Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-103
Distinguishing registration, license plates, placards - Issuance to disabled or wheelchair-confined persons - Motor vehicle rentals - Cost - Expiration
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The department shall, upon application accompanied by a physician's statement or an affidavit from a Christian Science practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal, provide and issue registration and license plates of distinctive design to disabled drivers and placards of distinctive design to disabled passengers. No physician or Christian Science practitioner shall provide a statement for use under this chapter unless the applicant therefor is disabled by one (1) or more of the conditions set out in § 55-21-102 , and the nature of the disability shall be set forth in the statement. Placards shall be personal to the disabled driver or passenger, and shall only be used by that person. Any other person using a placard commits a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided for in § 55-21-108 . The cost of any such registration and license plates shall be paid by the disabled driver or disabled passenger. Beginning January 1, 2023, the design of registration and license plates issued pursuant to this section must incorporate the color scheme, base design, and details used on the registration and license plates issued pursuant to § 55-4-103 . The redesign of registration and license plates with the color scheme, base design, and details provided for in this subdivision (a)(1) must only be effectuated upon the existing inventory of the registration and license plates issued pursuant to this section without such color scheme, base design, and details being utilized by the department. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), one (1) registration and license plate per family shall be provided free to those disabled persons who use a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, when so certified by a physician's statement. (3) More than one (1) registration and license plate per family shall be provided free if more than one (1) member of the family uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and is the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle. (4) Any person qualifying under subdivisions (a)(2) and (3) is the titled owner or lessee of the vehicle. (5) Notwithstanding this subsection (a) to the contrary, an owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and is the parent or legal guardian of an individual who is permanently disabled, whose permanent disability is certified by the physician's statement, and who does not own and is incapable of operating a motor vehicle, shall receive a disabled plate upon payment of applicable fees; except, that if the individual uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, the disabled plate must be issued free of charge. The certificate of title and registration shall remain in the name of the parent or legal guardian. In order to receive a disabled plate under this subdivision (a)(5), the parent or legal guardian shall verify under penalty of perjury upon a form prescribed by the department that the parent or guardian is the parent or legal guardian of the permanently disabled individual. (6) Notwithstanding this subsection (a) to the contrary, the department shall provide any person qualifying for a registration and license plate under subdivision (a)(1) who applies for and receives a registration and license plate in a category identified in § 55-4-203(a) or who is an owner or lessee of a motorcycle and who applies for and receives a registration and license plate in a category identified in § 55-4-203(a) that is authorized for a motorcycle pursuant to chapter 4, part 2 or 3 of this title, a decal of distinctive design to disabled drivers to affix to such plate. Registration and license plates having such a decal properly affixed shall be a recognized symbol for the purposes of this part. The cost of such decal shall be considered a cost incurred by the department of revenue in designing, manufacturing, and marketing such plate pursuant to chapter 4, part 2 of this title. (b) (1) Any person who qualifies for issuance of a distinguishing license plate, or any disabled passenger, may also apply to the department for issuance of a distinguishing placard. The placard may be used in lieu of the distinguishing license plate for parking purposes when displayed in accordance with the directions written on or supplied with the placard. The department may establish procedures for the issuance of the placards. (2) (A) Placards may be either permanent or temporary. (B) (i) Permanent placards may be issued under this part to persons who are permanently disabled and whose permanent disability is noted on the physician's statement. All placards shall be issued directly by the department. If the applicant is eligible for a disabled license plate, the placard shall be furnished without charge. If the applicant has not applied for vehicle registration, then the cost of the placard shall be the same as the regular fee for passenger motor vehicles, as provided in § 55-4-111 . Permanent placards shall be of a distinct design and color as established by the commissioner of safety. (ii) Any person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and who does not own and is not physically capable of operating a motor vehicle may apply to the department for issuance of one (1) distinguishing disabled placard for the exclusive personal use of that person. This placard shall be in lieu of any disabled registration plates, and shall be provided by the department without charge to the qualified applicant, upon receipt by the department of an application accompanied by a physician's statement, as provided in subsection (a). (C) Temporary placards may be issued under this part to persons who are temporarily disabled by a nonambulatory or semi-ambulatory condition due to surgery, bone fracture or breakage, or similar condition, and whose temporary disabling condition and the estimated duration of the condition is noted on the physician's statement. Temporary placards shall be issued for the estimated duration of the condition, but not in excess of six (6) months, at a cost of ten dollars ($10.00). Temporary placards may be reissued for a similar period at the same cost. Temporary placards shall be of a different design and color than permanent placards and shall prominently note the expiration date. (3) A disabled driver may receive a second placard if there is a second car registered in the name of the disabled driver or a member of that driver's immediate family who resides with the driver. The second placard shall be issued without additional charge. The second placard shall be used to obtain disabled parking privileges only by the disabled driver. (c) The commissioner is requested to include a notice on disabled placards, if feasible, of the conditions attached to their use and the penalties for misuse, or, in the alternative, to furnish that information to recipients of the placards. (d) Upon receipt of an application by an agency transporting disabled clients, the department shall issue a placard to the agency for the sole purpose of transporting disabled clients. The number of placards issued to the agency may not exceed the number of vehicles owned and operated for the purpose of transporting disabled clients. The use of the placard or placards for any other purpose shall constitute the forfeiture of the placard or placards for the agency. (e) (1) When the recipient of a disabled parking placard dies, the placard shall be returned to the commissioner by the responsible representative of the deceased. (2) Beginning on January 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, the department shall verify that the owner of each disabled parking placard has not died. The verification shall include, but is not limited to, consultation of death records maintained by the department of health. If a recipient of a disabled parking placard is found to be deceased, then the department shall promptly invalidate the placard. (f) (1) A permanent placard as defined by subdivision (b)(2)(B), shall expire two (2) years from the date it is issued. The expiration date of the placard shall be prominently displayed on the placard. The person to whom the permanent placard is issued may renew the placard in accordance with rules established by the department. The renewal fee shall be three dollars ($3.00); provided, that there shall be no renewal fee for a person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, as defined in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), nor to a disabled veteran, as defined in § 55-4-256(a)(3) or (b) . Any person issued a temporary placard must submit a new certification pursuant to § 55-21-102(3)(A) or (3)(C) , prior to the department renewing the temporary placard. (2) The provisions of subdivision (f)(1), concerning the renewal fee and exemptions from the fee, shall be applicable to the renewal of existing placards. Persons who are permanently disabled shall not be required to submit certification pursuant to § 55-21-102(3)(A) or (3)(C) prior to the department's renewing the permanent placard. (g) Upon receipt of an application by an agency providing motor vehicle rentals to disabled clients, the department shall issue a placard to the agency for the sole purpose of renting accessible motor vehicles to disabled clients. The number of placards issued to the agency may not exceed the number of vehicles owned and operated for the purpose of providing accessible motor vehicle rentals to disabled clients; provided, that placards shall only be issued for vehicles permanently equipped with a wheelchair ramp or lift. The use of such placard or placards for any other purpose, or on any motor vehicle not permanently equipped with a wheelchair ramp or lift, shall be grounds for the forfeiture of the placard or placards issued to the agency in a manner otherwise consistent with this part. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 726,s 2, eff. 4/19/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 6, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 5, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 4, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 3, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 2, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 520,s 1, eff. 3/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 52, s 5, eff. 1/1/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 761, s 1, eff. 3/31/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 840, s 1, eff. 4/19/2016. Acts 1975, ch. 163, § 3; 1978, ch. 676, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-2203; Acts 1980, ch. 468, § 1; 1981, ch. 101, §§ 2, 3; 1985, ch. 260, §§ 1-3; 1986, ch. 791, §§ 1, 7, 8; 1987, ch. 203, § 1; 1988, ch. 575, § 2; 1992, ch. 947, § 4; 1993, ch. 44, §§ 1, 2; 1994, ch. 634, §§ 1-3; 1995, ch. 217, §§ 2, 3; 2004, ch. 666, §§ 3, 4; 2005, ch. 475, §§ 1, 2; 2007 , ch. 112, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 1001, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1007, § 5; 2012 , ch. 845, § 1.
(a) (1) The department shall, upon application accompanied by a physician's statement or an affidavit from a Christian Science practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal, provide and issue registration and license plates of distinctive design to disabled drivers and placards of distinctive design to disabled passengers. No physician or Christian Science practitioner shall provide a statement for use under this chapter unless the applicant therefor is disabled by one (1) or more of the conditions set out in § 55-21-102 , and the nature of the disability shall be set forth in the statement. Placards shall be personal to the disabled driver or passenger, and shall only be used by that person. Any other person using a placard commits a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided for in § 55-21-108 . The cost of any such registration and license plates shall be paid by the disabled driver or disabled passenger. Beginning January 1, 2023, the design of registration and license plates issued pursuant to this section must incorporate the color scheme, base design, and details used on the registration and license plates issued pursuant to § 55-4-103 . The redesign of registration and license plates with the color scheme, base design, and details provided for in this subdivision (a)(1) must only be effectuated upon the existing inventory of the registration and license plates issued pursuant to this section without such color scheme, base design, and details being utilized by the department. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), one (1) registration and license plate per family shall be provided free to those disabled persons who use a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, when so certified by a physician's statement. (3) More than one (1) registration and license plate per family shall be provided free if more than one (1) member of the family uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and is the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle. (4) Any person qualifying under subdivisions (a)(2) and (3) is the titled owner or lessee of the vehicle. (5) Notwithstanding this subsection (a) to the contrary, an owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and is the parent or legal guardian of an individual who is permanently disabled, whose permanent disability is certified by the physician's statement, and who does not own and is incapable of operating a motor vehicle, shall receive a disabled plate upon payment of applicable fees; except, that if the individual uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, the disabled plate must be issued free of charge. The certificate of title and registration shall remain in the name of the parent or legal guardian. In order to receive a disabled plate under this subdivision (a)(5), the parent or legal guardian shall verify under penalty of perjury upon a form prescribed by the department that the parent or guardian is the parent or legal guardian of the permanently disabled individual. (6) Notwithstanding this subsection (a) to the contrary, the department shall provide any person qualifying for a registration and license plate under subdivision (a)(1) who applies for and receives a registration and license plate in a category identified in § 55-4-203(a) or who is an owner or lessee of a motorcycle and who applies for and receives a registration and license plate in a category identified in § 55-4-203(a) that is authorized for a motorcycle pursuant to chapter 4, part 2 or 3 of this title, a decal of distinctive design to disabled drivers to affix to such plate. Registration and license plates having such a decal properly affixed shall be a recognized symbol for the purposes of this part. The cost of such decal shall be considered a cost incurred by the department of revenue in designing, manufacturing, and marketing such plate pursuant to chapter 4, part 2 of this title.
(1) The department shall, upon application accompanied by a physician's statement or an affidavit from a Christian Science practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal, provide and issue registration and license plates of distinctive design to disabled drivers and placards of distinctive design to disabled passengers. No physician or Christian Science practitioner shall provide a statement for use under this chapter unless the applicant therefor is disabled by one (1) or more of the conditions set out in § 55-21-102 , and the nature of the disability shall be set forth in the statement. Placards shall be personal to the disabled driver or passenger, and shall only be used by that person. Any other person using a placard commits a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided for in § 55-21-108 . The cost of any such registration and license plates shall be paid by the disabled driver or disabled passenger. Beginning January 1, 2023, the design of registration and license plates issued pursuant to this section must incorporate the color scheme, base design, and details used on the registration and license plates issued pursuant to § 55-4-103 . The redesign of registration and license plates with the color scheme, base design, and details provided for in this subdivision (a)(1) must only be effectuated upon the existing inventory of the registration and license plates issued pursuant to this section without such color scheme, base design, and details being utilized by the department.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), one (1) registration and license plate per family shall be provided free to those disabled persons who use a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, when so certified by a physician's statement.
(3) More than one (1) registration and license plate per family shall be provided free if more than one (1) member of the family uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and is the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle.
(4) Any person qualifying under subdivisions (a)(2) and (3) is the titled owner or lessee of the vehicle.
(5) Notwithstanding this subsection (a) to the contrary, an owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and is the parent or legal guardian of an individual who is permanently disabled, whose permanent disability is certified by the physician's statement, and who does not own and is incapable of operating a motor vehicle, shall receive a disabled plate upon payment of applicable fees; except, that if the individual uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, the disabled plate must be issued free of charge. The certificate of title and registration shall remain in the name of the parent or legal guardian. In order to receive a disabled plate under this subdivision (a)(5), the parent or legal guardian shall verify under penalty of perjury upon a form prescribed by the department that the parent or guardian is the parent or legal guardian of the permanently disabled individual.
(6) Notwithstanding this subsection (a) to the contrary, the department shall provide any person qualifying for a registration and license plate under subdivision (a)(1) who applies for and receives a registration and license plate in a category identified in § 55-4-203(a) or who is an owner or lessee of a motorcycle and who applies for and receives a registration and license plate in a category identified in § 55-4-203(a) that is authorized for a motorcycle pursuant to chapter 4, part 2 or 3 of this title, a decal of distinctive design to disabled drivers to affix to such plate. Registration and license plates having such a decal properly affixed shall be a recognized symbol for the purposes of this part. The cost of such decal shall be considered a cost incurred by the department of revenue in designing, manufacturing, and marketing such plate pursuant to chapter 4, part 2 of this title.
(b) (1) Any person who qualifies for issuance of a distinguishing license plate, or any disabled passenger, may also apply to the department for issuance of a distinguishing placard. The placard may be used in lieu of the distinguishing license plate for parking purposes when displayed in accordance with the directions written on or supplied with the placard. The department may establish procedures for the issuance of the placards. (2) (A) Placards may be either permanent or temporary. (B) (i) Permanent placards may be issued under this part to persons who are permanently disabled and whose permanent disability is noted on the physician's statement. All placards shall be issued directly by the department. If the applicant is eligible for a disabled license plate, the placard shall be furnished without charge. If the applicant has not applied for vehicle registration, then the cost of the placard shall be the same as the regular fee for passenger motor vehicles, as provided in § 55-4-111 . Permanent placards shall be of a distinct design and color as established by the commissioner of safety. (ii) Any person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and who does not own and is not physically capable of operating a motor vehicle may apply to the department for issuance of one (1) distinguishing disabled placard for the exclusive personal use of that person. This placard shall be in lieu of any disabled registration plates, and shall be provided by the department without charge to the qualified applicant, upon receipt by the department of an application accompanied by a physician's statement, as provided in subsection (a). (C) Temporary placards may be issued under this part to persons who are temporarily disabled by a nonambulatory or semi-ambulatory condition due to surgery, bone fracture or breakage, or similar condition, and whose temporary disabling condition and the estimated duration of the condition is noted on the physician's statement. Temporary placards shall be issued for the estimated duration of the condition, but not in excess of six (6) months, at a cost of ten dollars ($10.00). Temporary placards may be reissued for a similar period at the same cost. Temporary placards shall be of a different design and color than permanent placards and shall prominently note the expiration date. (3) A disabled driver may receive a second placard if there is a second car registered in the name of the disabled driver or a member of that driver's immediate family who resides with the driver. The second placard shall be issued without additional charge. The second placard shall be used to obtain disabled parking privileges only by the disabled driver.
(1) Any person who qualifies for issuance of a distinguishing license plate, or any disabled passenger, may also apply to the department for issuance of a distinguishing placard. The placard may be used in lieu of the distinguishing license plate for parking purposes when displayed in accordance with the directions written on or supplied with the placard. The department may establish procedures for the issuance of the placards.
(2) (A) Placards may be either permanent or temporary. (B) (i) Permanent placards may be issued under this part to persons who are permanently disabled and whose permanent disability is noted on the physician's statement. All placards shall be issued directly by the department. If the applicant is eligible for a disabled license plate, the placard shall be furnished without charge. If the applicant has not applied for vehicle registration, then the cost of the placard shall be the same as the regular fee for passenger motor vehicles, as provided in § 55-4-111 . Permanent placards shall be of a distinct design and color as established by the commissioner of safety. (ii) Any person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and who does not own and is not physically capable of operating a motor vehicle may apply to the department for issuance of one (1) distinguishing disabled placard for the exclusive personal use of that person. This placard shall be in lieu of any disabled registration plates, and shall be provided by the department without charge to the qualified applicant, upon receipt by the department of an application accompanied by a physician's statement, as provided in subsection (a). (C) Temporary placards may be issued under this part to persons who are temporarily disabled by a nonambulatory or semi-ambulatory condition due to surgery, bone fracture or breakage, or similar condition, and whose temporary disabling condition and the estimated duration of the condition is noted on the physician's statement. Temporary placards shall be issued for the estimated duration of the condition, but not in excess of six (6) months, at a cost of ten dollars ($10.00). Temporary placards may be reissued for a similar period at the same cost. Temporary placards shall be of a different design and color than permanent placards and shall prominently note the expiration date.
(A) Placards may be either permanent or temporary.
(B) (i) Permanent placards may be issued under this part to persons who are permanently disabled and whose permanent disability is noted on the physician's statement. All placards shall be issued directly by the department. If the applicant is eligible for a disabled license plate, the placard shall be furnished without charge. If the applicant has not applied for vehicle registration, then the cost of the placard shall be the same as the regular fee for passenger motor vehicles, as provided in § 55-4-111 . Permanent placards shall be of a distinct design and color as established by the commissioner of safety. (ii) Any person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and who does not own and is not physically capable of operating a motor vehicle may apply to the department for issuance of one (1) distinguishing disabled placard for the exclusive personal use of that person. This placard shall be in lieu of any disabled registration plates, and shall be provided by the department without charge to the qualified applicant, upon receipt by the department of an application accompanied by a physician's statement, as provided in subsection (a).
(i) Permanent placards may be issued under this part to persons who are permanently disabled and whose permanent disability is noted on the physician's statement. All placards shall be issued directly by the department. If the applicant is eligible for a disabled license plate, the placard shall be furnished without charge. If the applicant has not applied for vehicle registration, then the cost of the placard shall be the same as the regular fee for passenger motor vehicles, as provided in § 55-4-111 . Permanent placards shall be of a distinct design and color as established by the commissioner of safety.
(ii) Any person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation and who does not own and is not physically capable of operating a motor vehicle may apply to the department for issuance of one (1) distinguishing disabled placard for the exclusive personal use of that person. This placard shall be in lieu of any disabled registration plates, and shall be provided by the department without charge to the qualified applicant, upon receipt by the department of an application accompanied by a physician's statement, as provided in subsection (a).
(C) Temporary placards may be issued under this part to persons who are temporarily disabled by a nonambulatory or semi-ambulatory condition due to surgery, bone fracture or breakage, or similar condition, and whose temporary disabling condition and the estimated duration of the condition is noted on the physician's statement. Temporary placards shall be issued for the estimated duration of the condition, but not in excess of six (6) months, at a cost of ten dollars ($10.00). Temporary placards may be reissued for a similar period at the same cost. Temporary placards shall be of a different design and color than permanent placards and shall prominently note the expiration date.
(3) A disabled driver may receive a second placard if there is a second car registered in the name of the disabled driver or a member of that driver's immediate family who resides with the driver. The second placard shall be issued without additional charge. The second placard shall be used to obtain disabled parking privileges only by the disabled driver.
(c) The commissioner is requested to include a notice on disabled placards, if feasible, of the conditions attached to their use and the penalties for misuse, or, in the alternative, to furnish that information to recipients of the placards.
(d) Upon receipt of an application by an agency transporting disabled clients, the department shall issue a placard to the agency for the sole purpose of transporting disabled clients. The number of placards issued to the agency may not exceed the number of vehicles owned and operated for the purpose of transporting disabled clients. The use of the placard or placards for any other purpose shall constitute the forfeiture of the placard or placards for the agency.
(e) (1) When the recipient of a disabled parking placard dies, the placard shall be returned to the commissioner by the responsible representative of the deceased. (2) Beginning on January 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, the department shall verify that the owner of each disabled parking placard has not died. The verification shall include, but is not limited to, consultation of death records maintained by the department of health. If a recipient of a disabled parking placard is found to be deceased, then the department shall promptly invalidate the placard.
(1) When the recipient of a disabled parking placard dies, the placard shall be returned to the commissioner by the responsible representative of the deceased.
(2) Beginning on January 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, the department shall verify that the owner of each disabled parking placard has not died. The verification shall include, but is not limited to, consultation of death records maintained by the department of health. If a recipient of a disabled parking placard is found to be deceased, then the department shall promptly invalidate the placard.
(f) (1) A permanent placard as defined by subdivision (b)(2)(B), shall expire two (2) years from the date it is issued. The expiration date of the placard shall be prominently displayed on the placard. The person to whom the permanent placard is issued may renew the placard in accordance with rules established by the department. The renewal fee shall be three dollars ($3.00); provided, that there shall be no renewal fee for a person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, as defined in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), nor to a disabled veteran, as defined in § 55-4-256(a)(3) or (b) . Any person issued a temporary placard must submit a new certification pursuant to § 55-21-102(3)(A) or (3)(C) , prior to the department renewing the temporary placard. (2) The provisions of subdivision (f)(1), concerning the renewal fee and exemptions from the fee, shall be applicable to the renewal of existing placards. Persons who are permanently disabled shall not be required to submit certification pursuant to § 55-21-102(3)(A) or (3)(C) prior to the department's renewing the permanent placard.
(1) A permanent placard as defined by subdivision (b)(2)(B), shall expire two (2) years from the date it is issued. The expiration date of the placard shall be prominently displayed on the placard. The person to whom the permanent placard is issued may renew the placard in accordance with rules established by the department. The renewal fee shall be three dollars ($3.00); provided, that there shall be no renewal fee for a person who uses a wheelchair because of a permanent incapacity for ambulation, as defined in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), nor to a disabled veteran, as defined in § 55-4-256(a)(3) or (b) . Any person issued a temporary placard must submit a new certification pursuant to § 55-21-102(3)(A) or (3)(C) , prior to the department renewing the temporary placard.
(2) The provisions of subdivision (f)(1), concerning the renewal fee and exemptions from the fee, shall be applicable to the renewal of existing placards. Persons who are permanently disabled shall not be required to submit certification pursuant to § 55-21-102(3)(A) or (3)(C) prior to the department's renewing the permanent placard.
(g) Upon receipt of an application by an agency providing motor vehicle rentals to disabled clients, the department shall issue a placard to the agency for the sole purpose of renting accessible motor vehicles to disabled clients. The number of placards issued to the agency may not exceed the number of vehicles owned and operated for the purpose of providing accessible motor vehicle rentals to disabled clients; provided, that placards shall only be issued for vehicles permanently equipped with a wheelchair ramp or lift. The use of such placard or placards for any other purpose, or on any motor vehicle not permanently equipped with a wheelchair ramp or lift, shall be grounds for the forfeiture of the placard or placards issued to the agency in a manner otherwise consistent with this part.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 726,s 2, eff. 4/19/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 6, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 5, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 4, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 3, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 2, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 520,s 1, eff. 3/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 52, s 5, eff. 1/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 761, s 1, eff. 3/31/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 840, s 1, eff. 4/19/2016.
Acts 1975, ch. 163, § 3; 1978, ch. 676, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-2203; Acts 1980, ch. 468, § 1; 1981, ch. 101, §§ 2, 3; 1985, ch. 260, §§ 1-3; 1986, ch. 791, §§ 1, 7, 8; 1987, ch. 203, § 1; 1988, ch. 575, § 2; 1992, ch. 947, § 4; 1993, ch. 44, §§ 1, 2; 1994, ch. 634, §§ 1-3; 1995, ch. 217, §§ 2, 3; 2004, ch. 666, §§ 3, 4; 2005, ch. 475, §§ 1, 2; 2007 , ch. 112, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 1001, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1007, § 5; 2012 , ch. 845, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-29-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 29 / Section 55-29-102
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter: (1) "Do-not-drive recall" means a recall notice provided to owners of affected vehicles, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30119 , when the vehicle manufacturer, in its consumer precautionary advice section governed by 49 CFR 577.5 , unconditionally instructs the owner to stop driving the vehicle until the noncompliance or defect remedy is performed; (2) "Manufacturer" means any person or entity: (A) That manufactures or assembles new and unused vehicles; or (B) That in whole or in part sells or distributes any new and unused motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers; (3) "Motor vehicle" means any self-propelled motor-driven vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less of the type required to be registered and titled under this title and includes both new and used motor vehicles; (4) "Motor vehicle dealer" or "dealer" means any person or entity not excluded by § 55-17-102 who is licensed as such in this state engaged in the business of selling, offering to sell, soliciting, or advertising the sale of motor vehicles, or possessing motor vehicles for the purpose of resale, either on that person's own account or on behalf of another, either as that person's primary business or incidental to that person's business; (5) "New motor vehicle" means any self-propelled motor-driven vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less that has never been the subject of a sale at retail to the general public; (6) "Recall database" means a database from which an individual may obtain vehicle identification number (VIN) manufacturer's safety recall information relevant to a specific motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, www.safercar.gov; (7) "Recall database report" means a report, specific to a vehicle that is identified by its vehicle identification number (VIN), containing information obtained from a recall database; (8) "Sale": (A) Means the issuance, transfer, agreement for transfer, exchange, pledge, hypothecation, or mortgage in any form, whether by transfer in trust or otherwise, of any motor vehicle, or interest in the motor vehicle, as well as any option, subscription, or other contract, or solicitation looking to a sale, offer, or attempt to sell in any form, whether spoken or written; and (B) Includes a gift or delivery of any motor vehicle with or as a bonus on account of the sale of anything; (9) "Stop-sale order" means a notification issued by a manufacturer to its franchised motor vehicle dealers stating that certain used vehicles in inventory shall not be sold or leased, at retail, due to a federal safety recall for a defect or a noncompliance, or a federal emissions recall; and (10) "Used motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less that has been the subject of a sale at retail to the general public. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306, s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
For purposes of this chapter:
(1) "Do-not-drive recall" means a recall notice provided to owners of affected vehicles, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30119 , when the vehicle manufacturer, in its consumer precautionary advice section governed by 49 CFR 577.5 , unconditionally instructs the owner to stop driving the vehicle until the noncompliance or defect remedy is performed;
(2) "Manufacturer" means any person or entity: (A) That manufactures or assembles new and unused vehicles; or (B) That in whole or in part sells or distributes any new and unused motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers;
(A) That manufactures or assembles new and unused vehicles; or
(B) That in whole or in part sells or distributes any new and unused motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers;
(3) "Motor vehicle" means any self-propelled motor-driven vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less of the type required to be registered and titled under this title and includes both new and used motor vehicles;
(4) "Motor vehicle dealer" or "dealer" means any person or entity not excluded by § 55-17-102 who is licensed as such in this state engaged in the business of selling, offering to sell, soliciting, or advertising the sale of motor vehicles, or possessing motor vehicles for the purpose of resale, either on that person's own account or on behalf of another, either as that person's primary business or incidental to that person's business;
(5) "New motor vehicle" means any self-propelled motor-driven vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less that has never been the subject of a sale at retail to the general public;
(6) "Recall database" means a database from which an individual may obtain vehicle identification number (VIN) manufacturer's safety recall information relevant to a specific motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, www.safercar.gov;
(7) "Recall database report" means a report, specific to a vehicle that is identified by its vehicle identification number (VIN), containing information obtained from a recall database;
(8) "Sale": (A) Means the issuance, transfer, agreement for transfer, exchange, pledge, hypothecation, or mortgage in any form, whether by transfer in trust or otherwise, of any motor vehicle, or interest in the motor vehicle, as well as any option, subscription, or other contract, or solicitation looking to a sale, offer, or attempt to sell in any form, whether spoken or written; and (B) Includes a gift or delivery of any motor vehicle with or as a bonus on account of the sale of anything;
(A) Means the issuance, transfer, agreement for transfer, exchange, pledge, hypothecation, or mortgage in any form, whether by transfer in trust or otherwise, of any motor vehicle, or interest in the motor vehicle, as well as any option, subscription, or other contract, or solicitation looking to a sale, offer, or attempt to sell in any form, whether spoken or written; and
(B) Includes a gift or delivery of any motor vehicle with or as a bonus on account of the sale of anything;
(9) "Stop-sale order" means a notification issued by a manufacturer to its franchised motor vehicle dealers stating that certain used vehicles in inventory shall not be sold or leased, at retail, due to a federal safety recall for a defect or a noncompliance, or a federal emissions recall; and
(10) "Used motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less that has been the subject of a sale at retail to the general public.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306, s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-30-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 30 / Section 55-30-107
Unlawful operation of motor vehicle without human driver in driver's seat
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for any person to knowingly operate a motor vehicle on the public roads or highways of this state without a human driver in the driver's seat of the vehicle unless satisfying the requirements of this chapter. (b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474,s 16, eff. 6/6/2017.
(a) It is an offense for any person to knowingly operate a motor vehicle on the public roads or highways of this state without a human driver in the driver's seat of the vehicle unless satisfying the requirements of this chapter.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474,s 16, eff. 6/6/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-276 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-276
Women Veterans of Color
Status: in_force

(a) A distinctive license plate is authorized for any woman of color who is a veteran, if the woman of color is currently a resident of this state and is otherwise qualified to register and license a motor vehicle pursuant to this title. As used in this section, "woman of color" means a female who is African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Middle Eastern American. (b) The registration plates shall bear the legend "Women Veterans of Color." (c) The registration plate shall be issued upon payment of the regular registration fee pursuant to this chapter and the additional fee prescribed by § 55-4-204(c)(1) , and submission of information in accordance with subsection (d). (d) For issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section, all applications shall contain information that the commissioner requires proving the eligibility of the applicant as a woman of color who received an honorable discharge as a member of the armed services, as defined in § 49-4-928 . Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 253, s 18, eff. 7/1/2019.
(a) A distinctive license plate is authorized for any woman of color who is a veteran, if the woman of color is currently a resident of this state and is otherwise qualified to register and license a motor vehicle pursuant to this title. As used in this section, "woman of color" means a female who is African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Middle Eastern American.
(b) The registration plates shall bear the legend "Women Veterans of Color."
(c) The registration plate shall be issued upon payment of the regular registration fee pursuant to this chapter and the additional fee prescribed by § 55-4-204(c)(1) , and submission of information in accordance with subsection (d).
(d) For issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section, all applications shall contain information that the commissioner requires proving the eligibility of the applicant as a woman of color who received an honorable discharge as a member of the armed services, as defined in § 49-4-928 .
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 253, s 18, eff. 7/1/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-215 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-215
No fee or surcharge to be levied on automobile liability insurers
Status: in_force

Nothing in this part shall allow the department of revenue or its designated agent to levy any fee or surcharge on automobile liability insurers. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Nothing in this part shall allow the department of revenue or its designated agent to levy any fee or surcharge on automobile liability insurers.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-220 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-220
General assembly members
Status: in_force

(a) A member of the general assembly, complying with the title and registration law and upon payment of the regular license fee appropriate to the vehicle's design or use as prescribed in this chapter, plus payment of the additional fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate as provided for in this part. (b) The design of the special purpose license plates shall be rectangular in shape, white in color with all letters and numbers in blue and the great seal of Tennessee in gold. There shall be centered on the upper edge, the word "Tennessee" or "Tenn" enclosed in a drawing of the state, with the current year of registration designated in the upper left and right corners of the rectangle; centered on the lower edge shall be the word or words "Senate" or "House" as may be appropriate; on the left half of the plate shall be the great seal of the state of Tennessee; and on the right half of the plate the member may at option use the member's initials or other letters if the total number of characters making up the configuration does not exceed four (4) rather than the number assigned to the member. The design of the plate shall not be used by any other branch or agency of the state. (c) The suffixes provided for in § 55-4-203(b)(2) , shall be assigned by the speaker of each house. The same numbers assigned in the first year of the biennial for a general assembly shall be assigned for the second year. (d) A member, optionally, may use initials or other letters if the total number of characters does not exceed four (4). In the event there is a conflict with respect to like letters, the first applicant to the department shall be entitled to preference. (e) Members of the general assembly may be entitled to special purpose plates for additional automobiles owned by the members or their immediate families. These additional plates may bear the same legend as the first assigned tags but shall be distinguished therefrom by the addition of letters A, B, or C; provided, that the letters do not exceed the requirements of this part. (f) The special plates shall be delivered to the several county clerks for issuance during each registration renewal period as provided in § 55-4-207 , except that the registrar of motor vehicles may make direct issue of the plates to the members upon proper application being made, if the plates can be prepared for direct issuance prior to March 1. (g) This section shall not be construed to mean that any member shall be prevented from exchanging a regular type plate for one of special design in the course of a given registration year. (h) The commissioner is authorized to facilitate the continued utilization of existing, issued special purpose plates by a member of the general assembly upon the member's reelection through the issuance of decals or by any other means as to effectuate this subsection (h). Any method of continued utilization shall only be available for plates previously issued to members of the general assembly or their immediate families. Upon ineligibility under this section, any special purpose plates issued shall be surrendered to the department and the department shall issue a regular registration plate valid for the same period as the surrendered special purpose plate. The continued use of existing, issued special purpose plates upon reelection shall be accomplished in a manner that maximizes efficiency and costs and is not unduly burdensome to either the department or county clerks. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2004, ch. 481, §§ 4 - 6; 2009, ch. 589, § 43.
(a) A member of the general assembly, complying with the title and registration law and upon payment of the regular license fee appropriate to the vehicle's design or use as prescribed in this chapter, plus payment of the additional fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate as provided for in this part.
(b) The design of the special purpose license plates shall be rectangular in shape, white in color with all letters and numbers in blue and the great seal of Tennessee in gold. There shall be centered on the upper edge, the word "Tennessee" or "Tenn" enclosed in a drawing of the state, with the current year of registration designated in the upper left and right corners of the rectangle; centered on the lower edge shall be the word or words "Senate" or "House" as may be appropriate; on the left half of the plate shall be the great seal of the state of Tennessee; and on the right half of the plate the member may at option use the member's initials or other letters if the total number of characters making up the configuration does not exceed four (4) rather than the number assigned to the member. The design of the plate shall not be used by any other branch or agency of the state.
(c) The suffixes provided for in § 55-4-203(b)(2) , shall be assigned by the speaker of each house. The same numbers assigned in the first year of the biennial for a general assembly shall be assigned for the second year.
(d) A member, optionally, may use initials or other letters if the total number of characters does not exceed four (4). In the event there is a conflict with respect to like letters, the first applicant to the department shall be entitled to preference.
(e) Members of the general assembly may be entitled to special purpose plates for additional automobiles owned by the members or their immediate families. These additional plates may bear the same legend as the first assigned tags but shall be distinguished therefrom by the addition of letters A, B, or C; provided, that the letters do not exceed the requirements of this part.
(f) The special plates shall be delivered to the several county clerks for issuance during each registration renewal period as provided in § 55-4-207 , except that the registrar of motor vehicles may make direct issue of the plates to the members upon proper application being made, if the plates can be prepared for direct issuance prior to March 1.
(g) This section shall not be construed to mean that any member shall be prevented from exchanging a regular type plate for one of special design in the course of a given registration year.
(h) The commissioner is authorized to facilitate the continued utilization of existing, issued special purpose plates by a member of the general assembly upon the member's reelection through the issuance of decals or by any other means as to effectuate this subsection (h). Any method of continued utilization shall only be available for plates previously issued to members of the general assembly or their immediate families. Upon ineligibility under this section, any special purpose plates issued shall be surrendered to the department and the department shall issue a regular registration plate valid for the same period as the surrendered special purpose plate. The continued use of existing, issued special purpose plates upon reelection shall be accomplished in a manner that maximizes efficiency and costs and is not unduly burdensome to either the department or county clerks.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2004, ch. 481, §§ 4 - 6; 2009, ch. 589, § 43.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-308 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-308
Driver license verification and data retention
Status: in_force

(a) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall not enter into a peer-to-peer car sharing program agreement with a driver unless the driver who will operate the shared vehicle: (1) Holds a driver license issued under the laws of this state that authorizes the driver to operate vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle; (2) Is a nonresident who: (A) Has a driver license issued by the state or country of the driver's residence that authorizes the driver in that state or country to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle; and (B) Is at least the same age as that required of a resident to drive; or (3) Otherwise is specifically authorized by the laws of this state to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle. (b) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall keep a record of: (1) The name and address of the shared vehicle driver; (2) The number of the driver license of the shared vehicle driver and each other person, if any, who will operate the shared vehicle; and (3) The place of issuance of the driver license. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
(a) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall not enter into a peer-to-peer car sharing program agreement with a driver unless the driver who will operate the shared vehicle: (1) Holds a driver license issued under the laws of this state that authorizes the driver to operate vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle; (2) Is a nonresident who: (A) Has a driver license issued by the state or country of the driver's residence that authorizes the driver in that state or country to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle; and (B) Is at least the same age as that required of a resident to drive; or (3) Otherwise is specifically authorized by the laws of this state to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle.
(1) Holds a driver license issued under the laws of this state that authorizes the driver to operate vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle;
(2) Is a nonresident who: (A) Has a driver license issued by the state or country of the driver's residence that authorizes the driver in that state or country to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle; and (B) Is at least the same age as that required of a resident to drive; or
(A) Has a driver license issued by the state or country of the driver's residence that authorizes the driver in that state or country to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle; and
(B) Is at least the same age as that required of a resident to drive; or
(3) Otherwise is specifically authorized by the laws of this state to drive vehicles of the class of the shared vehicle.
(b) A peer-to-peer car sharing program shall keep a record of: (1) The name and address of the shared vehicle driver; (2) The number of the driver license of the shared vehicle driver and each other person, if any, who will operate the shared vehicle; and (3) The place of issuance of the driver license.
(1) The name and address of the shared vehicle driver;
(2) The number of the driver license of the shared vehicle driver and each other person, if any, who will operate the shared vehicle; and
(3) The place of issuance of the driver license.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-306 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-306
Operation of electric bicycle on street or highway or path or trail
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A class 1 electric bicycle or a class 2 electric bicycle may be operated on any part of a street or highway where bicycles are authorized to travel, including a bicycle lane or other portion of a roadway designated for exclusive use by bicyclists, the shoulder or berm, and any path or trail intended for use by bicyclists. (2) A local government or state agency having jurisdiction over any part of any path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel may regulate or prohibit, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on that path or trail, if the local government or state agency determines that the regulation or prohibition is necessary, in the interest of public safety. (3) No class 3 electric bicycle shall be operated on any part of a path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel, unless the path or trail is within or adjacent to the street or highway, or the local governing body or state agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on that path or trail. (4) No electric bicycle shall be operated on any sidewalk unless the use of bicycles on sidewalks is authorized by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, of the local government or state agency having jurisdiction over that sidewalk, and the electric motor is disabled. (5) Any local resolution or ordinance or state agency rule or policy adopted in accordance with this subsection (a) shall use the definitions in this part for electric bicycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, or class 3 electric bicycle. References to motor vehicles in any local resolution or ordinance shall not be applicable to an electric bicycle. (6) A person who knowingly operates an electric bicycle in violation of subdivision (a)(3) or (a)(4) commits a Class C misdemeanor. (b) On any roadway, highway, or street, electric bicycles shall be restricted, limited, or excluded by local resolutions and ordinances to the same extent as bicycles are restricted, limited, or excluded. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 7, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) (1) A class 1 electric bicycle or a class 2 electric bicycle may be operated on any part of a street or highway where bicycles are authorized to travel, including a bicycle lane or other portion of a roadway designated for exclusive use by bicyclists, the shoulder or berm, and any path or trail intended for use by bicyclists. (2) A local government or state agency having jurisdiction over any part of any path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel may regulate or prohibit, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on that path or trail, if the local government or state agency determines that the regulation or prohibition is necessary, in the interest of public safety. (3) No class 3 electric bicycle shall be operated on any part of a path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel, unless the path or trail is within or adjacent to the street or highway, or the local governing body or state agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on that path or trail. (4) No electric bicycle shall be operated on any sidewalk unless the use of bicycles on sidewalks is authorized by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, of the local government or state agency having jurisdiction over that sidewalk, and the electric motor is disabled. (5) Any local resolution or ordinance or state agency rule or policy adopted in accordance with this subsection (a) shall use the definitions in this part for electric bicycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, or class 3 electric bicycle. References to motor vehicles in any local resolution or ordinance shall not be applicable to an electric bicycle. (6) A person who knowingly operates an electric bicycle in violation of subdivision (a)(3) or (a)(4) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(1) A class 1 electric bicycle or a class 2 electric bicycle may be operated on any part of a street or highway where bicycles are authorized to travel, including a bicycle lane or other portion of a roadway designated for exclusive use by bicyclists, the shoulder or berm, and any path or trail intended for use by bicyclists.
(2) A local government or state agency having jurisdiction over any part of any path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel may regulate or prohibit, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on that path or trail, if the local government or state agency determines that the regulation or prohibition is necessary, in the interest of public safety.
(3) No class 3 electric bicycle shall be operated on any part of a path or trail where bicycles are authorized to travel, unless the path or trail is within or adjacent to the street or highway, or the local governing body or state agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on that path or trail.
(4) No electric bicycle shall be operated on any sidewalk unless the use of bicycles on sidewalks is authorized by resolution or ordinance if a local government or by rule or policy if a state agency, of the local government or state agency having jurisdiction over that sidewalk, and the electric motor is disabled.
(5) Any local resolution or ordinance or state agency rule or policy adopted in accordance with this subsection (a) shall use the definitions in this part for electric bicycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, or class 3 electric bicycle. References to motor vehicles in any local resolution or ordinance shall not be applicable to an electric bicycle.
(6) A person who knowingly operates an electric bicycle in violation of subdivision (a)(3) or (a)(4) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) On any roadway, highway, or street, electric bicycles shall be restricted, limited, or excluded by local resolutions and ordinances to the same extent as bicycles are restricted, limited, or excluded.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 7, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-24-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 24 / Section 55-24-108
Recovery of costs and expenses - Attorneys' fees
Status: in_force

If a consumer finally prevails in any action brought under this chapter, the consumer may be allowed by the court to recover as part of the judgment a sum equal to the aggregate amount of costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees based on actual time expended, determined by the court to have been reasonably incurred by the plaintiff for or in connection with the commencement and prosecution of the action. Acts 1986, ch. 857, § 8; T.C.A. § 55-24-208.
If a consumer finally prevails in any action brought under this chapter, the consumer may be allowed by the court to recover as part of the judgment a sum equal to the aggregate amount of costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees based on actual time expended, determined by the court to have been reasonably incurred by the plaintiff for or in connection with the commencement and prosecution of the action.
Acts 1986, ch. 857, § 8; T.C.A. § 55-24-208.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-404 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-404
Lamp at end of train of vehicles - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Every motor vehicle and every trailer or semitrailer that is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall carry at the rear a lamp of a type that exhibits a yellow or red light plainly visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear of the vehicle, and the light shall be so constructed and placed that the number plate carried on the rear of the vehicle shall under like conditions be so illuminated by a white light as to be read from a distance of fifty feet (50') to the rear of the vehicle. (b) This section shall not apply to a single motor vehicle as is required in § 55-9-402 , but shall only apply to the last motor vehicle being drawn at the end of a train or group of motor vehicles. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 15; 1937, ch. 245, § 5; 1941, ch. 121, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-907; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2004, ch. 488, § 1.
(a) Every motor vehicle and every trailer or semitrailer that is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall carry at the rear a lamp of a type that exhibits a yellow or red light plainly visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear of the vehicle, and the light shall be so constructed and placed that the number plate carried on the rear of the vehicle shall under like conditions be so illuminated by a white light as to be read from a distance of fifty feet (50') to the rear of the vehicle.
(b) This section shall not apply to a single motor vehicle as is required in § 55-9-402 , but shall only apply to the last motor vehicle being drawn at the end of a train or group of motor vehicles.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 15; 1937, ch. 245, § 5; 1941, ch. 121, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-907; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2004, ch. 488, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-206 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-206
Civil remedies
Status: in_force

(a) Any district attorney general, insurer, or other aggrieved person may institute civil proceedings against any person in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking relief from conduct constituting a violation of this part, § 55-5-111 , or § 55-5-112 , or if the plaintiff in the proceedings proves the alleged violation by a preponderance of the evidence, the court, after due provision for the rights of innocent persons, may grant relief by entering the appropriate order or judgment, to include, but not be limited to, threefold the actual damages sustained by the person. (b) Obtaining civil remedy under this section shall not preclude obtaining any other civil or criminal remedy under either this part or any other law. Civil remedies under this section are supplemental and not mutually exclusive. (c) Any civil remedies under this section are separate to any restitution ordered by the court in the criminal proceedings. Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
(a) Any district attorney general, insurer, or other aggrieved person may institute civil proceedings against any person in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking relief from conduct constituting a violation of this part, § 55-5-111 , or § 55-5-112 , or if the plaintiff in the proceedings proves the alleged violation by a preponderance of the evidence, the court, after due provision for the rights of innocent persons, may grant relief by entering the appropriate order or judgment, to include, but not be limited to, threefold the actual damages sustained by the person.
(b) Obtaining civil remedy under this section shall not preclude obtaining any other civil or criminal remedy under either this part or any other law. Civil remedies under this section are supplemental and not mutually exclusive.
(c) Any civil remedies under this section are separate to any restitution ordered by the court in the criminal proceedings.
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-406 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-406
Breath and blood tests to determine alcohol or drug content of a motor vehicle operator's blood
Status: in_force

(a) A law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the operator of a motor vehicle is driving while under the influence of any intoxicant, controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, drug, substance affecting the central nervous system, or combination thereof as prohibited by § 55-10-401 , or committing the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , or aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , may request that the operator of the vehicle submit to test or tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content, or both, of that operator's blood. (b) (1) Breath tests may be administered under the following circumstances: (A) The operator's implied consent to submit to breath tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1); (B) The operator's consent to submit to breath tests; (C) A search warrant; (D) Incident to a lawful arrest for any of the offenses set out in subsection (a); or (E) When breath tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(1). (2) Blood tests may be administered under the following circumstances: (A) The operator's implied consent to submit to blood tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1); (B) The operator's consent to submit to blood tests; (C) A search warrant; (D) Without the consent of the operator if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist; or (E) When blood tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(2) and with a search warrant or without a warrant, if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist. (c) (1) (A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of the operator's blood if the officer has appropriate testing equipment available and has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; (B) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered blood tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood if one (1) or more of the requirements for blood tests set out in subdivision (b)(2) are present and the officer has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; and (C) A law enforcement officer administering breath or blood tests shall decide whether to administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood. (2) (A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) if the operator: (i) Has been involved in a collision resulting in the injury or death of another and the operator of the vehicle has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; (ii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and a passenger in the motor vehicle is a child under eighteen (18) years of age; or (iii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and has a prior conviction of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; or an offense committed in another state or territory that, if committed in this state, would constitute the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401 . (B) The blood tests required to be administered under subdivision (c)(1)(B) shall be performed in accordance with the procedure set forth in this section and § 55-10-408 , and shall be performed, pursuant to a search warrant as described in subdivision (b)(2)(C) or if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist as described in subdivision (b)(2)(D), regardless of whether the operator consents to the tests. (C) The results of breath or blood tests required by subdivision (c)(2)(A) may be offered as evidence by either the state or the operator of the vehicle in any court, administrative hearing, or official proceeding relating to the collision or offense, subject to the Tennessee Rules of Evidence. (d) (1) The operator of a motor vehicle in this state is deemed to have given implied consent to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of that operator's blood. However, no such tests may be administered pursuant to this section unless conducted at the direction of a law enforcement officer having probable cause to believe the operator was in violation of one (1) or more of the offenses set out in subsection (a) and the operator signs a standardized waiver developed by the department of safety and made available to law enforcement agencies. (2) Any law enforcement officer who requests that the operator of a motor vehicle submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, authorized pursuant to subsection (a), shall, prior to conducting the test, advise the operator that refusal to submit to the tests: (A) Will result in the suspension by the court of the operator's driver license; and (B) May result, depending on the operator's prior criminal history, in the operator being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device, if the operator is convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 , as described in § 55-10-405 . (3) If the operator is not advised of the consequences of the refusal to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, the court having jurisdiction over the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest shall not have the authority to suspend the license of an operator or require the operator to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device pursuant to § 55-10-417 for a violation of this subsection (d). (4) Except as may be required by a search warrant or other court order, if the operator is placed under arrest, requested by a law enforcement officer to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, advised of the consequences for refusing to do so, and refuses to submit, the operator shall be charged with violating subdivision (d)(1). The determination as to whether an operator violated subdivision (d)(1) shall be made: (A) At the same time and by the same court as the court disposing of the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest, upon an oral or written motion of the state; or (B) At the operator's first appearance or preliminary hearing in the general sessions court, but no later than the case being bound over to the grand jury, if the state does not make a motion pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A). (e) (1) (A) If blood tests of the operator of a motor vehicle are authorized pursuant to this section, a qualified practitioner who, acting at the written request of a law enforcement officer, withdraws blood from an operator for the purpose of conducting tests to determine the alcohol or drug content in an operator's blood, will not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawing of the blood, except for any damages that may result from the negligence of the person so withdrawing. (B) Neither the hospital nor other employer of a qualified practitioner listed in subdivision (e)(2) will incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any operator, except in the case of negligence. (2) For purposes of this section, a "qualified practitioner" is a: (A) Physician; (B) Registered nurse; (C) Licensed practical nurse; (D) Clinical laboratory technician; (E) Licensed paramedic; (F) Licensed emergency medical technician approved to establish intravenous catheters; (G) Technologist; (H) A trained phlebotomist who is operating under a hospital protocol, has completed phlebotomy training through an educational entity providing such training, or has been properly trained by a current or former employer to draw blood; or (I) Physician assistant. (3) (A) Because the evidentiary nature of blood tests authorized and conducted under this section and § 55-10-408 are affected by timely collection, and to facilitate and encourage the timely collection of this evidence by hospitals and qualified practitioners pursuant to a search warrant or other court order: (i) A qualified practitioner shall withdraw the sample of blood as soon as practicable; provided, that collection of the sample does not jeopardize the operator's life; (ii) All qualified practitioners must be considered to be acting in good faith once presented with a search warrant or any other court order authorizing collection of a sample, and the sample is drawn as soon as practicable; (iii) Qualified practitioners shall not require the operator to provide any additional consent; and (iv) Qualified practitioners may use all reasonable force to obtain the sample of blood from the operator. (B) This subdivision (e)(3) does not affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of an analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood sample based on a delay in the collection of the sample. (f) Any operator who is unconscious as a result of a collision, is unconscious at the time of arrest or apprehension, or is otherwise in a condition rendering the operator incapable of refusal, shall not be subjected to blood tests unless law enforcement has obtained a search warrant or exigent circumstance exceptions to a search warrant apply. (g) Provided probable cause exists for criminal prosecution for any of the offenses specified in subsection (a), nothing in this section affects the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of any analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that was not compelled by law enforcement but was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment. The results of any testing of the blood sample that was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment must be recorded and memorialized in the defendant's medical records and must be provided upon service of a search warrant, judicial subpoena, or other court order. Any residual portion of the blood sample that was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment after the testing provided by the hospital or qualified medical practitioner must be provided as soon as practicable to a law enforcement officer upon service of a search warrant or other court order. (h) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , or aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , of any analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that has been obtained in accordance with this section and tested according to § 55-10-408 . (i) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for any of the offenses set out in subsection (a), of any analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that has been obtained by consent and tested according to § 55-10-408 . (j) The results of blood tests or breath tests authorized and conducted in accordance with this section and § 55-10-408 : (1) Shall be reported in writing by the person making the analysis, shall have noted on the report the time at which the sample analyzed was obtained from the operator, and shall be made available to the operator, upon request; and (2) Shall be admissible in evidence at the trial of any person charged with an offense specified in subsection (a). (k) The fact that a law enforcement officer failed to request that the operator charged with an offense specified in subsection (a) submit to blood or breath tests is admissible as evidence at the trial of the charged offense. (l) As used in this section, "operator" means any person driving or in physical control of any automobile or other motor-driven vehicle as described and prohibited by § 55-10-401 . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 892,s 4, eff. 5/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 892,s 3, eff. 5/1/2024. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 187, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4, s 5, s 6, s 7, s 8, s 9 eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 187, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 304, s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876, s 6, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 6, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1969, ch. 292, § 2; 1970, ch. 427, § 3; 1973, ch. 400, § 1; 1977, ch. 71, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1045; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 5; 1981, ch. 353, § 1; 1982, ch. 579, § 1; 1983, ch. 112, § 1; 1984, ch. 695, § 1; 1985, ch. 141, §§ 1, 3; 1987, ch. 318, §§ 1-4; 1988, ch. 840, § 1; 1993, ch. 390, § 1; 1995, ch. 355, § 1; 1996, ch. 911, § 1; 1998, ch. 986, § 2; 1998, ch. 1046, § 8; 2000, ch. 602, § 1; 2000, ch. 842, § 1; 2000, ch. 952, §§ 1, 2; 2001, ch. 110, § 1; 2002, ch. 855, § 8; 2004, ch. 626, § 1; 2005, ch. 483, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 957, § 1; 2009 , ch. 324, § 1; 2010 , ch. 921, § 10; 2010 , ch. 1096, §§ 1-4; 2011 , ch. 307, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 666, § 1; 2012 , ch. 892, § 1; 2012, ch. 1040, § 1.
(a) A law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the operator of a motor vehicle is driving while under the influence of any intoxicant, controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, drug, substance affecting the central nervous system, or combination thereof as prohibited by § 55-10-401 , or committing the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , or aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , may request that the operator of the vehicle submit to test or tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content, or both, of that operator's blood.
(b) (1) Breath tests may be administered under the following circumstances: (A) The operator's implied consent to submit to breath tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1); (B) The operator's consent to submit to breath tests; (C) A search warrant; (D) Incident to a lawful arrest for any of the offenses set out in subsection (a); or (E) When breath tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(1). (2) Blood tests may be administered under the following circumstances: (A) The operator's implied consent to submit to blood tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1); (B) The operator's consent to submit to blood tests; (C) A search warrant; (D) Without the consent of the operator if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist; or (E) When blood tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(2) and with a search warrant or without a warrant, if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist.
(1) Breath tests may be administered under the following circumstances: (A) The operator's implied consent to submit to breath tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1); (B) The operator's consent to submit to breath tests; (C) A search warrant; (D) Incident to a lawful arrest for any of the offenses set out in subsection (a); or (E) When breath tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(1).
(A) The operator's implied consent to submit to breath tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1);
(B) The operator's consent to submit to breath tests;
(C) A search warrant;
(D) Incident to a lawful arrest for any of the offenses set out in subsection (a); or
(E) When breath tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(1).
(2) Blood tests may be administered under the following circumstances: (A) The operator's implied consent to submit to blood tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1); (B) The operator's consent to submit to blood tests; (C) A search warrant; (D) Without the consent of the operator if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist; or (E) When blood tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(2) and with a search warrant or without a warrant, if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist.
(A) The operator's implied consent to submit to blood tests pursuant to subdivision (d)(1);
(B) The operator's consent to submit to blood tests;
(C) A search warrant;
(D) Without the consent of the operator if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist; or
(E) When blood tests are required to be administered pursuant to subdivision (c)(2) and with a search warrant or without a warrant, if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist.
(c) (1) (A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of the operator's blood if the officer has appropriate testing equipment available and has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; (B) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered blood tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood if one (1) or more of the requirements for blood tests set out in subdivision (b)(2) are present and the officer has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; and (C) A law enforcement officer administering breath or blood tests shall decide whether to administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood. (2) (A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) if the operator: (i) Has been involved in a collision resulting in the injury or death of another and the operator of the vehicle has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; (ii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and a passenger in the motor vehicle is a child under eighteen (18) years of age; or (iii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and has a prior conviction of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; or an offense committed in another state or territory that, if committed in this state, would constitute the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401 . (B) The blood tests required to be administered under subdivision (c)(1)(B) shall be performed in accordance with the procedure set forth in this section and § 55-10-408 , and shall be performed, pursuant to a search warrant as described in subdivision (b)(2)(C) or if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist as described in subdivision (b)(2)(D), regardless of whether the operator consents to the tests. (C) The results of breath or blood tests required by subdivision (c)(2)(A) may be offered as evidence by either the state or the operator of the vehicle in any court, administrative hearing, or official proceeding relating to the collision or offense, subject to the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.
(1) (A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of the operator's blood if the officer has appropriate testing equipment available and has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; (B) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered blood tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood if one (1) or more of the requirements for blood tests set out in subdivision (b)(2) are present and the officer has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; and (C) A law enforcement officer administering breath or blood tests shall decide whether to administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood.
(A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of the operator's blood if the officer has appropriate testing equipment available and has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred;
(B) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered blood tests for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood if one (1) or more of the requirements for blood tests set out in subdivision (b)(2) are present and the officer has probable cause to believe that one (1) or more of the events in subdivision (c)(2)(A) have occurred; and
(C) A law enforcement officer administering breath or blood tests shall decide whether to administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for determining the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood.
(2) (A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) if the operator: (i) Has been involved in a collision resulting in the injury or death of another and the operator of the vehicle has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; (ii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and a passenger in the motor vehicle is a child under eighteen (18) years of age; or (iii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and has a prior conviction of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; or an offense committed in another state or territory that, if committed in this state, would constitute the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401 . (B) The blood tests required to be administered under subdivision (c)(1)(B) shall be performed in accordance with the procedure set forth in this section and § 55-10-408 , and shall be performed, pursuant to a search warrant as described in subdivision (b)(2)(C) or if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist as described in subdivision (b)(2)(D), regardless of whether the operator consents to the tests. (C) The results of breath or blood tests required by subdivision (c)(2)(A) may be offered as evidence by either the state or the operator of the vehicle in any court, administrative hearing, or official proceeding relating to the collision or offense, subject to the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.
(A) A law enforcement officer shall administer or cause to be administered breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) if the operator: (i) Has been involved in a collision resulting in the injury or death of another and the operator of the vehicle has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; (ii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and a passenger in the motor vehicle is a child under eighteen (18) years of age; or (iii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and has a prior conviction of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; or an offense committed in another state or territory that, if committed in this state, would constitute the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401 .
(i) Has been involved in a collision resulting in the injury or death of another and the operator of the vehicle has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ;
(ii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and a passenger in the motor vehicle is a child under eighteen (18) years of age; or
(iii) Has committed a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; and has a prior conviction of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-115 , § 39-13-213(a)(2) , § 39-13-218 , or § 55-10-401 ; or an offense committed in another state or territory that, if committed in this state, would constitute the offense of vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401 .
(B) The blood tests required to be administered under subdivision (c)(1)(B) shall be performed in accordance with the procedure set forth in this section and § 55-10-408 , and shall be performed, pursuant to a search warrant as described in subdivision (b)(2)(C) or if exigent circumstances to the search warrant requirement exist as described in subdivision (b)(2)(D), regardless of whether the operator consents to the tests.
(C) The results of breath or blood tests required by subdivision (c)(2)(A) may be offered as evidence by either the state or the operator of the vehicle in any court, administrative hearing, or official proceeding relating to the collision or offense, subject to the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.
(d) (1) The operator of a motor vehicle in this state is deemed to have given implied consent to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of that operator's blood. However, no such tests may be administered pursuant to this section unless conducted at the direction of a law enforcement officer having probable cause to believe the operator was in violation of one (1) or more of the offenses set out in subsection (a) and the operator signs a standardized waiver developed by the department of safety and made available to law enforcement agencies. (2) Any law enforcement officer who requests that the operator of a motor vehicle submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, authorized pursuant to subsection (a), shall, prior to conducting the test, advise the operator that refusal to submit to the tests: (A) Will result in the suspension by the court of the operator's driver license; and (B) May result, depending on the operator's prior criminal history, in the operator being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device, if the operator is convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 , as described in § 55-10-405 . (3) If the operator is not advised of the consequences of the refusal to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, the court having jurisdiction over the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest shall not have the authority to suspend the license of an operator or require the operator to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device pursuant to § 55-10-417 for a violation of this subsection (d). (4) Except as may be required by a search warrant or other court order, if the operator is placed under arrest, requested by a law enforcement officer to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, advised of the consequences for refusing to do so, and refuses to submit, the operator shall be charged with violating subdivision (d)(1). The determination as to whether an operator violated subdivision (d)(1) shall be made: (A) At the same time and by the same court as the court disposing of the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest, upon an oral or written motion of the state; or (B) At the operator's first appearance or preliminary hearing in the general sessions court, but no later than the case being bound over to the grand jury, if the state does not make a motion pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A).
(1) The operator of a motor vehicle in this state is deemed to have given implied consent to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of that operator's blood. However, no such tests may be administered pursuant to this section unless conducted at the direction of a law enforcement officer having probable cause to believe the operator was in violation of one (1) or more of the offenses set out in subsection (a) and the operator signs a standardized waiver developed by the department of safety and made available to law enforcement agencies.
(2) Any law enforcement officer who requests that the operator of a motor vehicle submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, authorized pursuant to subsection (a), shall, prior to conducting the test, advise the operator that refusal to submit to the tests: (A) Will result in the suspension by the court of the operator's driver license; and (B) May result, depending on the operator's prior criminal history, in the operator being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device, if the operator is convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 , as described in § 55-10-405 .
(A) Will result in the suspension by the court of the operator's driver license; and
(B) May result, depending on the operator's prior criminal history, in the operator being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device, if the operator is convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 , as described in § 55-10-405 .
(3) If the operator is not advised of the consequences of the refusal to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, the court having jurisdiction over the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest shall not have the authority to suspend the license of an operator or require the operator to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device pursuant to § 55-10-417 for a violation of this subsection (d).
(4) Except as may be required by a search warrant or other court order, if the operator is placed under arrest, requested by a law enforcement officer to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, advised of the consequences for refusing to do so, and refuses to submit, the operator shall be charged with violating subdivision (d)(1). The determination as to whether an operator violated subdivision (d)(1) shall be made: (A) At the same time and by the same court as the court disposing of the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest, upon an oral or written motion of the state; or (B) At the operator's first appearance or preliminary hearing in the general sessions court, but no later than the case being bound over to the grand jury, if the state does not make a motion pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A).
(A) At the same time and by the same court as the court disposing of the offense for which the operator was placed under arrest, upon an oral or written motion of the state; or
(B) At the operator's first appearance or preliminary hearing in the general sessions court, but no later than the case being bound over to the grand jury, if the state does not make a motion pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A).
(e) (1) (A) If blood tests of the operator of a motor vehicle are authorized pursuant to this section, a qualified practitioner who, acting at the written request of a law enforcement officer, withdraws blood from an operator for the purpose of conducting tests to determine the alcohol or drug content in an operator's blood, will not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawing of the blood, except for any damages that may result from the negligence of the person so withdrawing. (B) Neither the hospital nor other employer of a qualified practitioner listed in subdivision (e)(2) will incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any operator, except in the case of negligence. (2) For purposes of this section, a "qualified practitioner" is a: (A) Physician; (B) Registered nurse; (C) Licensed practical nurse; (D) Clinical laboratory technician; (E) Licensed paramedic; (F) Licensed emergency medical technician approved to establish intravenous catheters; (G) Technologist; (H) A trained phlebotomist who is operating under a hospital protocol, has completed phlebotomy training through an educational entity providing such training, or has been properly trained by a current or former employer to draw blood; or (I) Physician assistant. (3) (A) Because the evidentiary nature of blood tests authorized and conducted under this section and § 55-10-408 are affected by timely collection, and to facilitate and encourage the timely collection of this evidence by hospitals and qualified practitioners pursuant to a search warrant or other court order: (i) A qualified practitioner shall withdraw the sample of blood as soon as practicable; provided, that collection of the sample does not jeopardize the operator's life; (ii) All qualified practitioners must be considered to be acting in good faith once presented with a search warrant or any other court order authorizing collection of a sample, and the sample is drawn as soon as practicable; (iii) Qualified practitioners shall not require the operator to provide any additional consent; and (iv) Qualified practitioners may use all reasonable force to obtain the sample of blood from the operator. (B) This subdivision (e)(3) does not affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of an analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood sample based on a delay in the collection of the sample.
(1) (A) If blood tests of the operator of a motor vehicle are authorized pursuant to this section, a qualified practitioner who, acting at the written request of a law enforcement officer, withdraws blood from an operator for the purpose of conducting tests to determine the alcohol or drug content in an operator's blood, will not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawing of the blood, except for any damages that may result from the negligence of the person so withdrawing. (B) Neither the hospital nor other employer of a qualified practitioner listed in subdivision (e)(2) will incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any operator, except in the case of negligence.
(A) If blood tests of the operator of a motor vehicle are authorized pursuant to this section, a qualified practitioner who, acting at the written request of a law enforcement officer, withdraws blood from an operator for the purpose of conducting tests to determine the alcohol or drug content in an operator's blood, will not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawing of the blood, except for any damages that may result from the negligence of the person so withdrawing.
(B) Neither the hospital nor other employer of a qualified practitioner listed in subdivision (e)(2) will incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any operator, except in the case of negligence.
(2) For purposes of this section, a "qualified practitioner" is a: (A) Physician; (B) Registered nurse; (C) Licensed practical nurse; (D) Clinical laboratory technician; (E) Licensed paramedic; (F) Licensed emergency medical technician approved to establish intravenous catheters; (G) Technologist; (H) A trained phlebotomist who is operating under a hospital protocol, has completed phlebotomy training through an educational entity providing such training, or has been properly trained by a current or former employer to draw blood; or (I) Physician assistant.
(A) Physician;
(B) Registered nurse;
(C) Licensed practical nurse;
(D) Clinical laboratory technician;
(E) Licensed paramedic;
(F) Licensed emergency medical technician approved to establish intravenous catheters;
(G) Technologist;
(H) A trained phlebotomist who is operating under a hospital protocol, has completed phlebotomy training through an educational entity providing such training, or has been properly trained by a current or former employer to draw blood; or
(I) Physician assistant.
(3) (A) Because the evidentiary nature of blood tests authorized and conducted under this section and § 55-10-408 are affected by timely collection, and to facilitate and encourage the timely collection of this evidence by hospitals and qualified practitioners pursuant to a search warrant or other court order: (i) A qualified practitioner shall withdraw the sample of blood as soon as practicable; provided, that collection of the sample does not jeopardize the operator's life; (ii) All qualified practitioners must be considered to be acting in good faith once presented with a search warrant or any other court order authorizing collection of a sample, and the sample is drawn as soon as practicable; (iii) Qualified practitioners shall not require the operator to provide any additional consent; and (iv) Qualified practitioners may use all reasonable force to obtain the sample of blood from the operator. (B) This subdivision (e)(3) does not affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of an analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood sample based on a delay in the collection of the sample.
(A) Because the evidentiary nature of blood tests authorized and conducted under this section and § 55-10-408 are affected by timely collection, and to facilitate and encourage the timely collection of this evidence by hospitals and qualified practitioners pursuant to a search warrant or other court order: (i) A qualified practitioner shall withdraw the sample of blood as soon as practicable; provided, that collection of the sample does not jeopardize the operator's life; (ii) All qualified practitioners must be considered to be acting in good faith once presented with a search warrant or any other court order authorizing collection of a sample, and the sample is drawn as soon as practicable; (iii) Qualified practitioners shall not require the operator to provide any additional consent; and (iv) Qualified practitioners may use all reasonable force to obtain the sample of blood from the operator.
(i) A qualified practitioner shall withdraw the sample of blood as soon as practicable; provided, that collection of the sample does not jeopardize the operator's life;
(ii) All qualified practitioners must be considered to be acting in good faith once presented with a search warrant or any other court order authorizing collection of a sample, and the sample is drawn as soon as practicable;
(iii) Qualified practitioners shall not require the operator to provide any additional consent; and
(iv) Qualified practitioners may use all reasonable force to obtain the sample of blood from the operator.
(B) This subdivision (e)(3) does not affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of an analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the operator's blood sample based on a delay in the collection of the sample.
(f) Any operator who is unconscious as a result of a collision, is unconscious at the time of arrest or apprehension, or is otherwise in a condition rendering the operator incapable of refusal, shall not be subjected to blood tests unless law enforcement has obtained a search warrant or exigent circumstance exceptions to a search warrant apply.
(g) Provided probable cause exists for criminal prosecution for any of the offenses specified in subsection (a), nothing in this section affects the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of any analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that was not compelled by law enforcement but was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment. The results of any testing of the blood sample that was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment must be recorded and memorialized in the defendant's medical records and must be provided upon service of a search warrant, judicial subpoena, or other court order. Any residual portion of the blood sample that was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment after the testing provided by the hospital or qualified medical practitioner must be provided as soon as practicable to a law enforcement officer upon service of a search warrant or other court order.
(h) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for vehicular assault under § 39-13-106 , vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2) , aggravated vehicular assault under § 39-13-115 , or aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218 , of any analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that has been obtained in accordance with this section and tested according to § 55-10-408 .
(i) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for any of the offenses set out in subsection (a), of any analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that has been obtained by consent and tested according to § 55-10-408 .
(j) The results of blood tests or breath tests authorized and conducted in accordance with this section and § 55-10-408 : (1) Shall be reported in writing by the person making the analysis, shall have noted on the report the time at which the sample analyzed was obtained from the operator, and shall be made available to the operator, upon request; and (2) Shall be admissible in evidence at the trial of any person charged with an offense specified in subsection (a).
(1) Shall be reported in writing by the person making the analysis, shall have noted on the report the time at which the sample analyzed was obtained from the operator, and shall be made available to the operator, upon request; and
(2) Shall be admissible in evidence at the trial of any person charged with an offense specified in subsection (a).
(k) The fact that a law enforcement officer failed to request that the operator charged with an offense specified in subsection (a) submit to blood or breath tests is admissible as evidence at the trial of the charged offense.
(l) As used in this section, "operator" means any person driving or in physical control of any automobile or other motor-driven vehicle as described and prohibited by § 55-10-401 .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 892,s 4, eff. 5/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 892,s 3, eff. 5/1/2024.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 187, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4, s 5, s 6, s 7, s 8, s 9 eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 187, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 304, s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876, s 6, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 6, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1969, ch. 292, § 2; 1970, ch. 427, § 3; 1973, ch. 400, § 1; 1977, ch. 71, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1045; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 5; 1981, ch. 353, § 1; 1982, ch. 579, § 1; 1983, ch. 112, § 1; 1984, ch. 695, § 1; 1985, ch. 141, §§ 1, 3; 1987, ch. 318, §§ 1-4; 1988, ch. 840, § 1; 1993, ch. 390, § 1; 1995, ch. 355, § 1; 1996, ch. 911, § 1; 1998, ch. 986, § 2; 1998, ch. 1046, § 8; 2000, ch. 602, § 1; 2000, ch. 842, § 1; 2000, ch. 952, §§ 1, 2; 2001, ch. 110, § 1; 2002, ch. 855, § 8; 2004, ch. 626, § 1; 2005, ch. 483, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 957, § 1; 2009 , ch. 324, § 1; 2010 , ch. 921, § 10; 2010 , ch. 1096, §§ 1-4; 2011 , ch. 307, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 666, § 1; 2012 , ch. 892, § 1; 2012, ch. 1040, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-311
Learner permit - Intermediate license - Fees - Restrictions - Penalties - Application - Parental notification
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Any person who is fifteen (15) years of age or older, who has successfully passed the standard written test and visual examination for applicants of a state automotive license, and who has the written approval of the person's parent or legal guardian may be issued a learner permit by the department of safety. A learner permit shall allow the person to operate a motor vehicle whenever the person is accompanied by a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and is licensed to operate a motor vehicle. A person with a learner permit shall not operate a motor vehicle from ten o'clock p.m. (10:00 p.m.) to six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.). (2) In addition to any other fees authorized by this chapter for the issuance of a learner permit, any person issued a learner permit under this section shall pay a five-dollar learner permit fee. (b) (1) A person may be issued an intermediate driver license if the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and has: (A) Passed a driver license examination pursuant to § 55-50-322 ; (B) Had a learner permit pursuant to subsection (a), or its equivalent from another state, for not less than one hundred eighty (180) days; (C) Not accumulated six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 during the one-hundred-eighty day period immediately preceding application; (D) Presented certification by a parent, legal guardian or licensed instructor that the person has accumulated a minimum of fifty (50) hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of ten (10) hours driving experience at night; and (E) Successfully demonstrated the person's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of an automobile. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a person may be issued an intermediate driver license if the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and has been licensed to drive in another state for at least ninety (90) days. (3) In addition to any other fees authorized by this chapter for the issuance of an intermediate driver license, any person issued an intermediate driver license under this section shall pay a five-dollar intermediate driver license fee. (c) (1) The intermediate driver license issued pursuant to this section shall be a regular Class D license; provided, that the word "INTERMEDIATE" is prominently printed thereon. (2) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a driver may apply for an unrestricted driver license one (1) year after receiving an intermediate driver license. All restrictions on vehicle operation pursuant to subsection (e) shall remain in full effect until the time successful application is made to the department for an unrestricted driver license. Upon successful application, the department shall have in place a procedure noting that the intermediate restrictions have been removed. (3) Upon attaining eighteen (18) years of age, any licensee may obtain a license without the word "INTERMEDIATE" as required in subdivision (c)(1) by paying the fee for a duplicate license. However, no person shall be required to obtain the duplicate license, until the license expires. (d) The department shall promulgate certificates to be completed by a driver with a valid unrestricted driver license pursuant to subdivision (b)(1)(D). For the purposes of issuing an intermediate driver license, the department shall only accept certificates promulgated by the department for this purpose. (e) (1) A person issued an intermediate driver license shall not operate a motor vehicle from eleven o'clock p.m. (11:00 p.m.) to six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) unless: (A) Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; (B) Accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one (21) years of age or older, designated by the parent or legal guardian; (C) Driving to or from scheduled specifically-identified school-sponsored activities and events, if the driver has in the driver's possession written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the driver to go to or from the specifically-identified scheduled school-sponsored activities and events; (D) Driving to or from full, or part-time employment, if the driver possesses written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian identifying the location of employment and authorizing the driver to go to or from the employment; or (E) Driving to or from hunting or fishing between the hours of four o'clock a.m. (4:00 a.m.) and six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) and in possession of a valid hunting or fishing license. (2) In addition to subdivision (e)(1), a person issued an intermediate driver license shall not operate a motor vehicle with more than one (1) passenger in the motor vehicle unless: (A) One (1) or more of the passengers are twenty-one (21) years of age or older and possess a valid unrestricted driver license; or (B) The additional passengers are brothers, sisters, stepbrothers or stepsisters of the driver, including adopted or foster children residing in the same household of the driver, and the driver has in the driver's possession a letter from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the passengers to be in the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of going to or from school. (f) (1) If the driver accumulates six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 after the issuance of an intermediate driver license, the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license. (2) (A) Upon receipt of a motor vehicle accident report in which a person with an intermediate driver license is determined to have contributed to the occurrence of an accident, or a second safety belt violation pursuant to § 55-9-603 , the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional period of ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license. (B) If the department receives notification of such conviction after successful application for an unrestricted driver license has been made, the department has the authority to suspend the license for ninety (90) days and may reissue the driver an intermediate driver license for this period. (3) Upon a second conviction for a moving violation, a person shall complete a certified driver education course before the person is eligible to obtain an unrestricted driver license. (g) In addition to any other penalty, a fine of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be imposed upon conviction for a violation of this section. (h) Any driver who has a forged or fraudulent letter or other written statement of approval shall be in violation of this chapter and shall, upon conviction, have the driver's intermediate driver license revoked and be issued a learner permit until the driver reaches eighteen (18) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, the driver may apply for an unrestricted license if the driver meets all of the other requirements of this chapter. (i) (1) This section shall not apply to any person under eighteen (18) years of age who has graduated from high school. A person under eighteen (18) years of age who has graduated from high school may, if the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, obtain an unrestricted license. (2) This section shall not apply to any person eighteen (18) years of age or older. A person eighteen (18) years of age or older may, if the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, obtain an unrestricted license. (j) The court in which a conviction is entered for a moving violation or a second safety belt violation pursuant to § 55-9-603 shall send notification of the conviction to the designated parent or legal guardian of a person with a learner permit or intermediate driver license. (k) The intermediate driver license issued to a person shall be of the same type issued to all qualified drivers within this state and shall be valid for a similar number of years; provided, that the word "INTERMEDIATE" shall be prominently printed on the front thereof. The commissioner shall determine the appropriate placement and size of the "INTERMEDIATE" restriction. (l) The commissioner shall, upon receiving an accident report of an accident occurring in this state that has resulted in death, and upon determining that an operator has either contributed to the occurrence of an accident or that there has been an adjudication against or a conviction against an operator who has an intermediate driver license, revoke the license of the operator and shall issue to the operator a learner permit. The operator shall retain a learner permit until the operator reaches eighteen (18) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, a driver can apply for an unrestricted driver license. (m) Any driver who, upon conviction of 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 shall be in violation of this chapter and shall have the driver's intermediate license revoked and shall be issued a learner permit until the driver reaches eighteen (18) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, the driver may apply for an unrestricted license, if the driver meets all of the other requirements of this chapter. For the purposes of this section, a motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving. (n) (1) No driver possessing a learner permit or intermediate driver license pursuant to this section shall operate a motor vehicle in motion on any highway while using a hand-held cellular telephone, cellular car telephone, or other mobile telephone. (2) A violation of this subsection (n) is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only as follows: (A) A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00); and (B) The driver shall be ineligible to apply for an intermediate or unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license type. (3) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this subsection (n), which must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, that the driver's use of a hand-held cellular or cellular car telephone was necessitated by a bona fide emergency. The use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle by any driver who is eighteen (18) years of age or less to communicate with the person's custodial parents shall be deemed a bona fide emergency and shall not be a violation of this subsection (n). Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.11 (Williams, § 2715.16); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 2; 1957, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 209, § 1; 1959, ch. 272, § 1; 1967, ch. 238, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 162, § 3; Acts 1972, ch. 467, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 82, § 1; 1976, ch. 841, § 1; 1977, ch. 90, § 1; 1977, ch. 189, § 2; 1978, ch. 643, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 247, §§ 5, 8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-704; Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 7; 1987, ch. 446, § 11; 1988, ch. 584, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-104 , 55-7-311; Acts 1996, ch. 802, § 4; 2000, ch. 700, §§ 1, 2, 4, 5; 2001, ch. 200, §§ 1 - 4; 2003, ch. 365, § 1; 2005, ch. 209, § 2; 2005, ch. 236, § 1.
(a) (1) Any person who is fifteen (15) years of age or older, who has successfully passed the standard written test and visual examination for applicants of a state automotive license, and who has the written approval of the person's parent or legal guardian may be issued a learner permit by the department of safety. A learner permit shall allow the person to operate a motor vehicle whenever the person is accompanied by a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and is licensed to operate a motor vehicle. A person with a learner permit shall not operate a motor vehicle from ten o'clock p.m. (10:00 p.m.) to six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.). (2) In addition to any other fees authorized by this chapter for the issuance of a learner permit, any person issued a learner permit under this section shall pay a five-dollar learner permit fee.
(1) Any person who is fifteen (15) years of age or older, who has successfully passed the standard written test and visual examination for applicants of a state automotive license, and who has the written approval of the person's parent or legal guardian may be issued a learner permit by the department of safety. A learner permit shall allow the person to operate a motor vehicle whenever the person is accompanied by a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and is licensed to operate a motor vehicle. A person with a learner permit shall not operate a motor vehicle from ten o'clock p.m. (10:00 p.m.) to six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.).
(2) In addition to any other fees authorized by this chapter for the issuance of a learner permit, any person issued a learner permit under this section shall pay a five-dollar learner permit fee.
(b) (1) A person may be issued an intermediate driver license if the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and has: (A) Passed a driver license examination pursuant to § 55-50-322 ; (B) Had a learner permit pursuant to subsection (a), or its equivalent from another state, for not less than one hundred eighty (180) days; (C) Not accumulated six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 during the one-hundred-eighty day period immediately preceding application; (D) Presented certification by a parent, legal guardian or licensed instructor that the person has accumulated a minimum of fifty (50) hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of ten (10) hours driving experience at night; and (E) Successfully demonstrated the person's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of an automobile. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a person may be issued an intermediate driver license if the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and has been licensed to drive in another state for at least ninety (90) days. (3) In addition to any other fees authorized by this chapter for the issuance of an intermediate driver license, any person issued an intermediate driver license under this section shall pay a five-dollar intermediate driver license fee.
(1) A person may be issued an intermediate driver license if the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and has: (A) Passed a driver license examination pursuant to § 55-50-322 ; (B) Had a learner permit pursuant to subsection (a), or its equivalent from another state, for not less than one hundred eighty (180) days; (C) Not accumulated six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 during the one-hundred-eighty day period immediately preceding application; (D) Presented certification by a parent, legal guardian or licensed instructor that the person has accumulated a minimum of fifty (50) hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of ten (10) hours driving experience at night; and (E) Successfully demonstrated the person's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of an automobile.
(A) Passed a driver license examination pursuant to § 55-50-322 ;
(B) Had a learner permit pursuant to subsection (a), or its equivalent from another state, for not less than one hundred eighty (180) days;
(C) Not accumulated six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 during the one-hundred-eighty day period immediately preceding application;
(D) Presented certification by a parent, legal guardian or licensed instructor that the person has accumulated a minimum of fifty (50) hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of ten (10) hours driving experience at night; and
(E) Successfully demonstrated the person's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of an automobile.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a person may be issued an intermediate driver license if the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and has been licensed to drive in another state for at least ninety (90) days.
(3) In addition to any other fees authorized by this chapter for the issuance of an intermediate driver license, any person issued an intermediate driver license under this section shall pay a five-dollar intermediate driver license fee.
(c) (1) The intermediate driver license issued pursuant to this section shall be a regular Class D license; provided, that the word "INTERMEDIATE" is prominently printed thereon. (2) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a driver may apply for an unrestricted driver license one (1) year after receiving an intermediate driver license. All restrictions on vehicle operation pursuant to subsection (e) shall remain in full effect until the time successful application is made to the department for an unrestricted driver license. Upon successful application, the department shall have in place a procedure noting that the intermediate restrictions have been removed. (3) Upon attaining eighteen (18) years of age, any licensee may obtain a license without the word "INTERMEDIATE" as required in subdivision (c)(1) by paying the fee for a duplicate license. However, no person shall be required to obtain the duplicate license, until the license expires.
(1) The intermediate driver license issued pursuant to this section shall be a regular Class D license; provided, that the word "INTERMEDIATE" is prominently printed thereon.
(2) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a driver may apply for an unrestricted driver license one (1) year after receiving an intermediate driver license. All restrictions on vehicle operation pursuant to subsection (e) shall remain in full effect until the time successful application is made to the department for an unrestricted driver license. Upon successful application, the department shall have in place a procedure noting that the intermediate restrictions have been removed.
(3) Upon attaining eighteen (18) years of age, any licensee may obtain a license without the word "INTERMEDIATE" as required in subdivision (c)(1) by paying the fee for a duplicate license. However, no person shall be required to obtain the duplicate license, until the license expires.
(d) The department shall promulgate certificates to be completed by a driver with a valid unrestricted driver license pursuant to subdivision (b)(1)(D). For the purposes of issuing an intermediate driver license, the department shall only accept certificates promulgated by the department for this purpose.
(e) (1) A person issued an intermediate driver license shall not operate a motor vehicle from eleven o'clock p.m. (11:00 p.m.) to six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) unless: (A) Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; (B) Accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one (21) years of age or older, designated by the parent or legal guardian; (C) Driving to or from scheduled specifically-identified school-sponsored activities and events, if the driver has in the driver's possession written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the driver to go to or from the specifically-identified scheduled school-sponsored activities and events; (D) Driving to or from full, or part-time employment, if the driver possesses written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian identifying the location of employment and authorizing the driver to go to or from the employment; or (E) Driving to or from hunting or fishing between the hours of four o'clock a.m. (4:00 a.m.) and six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) and in possession of a valid hunting or fishing license. (2) In addition to subdivision (e)(1), a person issued an intermediate driver license shall not operate a motor vehicle with more than one (1) passenger in the motor vehicle unless: (A) One (1) or more of the passengers are twenty-one (21) years of age or older and possess a valid unrestricted driver license; or (B) The additional passengers are brothers, sisters, stepbrothers or stepsisters of the driver, including adopted or foster children residing in the same household of the driver, and the driver has in the driver's possession a letter from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the passengers to be in the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of going to or from school.
(1) A person issued an intermediate driver license shall not operate a motor vehicle from eleven o'clock p.m. (11:00 p.m.) to six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) unless: (A) Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; (B) Accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one (21) years of age or older, designated by the parent or legal guardian; (C) Driving to or from scheduled specifically-identified school-sponsored activities and events, if the driver has in the driver's possession written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the driver to go to or from the specifically-identified scheduled school-sponsored activities and events; (D) Driving to or from full, or part-time employment, if the driver possesses written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian identifying the location of employment and authorizing the driver to go to or from the employment; or (E) Driving to or from hunting or fishing between the hours of four o'clock a.m. (4:00 a.m.) and six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) and in possession of a valid hunting or fishing license.
(A) Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian;
(B) Accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one (21) years of age or older, designated by the parent or legal guardian;
(C) Driving to or from scheduled specifically-identified school-sponsored activities and events, if the driver has in the driver's possession written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the driver to go to or from the specifically-identified scheduled school-sponsored activities and events;
(D) Driving to or from full, or part-time employment, if the driver possesses written permission from the driver's parent or legal guardian identifying the location of employment and authorizing the driver to go to or from the employment; or
(E) Driving to or from hunting or fishing between the hours of four o'clock a.m. (4:00 a.m.) and six o'clock a.m. (6:00 a.m.) and in possession of a valid hunting or fishing license.
(2) In addition to subdivision (e)(1), a person issued an intermediate driver license shall not operate a motor vehicle with more than one (1) passenger in the motor vehicle unless: (A) One (1) or more of the passengers are twenty-one (21) years of age or older and possess a valid unrestricted driver license; or (B) The additional passengers are brothers, sisters, stepbrothers or stepsisters of the driver, including adopted or foster children residing in the same household of the driver, and the driver has in the driver's possession a letter from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the passengers to be in the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of going to or from school.
(A) One (1) or more of the passengers are twenty-one (21) years of age or older and possess a valid unrestricted driver license; or
(B) The additional passengers are brothers, sisters, stepbrothers or stepsisters of the driver, including adopted or foster children residing in the same household of the driver, and the driver has in the driver's possession a letter from the driver's parent or legal guardian authorizing the passengers to be in the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of going to or from school.
(f) (1) If the driver accumulates six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 after the issuance of an intermediate driver license, the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license. (2) (A) Upon receipt of a motor vehicle accident report in which a person with an intermediate driver license is determined to have contributed to the occurrence of an accident, or a second safety belt violation pursuant to § 55-9-603 , the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional period of ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license. (B) If the department receives notification of such conviction after successful application for an unrestricted driver license has been made, the department has the authority to suspend the license for ninety (90) days and may reissue the driver an intermediate driver license for this period. (3) Upon a second conviction for a moving violation, a person shall complete a certified driver education course before the person is eligible to obtain an unrestricted driver license.
(1) If the driver accumulates six (6) or more points pursuant to the driver improvement program established in § 55-50-505 after the issuance of an intermediate driver license, the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license.
(2) (A) Upon receipt of a motor vehicle accident report in which a person with an intermediate driver license is determined to have contributed to the occurrence of an accident, or a second safety belt violation pursuant to § 55-9-603 , the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional period of ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license. (B) If the department receives notification of such conviction after successful application for an unrestricted driver license has been made, the department has the authority to suspend the license for ninety (90) days and may reissue the driver an intermediate driver license for this period.
(A) Upon receipt of a motor vehicle accident report in which a person with an intermediate driver license is determined to have contributed to the occurrence of an accident, or a second safety belt violation pursuant to § 55-9-603 , the driver shall be ineligible to apply for an unrestricted driver license for an additional period of ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license.
(B) If the department receives notification of such conviction after successful application for an unrestricted driver license has been made, the department has the authority to suspend the license for ninety (90) days and may reissue the driver an intermediate driver license for this period.
(3) Upon a second conviction for a moving violation, a person shall complete a certified driver education course before the person is eligible to obtain an unrestricted driver license.
(g) In addition to any other penalty, a fine of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be imposed upon conviction for a violation of this section.
(h) Any driver who has a forged or fraudulent letter or other written statement of approval shall be in violation of this chapter and shall, upon conviction, have the driver's intermediate driver license revoked and be issued a learner permit until the driver reaches eighteen (18) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, the driver may apply for an unrestricted license if the driver meets all of the other requirements of this chapter.
(i) (1) This section shall not apply to any person under eighteen (18) years of age who has graduated from high school. A person under eighteen (18) years of age who has graduated from high school may, if the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, obtain an unrestricted license. (2) This section shall not apply to any person eighteen (18) years of age or older. A person eighteen (18) years of age or older may, if the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, obtain an unrestricted license.
(1) This section shall not apply to any person under eighteen (18) years of age who has graduated from high school. A person under eighteen (18) years of age who has graduated from high school may, if the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, obtain an unrestricted license.
(2) This section shall not apply to any person eighteen (18) years of age or older. A person eighteen (18) years of age or older may, if the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, obtain an unrestricted license.
(j) The court in which a conviction is entered for a moving violation or a second safety belt violation pursuant to § 55-9-603 shall send notification of the conviction to the designated parent or legal guardian of a person with a learner permit or intermediate driver license.
(k) The intermediate driver license issued to a person shall be of the same type issued to all qualified drivers within this state and shall be valid for a similar number of years; provided, that the word "INTERMEDIATE" shall be prominently printed on the front thereof. The commissioner shall determine the appropriate placement and size of the "INTERMEDIATE" restriction.
(l) The commissioner shall, upon receiving an accident report of an accident occurring in this state that has resulted in death, and upon determining that an operator has either contributed to the occurrence of an accident or that there has been an adjudication against or a conviction against an operator who has an intermediate driver license, revoke the license of the operator and shall issue to the operator a learner permit. The operator shall retain a learner permit until the operator reaches eighteen (18) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, a driver can apply for an unrestricted driver license.
(m) Any driver who, upon conviction of 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 shall be in violation of this chapter and shall have the driver's intermediate license revoked and shall be issued a learner permit until the driver reaches eighteen (18) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, the driver may apply for an unrestricted license, if the driver meets all of the other requirements of this chapter. For the purposes of this section, a motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
(n) (1) No driver possessing a learner permit or intermediate driver license pursuant to this section shall operate a motor vehicle in motion on any highway while using a hand-held cellular telephone, cellular car telephone, or other mobile telephone. (2) A violation of this subsection (n) is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only as follows: (A) A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00); and (B) The driver shall be ineligible to apply for an intermediate or unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license type. (3) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this subsection (n), which must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, that the driver's use of a hand-held cellular or cellular car telephone was necessitated by a bona fide emergency. The use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle by any driver who is eighteen (18) years of age or less to communicate with the person's custodial parents shall be deemed a bona fide emergency and shall not be a violation of this subsection (n).
(1) No driver possessing a learner permit or intermediate driver license pursuant to this section shall operate a motor vehicle in motion on any highway while using a hand-held cellular telephone, cellular car telephone, or other mobile telephone.
(2) A violation of this subsection (n) is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only as follows: (A) A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00); and (B) The driver shall be ineligible to apply for an intermediate or unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license type.
(A) A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00); and
(B) The driver shall be ineligible to apply for an intermediate or unrestricted driver license for an additional ninety (90) days from the time the driver would otherwise be eligible to obtain the license type.
(3) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this subsection (n), which must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, that the driver's use of a hand-held cellular or cellular car telephone was necessitated by a bona fide emergency. The use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle by any driver who is eighteen (18) years of age or less to communicate with the person's custodial parents shall be deemed a bona fide emergency and shall not be a violation of this subsection (n).
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.11 (Williams, § 2715.16); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 2; 1957, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 209, § 1; 1959, ch. 272, § 1; 1967, ch. 238, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 162, § 3; Acts 1972, ch. 467, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 82, § 1; 1976, ch. 841, § 1; 1977, ch. 90, § 1; 1977, ch. 189, § 2; 1978, ch. 643, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 247, §§ 5, 8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-704; Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 7; 1987, ch. 446, § 11; 1988, ch. 584, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-104 , 55-7-311; Acts 1996, ch. 802, § 4; 2000, ch. 700, §§ 1, 2, 4, 5; 2001, ch. 200, §§ 1 - 4; 2003, ch. 365, § 1; 2005, ch. 209, § 2; 2005, ch. 236, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-24-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 24 / Section 55-24-104
Leased vehicles - Refunds
Status: in_force

(a) In the case of a leased vehicle, refunds will be made to the lessor and lessee as follows: The lessee will receive the lessee cost and the lessor will receive the lease price less the aggregate deposit and rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle. (b) For purposes of this section: (1) "Lease price" means the aggregate of: (A) Lessor's actual purchase cost; (B) Freight, if applicable; (C) Accessories, if applicable; (D) Any fee paid to another to obtain the lease; and (E) An amount equal to five percent (5%) of subdivision (b)(1); (2) "Lessee cost" means the aggregate deposit and rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle less service fees; and (3) "Service fees" means the portion of a lease payment attributable to: (A) An amount for earned interest calculated on the rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle at an annual rate equal to two (2) points above the prime rate in effect on the date of the execution of the lease; and (B) Any insurance or other costs expended by the lessor for the benefit of the lessee. Acts 1986, ch. 857, § 4; T.C.A. § 55-24-204.
(a) In the case of a leased vehicle, refunds will be made to the lessor and lessee as follows: The lessee will receive the lessee cost and the lessor will receive the lease price less the aggregate deposit and rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle.
(b) For purposes of this section: (1) "Lease price" means the aggregate of: (A) Lessor's actual purchase cost; (B) Freight, if applicable; (C) Accessories, if applicable; (D) Any fee paid to another to obtain the lease; and (E) An amount equal to five percent (5%) of subdivision (b)(1); (2) "Lessee cost" means the aggregate deposit and rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle less service fees; and (3) "Service fees" means the portion of a lease payment attributable to: (A) An amount for earned interest calculated on the rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle at an annual rate equal to two (2) points above the prime rate in effect on the date of the execution of the lease; and (B) Any insurance or other costs expended by the lessor for the benefit of the lessee.
(1) "Lease price" means the aggregate of: (A) Lessor's actual purchase cost; (B) Freight, if applicable; (C) Accessories, if applicable; (D) Any fee paid to another to obtain the lease; and (E) An amount equal to five percent (5%) of subdivision (b)(1);
(A) Lessor's actual purchase cost;
(B) Freight, if applicable;
(C) Accessories, if applicable;
(D) Any fee paid to another to obtain the lease; and
(E) An amount equal to five percent (5%) of subdivision (b)(1);
(2) "Lessee cost" means the aggregate deposit and rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle less service fees; and
(3) "Service fees" means the portion of a lease payment attributable to: (A) An amount for earned interest calculated on the rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle at an annual rate equal to two (2) points above the prime rate in effect on the date of the execution of the lease; and (B) Any insurance or other costs expended by the lessor for the benefit of the lessee.
(A) An amount for earned interest calculated on the rental payments previously paid to the lessor for the leased vehicle at an annual rate equal to two (2) points above the prime rate in effect on the date of the execution of the lease; and
(B) Any insurance or other costs expended by the lessor for the benefit of the lessee.
Acts 1986, ch. 857, § 4; T.C.A. § 55-24-204.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-31-203 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 31 / Section 55-31-203
Local option
Status: in_force

(a) If, after the effective date of this act, a local government passes an ordinance specifically opting to be governed by this section, then the local government may permit a licensed parking lot, or a licensed parking attendant on the licensed parking lot's behalf, to boot or tow on the licensed parking lot; provided, that the ordinance complies with subsection (b). (b) A local ordinance passed pursuant to subsection (a) must, at a minimum: (1) Require the annual licensure of the commercial parking lot owner as a licensed parking lot and the issuance of a license number to the licensed parking lot; (2) Specify in the annual licensure pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) whether the licensure permits the licensed parking lot to boot, tow, or both boot and tow; (3) Require the annual licensure of any employee authorized by the licensed parking lot to boot or tow from the lot as a licensed parking attendant and issue a license number and photo identification from the local government to the licensed parking attendant; (4) Prohibit any person from booting or towing a motor vehicle on a licensed parking lot except by a licensed parking attendant licensed by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(3); (5) Require licensed parking attendants licensed pursuant to subdivision (b)(3) to: (A) Prominently display the photo identification issued by the local government on the licensed parking attendant's person at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on a licensed parking lot; and (B) Wear a distinctive uniform identifying the licensed parking attendant as an employee of the licensed parking lot at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on the licensed parking lot; (6) Require a licensed parking lot and licensed parking attendant to accept credit cards and debit cards as methods of payment for the removal of a vehicle immobilization device from a motor vehicle; (7) Require a licensed parking lot to maintain a phone number that is monitored by a natural person twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week; (8) Require a licensed parking lot to post signage in conspicuous locations on the property bearing notice: (A) That the parking policy for the property is strictly enforced; (B) That a violator's vehicle will be: (i) Immobilized with a vehicle immobilization device with the owner of the vehicle having to pay to have the device removed, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (ii) Towed at the owner's expense, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); or (iii) Both, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot and tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (C) Of the name of the licensed parking lot, the licensed parking lot registration number issued by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), and the phone number required by subdivision (b)(7); and (D) That this chapter protects consumers from booting and towing violations and that violations may be reported to the attorney general and reporter and the phone number for the enforcement division of the local government; (9) Require that the signage required by subdivision (b)(8) be no less than thirty-six inches (36") in height and twenty-four inches (24") in width and contain lettering that is no less than two inches (2") in height and be located at each designated entrance to the property where parking prohibitions are to be effective, if a dedicated entrance to the licensed parking lot exists, and be erected so as to be clearly visible from each parking space; (10) Require that immediately upon booting a vehicle, the licensed parking attendant must place a notice conspicuously displayed on the driver's side window of the motor vehicle immediately in front of the driver's seat indicating: (A) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device; (B) The information in subdivisions (b)(8)(C) and (D); (C) The name, license number issued by the local government, and direct contact number for the licensed parking attendant who has booted the motor vehicle; and (D) The date and time that the vehicle immobilization device was installed on the motor vehicle; (11) Require a licensed parking lot to pay for any damage done to a motor vehicle if the notice required by subdivision (b)(10) is not posted; (12) Require a licensed parking lot to have a licensed parking attendant arrive at the licensed parking lot within forty-five (45) minutes of a call requesting the removal of a vehicle immobilization device and immediately remove the device upon satisfactory payment of any parking fee and vehicle immobilization device removal fee; (13) Prohibit a licensed parking lot from charging a vehicle immobilization device removal fee of greater than seventy-five dollars ($75.00); (14) Prohibit a licensed parking lot from charging any fee to remove a vehicle immobilization device to a person who had paid to park and who was improperly booted by the licensed parking lot or a licensed parking attendant; (15) Provide for the revocation of any license issued pursuant to the ordinance for violations of the ordinance or this chapter; and (16) Require that all active parking rates must be available online and provided to consumers digitally at the licensed parking lot. (c) This section does not prohibit a local government from passing an ordinance with requirements that are stricter than the minimum requirements in subsection (b). (d) This section does not prohibit a local government from booting a motor vehicle that is located on public property; provided, that if the local government boots a motor vehicle on public property, then the local government must immediately, upon booting the motor vehicle, place a notice conspicuously displayed on the driver's side window of the motor vehicle immediately in front of the driver's seat indicating: (1) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device; (2) The name of the local government official who booted the motor vehicle; (3) The date and time the motor vehicle was booted; and (4) The contact number the owner of the motor vehicle must call to have the vehicle immobilization device removed from the vehicle. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
(a) If, after the effective date of this act, a local government passes an ordinance specifically opting to be governed by this section, then the local government may permit a licensed parking lot, or a licensed parking attendant on the licensed parking lot's behalf, to boot or tow on the licensed parking lot; provided, that the ordinance complies with subsection (b).
(b) A local ordinance passed pursuant to subsection (a) must, at a minimum: (1) Require the annual licensure of the commercial parking lot owner as a licensed parking lot and the issuance of a license number to the licensed parking lot; (2) Specify in the annual licensure pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) whether the licensure permits the licensed parking lot to boot, tow, or both boot and tow; (3) Require the annual licensure of any employee authorized by the licensed parking lot to boot or tow from the lot as a licensed parking attendant and issue a license number and photo identification from the local government to the licensed parking attendant; (4) Prohibit any person from booting or towing a motor vehicle on a licensed parking lot except by a licensed parking attendant licensed by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(3); (5) Require licensed parking attendants licensed pursuant to subdivision (b)(3) to: (A) Prominently display the photo identification issued by the local government on the licensed parking attendant's person at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on a licensed parking lot; and (B) Wear a distinctive uniform identifying the licensed parking attendant as an employee of the licensed parking lot at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on the licensed parking lot; (6) Require a licensed parking lot and licensed parking attendant to accept credit cards and debit cards as methods of payment for the removal of a vehicle immobilization device from a motor vehicle; (7) Require a licensed parking lot to maintain a phone number that is monitored by a natural person twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week; (8) Require a licensed parking lot to post signage in conspicuous locations on the property bearing notice: (A) That the parking policy for the property is strictly enforced; (B) That a violator's vehicle will be: (i) Immobilized with a vehicle immobilization device with the owner of the vehicle having to pay to have the device removed, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (ii) Towed at the owner's expense, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); or (iii) Both, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot and tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (C) Of the name of the licensed parking lot, the licensed parking lot registration number issued by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), and the phone number required by subdivision (b)(7); and (D) That this chapter protects consumers from booting and towing violations and that violations may be reported to the attorney general and reporter and the phone number for the enforcement division of the local government; (9) Require that the signage required by subdivision (b)(8) be no less than thirty-six inches (36") in height and twenty-four inches (24") in width and contain lettering that is no less than two inches (2") in height and be located at each designated entrance to the property where parking prohibitions are to be effective, if a dedicated entrance to the licensed parking lot exists, and be erected so as to be clearly visible from each parking space; (10) Require that immediately upon booting a vehicle, the licensed parking attendant must place a notice conspicuously displayed on the driver's side window of the motor vehicle immediately in front of the driver's seat indicating: (A) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device; (B) The information in subdivisions (b)(8)(C) and (D); (C) The name, license number issued by the local government, and direct contact number for the licensed parking attendant who has booted the motor vehicle; and (D) The date and time that the vehicle immobilization device was installed on the motor vehicle; (11) Require a licensed parking lot to pay for any damage done to a motor vehicle if the notice required by subdivision (b)(10) is not posted; (12) Require a licensed parking lot to have a licensed parking attendant arrive at the licensed parking lot within forty-five (45) minutes of a call requesting the removal of a vehicle immobilization device and immediately remove the device upon satisfactory payment of any parking fee and vehicle immobilization device removal fee; (13) Prohibit a licensed parking lot from charging a vehicle immobilization device removal fee of greater than seventy-five dollars ($75.00); (14) Prohibit a licensed parking lot from charging any fee to remove a vehicle immobilization device to a person who had paid to park and who was improperly booted by the licensed parking lot or a licensed parking attendant; (15) Provide for the revocation of any license issued pursuant to the ordinance for violations of the ordinance or this chapter; and (16) Require that all active parking rates must be available online and provided to consumers digitally at the licensed parking lot.
(1) Require the annual licensure of the commercial parking lot owner as a licensed parking lot and the issuance of a license number to the licensed parking lot;
(2) Specify in the annual licensure pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) whether the licensure permits the licensed parking lot to boot, tow, or both boot and tow;
(3) Require the annual licensure of any employee authorized by the licensed parking lot to boot or tow from the lot as a licensed parking attendant and issue a license number and photo identification from the local government to the licensed parking attendant;
(4) Prohibit any person from booting or towing a motor vehicle on a licensed parking lot except by a licensed parking attendant licensed by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(3);
(5) Require licensed parking attendants licensed pursuant to subdivision (b)(3) to: (A) Prominently display the photo identification issued by the local government on the licensed parking attendant's person at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on a licensed parking lot; and (B) Wear a distinctive uniform identifying the licensed parking attendant as an employee of the licensed parking lot at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on the licensed parking lot;
(A) Prominently display the photo identification issued by the local government on the licensed parking attendant's person at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on a licensed parking lot; and
(B) Wear a distinctive uniform identifying the licensed parking attendant as an employee of the licensed parking lot at all times when the licensed parking attendant is on duty and available to boot or tow a motor vehicle located on the licensed parking lot;
(6) Require a licensed parking lot and licensed parking attendant to accept credit cards and debit cards as methods of payment for the removal of a vehicle immobilization device from a motor vehicle;
(7) Require a licensed parking lot to maintain a phone number that is monitored by a natural person twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week;
(8) Require a licensed parking lot to post signage in conspicuous locations on the property bearing notice: (A) That the parking policy for the property is strictly enforced; (B) That a violator's vehicle will be: (i) Immobilized with a vehicle immobilization device with the owner of the vehicle having to pay to have the device removed, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (ii) Towed at the owner's expense, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); or (iii) Both, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot and tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (C) Of the name of the licensed parking lot, the licensed parking lot registration number issued by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), and the phone number required by subdivision (b)(7); and (D) That this chapter protects consumers from booting and towing violations and that violations may be reported to the attorney general and reporter and the phone number for the enforcement division of the local government;
(A) That the parking policy for the property is strictly enforced;
(B) That a violator's vehicle will be: (i) Immobilized with a vehicle immobilization device with the owner of the vehicle having to pay to have the device removed, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); (ii) Towed at the owner's expense, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); or (iii) Both, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot and tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2);
(i) Immobilized with a vehicle immobilization device with the owner of the vehicle having to pay to have the device removed, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2);
(ii) Towed at the owner's expense, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); or
(iii) Both, if the licensed parking lot has been licensed by the local government to boot and tow vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b)(2);
(C) Of the name of the licensed parking lot, the licensed parking lot registration number issued by the local government pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), and the phone number required by subdivision (b)(7); and
(D) That this chapter protects consumers from booting and towing violations and that violations may be reported to the attorney general and reporter and the phone number for the enforcement division of the local government;
(9) Require that the signage required by subdivision (b)(8) be no less than thirty-six inches (36") in height and twenty-four inches (24") in width and contain lettering that is no less than two inches (2") in height and be located at each designated entrance to the property where parking prohibitions are to be effective, if a dedicated entrance to the licensed parking lot exists, and be erected so as to be clearly visible from each parking space;
(10) Require that immediately upon booting a vehicle, the licensed parking attendant must place a notice conspicuously displayed on the driver's side window of the motor vehicle immediately in front of the driver's seat indicating: (A) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device; (B) The information in subdivisions (b)(8)(C) and (D); (C) The name, license number issued by the local government, and direct contact number for the licensed parking attendant who has booted the motor vehicle; and (D) The date and time that the vehicle immobilization device was installed on the motor vehicle;
(A) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device;
(B) The information in subdivisions (b)(8)(C) and (D);
(C) The name, license number issued by the local government, and direct contact number for the licensed parking attendant who has booted the motor vehicle; and
(D) The date and time that the vehicle immobilization device was installed on the motor vehicle;
(11) Require a licensed parking lot to pay for any damage done to a motor vehicle if the notice required by subdivision (b)(10) is not posted;
(12) Require a licensed parking lot to have a licensed parking attendant arrive at the licensed parking lot within forty-five (45) minutes of a call requesting the removal of a vehicle immobilization device and immediately remove the device upon satisfactory payment of any parking fee and vehicle immobilization device removal fee;
(13) Prohibit a licensed parking lot from charging a vehicle immobilization device removal fee of greater than seventy-five dollars ($75.00);
(14) Prohibit a licensed parking lot from charging any fee to remove a vehicle immobilization device to a person who had paid to park and who was improperly booted by the licensed parking lot or a licensed parking attendant;
(15) Provide for the revocation of any license issued pursuant to the ordinance for violations of the ordinance or this chapter; and
(16) Require that all active parking rates must be available online and provided to consumers digitally at the licensed parking lot.
(c) This section does not prohibit a local government from passing an ordinance with requirements that are stricter than the minimum requirements in subsection (b).
(d) This section does not prohibit a local government from booting a motor vehicle that is located on public property; provided, that if the local government boots a motor vehicle on public property, then the local government must immediately, upon booting the motor vehicle, place a notice conspicuously displayed on the driver's side window of the motor vehicle immediately in front of the driver's seat indicating: (1) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device; (2) The name of the local government official who booted the motor vehicle; (3) The date and time the motor vehicle was booted; and (4) The contact number the owner of the motor vehicle must call to have the vehicle immobilization device removed from the vehicle.
(1) That a vehicle immobilization device has been installed on the motor vehicle and that damage could occur if the vehicle is moved without first removing the vehicle immobilization device;
(2) The name of the local government official who booted the motor vehicle;
(3) The date and time the motor vehicle was booted; and
(4) The contact number the owner of the motor vehicle must call to have the vehicle immobilization device removed from the vehicle.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-428 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-428
Establishment of advisory task force to review impaired driving and boating in Tennessee - Task force composition - Report of findings
Status: in_force

(a) (1) No later than September 1, 2024, the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall establish an advisory task force to review impaired driving and boating in Tennessee. (2) The task force shall be composed of twelve (12) members, six (6) members to be appointed by the speaker of the senate and six (6) members to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. (3) The task force shall study current levels of impaired driving in this state and ways to reduce impaired driving, repeat offenders, and underage offenders. (b) (1) The task force may request and receive assistance from any department, agency, or entity of state government, upon request from the chair. (2) The task force shall invite members of the community who have relevant knowledge to testify before the task force. (c) The task force is directed to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any suggested legislation, to the general assembly and the governor no later than December 1, 2025. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 961,s 2, eff. 5/9/2024.
(a) (1) No later than September 1, 2024, the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall establish an advisory task force to review impaired driving and boating in Tennessee. (2) The task force shall be composed of twelve (12) members, six (6) members to be appointed by the speaker of the senate and six (6) members to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. (3) The task force shall study current levels of impaired driving in this state and ways to reduce impaired driving, repeat offenders, and underage offenders.
(1) No later than September 1, 2024, the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall establish an advisory task force to review impaired driving and boating in Tennessee.
(2) The task force shall be composed of twelve (12) members, six (6) members to be appointed by the speaker of the senate and six (6) members to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(3) The task force shall study current levels of impaired driving in this state and ways to reduce impaired driving, repeat offenders, and underage offenders.
(b) (1) The task force may request and receive assistance from any department, agency, or entity of state government, upon request from the chair. (2) The task force shall invite members of the community who have relevant knowledge to testify before the task force.
(1) The task force may request and receive assistance from any department, agency, or entity of state government, upon request from the chair.
(2) The task force shall invite members of the community who have relevant knowledge to testify before the task force.
(c) The task force is directed to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any suggested legislation, to the general assembly and the governor no later than December 1, 2025.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 961,s 2, eff. 5/9/2024.