority of coverage is as described in subdivisions (f)(2)(A)-(C).
(1) The insurance described in subsection (e) that is used to satisfy the insurance requirement of subsection (d) is primary during each car sharing period;
(2) If coverage is applicable through more than one (1) motor vehicle liability insurance policy as set forth in subdivision (e)(4), then the order of priority of coverage is as follows, unless one (1) policy contains a provision affirmatively stating that the policy's coverage is primary and thereby is primary during the car sharing period: (A) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle driver is first in priority; (B) A policy maintained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program is next in priority; and (C) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle owner is last in priority; and
(A) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle driver is first in priority;
(B) A policy maintained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program is next in priority; and
(C) A policy maintained by the shared vehicle owner is last in priority; and
(3) If coverage is applicable through more than one (1) motor vehicle liability insurance policy as set forth in subdivision (e)(4) and more than one (1) of those policies contain a provision affirmatively stating that the policy's coverage is primary, then the order of priority of coverage is as described in subdivisions (f)(2)(A)-(C).
(g) (1) The peer-to-peer car sharing program shall assume primary liability for a claim when: (A) The peer-to-peer car sharing program is in whole or in part providing the insurance required under subsections (d) and (e); (B) A dispute exists as to who was in control of the shared motor vehicle at the time of the loss; and (C) The peer-to-peer car sharing program does not have available, did not retain, or fails to provide the information required by § 55-12-305 . (2) The peer-to-peer car sharing program may seek indemnity from a shared vehicle owner if the shared vehicle owner is determined to have been the operator of the shared vehicle at the time of the loss.
(1) The peer-to-peer car sharing program shall assume primary liability for a claim when: (A) The peer-to-peer car sharing program is in whole or in part providing the insurance required under subsections (d) and (e); (B) A dispute exists as to who was in control of the shared motor vehicle at the time of the loss; and (C) The peer-to-peer car sharing program does not have available, did not retain, or fails to provide the information required by § 55-12-305 .
(A) The peer-to-peer car sharing program is in whole or in part providing the insurance required under subsections (d) and (e);
(B) A dispute exists as to who was in control of the shared motor vehicle at the time of the loss; and
(C) The peer-to-peer car sharing program does not have available, did not retain, or fails to provide the information required by § 55-12-305 .
(2) The peer-to-peer car sharing program may seek indemnity from a shared vehicle owner if the shared vehicle owner is determined to have been the operator of the shared vehicle at the time of the loss.
(h) If insurance maintained by a shared vehicle owner or shared vehicle driver in accordance with subsection (e) has lapsed or does not provide the coverage required by subsection (d), then: (1) Insurance maintained by a peer-to-peer car sharing program must provide the coverage required by subsection (d) beginning with the first dollar of a claim; and (2) The peer-to-peer car sharing program has the duty to defend the claim, except under circumstances as set forth in subsection (b).
(1) Insurance maintained by a peer-to-peer car sharing program must provide the coverage required by subsection (d) beginning with the first dollar of a claim; and
(2) The peer-to-peer car sharing program has the duty to defend the claim, except under circumstances as set forth in subsection (b).
(i) Coverage under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy maintained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program is not dependent on another insurer first denying a claim nor is another motor vehicle liability insurance policy required to first deny a claim.
(j) This section does not: (1) Limit the liability of the peer-to-peer car sharing program for any act or omission of the peer-to-peer car sharing program itself that results in injury to any person as a result of the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; (2) Limit the ability of the peer-to-peer car sharing program to, by contract, seek indemnification from the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver for economic loss sustained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program resulting from a breach of the terms and conditions of the car sharing program agreement; or (3) Limit the obligations of a shared vehicle owner to comply with the requirements of part 1 of this chapter.
(1) Limit the liability of the peer-to-peer car sharing program for any act or omission of the peer-to-peer car sharing program itself that results in injury to any person as a result of the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program;
(2) Limit the ability of the peer-to-peer car sharing program to, by contract, seek indemnification from the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver for economic loss sustained by the peer-to-peer car sharing program resulting from a breach of the terms and conditions of the car sharing program agreement; or
(3) Limit the obligations of a shared vehicle owner to comply with the requirements of part 1 of this chapter.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-356 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-356
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-111 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-111
"Commissioner" and "department" defined
Status: in_force

As used in chapters 1-6 of this title, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of revenue; and (2) "Department" means the department of revenue. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 10 (Williams, § 5538.110); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-111; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 1.
As used in chapters 1-6 of this title, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of revenue; and
(2) "Department" means the department of revenue.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 10 (Williams, § 5538.110); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-111; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Disabled Drivers Law of 1975." Acts 1975, ch. 163, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-2201; Acts 1994, ch. 634, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Disabled Drivers Law of 1975."
Acts 1975, ch. 163, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-2201; Acts 1994, ch. 634, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-6-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 6 / Section 55-6-104
Fees due county clerk for specified duties
Status: in_force

(a) The county clerks, as deputies to the registrar of motor vehicles, shall, upon the performance of the duties that the registrar prescribes under the laws governing the titling and licensing of vehicles and upon complying with the requirements of this chapter, be entitled to the following fees from applicants for the following services: (1) For issuing certificates of registration and registration plates, for transferring registration plates from one motor vehicle to another and issuing a certificate therefor, for accepting for surrender certificates of registration and registration plates, for each set of registration plates and certificates of registration, the sum of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50); (2) For issuing replacement certificates of registration, the sum of three dollars ($3.00) each; (3) For receiving and forwarding to the division each application for certificates of title, including all acknowledgments of signatures thereunder, the sum of eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50); provided, that three dollars ($3.00) of the fee must be earmarked for the provision of services directly related to titling and registration and must not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended; (4) For issuing a duplicate certificate of ownership to replace a lost or destroyed certificate, the sum of five dollars and fifty cents ($5.50); and (5) For each transaction where sales tax is collected one dollar ($1.00); except that the fee shall be two dollars ($2.00) where sales tax is collected on the isolated sale of boats and other such vessels. (b) (1) The county clerks, as deputies to the commissioner under § 55-3-114(a)(2) , shall be entitled to the following fees from the department, to be paid on a regular basis as determined by the commissioner, for the following services: (A) For issuing certificates of title pursuant to § 55-3-114 , the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month; or (B) The fee under subdivision (b)(1)(A) shall be the sum of four hundred dollars ($400) per month; provided, that the county clerk scans documents related to the issuance of titles and submits such images to the department electronically. (2) Funds payable as fees under subdivision (b)(1) shall be earmarked for the provision of services directly related to titling and registration and shall not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended. (c) In the event that the number of certificates of title issued by a county clerk in a calendar month divided by the number of applications for a certificate of title received by that county clerk in that calendar month yields a ratio of less than fifty-one percent (51%), then the applicable amount provided for in subsection (b) shall be reduced to the amount that results from multiplying the applicable amount in subsection (b) by the ratio calculated in this subsection (c). (d) The commissioner is authorized to establish a reasonable transactional based payment to compensate the county clerks for the acquisition, maintenance, modernization, enhancement, or replacement of software or equipment and related necessary supplies used in the operation of the titling and registration system. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 718, s 5, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 89 (Williams, § 5538.189); Acts 1963, ch. 145, § 2; 1967, ch. 316, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1979, ch. 268, §§3, 4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-604; Acts 1981, ch. 531, § 1; 1986, ch. 791, § 3; 1989, ch. 16, §§ 5, 6; 1993, ch. 529, §§ 2, 10; 2004, ch. 599, § 1; 2004, ch. 660, §§ 1, 2; 2006, ch. 989, §§1, 2; 2008 , ch. 924, §§ 9, 10.
(a) The county clerks, as deputies to the registrar of motor vehicles, shall, upon the performance of the duties that the registrar prescribes under the laws governing the titling and licensing of vehicles and upon complying with the requirements of this chapter, be entitled to the following fees from applicants for the following services: (1) For issuing certificates of registration and registration plates, for transferring registration plates from one motor vehicle to another and issuing a certificate therefor, for accepting for surrender certificates of registration and registration plates, for each set of registration plates and certificates of registration, the sum of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50); (2) For issuing replacement certificates of registration, the sum of three dollars ($3.00) each; (3) For receiving and forwarding to the division each application for certificates of title, including all acknowledgments of signatures thereunder, the sum of eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50); provided, that three dollars ($3.00) of the fee must be earmarked for the provision of services directly related to titling and registration and must not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended; (4) For issuing a duplicate certificate of ownership to replace a lost or destroyed certificate, the sum of five dollars and fifty cents ($5.50); and (5) For each transaction where sales tax is collected one dollar ($1.00); except that the fee shall be two dollars ($2.00) where sales tax is collected on the isolated sale of boats and other such vessels.
(1) For issuing certificates of registration and registration plates, for transferring registration plates from one motor vehicle to another and issuing a certificate therefor, for accepting for surrender certificates of registration and registration plates, for each set of registration plates and certificates of registration, the sum of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50);
(2) For issuing replacement certificates of registration, the sum of three dollars ($3.00) each;
(3) For receiving and forwarding to the division each application for certificates of title, including all acknowledgments of signatures thereunder, the sum of eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50); provided, that three dollars ($3.00) of the fee must be earmarked for the provision of services directly related to titling and registration and must not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended;
(4) For issuing a duplicate certificate of ownership to replace a lost or destroyed certificate, the sum of five dollars and fifty cents ($5.50); and
(5) For each transaction where sales tax is collected one dollar ($1.00); except that the fee shall be two dollars ($2.00) where sales tax is collected on the isolated sale of boats and other such vessels.
(b) (1) The county clerks, as deputies to the commissioner under § 55-3-114(a)(2) , shall be entitled to the following fees from the department, to be paid on a regular basis as determined by the commissioner, for the following services: (A) For issuing certificates of title pursuant to § 55-3-114 , the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month; or (B) The fee under subdivision (b)(1)(A) shall be the sum of four hundred dollars ($400) per month; provided, that the county clerk scans documents related to the issuance of titles and submits such images to the department electronically. (2) Funds payable as fees under subdivision (b)(1) shall be earmarked for the provision of services directly related to titling and registration and shall not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended.
(1) The county clerks, as deputies to the commissioner under § 55-3-114(a)(2) , shall be entitled to the following fees from the department, to be paid on a regular basis as determined by the commissioner, for the following services: (A) For issuing certificates of title pursuant to § 55-3-114 , the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month; or (B) The fee under subdivision (b)(1)(A) shall be the sum of four hundred dollars ($400) per month; provided, that the county clerk scans documents related to the issuance of titles and submits such images to the department electronically.
(A) For issuing certificates of title pursuant to § 55-3-114 , the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month; or
(B) The fee under subdivision (b)(1)(A) shall be the sum of four hundred dollars ($400) per month; provided, that the county clerk scans documents related to the issuance of titles and submits such images to the department electronically.
(2) Funds payable as fees under subdivision (b)(1) shall be earmarked for the provision of services directly related to titling and registration and shall not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended.
(c) In the event that the number of certificates of title issued by a county clerk in a calendar month divided by the number of applications for a certificate of title received by that county clerk in that calendar month yields a ratio of less than fifty-one percent (51%), then the applicable amount provided for in subsection (b) shall be reduced to the amount that results from multiplying the applicable amount in subsection (b) by the ratio calculated in this subsection (c).
(d) The commissioner is authorized to establish a reasonable transactional based payment to compensate the county clerks for the acquisition, maintenance, modernization, enhancement, or replacement of software or equipment and related necessary supplies used in the operation of the titling and registration system.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 718, s 5, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 89 (Williams, § 5538.189); Acts 1963, ch. 145, § 2; 1967, ch. 316, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1979, ch. 268, §§3, 4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-604; Acts 1981, ch. 531, § 1; 1986, ch. 791, § 3; 1989, ch. 16, §§ 5, 6; 1993, ch. 529, §§ 2, 10; 2004, ch. 599, § 1; 2004, ch. 660, §§ 1, 2; 2006, ch. 989, §§1, 2; 2008 , ch. 924, §§ 9, 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-103
Reduction of maximum weight - Notice
Status: in_force

(a) From January 15 to April 15 of each year, and at any other time when, by reason of repairs, weather conditions, or recent construction of the road, the maximum weight permitted would damage the road, the department of transportation may specify any lower maximum weight that, in the discretion of the department, is necessary in order to protect the streets, roads, highways, or other public thoroughfares from unnecessary injury or damage. (b) Notice of a reduction in weight of load shall be given by the department by posters posted at the termini of the road and all detours for one (1) week before the reduction of load becomes effective. Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a4; Code 1932, § 2705; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2705; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1103, 55-11-103.
(a) From January 15 to April 15 of each year, and at any other time when, by reason of repairs, weather conditions, or recent construction of the road, the maximum weight permitted would damage the road, the department of transportation may specify any lower maximum weight that, in the discretion of the department, is necessary in order to protect the streets, roads, highways, or other public thoroughfares from unnecessary injury or damage.
(b) Notice of a reduction in weight of load shall be given by the department by posters posted at the termini of the road and all detours for one (1) week before the reduction of load becomes effective.
Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a4; Code 1932, § 2705; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2705; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1103, 55-11-103.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-19-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 19 / Section 55-19-101
Issuance of licenses authorized
Status: in_force

The commissioner of safety is authorized to issue licenses for the operation of commercial driver training schools and licenses for instructors in these schools. Acts 1967, ch. 163, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1901.
The commissioner of safety is authorized to issue licenses for the operation of commercial driver training schools and licenses for instructors in these schools.
Acts 1967, ch. 163, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1901.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-107
Persons working on highways - Exceptions
Status: in_force

Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except those contained in § 55-10-205 , shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway or the adjacent right-of-way, but shall apply to these persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. This section shall not relieve the driver of a motor vehicle or equipment covered by this section from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, all as provided by law. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 6; T.C.A., § 59-807; Acts 2002, ch. 740, §§ 1, 2.
Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except those contained in § 55-10-205 , shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway or the adjacent right-of-way, but shall apply to these persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. This section shall not relieve the driver of a motor vehicle or equipment covered by this section from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, all as provided by law.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 6; T.C.A., § 59-807; Acts 2002, ch. 740, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-414 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-414
Seizure and forfeiture of vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) The vehicle used in the commission of a person's second or subsequent conviction of § 55-10-401 , or the second or subsequent conviction of any combination of § 55-10-401 , and a statute in any other state prohibiting driving under the influence of an intoxicant, is subject to seizure and forfeiture in accordance with the procedure established in title 40, chapter 33, part 2. The department of safety is designated as the applicable agency, as defined by § 40-33-202 , for all forfeitures authorized by this section. (b) In order for subsection (a) to be applicable to a vehicle, the conviction making the vehicle subject to seizure and forfeiture must occur in Tennessee and at least one (1) of the previous convictions must have occurred within five (5) years of the current conviction. (c) It is the specific intent that a forfeiture action under this section shall serve a remedial and not a punitive purpose. The purpose of the forfeiture of a vehicle after a person's second or subsequent DUI conviction is to prevent unscrupulous or incompetent persons from driving on Tennessee's highways while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers the lives of innocent people who are exercising the same privilege of riding on the state's highways. There is a reasonable connection between the remedial purpose of this section, ensuring safe roads, and the forfeiture of a motor vehicle. While this section may serve as a deterrent to the conduct of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is nonetheless intended as a remedial measure. Moreover, the statute serves to remove a dangerous instrument from the hands of individuals who have demonstrated a pattern of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (d) Only POST-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement officers will be authorized to seize these vehicles under this section. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 463,s 1, eff. 5/18/2015. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154,s 14, eff. 7/1/2013.
(a) The vehicle used in the commission of a person's second or subsequent conviction of § 55-10-401 , or the second or subsequent conviction of any combination of § 55-10-401 , and a statute in any other state prohibiting driving under the influence of an intoxicant, is subject to seizure and forfeiture in accordance with the procedure established in title 40, chapter 33, part 2. The department of safety is designated as the applicable agency, as defined by § 40-33-202 , for all forfeitures authorized by this section.
(b) In order for subsection (a) to be applicable to a vehicle, the conviction making the vehicle subject to seizure and forfeiture must occur in Tennessee and at least one (1) of the previous convictions must have occurred within five (5) years of the current conviction.
(c) It is the specific intent that a forfeiture action under this section shall serve a remedial and not a punitive purpose. The purpose of the forfeiture of a vehicle after a person's second or subsequent DUI conviction is to prevent unscrupulous or incompetent persons from driving on Tennessee's highways while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers the lives of innocent people who are exercising the same privilege of riding on the state's highways. There is a reasonable connection between the remedial purpose of this section, ensuring safe roads, and the forfeiture of a motor vehicle. While this section may serve as a deterrent to the conduct of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is nonetheless intended as a remedial measure. Moreover, the statute serves to remove a dangerous instrument from the hands of individuals who have demonstrated a pattern of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
(d) Only POST-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement officers will be authorized to seize these vehicles under this section.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 463,s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154,s 14, eff. 7/1/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-111 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-111
Pedestrian-control signals
Status: in_force

Whenever special pedestrian-control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Wait" or "Don't Walk" are in place, these signals shall indicate as follows: (1) Walk. Pedestrians facing the signals may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles; and (2) Wait or Don't Walk. No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed crossing on the walk signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the wait signal is showing. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-811.
Whenever special pedestrian-control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Wait" or "Don't Walk" are in place, these signals shall indicate as follows:
(1) Walk. Pedestrians facing the signals may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles; and
(2) Wait or Don't Walk. No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed crossing on the walk signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the wait signal is showing.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-811.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-103
Required obedience to traffic laws - Penalty
Status: in_force

It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title with respect to particular offenses, it is a Class C misdemeanor, for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter and chapter 10 of this title. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-803; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title with respect to particular offenses, it is a Class C misdemeanor, for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter and chapter 10 of this title.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-803; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-119 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-119
Evidences of registration to be returned by owner upon cancellation, suspension or revocation
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever the department as authorized hereunder cancels, suspends, or revokes the registration of a vehicle, or a certificate of title, a certificate of registration or registration plate or plates, or any nonresident or other permit or the license of any dealer or wrecker, the owner or person in possession of the same shall immediately return the evidence of registration, title or license so cancelled, suspended, or revoked to the department. (b) In cases where the registration plate or plates are revoked by the commissioner of safety under the Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, the plate or plates shall be retained by the commissioner of safety, who shall notify the commissioner of revenue that the plate or plates are in the commissioner of safety's possession. (c) The action of the department in suspending, revoking or canceling any registration, certificate of registration, registration plate or plates, permit or special plate shall be reviewed in the manner provided for in the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3, and in § 67-1-105 ; provided, that the party aggrieved by the action makes a written request for a formal hearing under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act within ten (10) days of the action complained of. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 82 (Williams, § 5538.182); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 16; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-515; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 13; T.C.A., § 59-520; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 71.
(a) Whenever the department as authorized hereunder cancels, suspends, or revokes the registration of a vehicle, or a certificate of title, a certificate of registration or registration plate or plates, or any nonresident or other permit or the license of any dealer or wrecker, the owner or person in possession of the same shall immediately return the evidence of registration, title or license so cancelled, suspended, or revoked to the department.
(b) In cases where the registration plate or plates are revoked by the commissioner of safety under the Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, the plate or plates shall be retained by the commissioner of safety, who shall notify the commissioner of revenue that the plate or plates are in the commissioner of safety's possession.
(c) The action of the department in suspending, revoking or canceling any registration, certificate of registration, registration plate or plates, permit or special plate shall be reviewed in the manner provided for in the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3, and in § 67-1-105 ; provided, that the party aggrieved by the action makes a written request for a formal hearing under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act within ten (10) days of the action complained of.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 82 (Williams, § 5538.182); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 16; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-515; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 13; T.C.A., § 59-520; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 71.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-307-d-1 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-307-d-1
2024 Tennessee Code Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-101 — 55-4-702) Part 3 - NEW SPECIALTY EARMARKED LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-301 — 55-4-399) Section 55-4-307 - [Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 8, eff. 4/22/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1120, § 3; 2007 , ch. 484, § 62.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 8, eff. 4/22/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1120, § 3; 2007 , ch. 484, § 62.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-204 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-204
"Slow Poke Law."
Status: in_force

(a) On interstate and multilane divided highways that are two (2) or more lanes in each direction, a person shall not operate a vehicle in the passing lane, except when overtaking or passing a vehicle that is in a nonpassing lane. (b) This section shall not apply: (1) When the volume of traffic does not permit the vehicle to safely merge into a nonpassing lane; (2) When inclement weather or an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane; (3) When obstructions or hazards exist in a nonpassing lane; (4) When avoiding traffic moving onto the highway from an acceleration or merging lane; (5) When highway design makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane to exit or turn left; (6) To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or (7) To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations. (c) The department of transportation is authorized to use the department's existing permanent electronic overhead informational displays located on the interstate system to provide periodic messages to the motoring public as to this section, including the restriction on the left lane being used as a passing lane only. The department may develop guidelines for the content, length, and frequency of any message to be placed on the displays. (d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only of fifty dollars ($50.00). (e) As used in this section: (1) "Nonpassing lane" means any lane that is to the right of the passing lane; and (2) "Passing lane" means: (A) The furthermost left lane; or (B) The lane immediately to the right of the furthermost left lane, during the specified hours of specified days of the week when the furthermost left lane is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles pursuant to § 55-8-188 . Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 598, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 842, s 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) On interstate and multilane divided highways that are two (2) or more lanes in each direction, a person shall not operate a vehicle in the passing lane, except when overtaking or passing a vehicle that is in a nonpassing lane.
(b) This section shall not apply: (1) When the volume of traffic does not permit the vehicle to safely merge into a nonpassing lane; (2) When inclement weather or an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane; (3) When obstructions or hazards exist in a nonpassing lane; (4) When avoiding traffic moving onto the highway from an acceleration or merging lane; (5) When highway design makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane to exit or turn left; (6) To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or (7) To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.
(1) When the volume of traffic does not permit the vehicle to safely merge into a nonpassing lane;
(2) When inclement weather or an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
(3) When obstructions or hazards exist in a nonpassing lane;
(4) When avoiding traffic moving onto the highway from an acceleration or merging lane;
(5) When highway design makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane to exit or turn left;
(6) To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or
(7) To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.
(c) The department of transportation is authorized to use the department's existing permanent electronic overhead informational displays located on the interstate system to provide periodic messages to the motoring public as to this section, including the restriction on the left lane being used as a passing lane only. The department may develop guidelines for the content, length, and frequency of any message to be placed on the displays.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only of fifty dollars ($50.00).
(e) As used in this section: (1) "Nonpassing lane" means any lane that is to the right of the passing lane; and (2) "Passing lane" means: (A) The furthermost left lane; or (B) The lane immediately to the right of the furthermost left lane, during the specified hours of specified days of the week when the furthermost left lane is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles pursuant to § 55-8-188 .
(1) "Nonpassing lane" means any lane that is to the right of the passing lane; and
(2) "Passing lane" means: (A) The furthermost left lane; or (B) The lane immediately to the right of the furthermost left lane, during the specified hours of specified days of the week when the furthermost left lane is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles pursuant to § 55-8-188 .
(A) The furthermost left lane; or
(B) The lane immediately to the right of the furthermost left lane, during the specified hours of specified days of the week when the furthermost left lane is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles pursuant to § 55-8-188 .
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 598, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 842, s 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-109 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-109
Loose material hauled in open truck bed - Restrictions - Penalties for violations - Exceptions
Status: in_force

(a) Any truck, or other motor vehicle, with an open bed, that is operated on any highway, road, or street open for public use in this state, shall be loaded so that any loose material transported in truck or other motor vehicle remains at least four inches (4") below the walls of the open bed, measured at the front, back and sidewalls; but the load may be piled higher in the center of the open bed. "Loose material" includes any substance that could spill, drop off, or blow away from the open bed when the vehicle is operated. "Loose material" does not include materials such as sand or salt that are purposely discharged from truck beds to clear roadways or improve traction, and does not include water sprayed on streets for purposes of sanitation. (b) (1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (2) A charge for violation of this section shall be brought against the hauler whose vehicle is found in violation; however, the hauler may recoup one-half (1/2) of the fine from the producer or loader of the material hauled in violation of this section. (c) As used in this section, "hauler" includes both the owner and the driver of a vehicle, and both parties shall be jointly liable. Only one (1) fine shall be imposed on a hauler, regardless of a difference between ownership and operation, and the party or parties paying the fine shall have a right of recoupment against the producer or loader either in whole or in accordance with the producer's or loader's share of payment. (d) (1) This section shall not include farm produce going to market. (2) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles which transport crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, forest products, unfinished lumber, agricultural lime and agricultural products and that are loaded in compliance with the four-inch requirement of this section. The exemption shall not apply to any load if any law enforcement officer sees any part of this material blowing off the vehicle. Acts 1977, ch. 54, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1120; Acts 1986, ch. 852, § 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-109; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) Any truck, or other motor vehicle, with an open bed, that is operated on any highway, road, or street open for public use in this state, shall be loaded so that any loose material transported in truck or other motor vehicle remains at least four inches (4") below the walls of the open bed, measured at the front, back and sidewalls; but the load may be piled higher in the center of the open bed. "Loose material" includes any substance that could spill, drop off, or blow away from the open bed when the vehicle is operated. "Loose material" does not include materials such as sand or salt that are purposely discharged from truck beds to clear roadways or improve traction, and does not include water sprayed on streets for purposes of sanitation.
(b) (1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (2) A charge for violation of this section shall be brought against the hauler whose vehicle is found in violation; however, the hauler may recoup one-half (1/2) of the fine from the producer or loader of the material hauled in violation of this section.
(1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(2) A charge for violation of this section shall be brought against the hauler whose vehicle is found in violation; however, the hauler may recoup one-half (1/2) of the fine from the producer or loader of the material hauled in violation of this section.
(c) As used in this section, "hauler" includes both the owner and the driver of a vehicle, and both parties shall be jointly liable. Only one (1) fine shall be imposed on a hauler, regardless of a difference between ownership and operation, and the party or parties paying the fine shall have a right of recoupment against the producer or loader either in whole or in accordance with the producer's or loader's share of payment.
(d) (1) This section shall not include farm produce going to market. (2) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles which transport crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, forest products, unfinished lumber, agricultural lime and agricultural products and that are loaded in compliance with the four-inch requirement of this section. The exemption shall not apply to any load if any law enforcement officer sees any part of this material blowing off the vehicle.
(1) This section shall not include farm produce going to market.
(2) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles which transport crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, forest products, unfinished lumber, agricultural lime and agricultural products and that are loaded in compliance with the four-inch requirement of this section. The exemption shall not apply to any load if any law enforcement officer sees any part of this material blowing off the vehicle.
Acts 1977, ch. 54, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1120; Acts 1986, ch. 852, § 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-109; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-110
False reports
Status: in_force

Any person who gives information reports as required in §§ 55-10-107 - 55-10-109, knowing or having reason to believe that the information is false, commits a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 87; T.C.A., § 59-1010; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Any person who gives information reports as required in §§ 55-10-107 - 55-10-109, knowing or having reason to believe that the information is false, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 87; T.C.A., § 59-1010; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-408 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-408
Compliance with Section 55-7-205
Status: in_force

Transport of mobile homes shall be subject to § 55-7-205 pertaining to excess weight. Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 8.
Transport of mobile homes shall be subject to § 55-7-205 pertaining to excess weight.
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-301 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-301
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Class 1 electric bicycle" means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph); (2) "Class 2 electric bicycle" means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph); (3) "Class 3 electric bicycle" means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour (28 mph); and (4) "Electric bicycle" means a device upon which any person may ride that is equipped with two (2) or three (3) wheels, any of which is twenty inches (20") or more in diameter, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty (750) watts, and meets the requirements of one (1) of the three (3) classes of electric bicycles defined in subdivision (1), (2), or (3). Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
As used in this part:
(1) "Class 1 electric bicycle" means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph);
(2) "Class 2 electric bicycle" means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph);
(3) "Class 3 electric bicycle" means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour (28 mph); and
(4) "Electric bicycle" means a device upon which any person may ride that is equipped with two (2) or three (3) wheels, any of which is twenty inches (20") or more in diameter, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty (750) watts, and meets the requirements of one (1) of the three (3) classes of electric bicycles defined in subdivision (1), (2), or (3).
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 2, eff. 7/1/2016.