Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-113 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-113
Registration taxes for freight motor vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) The registration taxes for trucks and truck tractors shall be: (1) Private Carriers and Public Household Goods Carriers. Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , so designated and used only for the transportation of equipment that is mounted thereon may be registered at a rate of twenty-five percent (25%) of the tax schedules set forth in subdivision (a)(2); (2) Private Carriers, Public Carriers and Household Goods Carriers. Every person, firm or corporation operating, for commercial purposes, a freight motor vehicle over the roads of the state shall first register the vehicle with the department and shall pay a tax as follows, according to the indicated classes set forth in this subdivision (a)(2): (A) Class 1 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, of not more than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ $ 68.50 (B) Class 2 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 122.50 (C) Class 3 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 327.50 (D) Class 4 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 481.00 (E) Class 5 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 635.00 (F) Class 6 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 711.00 (G) Class 7 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of forty-four thousand pounds (44,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 788.00 (H) Class 8 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of fifty-five thousand pounds (55,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 942.00 (I) Class 9 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1019.00 (J) Class 10 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 1,198.50 (K) Class 11 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1,352.50 (L) Class 12 Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , may be registered at twenty-five percent (25%) of the rate set forth in this subdivision (a)(2) for a vehicle of comparable weight; (3) Combined Farm and Limited Private Trucks. (A) Motor vehicles used exclusively for the movement of farm products for the grower from the point of production to the first market, or operated as farm trucks, or as a logging and lumbering truck as defined in subdivision (a)(3)(C), or as the owner's private conveyance, transporting only tangible personal property belonging to the owner or a guest occupant, shall be classified by the commissioner and registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at the following taxes in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1): Class 1 .................................... $ 39.53 Class 2 .................................... $ 56.30 Class 3 .................................... $ 128.90 Class 4 .................................... $ 160.80 Class 5 .................................... $ 207.00 Class 6 .................................... $ 237.80 Class 7 .................................... $ 262.00 Class 8 .................................... $ 317.00 Class 9 .................................... $ 363.20 Class 10 .................................... $ 420.40 Class 11 .................................... $ 561.20 (B) There shall not be eligible for registration under this exception to the general licensing provisions any motor vehicles operated commercially as part of a business venture or for delivery service to customers by dairies, hatcheries, pharmacies, grocers, service stations, garages and the like; however, farm trucks used by egg farmers to transport eggs from the point of production to the first market shall be registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at taxes in subdivision (a)(3)(A) in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1); (C) For purposes of this section, "logging and lumbering trucks" are those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the woods to the mill or for hauling lumber, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the mill to a loading or storage place; (D) Truck tractors used exclusively to pull lowboy-type trailers on which are transported machinery that is used only for agricultural purposes, such as, but not limited to, terracing, clearing land, and building ponds, levees, ditches and/or canals; and trucks on which are mounted lime or fertilizer spreaders may register in this category under the appropriate weight class. The use of the highways by these limited use motor vehicles registered in this class is restricted to that which is incidental to the movement of the designated machinery from farm to farm and any volume and unpackaged lime and fertilizer from the distribution point to the farm; (4) Miscellaneous Classes. Well drillers as defined in § 55-1-117 .................... $ 55.20; (5) Freight trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers. (A) Freight trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers used primarily for hauling freight and trailers used in the furtherance of a business, any trailer not required to be registered but which the owner desires to be registered, shall be registered and, in addition to the tax herein prescribed for trucks and truck tractors, there shall be imposed on vehicles so classified a registration tax of ninety-five dollars ($95.00). The certificate of registration and registration plate issued for a specific vehicle shall continue valid for the duration of the owner's interest in that vehicle; (B) (i) The provisions of § 55-4-101 to the contrary notwithstanding, no registration for trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers shall be transferred for any reason and a new registration shall be required for additional trailers; (ii) The commissioner may, in his discretion, require an owner of a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) to provide written confirmation to the department as to whether or not the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and still bears the permanent registration plate originally issued to the trailer; (iii) If such owner provides written confirmation to the department that the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and the trailer has not been properly registered to the new owner, the commissioner shall immediately terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (iv) If such owner fails to provide written confirmation within ninety (90) days of the date of the commissioner's request, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (v) Whenever the title to a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) is destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner, the registration of the trailer shall expire. If the trailer is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner, the new owner shall obtain a new registration of the trailer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department may issue to such new owner a new or existing registration plate bearing the same alpha-numerical characters as were affixed to such trailer at the time of transfer to the new owner; and (C) Implements designed for carrying and distributing fertilizer shall not be subject to the licensing requirement imposed on trailers, and when used for the transportation of fertilizer between a plant and a farm the gross weight of the implement and its cargo shall not be considered in determining the licensing requirement for the prime mover; (6) Special Zone Licenses. (A) Class 1. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively within a zone limited to the streets of a designated municipal corporation and to the highways for a distance not to exceed fifteen (15) air miles beyond the limits of the municipality, to apply for and be issued a special municipal zone license. In counties having a metropolitan form of government, the county line shall be the limit for the operation of motor vehicles registered under this special license. The annual fee for this special license shall be four hundred ninety-three dollars ($493) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of five hundred seventy dollars ($570) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be three hundred sixty-one dollars ($361); and (B) Class 2. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator having a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively in a given county, and the counties that adjoin it, to apply for and be issued a special county zone license. The owner must, upon application for this special license, declare the base county and attest that the vehicle is to be operated exclusively in the base county and such other counties as may adjoin it. Movements from the base county to one (1) adjoining are restricted to the delivery of freight to its final destination, or to the place of consignment, or for the purpose of bringing freight from its place of origin to a point in the base county. The annual fee for this special license shall be six hundred thirty-six dollars ($636) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of seven hundred thirty-five dollars ($735) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be four hundred sixty dollars ($460); and (7) (A) Registration being a condition precedent to vehicular use in this state, it is the intent of this section that the owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle shall pay a registration tax sufficient to allow for its operation under a declared maximum gross weight limited only by the following scale of maximum weights for its axle configuration: (i) For any single axle, the maximum allowable weight shall be twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.); and (ii) For any tandem axle group, the maximum allowable weight shall be thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.); (B) When a vehicle on which the tax has not been paid is found in operation, the owner or operator shall be required to register the vehicle and, in addition to the statutory registration taxes, shall be subject to a tax assessed at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid; (C) When a vehicle registered in some class adequate for its lawful operational weight is found in operation at a weight exceeding the limit of the license, for which the tax has been paid, the operator shall be assessed an additional tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid; (D) Nonresidents operating vehicles under a reciprocity agreement shall likewise be subject to the additional taxes provided under this subdivision (a)(7) when their vehicles are operated in excess of the licensed weight, or regardless of the licensed weight, in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.); (E) When the operator of any freight motor vehicle shall fail to load it or have it loaded in a manner and at weights conforming to the axle weight limitations set forth in this subdivision (a)(7), there shall be imposed a tax assessed on the basis of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight that exceeds the limit on an axle or group of axles. Except, with respect to vehicles being used to transport the products identified under § 55-7-203(b)(6) , liability for the tax imposed by this subdivision (a)(7)(E) shall only begin to run commencing with the first pound that exceeds the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles. On an overweight poundage of the axle weight limit imposed for the classification in which a freight motor vehicle is registered, the tax per pound of the overage shall be ten cents (10¢) per pound; (F) When any freight motor vehicle is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the road and bridge weights posted by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to § 55-7-205 , or weight that exceeds the maximum allowable under an overweight permit issued by the commissioner, the operator of a vehicle shall be assessed a tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound for each pound of excess weight; (G) (i) The provisions of this subdivision (a)(7) respecting licensing and the assessment of additional taxes for excessive weights shall apply with respect to vehicles registered under the allowance for "Special Zone Licenses"; (ii) For the first offense, any owner of a freight motor vehicle that is operated in violation of the territorial limitation of a special zone license issued pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the special zone license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused. All funds collected pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii) shall be earmarked for the enforcement of these zone license provisions; (iii) On a second offense, occurring within the same licensing year as the first offense, in addition to the penalty specified in subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii), any licensee whose truck is found to be in violation of the territorial limitation placed on the license shall be required to immediately reregister it under an applicable general licensing provision for a period of one (1) year following the date on which the second offense occurred; (H) All taxes imposed by this section shall be a part of the registration taxes or fees and shall be payable to the department. Upon becoming delinquent, these taxes or fees shall be subject to collection by the commissioner of revenue under title 67, chapter 1, part 14. The assessment of these taxes shall in no wise be restricted through the assessment of other taxes for some prior violation or any other condition relating to the privilege of operating the vehicle over the streets and highways of this state; (I) A motor vehicle otherwise properly registered in its class pursuant to this section shall not be in violation of the maximum gross weight for its class, including vehicle and load, if the vehicle is found to have exceeded the maximum gross weight for its class solely by the occasional towing of a fork lift or tow motor where no part of the weight of such equipment rests on the towing vehicle; and the weight of the equipment shall not be considered in determining whether the motor vehicle has exceeded its maximum gross weight, including the load thereon, and in determining the licensing requirements for the motor vehicle in such circumstances; (J) (i) When any logging truck, as defined in § 55-7-203 , is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the weights established by law, the operation of the vehicle shall not be assessed a tax if the vehicle's excess weight is less than ten percent (10%) of the vehicle's gross weight. If the weight of the vehicle is greater than ten percent (10%) in excess of the maximum applicable weight, the tax of ten cents (10¢) per pound shall be imposed on any poundage over the maximum applicable weight; (ii) If the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such provision shall be void and inoperative. A loss of federal funds as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) shall render the provision void and inoperative; (K) When a freight motor vehicle is registered under subdivision (a)(3)(A), as a combined farm and limited private use truck and being operated commercially or as a commercial vehicle and is found in operation in violation of subdivision (a)(3)(A), the owner shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the commercial license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused; (L) The penalties provided for in subdivision (a)(7), shall be waived upon submission within thirty (30) days to the commissioner, of proof that the vehicle has been properly registered in the appropriate classification and payment of a two hundred dollar ($200) administrative fee, and no citation shall be issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(7)(C), (a)(7)(E), (a)(7)(F), or (a)(7)(J). (b) There shall be added to all the vehicle registration taxes imposed by this section a two and one-half percent (2.5%) increase, rounding to the nearest fifty cents (50¢), which shall be designated as the department of safety's safety inspection fee pursuant to § 65-15-112 . This safety inspection fee shall not apply to a vehicle registering pursuant to subdivision (a)(3). This safety inspection fee shall be collected as a part of the vehicle registration taxes required by this section, and shall not be used for any purpose other than to fund the motor vehicle safety enforcement activities of the department of safety. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 808, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4, s 5, s 6 eff. 1/1/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 808, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 7, s 8, s 9, s 10, Sec.s 11 eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 6, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 183, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1939, ch. 105, §§ 2, 3; 1941, ch. 84, §§ 1, 2; 1945, ch. 164, §§ 1, 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2680.75 (Williams, §§ 1166.29, 1166.30); Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 85; 1953, ch. 3, §§ 1-3; 1955, ch. 52, §§ 1, 2; impl. am. Acts 1955, ch. 69, § 1; Acts 1957, ch. 182, § 1; 1957, ch. 284, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1959, ch. 60, § 1; 1959, ch. 247, § 1; 1959, ch. 281, §§ 1, 2; 1961, ch. 200, § 1; 1963, ch. 103, § 1; 1967, ch. 122, § 1; 1967, ch. 218, § 2; 1969, ch. 324, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 501, § 1; 1971, ch. 301, § 1; 1972, ch. 499, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 8; 1972, ch. 540, § 8; 1972, ch. 620, § 1; 1973, ch. 97, §§ 1-3; 1973, ch. 396, § 1; 1974, ch. 747, § 1; 1976, ch. 390, § 1; 1976, ch. 765, § 1; 1976, ch. 788, § 1; 1977, ch. 82, § 1; 1977, ch. 326, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-423; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 2; 1981, ch. 535, § 4; 1983, ch. 206, § 1; 1983, ch. 319, § 1; 1983, ch. 376, § 1; 1983, ch. 480, § 1; 1984, ch. 733, § 1; 1986, ch. 540, § 1; 1987, ch. 140, § 1; 1987, ch. 425, §§ 4, 5; 1988, ch. 817, § 4; 1993, ch. 142, §§ 2-4; 1993, ch. 327, § 10; 1995, ch. 282, § 2; 1995, ch. 305, § 110; 1999, ch. 98, §§ 5 - 10; 2001, ch. 166, § 1; 2002, ch. 856, §§ 8d - 8i; 2004, ch. 501, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, § 36.
(a) The registration taxes for trucks and truck tractors shall be: (1) Private Carriers and Public Household Goods Carriers. Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , so designated and used only for the transportation of equipment that is mounted thereon may be registered at a rate of twenty-five percent (25%) of the tax schedules set forth in subdivision (a)(2); (2) Private Carriers, Public Carriers and Household Goods Carriers. Every person, firm or corporation operating, for commercial purposes, a freight motor vehicle over the roads of the state shall first register the vehicle with the department and shall pay a tax as follows, according to the indicated classes set forth in this subdivision (a)(2): (A) Class 1 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, of not more than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ $ 68.50 (B) Class 2 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 122.50 (C) Class 3 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 327.50 (D) Class 4 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 481.00 (E) Class 5 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 635.00 (F) Class 6 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 711.00 (G) Class 7 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of forty-four thousand pounds (44,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 788.00 (H) Class 8 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of fifty-five thousand pounds (55,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 942.00 (I) Class 9 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1019.00 (J) Class 10 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 1,198.50 (K) Class 11 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1,352.50 (L) Class 12 Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , may be registered at twenty-five percent (25%) of the rate set forth in this subdivision (a)(2) for a vehicle of comparable weight; (3) Combined Farm and Limited Private Trucks. (A) Motor vehicles used exclusively for the movement of farm products for the grower from the point of production to the first market, or operated as farm trucks, or as a logging and lumbering truck as defined in subdivision (a)(3)(C), or as the owner's private conveyance, transporting only tangible personal property belonging to the owner or a guest occupant, shall be classified by the commissioner and registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at the following taxes in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1): Class 1 .................................... $ 39.53 Class 2 .................................... $ 56.30 Class 3 .................................... $ 128.90 Class 4 .................................... $ 160.80 Class 5 .................................... $ 207.00 Class 6 .................................... $ 237.80 Class 7 .................................... $ 262.00 Class 8 .................................... $ 317.00 Class 9 .................................... $ 363.20 Class 10 .................................... $ 420.40 Class 11 .................................... $ 561.20 (B) There shall not be eligible for registration under this exception to the general licensing provisions any motor vehicles operated commercially as part of a business venture or for delivery service to customers by dairies, hatcheries, pharmacies, grocers, service stations, garages and the like; however, farm trucks used by egg farmers to transport eggs from the point of production to the first market shall be registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at taxes in subdivision (a)(3)(A) in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1); (C) For purposes of this section, "logging and lumbering trucks" are those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the woods to the mill or for hauling lumber, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the mill to a loading or storage place; (D) Truck tractors used exclusively to pull lowboy-type trailers on which are transported machinery that is used only for agricultural purposes, such as, but not limited to, terracing, clearing land, and building ponds, levees, ditches and/or canals; and trucks on which are mounted lime or fertilizer spreaders may register in this category under the appropriate weight class. The use of the highways by these limited use motor vehicles registered in this class is restricted to that which is incidental to the movement of the designated machinery from farm to farm and any volume and unpackaged lime and fertilizer from the distribution point to the farm; (4) Miscellaneous Classes. Well drillers as defined in § 55-1-117 .................... $ 55.20; (5) Freight trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers. (A) Freight trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers used primarily for hauling freight and trailers used in the furtherance of a business, any trailer not required to be registered but which the owner desires to be registered, shall be registered and, in addition to the tax herein prescribed for trucks and truck tractors, there shall be imposed on vehicles so classified a registration tax of ninety-five dollars ($95.00). The certificate of registration and registration plate issued for a specific vehicle shall continue valid for the duration of the owner's interest in that vehicle; (B) (i) The provisions of § 55-4-101 to the contrary notwithstanding, no registration for trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers shall be transferred for any reason and a new registration shall be required for additional trailers; (ii) The commissioner may, in his discretion, require an owner of a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) to provide written confirmation to the department as to whether or not the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and still bears the permanent registration plate originally issued to the trailer; (iii) If such owner provides written confirmation to the department that the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and the trailer has not been properly registered to the new owner, the commissioner shall immediately terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (iv) If such owner fails to provide written confirmation within ninety (90) days of the date of the commissioner's request, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (v) Whenever the title to a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) is destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner, the registration of the trailer shall expire. If the trailer is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner, the new owner shall obtain a new registration of the trailer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department may issue to such new owner a new or existing registration plate bearing the same alpha-numerical characters as were affixed to such trailer at the time of transfer to the new owner; and (C) Implements designed for carrying and distributing fertilizer shall not be subject to the licensing requirement imposed on trailers, and when used for the transportation of fertilizer between a plant and a farm the gross weight of the implement and its cargo shall not be considered in determining the licensing requirement for the prime mover; (6) Special Zone Licenses. (A) Class 1. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively within a zone limited to the streets of a designated municipal corporation and to the highways for a distance not to exceed fifteen (15) air miles beyond the limits of the municipality, to apply for and be issued a special municipal zone license. In counties having a metropolitan form of government, the county line shall be the limit for the operation of motor vehicles registered under this special license. The annual fee for this special license shall be four hundred ninety-three dollars ($493) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of five hundred seventy dollars ($570) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be three hundred sixty-one dollars ($361); and (B) Class 2. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator having a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively in a given county, and the counties that adjoin it, to apply for and be issued a special county zone license. The owner must, upon application for this special license, declare the base county and attest that the vehicle is to be operated exclusively in the base county and such other counties as may adjoin it. Movements from the base county to one (1) adjoining are restricted to the delivery of freight to its final destination, or to the place of consignment, or for the purpose of bringing freight from its place of origin to a point in the base county. The annual fee for this special license shall be six hundred thirty-six dollars ($636) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of seven hundred thirty-five dollars ($735) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be four hundred sixty dollars ($460); and (7) (A) Registration being a condition precedent to vehicular use in this state, it is the intent of this section that the owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle shall pay a registration tax sufficient to allow for its operation under a declared maximum gross weight limited only by the following scale of maximum weights for its axle configuration: (i) For any single axle, the maximum allowable weight shall be twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.); and (ii) For any tandem axle group, the maximum allowable weight shall be thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.); (B) When a vehicle on which the tax has not been paid is found in operation, the owner or operator shall be required to register the vehicle and, in addition to the statutory registration taxes, shall be subject to a tax assessed at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid; (C) When a vehicle registered in some class adequate for its lawful operational weight is found in operation at a weight exceeding the limit of the license, for which the tax has been paid, the operator shall be assessed an additional tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid; (D) Nonresidents operating vehicles under a reciprocity agreement shall likewise be subject to the additional taxes provided under this subdivision (a)(7) when their vehicles are operated in excess of the licensed weight, or regardless of the licensed weight, in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.); (E) When the operator of any freight motor vehicle shall fail to load it or have it loaded in a manner and at weights conforming to the axle weight limitations set forth in this subdivision (a)(7), there shall be imposed a tax assessed on the basis of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight that exceeds the limit on an axle or group of axles. Except, with respect to vehicles being used to transport the products identified under § 55-7-203(b)(6) , liability for the tax imposed by this subdivision (a)(7)(E) shall only begin to run commencing with the first pound that exceeds the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles. On an overweight poundage of the axle weight limit imposed for the classification in which a freight motor vehicle is registered, the tax per pound of the overage shall be ten cents (10¢) per pound; (F) When any freight motor vehicle is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the road and bridge weights posted by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to § 55-7-205 , or weight that exceeds the maximum allowable under an overweight permit issued by the commissioner, the operator of a vehicle shall be assessed a tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound for each pound of excess weight; (G) (i) The provisions of this subdivision (a)(7) respecting licensing and the assessment of additional taxes for excessive weights shall apply with respect to vehicles registered under the allowance for "Special Zone Licenses"; (ii) For the first offense, any owner of a freight motor vehicle that is operated in violation of the territorial limitation of a special zone license issued pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the special zone license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused. All funds collected pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii) shall be earmarked for the enforcement of these zone license provisions; (iii) On a second offense, occurring within the same licensing year as the first offense, in addition to the penalty specified in subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii), any licensee whose truck is found to be in violation of the territorial limitation placed on the license shall be required to immediately reregister it under an applicable general licensing provision for a period of one (1) year following the date on which the second offense occurred; (H) All taxes imposed by this section shall be a part of the registration taxes or fees and shall be payable to the department. Upon becoming delinquent, these taxes or fees shall be subject to collection by the commissioner of revenue under title 67, chapter 1, part 14. The assessment of these taxes shall in no wise be restricted through the assessment of other taxes for some prior violation or any other condition relating to the privilege of operating the vehicle over the streets and highways of this state; (I) A motor vehicle otherwise properly registered in its class pursuant to this section shall not be in violation of the maximum gross weight for its class, including vehicle and load, if the vehicle is found to have exceeded the maximum gross weight for its class solely by the occasional towing of a fork lift or tow motor where no part of the weight of such equipment rests on the towing vehicle; and the weight of the equipment shall not be considered in determining whether the motor vehicle has exceeded its maximum gross weight, including the load thereon, and in determining the licensing requirements for the motor vehicle in such circumstances; (J) (i) When any logging truck, as defined in § 55-7-203 , is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the weights established by law, the operation of the vehicle shall not be assessed a tax if the vehicle's excess weight is less than ten percent (10%) of the vehicle's gross weight. If the weight of the vehicle is greater than ten percent (10%) in excess of the maximum applicable weight, the tax of ten cents (10¢) per pound shall be imposed on any poundage over the maximum applicable weight; (ii) If the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such provision shall be void and inoperative. A loss of federal funds as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) shall render the provision void and inoperative; (K) When a freight motor vehicle is registered under subdivision (a)(3)(A), as a combined farm and limited private use truck and being operated commercially or as a commercial vehicle and is found in operation in violation of subdivision (a)(3)(A), the owner shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the commercial license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused; (L) The penalties provided for in subdivision (a)(7), shall be waived upon submission within thirty (30) days to the commissioner, of proof that the vehicle has been properly registered in the appropriate classification and payment of a two hundred dollar ($200) administrative fee, and no citation shall be issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(7)(C), (a)(7)(E), (a)(7)(F), or (a)(7)(J).
(1) Private Carriers and Public Household Goods Carriers. Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , so designated and used only for the transportation of equipment that is mounted thereon may be registered at a rate of twenty-five percent (25%) of the tax schedules set forth in subdivision (a)(2);
(2) Private Carriers, Public Carriers and Household Goods Carriers. Every person, firm or corporation operating, for commercial purposes, a freight motor vehicle over the roads of the state shall first register the vehicle with the department and shall pay a tax as follows, according to the indicated classes set forth in this subdivision (a)(2): (A) Class 1 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, of not more than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ $ 68.50 (B) Class 2 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 122.50 (C) Class 3 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 327.50 (D) Class 4 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 481.00 (E) Class 5 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 635.00 (F) Class 6 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 711.00 (G) Class 7 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of forty-four thousand pounds (44,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 788.00 (H) Class 8 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of fifty-five thousand pounds (55,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 942.00 (I) Class 9 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1019.00 (J) Class 10 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 1,198.50 (K) Class 11 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1,352.50 (L) Class 12 Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , may be registered at twenty-five percent (25%) of the rate set forth in this subdivision (a)(2) for a vehicle of comparable weight;
(A) Class 1 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, of not more than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ $ 68.50 (B) Class 2 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 122.50 (C) Class 3 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................ 327.50 (D) Class 4 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 481.00 (E) Class 5 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 635.00 (F) Class 6 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.). Registration tax ..................................................... 711.00 (G) Class 7 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of forty-four thousand pounds (44,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 788.00 (H) Class 8 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of fifty-five thousand pounds (55,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 942.00 (I) Class 9 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1019.00 (J) Class 10 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.). Registration tax .................................... 1,198.50 (K) Class 11 Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). Registration tax ........................................... 1,352.50 (L) Class 12 Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , may be registered at twenty-five percent (25%) of the rate set forth in this subdivision (a)(2) for a vehicle of comparable weight;
(A)
Class 1
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, of not more than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................
$ 68.50
(B)
Class 2
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................
122.50
(C)
Class 3
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). Registration tax ................................................................
327.50
(D)
Class 4
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.). Registration tax .....................................................
481.00
(E)
Class 5
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.). Registration tax .....................................................
635.00
(F)
Class 6
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including vehicle and load, not in excess of thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.). Registration tax .....................................................
711.00
(G)
Class 7
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of forty-four thousand pounds (44,000 lbs.). Registration tax ....................................
788.00
(H)
Class 8
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of fifty-five thousand pounds (55,000 lbs.). Registration tax ...........................................
942.00
(I)
Class 9
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.). Registration tax ...........................................
1019.00
(J)
Class 10
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.). Registration tax ....................................
1,198.50
(K)
Class 11
Freight motor vehicles with declared maximum gross weight, including the weight of vehicle and load, not in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). Registration tax ...........................................
1,352.50
(L)
Class 12
Fixed load vehicles, as defined in § 55-1-117 , may be registered at twenty-five percent (25%) of the rate set forth in this subdivision (a)(2) for a vehicle of comparable weight;
(3) Combined Farm and Limited Private Trucks. (A) Motor vehicles used exclusively for the movement of farm products for the grower from the point of production to the first market, or operated as farm trucks, or as a logging and lumbering truck as defined in subdivision (a)(3)(C), or as the owner's private conveyance, transporting only tangible personal property belonging to the owner or a guest occupant, shall be classified by the commissioner and registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at the following taxes in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1): Class 1 .................................... $ 39.53 Class 2 .................................... $ 56.30 Class 3 .................................... $ 128.90 Class 4 .................................... $ 160.80 Class 5 .................................... $ 207.00 Class 6 .................................... $ 237.80 Class 7 .................................... $ 262.00 Class 8 .................................... $ 317.00 Class 9 .................................... $ 363.20 Class 10 .................................... $ 420.40 Class 11 .................................... $ 561.20 (B) There shall not be eligible for registration under this exception to the general licensing provisions any motor vehicles operated commercially as part of a business venture or for delivery service to customers by dairies, hatcheries, pharmacies, grocers, service stations, garages and the like; however, farm trucks used by egg farmers to transport eggs from the point of production to the first market shall be registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at taxes in subdivision (a)(3)(A) in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1); (C) For purposes of this section, "logging and lumbering trucks" are those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the woods to the mill or for hauling lumber, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the mill to a loading or storage place; (D) Truck tractors used exclusively to pull lowboy-type trailers on which are transported machinery that is used only for agricultural purposes, such as, but not limited to, terracing, clearing land, and building ponds, levees, ditches and/or canals; and trucks on which are mounted lime or fertilizer spreaders may register in this category under the appropriate weight class. The use of the highways by these limited use motor vehicles registered in this class is restricted to that which is incidental to the movement of the designated machinery from farm to farm and any volume and unpackaged lime and fertilizer from the distribution point to the farm;
(A) Motor vehicles used exclusively for the movement of farm products for the grower from the point of production to the first market, or operated as farm trucks, or as a logging and lumbering truck as defined in subdivision (a)(3)(C), or as the owner's private conveyance, transporting only tangible personal property belonging to the owner or a guest occupant, shall be classified by the commissioner and registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at the following taxes in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1): Class 1 .................................... $ 39.53 Class 2 .................................... $ 56.30 Class 3 .................................... $ 128.90 Class 4 .................................... $ 160.80 Class 5 .................................... $ 207.00 Class 6 .................................... $ 237.80 Class 7 .................................... $ 262.00 Class 8 .................................... $ 317.00 Class 9 .................................... $ 363.20 Class 10 .................................... $ 420.40 Class 11 .................................... $ 561.20
Class 1 .................................... $ 39.53 Class 2 .................................... $ 56.30 Class 3 .................................... $ 128.90 Class 4 .................................... $ 160.80 Class 5 .................................... $ 207.00 Class 6 .................................... $ 237.80 Class 7 .................................... $ 262.00 Class 8 .................................... $ 317.00 Class 9 .................................... $ 363.20 Class 10 .................................... $ 420.40 Class 11 .................................... $ 561.20
Class 1 ....................................
$ 39.53
Class 2 ....................................
$ 56.30
Class 3 ....................................
$ 128.90
Class 4 ....................................
$ 160.80
Class 5 ....................................
$ 207.00
Class 6 ....................................
$ 237.80
Class 7 ....................................
$ 262.00
Class 8 ....................................
$ 317.00
Class 9 ....................................
$ 363.20
Class 10 ....................................
$ 420.40
Class 11 ....................................
$ 561.20
(B) There shall not be eligible for registration under this exception to the general licensing provisions any motor vehicles operated commercially as part of a business venture or for delivery service to customers by dairies, hatcheries, pharmacies, grocers, service stations, garages and the like; however, farm trucks used by egg farmers to transport eggs from the point of production to the first market shall be registered with the department as freight motor vehicles at taxes in subdivision (a)(3)(A) in lieu of those set out in subdivision (a)(1);
(C) For purposes of this section, "logging and lumbering trucks" are those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the woods to the mill or for hauling lumber, bark, wood chips, and wood dust from the mill to a loading or storage place;
(D) Truck tractors used exclusively to pull lowboy-type trailers on which are transported machinery that is used only for agricultural purposes, such as, but not limited to, terracing, clearing land, and building ponds, levees, ditches and/or canals; and trucks on which are mounted lime or fertilizer spreaders may register in this category under the appropriate weight class. The use of the highways by these limited use motor vehicles registered in this class is restricted to that which is incidental to the movement of the designated machinery from farm to farm and any volume and unpackaged lime and fertilizer from the distribution point to the farm;
(4) Miscellaneous Classes. Well drillers as defined in § 55-1-117 .................... $ 55.20;
Well drillers as defined in § 55-1-117 .................... $ 55.20;
(5) Freight trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers. (A) Freight trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers used primarily for hauling freight and trailers used in the furtherance of a business, any trailer not required to be registered but which the owner desires to be registered, shall be registered and, in addition to the tax herein prescribed for trucks and truck tractors, there shall be imposed on vehicles so classified a registration tax of ninety-five dollars ($95.00). The certificate of registration and registration plate issued for a specific vehicle shall continue valid for the duration of the owner's interest in that vehicle; (B) (i) The provisions of § 55-4-101 to the contrary notwithstanding, no registration for trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers shall be transferred for any reason and a new registration shall be required for additional trailers; (ii) The commissioner may, in his discretion, require an owner of a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) to provide written confirmation to the department as to whether or not the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and still bears the permanent registration plate originally issued to the trailer; (iii) If such owner provides written confirmation to the department that the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and the trailer has not been properly registered to the new owner, the commissioner shall immediately terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (iv) If such owner fails to provide written confirmation within ninety (90) days of the date of the commissioner's request, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (v) Whenever the title to a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) is destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner, the registration of the trailer shall expire. If the trailer is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner, the new owner shall obtain a new registration of the trailer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department may issue to such new owner a new or existing registration plate bearing the same alpha-numerical characters as were affixed to such trailer at the time of transfer to the new owner; and (C) Implements designed for carrying and distributing fertilizer shall not be subject to the licensing requirement imposed on trailers, and when used for the transportation of fertilizer between a plant and a farm the gross weight of the implement and its cargo shall not be considered in determining the licensing requirement for the prime mover;
(A) Freight trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers used primarily for hauling freight and trailers used in the furtherance of a business, any trailer not required to be registered but which the owner desires to be registered, shall be registered and, in addition to the tax herein prescribed for trucks and truck tractors, there shall be imposed on vehicles so classified a registration tax of ninety-five dollars ($95.00). The certificate of registration and registration plate issued for a specific vehicle shall continue valid for the duration of the owner's interest in that vehicle;
(B) (i) The provisions of § 55-4-101 to the contrary notwithstanding, no registration for trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers shall be transferred for any reason and a new registration shall be required for additional trailers; (ii) The commissioner may, in his discretion, require an owner of a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) to provide written confirmation to the department as to whether or not the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and still bears the permanent registration plate originally issued to the trailer; (iii) If such owner provides written confirmation to the department that the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and the trailer has not been properly registered to the new owner, the commissioner shall immediately terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (iv) If such owner fails to provide written confirmation within ninety (90) days of the date of the commissioner's request, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record; (v) Whenever the title to a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) is destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner, the registration of the trailer shall expire. If the trailer is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner, the new owner shall obtain a new registration of the trailer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department may issue to such new owner a new or existing registration plate bearing the same alpha-numerical characters as were affixed to such trailer at the time of transfer to the new owner; and
(i) The provisions of § 55-4-101 to the contrary notwithstanding, no registration for trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers shall be transferred for any reason and a new registration shall be required for additional trailers;
(ii) The commissioner may, in his discretion, require an owner of a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) to provide written confirmation to the department as to whether or not the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and still bears the permanent registration plate originally issued to the trailer;
(iii) If such owner provides written confirmation to the department that the trailer has been destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner and the trailer has not been properly registered to the new owner, the commissioner shall immediately terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record;
(iv) If such owner fails to provide written confirmation within ninety (90) days of the date of the commissioner's request, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, terminate the registration and plate originally assigned to the trailer under the name of the owner of record;
(v) Whenever the title to a freight trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer registered in this state pursuant to subdivision (a)(5)(A) is destroyed, abandoned, sold, or otherwise transferred to another owner, the registration of the trailer shall expire. If the trailer is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner, the new owner shall obtain a new registration of the trailer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department may issue to such new owner a new or existing registration plate bearing the same alpha-numerical characters as were affixed to such trailer at the time of transfer to the new owner; and
(C) Implements designed for carrying and distributing fertilizer shall not be subject to the licensing requirement imposed on trailers, and when used for the transportation of fertilizer between a plant and a farm the gross weight of the implement and its cargo shall not be considered in determining the licensing requirement for the prime mover;
(6) Special Zone Licenses. (A) Class 1. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively within a zone limited to the streets of a designated municipal corporation and to the highways for a distance not to exceed fifteen (15) air miles beyond the limits of the municipality, to apply for and be issued a special municipal zone license. In counties having a metropolitan form of government, the county line shall be the limit for the operation of motor vehicles registered under this special license. The annual fee for this special license shall be four hundred ninety-three dollars ($493) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of five hundred seventy dollars ($570) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be three hundred sixty-one dollars ($361); and (B) Class 2. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator having a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively in a given county, and the counties that adjoin it, to apply for and be issued a special county zone license. The owner must, upon application for this special license, declare the base county and attest that the vehicle is to be operated exclusively in the base county and such other counties as may adjoin it. Movements from the base county to one (1) adjoining are restricted to the delivery of freight to its final destination, or to the place of consignment, or for the purpose of bringing freight from its place of origin to a point in the base county. The annual fee for this special license shall be six hundred thirty-six dollars ($636) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of seven hundred thirty-five dollars ($735) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be four hundred sixty dollars ($460); and
(A) Class 1. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively within a zone limited to the streets of a designated municipal corporation and to the highways for a distance not to exceed fifteen (15) air miles beyond the limits of the municipality, to apply for and be issued a special municipal zone license. In counties having a metropolitan form of government, the county line shall be the limit for the operation of motor vehicles registered under this special license. The annual fee for this special license shall be four hundred ninety-three dollars ($493) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of five hundred seventy dollars ($570) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be three hundred sixty-one dollars ($361); and
(B) Class 2. It shall be permissible for any owner or operator having a freight motor vehicle that is to be operated exclusively in a given county, and the counties that adjoin it, to apply for and be issued a special county zone license. The owner must, upon application for this special license, declare the base county and attest that the vehicle is to be operated exclusively in the base county and such other counties as may adjoin it. Movements from the base county to one (1) adjoining are restricted to the delivery of freight to its final destination, or to the place of consignment, or for the purpose of bringing freight from its place of origin to a point in the base county. The annual fee for this special license shall be six hundred thirty-six dollars ($636) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.), and an annual fee of seven hundred thirty-five dollars ($735) for freight motor vehicles with a declared maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.). The annual fee for this special license for ready-mix concrete trucks shall be four hundred sixty dollars ($460); and
(7) (A) Registration being a condition precedent to vehicular use in this state, it is the intent of this section that the owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle shall pay a registration tax sufficient to allow for its operation under a declared maximum gross weight limited only by the following scale of maximum weights for its axle configuration: (i) For any single axle, the maximum allowable weight shall be twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.); and (ii) For any tandem axle group, the maximum allowable weight shall be thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.); (B) When a vehicle on which the tax has not been paid is found in operation, the owner or operator shall be required to register the vehicle and, in addition to the statutory registration taxes, shall be subject to a tax assessed at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid; (C) When a vehicle registered in some class adequate for its lawful operational weight is found in operation at a weight exceeding the limit of the license, for which the tax has been paid, the operator shall be assessed an additional tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid; (D) Nonresidents operating vehicles under a reciprocity agreement shall likewise be subject to the additional taxes provided under this subdivision (a)(7) when their vehicles are operated in excess of the licensed weight, or regardless of the licensed weight, in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.); (E) When the operator of any freight motor vehicle shall fail to load it or have it loaded in a manner and at weights conforming to the axle weight limitations set forth in this subdivision (a)(7), there shall be imposed a tax assessed on the basis of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight that exceeds the limit on an axle or group of axles. Except, with respect to vehicles being used to transport the products identified under § 55-7-203(b)(6) , liability for the tax imposed by this subdivision (a)(7)(E) shall only begin to run commencing with the first pound that exceeds the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles. On an overweight poundage of the axle weight limit imposed for the classification in which a freight motor vehicle is registered, the tax per pound of the overage shall be ten cents (10¢) per pound; (F) When any freight motor vehicle is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the road and bridge weights posted by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to § 55-7-205 , or weight that exceeds the maximum allowable under an overweight permit issued by the commissioner, the operator of a vehicle shall be assessed a tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound for each pound of excess weight; (G) (i) The provisions of this subdivision (a)(7) respecting licensing and the assessment of additional taxes for excessive weights shall apply with respect to vehicles registered under the allowance for "Special Zone Licenses"; (ii) For the first offense, any owner of a freight motor vehicle that is operated in violation of the territorial limitation of a special zone license issued pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the special zone license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused. All funds collected pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii) shall be earmarked for the enforcement of these zone license provisions; (iii) On a second offense, occurring within the same licensing year as the first offense, in addition to the penalty specified in subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii), any licensee whose truck is found to be in violation of the territorial limitation placed on the license shall be required to immediately reregister it under an applicable general licensing provision for a period of one (1) year following the date on which the second offense occurred; (H) All taxes imposed by this section shall be a part of the registration taxes or fees and shall be payable to the department. Upon becoming delinquent, these taxes or fees shall be subject to collection by the commissioner of revenue under title 67, chapter 1, part 14. The assessment of these taxes shall in no wise be restricted through the assessment of other taxes for some prior violation or any other condition relating to the privilege of operating the vehicle over the streets and highways of this state; (I) A motor vehicle otherwise properly registered in its class pursuant to this section shall not be in violation of the maximum gross weight for its class, including vehicle and load, if the vehicle is found to have exceeded the maximum gross weight for its class solely by the occasional towing of a fork lift or tow motor where no part of the weight of such equipment rests on the towing vehicle; and the weight of the equipment shall not be considered in determining whether the motor vehicle has exceeded its maximum gross weight, including the load thereon, and in determining the licensing requirements for the motor vehicle in such circumstances; (J) (i) When any logging truck, as defined in § 55-7-203 , is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the weights established by law, the operation of the vehicle shall not be assessed a tax if the vehicle's excess weight is less than ten percent (10%) of the vehicle's gross weight. If the weight of the vehicle is greater than ten percent (10%) in excess of the maximum applicable weight, the tax of ten cents (10¢) per pound shall be imposed on any poundage over the maximum applicable weight; (ii) If the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such provision shall be void and inoperative. A loss of federal funds as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) shall render the provision void and inoperative; (K) When a freight motor vehicle is registered under subdivision (a)(3)(A), as a combined farm and limited private use truck and being operated commercially or as a commercial vehicle and is found in operation in violation of subdivision (a)(3)(A), the owner shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the commercial license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused; (L) The penalties provided for in subdivision (a)(7), shall be waived upon submission within thirty (30) days to the commissioner, of proof that the vehicle has been properly registered in the appropriate classification and payment of a two hundred dollar ($200) administrative fee, and no citation shall be issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(7)(C), (a)(7)(E), (a)(7)(F), or (a)(7)(J).
(A) Registration being a condition precedent to vehicular use in this state, it is the intent of this section that the owner or operator of a freight motor vehicle shall pay a registration tax sufficient to allow for its operation under a declared maximum gross weight limited only by the following scale of maximum weights for its axle configuration: (i) For any single axle, the maximum allowable weight shall be twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.); and (ii) For any tandem axle group, the maximum allowable weight shall be thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.);
(i) For any single axle, the maximum allowable weight shall be twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.); and
(ii) For any tandem axle group, the maximum allowable weight shall be thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.);
(B) When a vehicle on which the tax has not been paid is found in operation, the owner or operator shall be required to register the vehicle and, in addition to the statutory registration taxes, shall be subject to a tax assessed at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid;
(C) When a vehicle registered in some class adequate for its lawful operational weight is found in operation at a weight exceeding the limit of the license, for which the tax has been paid, the operator shall be assessed an additional tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight for which no Tennessee tax has been previously paid;
(D) Nonresidents operating vehicles under a reciprocity agreement shall likewise be subject to the additional taxes provided under this subdivision (a)(7) when their vehicles are operated in excess of the licensed weight, or regardless of the licensed weight, in excess of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.);
(E) When the operator of any freight motor vehicle shall fail to load it or have it loaded in a manner and at weights conforming to the axle weight limitations set forth in this subdivision (a)(7), there shall be imposed a tax assessed on the basis of ten cents (10¢) per pound on each pound of weight that exceeds the limit on an axle or group of axles. Except, with respect to vehicles being used to transport the products identified under § 55-7-203(b)(6) , liability for the tax imposed by this subdivision (a)(7)(E) shall only begin to run commencing with the first pound that exceeds the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles. On an overweight poundage of the axle weight limit imposed for the classification in which a freight motor vehicle is registered, the tax per pound of the overage shall be ten cents (10¢) per pound;
(F) When any freight motor vehicle is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the road and bridge weights posted by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to § 55-7-205 , or weight that exceeds the maximum allowable under an overweight permit issued by the commissioner, the operator of a vehicle shall be assessed a tax at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per pound for each pound of excess weight;
(G) (i) The provisions of this subdivision (a)(7) respecting licensing and the assessment of additional taxes for excessive weights shall apply with respect to vehicles registered under the allowance for "Special Zone Licenses"; (ii) For the first offense, any owner of a freight motor vehicle that is operated in violation of the territorial limitation of a special zone license issued pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the special zone license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused. All funds collected pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii) shall be earmarked for the enforcement of these zone license provisions; (iii) On a second offense, occurring within the same licensing year as the first offense, in addition to the penalty specified in subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii), any licensee whose truck is found to be in violation of the territorial limitation placed on the license shall be required to immediately reregister it under an applicable general licensing provision for a period of one (1) year following the date on which the second offense occurred;
(i) The provisions of this subdivision (a)(7) respecting licensing and the assessment of additional taxes for excessive weights shall apply with respect to vehicles registered under the allowance for "Special Zone Licenses";
(ii) For the first offense, any owner of a freight motor vehicle that is operated in violation of the territorial limitation of a special zone license issued pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the special zone license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused. All funds collected pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii) shall be earmarked for the enforcement of these zone license provisions;
(iii) On a second offense, occurring within the same licensing year as the first offense, in addition to the penalty specified in subdivision (a)(7)(G)(ii), any licensee whose truck is found to be in violation of the territorial limitation placed on the license shall be required to immediately reregister it under an applicable general licensing provision for a period of one (1) year following the date on which the second offense occurred;
(H) All taxes imposed by this section shall be a part of the registration taxes or fees and shall be payable to the department. Upon becoming delinquent, these taxes or fees shall be subject to collection by the commissioner of revenue under title 67, chapter 1, part 14. The assessment of these taxes shall in no wise be restricted through the assessment of other taxes for some prior violation or any other condition relating to the privilege of operating the vehicle over the streets and highways of this state;
(I) A motor vehicle otherwise properly registered in its class pursuant to this section shall not be in violation of the maximum gross weight for its class, including vehicle and load, if the vehicle is found to have exceeded the maximum gross weight for its class solely by the occasional towing of a fork lift or tow motor where no part of the weight of such equipment rests on the towing vehicle; and the weight of the equipment shall not be considered in determining whether the motor vehicle has exceeded its maximum gross weight, including the load thereon, and in determining the licensing requirements for the motor vehicle in such circumstances;
(J) (i) When any logging truck, as defined in § 55-7-203 , is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the weights established by law, the operation of the vehicle shall not be assessed a tax if the vehicle's excess weight is less than ten percent (10%) of the vehicle's gross weight. If the weight of the vehicle is greater than ten percent (10%) in excess of the maximum applicable weight, the tax of ten cents (10¢) per pound shall be imposed on any poundage over the maximum applicable weight; (ii) If the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such provision shall be void and inoperative. A loss of federal funds as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) shall render the provision void and inoperative;
(i) When any logging truck, as defined in § 55-7-203 , is found in operation with a gross weight in excess of the weights established by law, the operation of the vehicle shall not be assessed a tax if the vehicle's excess weight is less than ten percent (10%) of the vehicle's gross weight. If the weight of the vehicle is greater than ten percent (10%) in excess of the maximum applicable weight, the tax of ten cents (10¢) per pound shall be imposed on any poundage over the maximum applicable weight;
(ii) If the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such provision shall be void and inoperative. A loss of federal funds as a result of any provision of this subdivision (a)(7)(J) shall render the provision void and inoperative;
(K) When a freight motor vehicle is registered under subdivision (a)(3)(A), as a combined farm and limited private use truck and being operated commercially or as a commercial vehicle and is found in operation in violation of subdivision (a)(3)(A), the owner shall be subject to assessment of a penalty by the department, which shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the commercial license fee for the full year with no credit or rebate for any portion of the year in which a license is unused;
(L) The penalties provided for in subdivision (a)(7), shall be waived upon submission within thirty (30) days to the commissioner, of proof that the vehicle has been properly registered in the appropriate classification and payment of a two hundred dollar ($200) administrative fee, and no citation shall be issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(7)(C), (a)(7)(E), (a)(7)(F), or (a)(7)(J).
(b) There shall be added to all the vehicle registration taxes imposed by this section a two and one-half percent (2.5%) increase, rounding to the nearest fifty cents (50¢), which shall be designated as the department of safety's safety inspection fee pursuant to § 65-15-112 . This safety inspection fee shall not apply to a vehicle registering pursuant to subdivision (a)(3). This safety inspection fee shall be collected as a part of the vehicle registration taxes required by this section, and shall not be used for any purpose other than to fund the motor vehicle safety enforcement activities of the department of safety.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 808, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4, s 5, s 6 eff. 1/1/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 808, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 7, s 8, s 9, s 10, Sec.s 11 eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 6, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 183, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1939, ch. 105, §§ 2, 3; 1941, ch. 84, §§ 1, 2; 1945, ch. 164, §§ 1, 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2680.75 (Williams, §§ 1166.29, 1166.30); Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 85; 1953, ch. 3, §§ 1-3; 1955, ch. 52, §§ 1, 2; impl. am. Acts 1955, ch. 69, § 1; Acts 1957, ch. 182, § 1; 1957, ch. 284, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1959, ch. 60, § 1; 1959, ch. 247, § 1; 1959, ch. 281, §§ 1, 2; 1961, ch. 200, § 1; 1963, ch. 103, § 1; 1967, ch. 122, § 1; 1967, ch. 218, § 2; 1969, ch. 324, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 501, § 1; 1971, ch. 301, § 1; 1972, ch. 499, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 8; 1972, ch. 540, § 8; 1972, ch. 620, § 1; 1973, ch. 97, §§ 1-3; 1973, ch. 396, § 1; 1974, ch. 747, § 1; 1976, ch. 390, § 1; 1976, ch. 765, § 1; 1976, ch. 788, § 1; 1977, ch. 82, § 1; 1977, ch. 326, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-423; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 2; 1981, ch. 535, § 4; 1983, ch. 206, § 1; 1983, ch. 319, § 1; 1983, ch. 376, § 1; 1983, ch. 480, § 1; 1984, ch. 733, § 1; 1986, ch. 540, § 1; 1987, ch. 140, § 1; 1987, ch. 425, §§ 4, 5; 1988, ch. 817, § 4; 1993, ch. 142, §§ 2-4; 1993, ch. 327, § 10; 1995, ch. 282, § 2; 1995, ch. 305, § 110; 1999, ch. 98, §§ 5 - 10; 2001, ch. 166, § 1; 2002, ch. 856, §§ 8d - 8i; 2004, ch. 501, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, § 36.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-186 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-186
Responsibility for illegal parking
Status: in_force

(a) The responsibility for illegally parking on any road, highway, or street in this state in any restricted zone or space to include, but not limited to: (1) An unauthorized parking space designated for persons with disabilities as provided for in §§ 55-21-106 and 55-21-108 ; (2) Specifically prohibited places, as provided for in § 55-8-160 ; (3) No parking zones; (4) Overtime zones or metered parking spaces; or (5) Fire lanes; shall not apply to the registered owner of a rented or leased vehicle parked in violation of law when that owner can furnish sworn evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the parking violation, leased or rented to another person. (b) In such instances, the owner of the vehicle shall, within thirty (30) days after notification of the parking violation, furnish to the appropriate court or law enforcement agency, the name, address, and driver license number of the person or company who leased or rented the vehicle. If the owner fails to provide the information within the thirty-day period, then the owner shall become personally liable for the violation. Acts 1985, ch. 248, § 1; 2011 , ch. 47, § 57.
(a) The responsibility for illegally parking on any road, highway, or street in this state in any restricted zone or space to include, but not limited to: (1) An unauthorized parking space designated for persons with disabilities as provided for in §§ 55-21-106 and 55-21-108 ; (2) Specifically prohibited places, as provided for in § 55-8-160 ; (3) No parking zones; (4) Overtime zones or metered parking spaces; or (5) Fire lanes; shall not apply to the registered owner of a rented or leased vehicle parked in violation of law when that owner can furnish sworn evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the parking violation, leased or rented to another person.
(1) An unauthorized parking space designated for persons with disabilities as provided for in §§ 55-21-106 and 55-21-108 ;
(2) Specifically prohibited places, as provided for in § 55-8-160 ;
(3) No parking zones;
(4) Overtime zones or metered parking spaces; or
(5) Fire lanes; shall not apply to the registered owner of a rented or leased vehicle parked in violation of law when that owner can furnish sworn evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the parking violation, leased or rented to another person.
shall not apply to the registered owner of a rented or leased vehicle parked in violation of law when that owner can furnish sworn evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the parking violation, leased or rented to another person.
(b) In such instances, the owner of the vehicle shall, within thirty (30) days after notification of the parking violation, furnish to the appropriate court or law enforcement agency, the name, address, and driver license number of the person or company who leased or rented the vehicle. If the owner fails to provide the information within the thirty-day period, then the owner shall become personally liable for the violation.
Acts 1985, ch. 248, § 1; 2011 , ch. 47, § 57.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-116 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-116
Additional registration fee for electric vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning January 1, 2024, in addition to all other motor vehicle registration fees prescribed by law, there must be paid to the department at the time the vehicle registration is renewed an additional registration fee according to the following schedule, or in such other amount as adjusted pursuant to subsections (b) and (d): (1) For all-electric vehicles: (A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2027, two hundred dollars ($200); and (B) On or after January 1, 2027, and prior to January 1, 2028, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274); (C) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b). (2) For hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: (A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2028, one hundred dollars ($100); and (B) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, one hundred dollars ($100), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b). (b) (1) On January 1, 2028, and on January 1 of each subsequent year, for the registration fees assessed pursuant to subdivisions (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2)(B), the department shall adjust the amount of the fee to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the immediately preceding fiscal year, as follows: (A) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and if the rate is less than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by that rate; and (B) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and the rate is equal to or more than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by three percent (3%). (2) The adjustment made pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) must be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar figure. The department shall publish each adjusted registration fee amount on its website. (c) Notwithstanding § 55-6-107 or another law to the contrary, the proceeds of the additional registration fees established in this section must be apportioned as follows: (1) Sixty-three and four-tenths percent (63.4%) to the state highway fund; (2) Eleven and eight-tenths percent (11.8%) to municipalities, as defined in § 54-4-201 , on the basis set out in § 54-4-203 ; (3) Twenty-two percent (22%) to counties on the basis set out in § 54-4-103 ; and (4) Two and eight-tenths percent (2.8%) to the general fund. (d) (1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, beginning on January 1, 2027, if the federal government implements any taxes or fees on all-electric vehicles under title 26 of the United States Code and allocates those taxes or fees pursuant to chapter 98 of title 26 to the federal highway trust fund ( 26 U.S.C. § 9503 ), then the additional registration fee for all-electric vehicles assessed in subdivision (a)(1) also must be adjusted pursuant to this subsection (d) so as to account for the tax or fee assessed by the federal government. (2) An adjustment in the additional registration fee pursuant to this subsection (d) becomes effective beginning January 1 of the calendar year following the implementation of the federal tax or fee on all-electric vehicles. (3) The department shall adjust the additional registration fee on all-electric vehicles by subtracting the sum of federal tax or fee from the sum of the additional registration fee at the time of the adjustment. (4) Notwithstanding the sum of the taxes or fees imposed by the federal government, the department's adjustment of the additional registration fee must not result in an additional registration fee for all-electric vehicles of less than two hundred dollars ($200), adjusted for inflation pursuant to subsection (b), on or after January 1, 2028. (5) If the federal government elects to decrease any or all taxes or fees on all-electric vehicles imposed by title 26 of the United States Code and allocated by chapter 98 of title 26 to the federal highway trust fund after it has implemented the taxes or fees, then the additional registration fee must be increased by an amount equal to the amount of the decrease by the federal government. (e) As used in this section: (1) "All-electric vehicle": (A) Means a passenger or commercial motor vehicle with an electric motor as its sole means of propulsion; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle; (2) "Hybrid electric vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that is primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other sources of electric current and also operates on, or is capable of operating on, a nonelectrical source of power; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle; and (3) "Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that can use batteries to power an electric motor and use another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source, and that may use electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159, s 32, eff. 4/17/2023. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 3, eff. 7/1/2017.
(a) Beginning January 1, 2024, in addition to all other motor vehicle registration fees prescribed by law, there must be paid to the department at the time the vehicle registration is renewed an additional registration fee according to the following schedule, or in such other amount as adjusted pursuant to subsections (b) and (d): (1) For all-electric vehicles: (A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2027, two hundred dollars ($200); and (B) On or after January 1, 2027, and prior to January 1, 2028, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274); (C) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b). (2) For hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: (A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2028, one hundred dollars ($100); and (B) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, one hundred dollars ($100), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b).
(1) For all-electric vehicles: (A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2027, two hundred dollars ($200); and (B) On or after January 1, 2027, and prior to January 1, 2028, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274); (C) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b).
(A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2027, two hundred dollars ($200); and
(B) On or after January 1, 2027, and prior to January 1, 2028, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274);
(C) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b).
(2) For hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: (A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2028, one hundred dollars ($100); and (B) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, one hundred dollars ($100), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b).
(A) On or after January 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2028, one hundred dollars ($100); and
(B) On or after January 1, 2028, and each subsequent year, one hundred dollars ($100), adjusted by an amount each year to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation as calculated pursuant to subsection (b).
(b) (1) On January 1, 2028, and on January 1 of each subsequent year, for the registration fees assessed pursuant to subdivisions (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2)(B), the department shall adjust the amount of the fee to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the immediately preceding fiscal year, as follows: (A) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and if the rate is less than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by that rate; and (B) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and the rate is equal to or more than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by three percent (3%). (2) The adjustment made pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) must be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar figure. The department shall publish each adjusted registration fee amount on its website.
(1) On January 1, 2028, and on January 1 of each subsequent year, for the registration fees assessed pursuant to subdivisions (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2)(B), the department shall adjust the amount of the fee to reflect the effect of annual inflation or deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the immediately preceding fiscal year, as follows: (A) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and if the rate is less than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by that rate; and (B) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and the rate is equal to or more than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by three percent (3%).
(A) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and if the rate is less than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by that rate; and
(B) If, based upon the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers rate published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics or another similar index established by the federal government for June of the previous year, the department determines that this federal index reflects the effect of inflation and deflation for the cost of living that consumers in this state experienced on average during the preceding fiscal year, and the rate is equal to or more than three percent (3%), then the department shall adjust the amount of the fee by three percent (3%).
(2) The adjustment made pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) must be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar figure. The department shall publish each adjusted registration fee amount on its website.
(c) Notwithstanding § 55-6-107 or another law to the contrary, the proceeds of the additional registration fees established in this section must be apportioned as follows: (1) Sixty-three and four-tenths percent (63.4%) to the state highway fund; (2) Eleven and eight-tenths percent (11.8%) to municipalities, as defined in § 54-4-201 , on the basis set out in § 54-4-203 ; (3) Twenty-two percent (22%) to counties on the basis set out in § 54-4-103 ; and (4) Two and eight-tenths percent (2.8%) to the general fund.
(1) Sixty-three and four-tenths percent (63.4%) to the state highway fund;
(2) Eleven and eight-tenths percent (11.8%) to municipalities, as defined in § 54-4-201 , on the basis set out in § 54-4-203 ;
(3) Twenty-two percent (22%) to counties on the basis set out in § 54-4-103 ; and
(4) Two and eight-tenths percent (2.8%) to the general fund.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, beginning on January 1, 2027, if the federal government implements any taxes or fees on all-electric vehicles under title 26 of the United States Code and allocates those taxes or fees pursuant to chapter 98 of title 26 to the federal highway trust fund ( 26 U.S.C. § 9503 ), then the additional registration fee for all-electric vehicles assessed in subdivision (a)(1) also must be adjusted pursuant to this subsection (d) so as to account for the tax or fee assessed by the federal government. (2) An adjustment in the additional registration fee pursuant to this subsection (d) becomes effective beginning January 1 of the calendar year following the implementation of the federal tax or fee on all-electric vehicles. (3) The department shall adjust the additional registration fee on all-electric vehicles by subtracting the sum of federal tax or fee from the sum of the additional registration fee at the time of the adjustment. (4) Notwithstanding the sum of the taxes or fees imposed by the federal government, the department's adjustment of the additional registration fee must not result in an additional registration fee for all-electric vehicles of less than two hundred dollars ($200), adjusted for inflation pursuant to subsection (b), on or after January 1, 2028. (5) If the federal government elects to decrease any or all taxes or fees on all-electric vehicles imposed by title 26 of the United States Code and allocated by chapter 98 of title 26 to the federal highway trust fund after it has implemented the taxes or fees, then the additional registration fee must be increased by an amount equal to the amount of the decrease by the federal government.
(1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, beginning on January 1, 2027, if the federal government implements any taxes or fees on all-electric vehicles under title 26 of the United States Code and allocates those taxes or fees pursuant to chapter 98 of title 26 to the federal highway trust fund ( 26 U.S.C. § 9503 ), then the additional registration fee for all-electric vehicles assessed in subdivision (a)(1) also must be adjusted pursuant to this subsection (d) so as to account for the tax or fee assessed by the federal government.
(2) An adjustment in the additional registration fee pursuant to this subsection (d) becomes effective beginning January 1 of the calendar year following the implementation of the federal tax or fee on all-electric vehicles.
(3) The department shall adjust the additional registration fee on all-electric vehicles by subtracting the sum of federal tax or fee from the sum of the additional registration fee at the time of the adjustment.
(4) Notwithstanding the sum of the taxes or fees imposed by the federal government, the department's adjustment of the additional registration fee must not result in an additional registration fee for all-electric vehicles of less than two hundred dollars ($200), adjusted for inflation pursuant to subsection (b), on or after January 1, 2028.
(5) If the federal government elects to decrease any or all taxes or fees on all-electric vehicles imposed by title 26 of the United States Code and allocated by chapter 98 of title 26 to the federal highway trust fund after it has implemented the taxes or fees, then the additional registration fee must be increased by an amount equal to the amount of the decrease by the federal government.
(e) As used in this section: (1) "All-electric vehicle": (A) Means a passenger or commercial motor vehicle with an electric motor as its sole means of propulsion; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle; (2) "Hybrid electric vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that is primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other sources of electric current and also operates on, or is capable of operating on, a nonelectrical source of power; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle; and (3) "Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that can use batteries to power an electric motor and use another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source, and that may use electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle.
(1) "All-electric vehicle": (A) Means a passenger or commercial motor vehicle with an electric motor as its sole means of propulsion; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle;
(A) Means a passenger or commercial motor vehicle with an electric motor as its sole means of propulsion; and
(B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle;
(2) "Hybrid electric vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that is primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other sources of electric current and also operates on, or is capable of operating on, a nonelectrical source of power; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle; and
(A) Means a vehicle that is primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other sources of electric current and also operates on, or is capable of operating on, a nonelectrical source of power; and
(B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle; and
(3) "Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle that can use batteries to power an electric motor and use another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source, and that may use electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time; and (B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle.
(A) Means a vehicle that can use batteries to power an electric motor and use another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source, and that may use electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time; and
(B) Does not include a low speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159, s 32, eff. 4/17/2023.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 3, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-204 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-204
Fees
Status: in_force

(a) In addition to title, registration, transfer or other fees or taxes otherwise applicable under this title, persons applying for and receiving registration plates under this part shall pay additional fees as follows: (1) Antique motor vehicle - thirty dollars ($30.00), pursuant to § 55-4-111(a)(1) Class C and as provided for in § 55-4-111(b) ; (2) Dealers, as provided for in § 55-4-226 ; (3) Disabled - regular fee applicable to the vehicle, except as expressly provided otherwise in § 55-21-103 ; (4) Emergency: (A) Amateur radio: (i) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle, if the applicant meets the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; or (ii) Twenty-five dollars ($25.00), if the applicant does not meet the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; (B) On-call surgical personnel - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(i) ; (C) Police officer - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(f) ; (D) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223 for the following special purpose plates: (i) Auxiliary police; (ii) Civil air patrol; (iii) Civil defense; (iv) Constables; (v) Emergency services squad, including, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical technician-paramedics, other emergency medical services providers or emergency medical responders, or physicians or nurses on the scene or accompanying or attending a patient in an ambulance; (vi) Rescue squad; and (vii) Emergency communication dispatchers; (E) Tennessee state guard - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal; (F) Trauma nurses - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(h) ; (G) Trauma physicians - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(g) ; and (H) United States coast guard auxiliary - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal; (5) Firefighter - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-224 ; (6) General assembly - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (7) Government service - as provided for in § 55-4-219 ; (8) Judiciary - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (9) National guard: enlisted, officers, retirees and honorably discharged members - as provided for in § 55-4-255 ; (10) Physician - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (11) Sheriff - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (12) [Deleted by 2023 amendment.] (13) United States house of representatives - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (14) United States judge - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (15) United States senate - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (16) Regular fee as provided for in Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) and as provided for in part 7 of this chapter for Class I off-highway vehicles and Class II off-highway vehicles; and (17) Legislator Emeritus - twenty-five dollars ($25.00). (b) The following plates shall be issued free of charge and in the number specified by the section authorizing the issuance of the individual plate; provided, that the appropriate criteria are met by the applicant: Memorial: (1) Air Force Cross recipients; (2) Air Medal (Valor) recipients; (3) Bronze Star (Valor) recipients; (4) Disabled Veterans, including those disabled veterans who choose to receive the Purple Heart plate pursuant to § 55-4-257(e) ; (5) Distinguished Flying Cross recipients; (6) Distinguished Service Cross recipients; (7) Former Prisoner of War; (8) Gold Star family; (9) Holder of the Purple Heart; (10) Medal of Honor recipients; (11) Navy Cross recipients; and (12) Silver Star recipients. (c) (1) The following military cultural plates shall be issued upon the payment of the regular registration fee and a fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates; provided, that the issuance of these plates shall be revenue neutral: (A) 5 th Special Forces Group (Airborne); (B) Air Medal (Meritorious) recipients; (C) Army ranger; (D) Blue Star family; (E) Bronze Star (Meritorious) recipients; (F) Coast Guard Medal; (G) Coast Guard Commendation Medal; (H) Combat Action Badge; (I) Combat Infantryman Badge; (J) Combat Medical Badge; (K) Combat veterans; (L) Disabled veteran (service-connected); (M) "Enemy Evadees," as certified by the department of veterans services, pursuant to § 55-4-263 ; (N) Honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces, pursuant to § 55-4-253 ; (O) Legion of Merit recipients; (P) Marine Corps League; (Q) Paratrooper; (R) Pearl Harbor survivors, pursuant to § 55-4-262 ; (S) Presidential Service Badge; (T) Rakkasans; (U) Submarine veteran; (V) Tennessee woman veteran, pursuant to § 55-4-267 ; (W) United States military, active forces, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (X) United States military, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (Y) United States military, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (Z) United States reserve forces, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (AA) United States reserve forces, pursuant to § 55-4-254 ; (BB) United States reserve forces, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; and (CC) Women Veterans of Color. (2) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the payment of the fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates provided in subdivision (c)(1) shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates specified in subdivision (c)(1) and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal. (d) All other cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates authorized by this part shall be issued upon the payment of a fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00), in addition to the regular registration fee, in accordance with § 55-4-202(b)(2) . (e) OEM headquarters company plates shall be issued free of charge as provided for in § 55-4-227 . (f) For purposes related to this chapter, the department may authorize the state treasurer to establish a program for the sale of nonrefundable gift vouchers, gift cards, rebates, incentives, debit cards or any other form of electronic payments. The state treasurer, or designated entity, may administer all or any portion of the program regarding the use of such gift vouchers, gift cards, rebates, incentives, debit cards or any other form of electronic payments. The treasurer may charge for reasonable administration costs, or authorize the designated entity to charge a fee to defray such costs. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 13, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 117, s 4, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, Secs.s 35, s 41 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 31, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 32, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 660, s 44, eff. 7/1/2020. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 597, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 254, s 1, eff. 4/30/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 253, s 42, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 253, s 17, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, Secs.s 4, s 24, s 49 eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 926, s 3, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 384, s 37, eff. 5/18/2017. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 97, s 4, eff. 4/4/2017. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 5, eff. 1/1/2017. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 1, eff. 7/1/2014. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 25, eff. 5/19/2014. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 5, eff. 5/19/2014. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 3, eff. 5/19/2014. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 318, Secs.s 8, s 9 eff. 5/13/2013. Acts 1984, ch. 966, § 1; 1985, ch. 95, § 1; 1985, ch. 402, §§ 5, 12; 1987, ch. 172, § 5; 1988, ch. 618, § 2; 1988, ch. 687, § 2; 1988, ch. 781, § 3; 1988, ch. 864, § 2; 1990, ch. 925, § 3; 1991, ch. 482, § 6; 1992, ch. 846, § 2; 1992, ch. 1008, § 2; 1993, ch. 105, § 2; 1993, ch. 236, § 2; 1993, ch. 446, § 2; 1994, ch. 624, § 2; 1994, ch. 665, § 2; 1994, ch. 930, § 2; 1994, ch. 999, §§ 2-4; 1995, ch. 122, § 2; 1995, ch. 173, § 1; 1995, ch. 335, § 2; 1995, ch. 399, § 2; 1996, ch. 615, § 2; 1996, ch. 658, § 2; 1996, ch. 672, § 5; 1996, ch. 673, § 2; 1996, ch. 854, § 2; 1996, ch. 914, § 2; 1996, ch. 963, § 2; 1996, ch. 965, § 3; 1996, ch. 971, § 2; 1996, ch. 994, § 2; 1996, ch. 1024, § 2; 1996, ch. 1030, § 4; 1996, ch. 1047, § 3; 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 1999, ch. 98, § 3; 2002, ch. 633, §§ 2, 5; 2002, ch. 866, § 1; 2002, ch. 876, §§ 2, 5; 2003 , ch. 280, § 5; 2004, ch. 933, § 2; 2004, ch. 937, § 2; 2006, ch. 964, §§ 16, 27; 2007 , ch. 63, § 2; 2007 , ch. 604, §§ 19, 43, 44; 2008 , ch. 924, § 13; 2008 , ch. 1165, §§ 5, 8, 23, 31, 44; 2009 , ch. 530, § 119; 2010 , ch. 1151, §§ 7, 10; 2011 , ch. 491, § 23.
(a) In addition to title, registration, transfer or other fees or taxes otherwise applicable under this title, persons applying for and receiving registration plates under this part shall pay additional fees as follows: (1) Antique motor vehicle - thirty dollars ($30.00), pursuant to § 55-4-111(a)(1) Class C and as provided for in § 55-4-111(b) ; (2) Dealers, as provided for in § 55-4-226 ; (3) Disabled - regular fee applicable to the vehicle, except as expressly provided otherwise in § 55-21-103 ; (4) Emergency: (A) Amateur radio: (i) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle, if the applicant meets the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; or (ii) Twenty-five dollars ($25.00), if the applicant does not meet the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; (B) On-call surgical personnel - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(i) ; (C) Police officer - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(f) ; (D) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223 for the following special purpose plates: (i) Auxiliary police; (ii) Civil air patrol; (iii) Civil defense; (iv) Constables; (v) Emergency services squad, including, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical technician-paramedics, other emergency medical services providers or emergency medical responders, or physicians or nurses on the scene or accompanying or attending a patient in an ambulance; (vi) Rescue squad; and (vii) Emergency communication dispatchers; (E) Tennessee state guard - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal; (F) Trauma nurses - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(h) ; (G) Trauma physicians - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(g) ; and (H) United States coast guard auxiliary - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal; (5) Firefighter - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-224 ; (6) General assembly - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (7) Government service - as provided for in § 55-4-219 ; (8) Judiciary - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (9) National guard: enlisted, officers, retirees and honorably discharged members - as provided for in § 55-4-255 ; (10) Physician - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (11) Sheriff - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (12) [Deleted by 2023 amendment.] (13) United States house of representatives - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (14) United States judge - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (15) United States senate - twenty-five dollars ($25.00); (16) Regular fee as provided for in Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) and as provided for in part 7 of this chapter for Class I off-highway vehicles and Class II off-highway vehicles; and (17) Legislator Emeritus - twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
(1) Antique motor vehicle - thirty dollars ($30.00), pursuant to § 55-4-111(a)(1) Class C and as provided for in § 55-4-111(b) ;
(2) Dealers, as provided for in § 55-4-226 ;
(3) Disabled - regular fee applicable to the vehicle, except as expressly provided otherwise in § 55-21-103 ;
(4) Emergency: (A) Amateur radio: (i) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle, if the applicant meets the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; or (ii) Twenty-five dollars ($25.00), if the applicant does not meet the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; (B) On-call surgical personnel - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(i) ; (C) Police officer - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(f) ; (D) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223 for the following special purpose plates: (i) Auxiliary police; (ii) Civil air patrol; (iii) Civil defense; (iv) Constables; (v) Emergency services squad, including, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical technician-paramedics, other emergency medical services providers or emergency medical responders, or physicians or nurses on the scene or accompanying or attending a patient in an ambulance; (vi) Rescue squad; and (vii) Emergency communication dispatchers; (E) Tennessee state guard - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal; (F) Trauma nurses - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(h) ; (G) Trauma physicians - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(g) ; and (H) United States coast guard auxiliary - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal;
(A) Amateur radio: (i) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle, if the applicant meets the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; or (ii) Twenty-five dollars ($25.00), if the applicant does not meet the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ;
(i) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle, if the applicant meets the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ; or
(ii) Twenty-five dollars ($25.00), if the applicant does not meet the qualifications of § 55-4-225(e) ;
(B) On-call surgical personnel - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(i) ;
(C) Police officer - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(f) ;
(D) Regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223 for the following special purpose plates: (i) Auxiliary police; (ii) Civil air patrol; (iii) Civil defense; (iv) Constables; (v) Emergency services squad, including, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical technician-paramedics, other emergency medical services providers or emergency medical responders, or physicians or nurses on the scene or accompanying or attending a patient in an ambulance; (vi) Rescue squad; and (vii) Emergency communication dispatchers;
(i) Auxiliary police;
(ii) Civil air patrol;
(iii) Civil defense;
(iv) Constables;
(v) Emergency services squad, including, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical technician-paramedics, other emergency medical services providers or emergency medical responders, or physicians or nurses on the scene or accompanying or attending a patient in an ambulance;
(vi) Rescue squad; and
(vii) Emergency communication dispatchers;
(E) Tennessee state guard - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal;
(F) Trauma nurses - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(h) ;
(G) Trauma physicians - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-223(g) ; and
(H) United States coast guard auxiliary - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and a fee proportionately equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates to ensure that the issuance of the plates is revenue neutral; provided, that the fee shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates provided for in this section and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal;
(5) Firefighter - regular fee applicable to the vehicle and as provided for in § 55-4-224 ;
(6) General assembly - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(7) Government service - as provided for in § 55-4-219 ;
(8) Judiciary - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(9) National guard: enlisted, officers, retirees and honorably discharged members - as provided for in § 55-4-255 ;
(10) Physician - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(11) Sheriff - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(12) [Deleted by 2023 amendment.]
(13) United States house of representatives - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(14) United States judge - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(15) United States senate - twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(16) Regular fee as provided for in Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) and as provided for in part 7 of this chapter for Class I off-highway vehicles and Class II off-highway vehicles; and
(17) Legislator Emeritus - twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
(b) The following plates shall be issued free of charge and in the number specified by the section authorizing the issuance of the individual plate; provided, that the appropriate criteria are met by the applicant: Memorial: (1) Air Force Cross recipients; (2) Air Medal (Valor) recipients; (3) Bronze Star (Valor) recipients; (4) Disabled Veterans, including those disabled veterans who choose to receive the Purple Heart plate pursuant to § 55-4-257(e) ; (5) Distinguished Flying Cross recipients; (6) Distinguished Service Cross recipients; (7) Former Prisoner of War; (8) Gold Star family; (9) Holder of the Purple Heart; (10) Medal of Honor recipients; (11) Navy Cross recipients; and (12) Silver Star recipients.
Memorial:
(1) Air Force Cross recipients;
(2) Air Medal (Valor) recipients;
(3) Bronze Star (Valor) recipients;
(4) Disabled Veterans, including those disabled veterans who choose to receive the Purple Heart plate pursuant to § 55-4-257(e) ;
(5) Distinguished Flying Cross recipients;
(6) Distinguished Service Cross recipients;
(7) Former Prisoner of War;
(8) Gold Star family;
(9) Holder of the Purple Heart;
(10) Medal of Honor recipients;
(11) Navy Cross recipients; and
(12) Silver Star recipients.
(c) (1) The following military cultural plates shall be issued upon the payment of the regular registration fee and a fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates; provided, that the issuance of these plates shall be revenue neutral: (A) 5 th Special Forces Group (Airborne); (B) Air Medal (Meritorious) recipients; (C) Army ranger; (D) Blue Star family; (E) Bronze Star (Meritorious) recipients; (F) Coast Guard Medal; (G) Coast Guard Commendation Medal; (H) Combat Action Badge; (I) Combat Infantryman Badge; (J) Combat Medical Badge; (K) Combat veterans; (L) Disabled veteran (service-connected); (M) "Enemy Evadees," as certified by the department of veterans services, pursuant to § 55-4-263 ; (N) Honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces, pursuant to § 55-4-253 ; (O) Legion of Merit recipients; (P) Marine Corps League; (Q) Paratrooper; (R) Pearl Harbor survivors, pursuant to § 55-4-262 ; (S) Presidential Service Badge; (T) Rakkasans; (U) Submarine veteran; (V) Tennessee woman veteran, pursuant to § 55-4-267 ; (W) United States military, active forces, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (X) United States military, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (Y) United States military, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (Z) United States reserve forces, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (AA) United States reserve forces, pursuant to § 55-4-254 ; (BB) United States reserve forces, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; and (CC) Women Veterans of Color. (2) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the payment of the fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates provided in subdivision (c)(1) shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates specified in subdivision (c)(1) and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal.
(1) The following military cultural plates shall be issued upon the payment of the regular registration fee and a fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates; provided, that the issuance of these plates shall be revenue neutral: (A) 5 th Special Forces Group (Airborne); (B) Air Medal (Meritorious) recipients; (C) Army ranger; (D) Blue Star family; (E) Bronze Star (Meritorious) recipients; (F) Coast Guard Medal; (G) Coast Guard Commendation Medal; (H) Combat Action Badge; (I) Combat Infantryman Badge; (J) Combat Medical Badge; (K) Combat veterans; (L) Disabled veteran (service-connected); (M) "Enemy Evadees," as certified by the department of veterans services, pursuant to § 55-4-263 ; (N) Honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces, pursuant to § 55-4-253 ; (O) Legion of Merit recipients; (P) Marine Corps League; (Q) Paratrooper; (R) Pearl Harbor survivors, pursuant to § 55-4-262 ; (S) Presidential Service Badge; (T) Rakkasans; (U) Submarine veteran; (V) Tennessee woman veteran, pursuant to § 55-4-267 ; (W) United States military, active forces, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (X) United States military, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (Y) United States military, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (Z) United States reserve forces, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; (AA) United States reserve forces, pursuant to § 55-4-254 ; (BB) United States reserve forces, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; and (CC) Women Veterans of Color.
(A) 5 th Special Forces Group (Airborne);
(B) Air Medal (Meritorious) recipients;
(C) Army ranger;
(D) Blue Star family;
(E) Bronze Star (Meritorious) recipients;
(F) Coast Guard Medal;
(G) Coast Guard Commendation Medal;
(H) Combat Action Badge;
(I) Combat Infantryman Badge;
(J) Combat Medical Badge;
(K) Combat veterans;
(L) Disabled veteran (service-connected);
(M) "Enemy Evadees," as certified by the department of veterans services, pursuant to § 55-4-263 ;
(N) Honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces, pursuant to § 55-4-253 ;
(O) Legion of Merit recipients;
(P) Marine Corps League;
(Q) Paratrooper;
(R) Pearl Harbor survivors, pursuant to § 55-4-262 ;
(S) Presidential Service Badge;
(T) Rakkasans;
(U) Submarine veteran;
(V) Tennessee woman veteran, pursuant to § 55-4-267 ;
(W) United States military, active forces, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ;
(X) United States military, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ;
(Y) United States military, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ;
(Z) United States reserve forces, honorably discharged members, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ;
(AA) United States reserve forces, pursuant to § 55-4-254 ;
(BB) United States reserve forces, retired, pursuant to § 55-4-252 ; and
(CC) Women Veterans of Color.
(2) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the payment of the fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates provided in subdivision (c)(1) shall only be applicable upon initial issuance or reissuance of the plates specified in subdivision (c)(1) and shall not be applicable at the time of renewal.
(d) All other cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates authorized by this part shall be issued upon the payment of a fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00), in addition to the regular registration fee, in accordance with § 55-4-202(b)(2) .
(e) OEM headquarters company plates shall be issued free of charge as provided for in § 55-4-227 .
(f) For purposes related to this chapter, the department may authorize the state treasurer to establish a program for the sale of nonrefundable gift vouchers, gift cards, rebates, incentives, debit cards or any other form of electronic payments. The state treasurer, or designated entity, may administer all or any portion of the program regarding the use of such gift vouchers, gift cards, rebates, incentives, debit cards or any other form of electronic payments. The treasurer may charge for reasonable administration costs, or authorize the designated entity to charge a fee to defray such costs.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 13, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 117, s 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, Secs.s 35, s 41 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 31, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 32, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 660, s 44, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 597, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 254, s 1, eff. 4/30/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 253, s 42, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 253, s 17, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, Secs.s 4, s 24, s 49 eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 926, s 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 384, s 37, eff. 5/18/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 97, s 4, eff. 4/4/2017.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 5, eff. 1/1/2017.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 25, eff. 5/19/2014.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 5, eff. 5/19/2014.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 3, eff. 5/19/2014.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 318, Secs.s 8, s 9 eff. 5/13/2013.
Acts 1984, ch. 966, § 1; 1985, ch. 95, § 1; 1985, ch. 402, §§ 5, 12; 1987, ch. 172, § 5; 1988, ch. 618, § 2; 1988, ch. 687, § 2; 1988, ch. 781, § 3; 1988, ch. 864, § 2; 1990, ch. 925, § 3; 1991, ch. 482, § 6; 1992, ch. 846, § 2; 1992, ch. 1008, § 2; 1993, ch. 105, § 2; 1993, ch. 236, § 2; 1993, ch. 446, § 2; 1994, ch. 624, § 2; 1994, ch. 665, § 2; 1994, ch. 930, § 2; 1994, ch. 999, §§ 2-4; 1995, ch. 122, § 2; 1995, ch. 173, § 1; 1995, ch. 335, § 2; 1995, ch. 399, § 2; 1996, ch. 615, § 2; 1996, ch. 658, § 2; 1996, ch. 672, § 5; 1996, ch. 673, § 2; 1996, ch. 854, § 2; 1996, ch. 914, § 2; 1996, ch. 963, § 2; 1996, ch. 965, § 3; 1996, ch. 971, § 2; 1996, ch. 994, § 2; 1996, ch. 1024, § 2; 1996, ch. 1030, § 4; 1996, ch. 1047, § 3; 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 1999, ch. 98, § 3; 2002, ch. 633, §§ 2, 5; 2002, ch. 866, § 1; 2002, ch. 876, §§ 2, 5; 2003 , ch. 280, § 5; 2004, ch. 933, § 2; 2004, ch. 937, § 2; 2006, ch. 964, §§ 16, 27; 2007 , ch. 63, § 2; 2007 , ch. 604, §§ 19, 43, 44; 2008 , ch. 924, § 13; 2008 , ch. 1165, §§ 5, 8, 23, 31, 44; 2009 , ch. 530, § 119; 2010 , ch. 1151, §§ 7, 10; 2011 , ch. 491, § 23.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-421 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-421
Adult driving while impaired
Status: in_force

(a) Effective July 1, 2003, the offense of adult driving while impaired is repealed. (b) Nothing in the repeal of the offense of adult driving while impaired shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of any conviction for the offense occurring prior to July 1, 2003, for any of the purposes set out in § 55-10-405 , § 55-10-406 , § 55-10-409 , § 55-10-411(b)(2) , § 55-10-603(2)(A)(x) or § 55-50-502(c)(3)(B)(ii) . Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 20, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 2010 , ch. 921, § 12; 2011 , ch. 298, § 8.
(a) Effective July 1, 2003, the offense of adult driving while impaired is repealed.
(b) Nothing in the repeal of the offense of adult driving while impaired shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of any conviction for the offense occurring prior to July 1, 2003, for any of the purposes set out in § 55-10-405 , § 55-10-406 , § 55-10-409 , § 55-10-411(b)(2) , § 55-10-603(2)(A)(x) or § 55-50-502(c)(3)(B)(ii) .
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 20, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2010 , ch. 921, § 12; 2011 , ch. 298, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-23-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 23 / Section 55-23-104
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 649, Secs.s 2, s 3eff. 3/29/2016. Acts 1980, ch. 779, § 4; 1999, ch. 1, § 2.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 649, Secs.s 2, s 3eff. 3/29/2016.
Acts 1980, ch. 779, § 4; 1999, ch. 1, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-170 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-170
Putting glass, nails and other substances on highway prohibited - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon the highway. (b) Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. (c) Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from the vehicle. (d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 70; T.C.A., § 59-871; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon the highway.
(b) Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed.
(c) Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from the vehicle.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 70; T.C.A., § 59-871; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-303 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-303
Seat for passenger
Status: in_force

No person shall ride as a passenger upon a motorcycle or motorscooter unless a proper seat for a passenger is installed thereon. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 7, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1967, ch. 45, § 3 (T.C.A. (supp.), § 50-945); T.C.A., § 59-935.
No person shall ride as a passenger upon a motorcycle or motorscooter unless a proper seat for a passenger is installed thereon.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 7, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1967, ch. 45, § 3 (T.C.A. (supp.), § 50-945); T.C.A., § 59-935.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-103
Application for certificate of title - Form and contents - Statement of dealer or bill of sale
Status: in_force

(a) Every owner of a vehicle, subject to registration under this title, for which no certificate of title has ever been issued by the department, shall make application to the county clerk of the county where the vehicle is to be registered, or directly to the registrar of motor vehicles in the case of either proportional or apportional registrations and state owned vehicles. The clerk or registrar of motor vehicles shall receive the application for the issuance of a certificate of title for that vehicle upon the appropriate form or forms furnished by the department without charge to the applicant. Every such application shall bear the signature of the owner written with pen and ink or captured electronically using a method approved by the commissioner; provided, however, that in the case of a licensed motor vehicle dealer only, in lieu of the signature, the application may be accompanied by a valid power of attorney executed by the owner on a form prescribed by the commissioner granting the licensed motor vehicle dealer authority to sign the application on behalf of the owner. The application shall contain: (1) The full name, bona fide residence, including the residential street address and number or route and box number, or post office box number if the applicant has no residential street address; provided, however, that a post office box shall not be sufficient to establish an individual's bona fide residence; and the mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association or corporation; (2) A description of the vehicle, including, insofar as the specified data may exist with respect to a given vehicle, the odometer reading, the make, model, type of body, the serial number of the vehicle, the engine or other number of the vehicle, and whether new or used and, if a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person intending to operate the vehicle. In the event a vehicle is designed, constructed, converted, or rebuilt for the transportation of property, the application shall include a statement of its capacity in terms of maximum gross vehicle weight rating as authorized by the manufacturer of the chassis or the complete vehicle; (3) A statement of the applicant's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the vehicle and the names and addresses of all persons having any interest in the vehicle and the nature of the interest; and (4) Further information that may reasonably be required by the department to enable it to determine whether the owner is entitled to a certificate of title. (b) If the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the department may register the vehicle, and as a condition of issuing a certificate of title, require the applicant to file a bond with the department upon the form prescribed by the department, executed by a corporate surety company duly licensed to transact business in the state, or a personal bond with two (2) solvent personal sureties on the bond. The bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half (11/2) times the value of the vehicle, as determined by the department, and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any person with an interest has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond shall be returned at the end of three (3) years or prior to the three (3) years if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the department, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of any action to recover on the bond. (c) When the application refers to a new vehicle purchased from a dealer, the application shall be accompanied by a statement by the dealer or a bill of sale showing any lien retained by the dealer and, in addition, a manufacturer's certificate of origin on a form to be prescribed by the commissioner. (d) The county clerk of the county where a vehicle is to be registered shall act as the agent of the department in receiving the application for certificate of title pursuant to this section. By receiving the application, the transfer of title and any liens noted on the title shall be deemed perfected, subject only to the action of the department in declining for good cause shown to issue the title or action of the county clerk in declining for good cause shown to note such lien on the title. (e) (1) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a person may apply for a certificate of title to a vehicle lacking proper documentation, if the vehicle has a fair market value of three thousand dollars ($3,000) or less and the person submits a certificate of ownership signed under penalty of perjury on a form prescribed by the department. The certificate of ownership shall be accompanied by the following supporting documentation: (A) Return receipts from certified letters with a return receipt requested sent to all known parties with a legal interest in the vehicle, requesting an assigned certificate of title or, in the event the previous owner is unknown to the applicant, evidence of notification, in a publication of general circulation in the county in which the application is being made, of the applicant's intent to apply for title on the vehicle. The notification shall contain a description of the vehicle, including make, model, year and vehicle identification number, and a request to any and all parties holding an interest in the vehicle to contact the person in possession of the vehicle by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten (10) business days of the date of the publication; (B) Verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN) by a law enforcement officer or licensed dealer; (C) A notarized bill of sale from the last registered owner or a notarized statement from the seller stating why the vehicle was not titled or registered in the seller's name; (D) In the absence of documentation pursuant to subdivision (e)(1)(C), a licensed motor vehicle dealer appraisal of the value of the vehicle; (E) Photographs of the vehicle in its prerepaired state. If prerepair photographs are unavailable, then post-repair photographs shall be submitted, along with a notarized statement from the applicant that no prerepair photographs are available and that the person was unaware that prerepair photographs would be required before the repairs were made. If no repairs were made, the statement should so state; and (F) In the event a vehicle was purchased new and never titled and the manufacturer's statement of origin has been lost and a duplicate of the original manufacturer's statement of origin cannot be obtained from the manufacturer, a complete copy of the original manufacturer's statement of origin, certified as true and exact, shall be required. (2) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a person may apply for a certificate of title to a vehicle lacking proper documentation, if the vehicle is at least thirty (30) years old and the person submits a certificate of ownership signed under penalty of perjury on a form prescribed by the department. (3) Upon submission of a complete certificate of ownership form with the required supporting documentation and payment of the appropriate fee, a certificate of title shall be issued and the county clerk shall issue a license plate to the applicant upon acceptance by the county clerk of the submitted documents and payment of the appropriate fees. A certificate of title issued pursuant to this subsection (e) shall not relieve the registrant of civil or criminal liability resulting from possession of the vehicle as otherwise provided by law. Issuance of a title or registration under the certification provisions is solely dependent on the applicant's ability to provide satisfactory evidence of the applicant's legal right of ownership and conformity to all related provisions as prescribed in § 55-2-107 . Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 462, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 29 (Williams, § 5538.129); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 4; 1965, ch. 125, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 5; 1973, ch. 234, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-303; Acts 1982, ch. 600, § 2; 1984, ch. 559, § 1; 1986, ch. 771, § 1; 1989, ch. 341, § 1; 2006, ch. 952, § 1; 2007 , ch. 289, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, §§ 11-13; 2009 , ch. 530, §§ 109, 112.
(a) Every owner of a vehicle, subject to registration under this title, for which no certificate of title has ever been issued by the department, shall make application to the county clerk of the county where the vehicle is to be registered, or directly to the registrar of motor vehicles in the case of either proportional or apportional registrations and state owned vehicles. The clerk or registrar of motor vehicles shall receive the application for the issuance of a certificate of title for that vehicle upon the appropriate form or forms furnished by the department without charge to the applicant. Every such application shall bear the signature of the owner written with pen and ink or captured electronically using a method approved by the commissioner; provided, however, that in the case of a licensed motor vehicle dealer only, in lieu of the signature, the application may be accompanied by a valid power of attorney executed by the owner on a form prescribed by the commissioner granting the licensed motor vehicle dealer authority to sign the application on behalf of the owner. The application shall contain: (1) The full name, bona fide residence, including the residential street address and number or route and box number, or post office box number if the applicant has no residential street address; provided, however, that a post office box shall not be sufficient to establish an individual's bona fide residence; and the mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association or corporation; (2) A description of the vehicle, including, insofar as the specified data may exist with respect to a given vehicle, the odometer reading, the make, model, type of body, the serial number of the vehicle, the engine or other number of the vehicle, and whether new or used and, if a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person intending to operate the vehicle. In the event a vehicle is designed, constructed, converted, or rebuilt for the transportation of property, the application shall include a statement of its capacity in terms of maximum gross vehicle weight rating as authorized by the manufacturer of the chassis or the complete vehicle; (3) A statement of the applicant's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the vehicle and the names and addresses of all persons having any interest in the vehicle and the nature of the interest; and (4) Further information that may reasonably be required by the department to enable it to determine whether the owner is entitled to a certificate of title.
(1) The full name, bona fide residence, including the residential street address and number or route and box number, or post office box number if the applicant has no residential street address; provided, however, that a post office box shall not be sufficient to establish an individual's bona fide residence; and the mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association or corporation;
(2) A description of the vehicle, including, insofar as the specified data may exist with respect to a given vehicle, the odometer reading, the make, model, type of body, the serial number of the vehicle, the engine or other number of the vehicle, and whether new or used and, if a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person intending to operate the vehicle. In the event a vehicle is designed, constructed, converted, or rebuilt for the transportation of property, the application shall include a statement of its capacity in terms of maximum gross vehicle weight rating as authorized by the manufacturer of the chassis or the complete vehicle;
(3) A statement of the applicant's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the vehicle and the names and addresses of all persons having any interest in the vehicle and the nature of the interest; and
(4) Further information that may reasonably be required by the department to enable it to determine whether the owner is entitled to a certificate of title.
(b) If the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the department may register the vehicle, and as a condition of issuing a certificate of title, require the applicant to file a bond with the department upon the form prescribed by the department, executed by a corporate surety company duly licensed to transact business in the state, or a personal bond with two (2) solvent personal sureties on the bond. The bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half (11/2) times the value of the vehicle, as determined by the department, and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any person with an interest has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond shall be returned at the end of three (3) years or prior to the three (3) years if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the department, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of any action to recover on the bond.
(c) When the application refers to a new vehicle purchased from a dealer, the application shall be accompanied by a statement by the dealer or a bill of sale showing any lien retained by the dealer and, in addition, a manufacturer's certificate of origin on a form to be prescribed by the commissioner.
(d) The county clerk of the county where a vehicle is to be registered shall act as the agent of the department in receiving the application for certificate of title pursuant to this section. By receiving the application, the transfer of title and any liens noted on the title shall be deemed perfected, subject only to the action of the department in declining for good cause shown to issue the title or action of the county clerk in declining for good cause shown to note such lien on the title.
(e) (1) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a person may apply for a certificate of title to a vehicle lacking proper documentation, if the vehicle has a fair market value of three thousand dollars ($3,000) or less and the person submits a certificate of ownership signed under penalty of perjury on a form prescribed by the department. The certificate of ownership shall be accompanied by the following supporting documentation: (A) Return receipts from certified letters with a return receipt requested sent to all known parties with a legal interest in the vehicle, requesting an assigned certificate of title or, in the event the previous owner is unknown to the applicant, evidence of notification, in a publication of general circulation in the county in which the application is being made, of the applicant's intent to apply for title on the vehicle. The notification shall contain a description of the vehicle, including make, model, year and vehicle identification number, and a request to any and all parties holding an interest in the vehicle to contact the person in possession of the vehicle by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten (10) business days of the date of the publication; (B) Verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN) by a law enforcement officer or licensed dealer; (C) A notarized bill of sale from the last registered owner or a notarized statement from the seller stating why the vehicle was not titled or registered in the seller's name; (D) In the absence of documentation pursuant to subdivision (e)(1)(C), a licensed motor vehicle dealer appraisal of the value of the vehicle; (E) Photographs of the vehicle in its prerepaired state. If prerepair photographs are unavailable, then post-repair photographs shall be submitted, along with a notarized statement from the applicant that no prerepair photographs are available and that the person was unaware that prerepair photographs would be required before the repairs were made. If no repairs were made, the statement should so state; and (F) In the event a vehicle was purchased new and never titled and the manufacturer's statement of origin has been lost and a duplicate of the original manufacturer's statement of origin cannot be obtained from the manufacturer, a complete copy of the original manufacturer's statement of origin, certified as true and exact, shall be required. (2) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a person may apply for a certificate of title to a vehicle lacking proper documentation, if the vehicle is at least thirty (30) years old and the person submits a certificate of ownership signed under penalty of perjury on a form prescribed by the department. (3) Upon submission of a complete certificate of ownership form with the required supporting documentation and payment of the appropriate fee, a certificate of title shall be issued and the county clerk shall issue a license plate to the applicant upon acceptance by the county clerk of the submitted documents and payment of the appropriate fees. A certificate of title issued pursuant to this subsection (e) shall not relieve the registrant of civil or criminal liability resulting from possession of the vehicle as otherwise provided by law. Issuance of a title or registration under the certification provisions is solely dependent on the applicant's ability to provide satisfactory evidence of the applicant's legal right of ownership and conformity to all related provisions as prescribed in § 55-2-107 .
(1) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a person may apply for a certificate of title to a vehicle lacking proper documentation, if the vehicle has a fair market value of three thousand dollars ($3,000) or less and the person submits a certificate of ownership signed under penalty of perjury on a form prescribed by the department. The certificate of ownership shall be accompanied by the following supporting documentation: (A) Return receipts from certified letters with a return receipt requested sent to all known parties with a legal interest in the vehicle, requesting an assigned certificate of title or, in the event the previous owner is unknown to the applicant, evidence of notification, in a publication of general circulation in the county in which the application is being made, of the applicant's intent to apply for title on the vehicle. The notification shall contain a description of the vehicle, including make, model, year and vehicle identification number, and a request to any and all parties holding an interest in the vehicle to contact the person in possession of the vehicle by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten (10) business days of the date of the publication; (B) Verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN) by a law enforcement officer or licensed dealer; (C) A notarized bill of sale from the last registered owner or a notarized statement from the seller stating why the vehicle was not titled or registered in the seller's name; (D) In the absence of documentation pursuant to subdivision (e)(1)(C), a licensed motor vehicle dealer appraisal of the value of the vehicle; (E) Photographs of the vehicle in its prerepaired state. If prerepair photographs are unavailable, then post-repair photographs shall be submitted, along with a notarized statement from the applicant that no prerepair photographs are available and that the person was unaware that prerepair photographs would be required before the repairs were made. If no repairs were made, the statement should so state; and (F) In the event a vehicle was purchased new and never titled and the manufacturer's statement of origin has been lost and a duplicate of the original manufacturer's statement of origin cannot be obtained from the manufacturer, a complete copy of the original manufacturer's statement of origin, certified as true and exact, shall be required.
(A) Return receipts from certified letters with a return receipt requested sent to all known parties with a legal interest in the vehicle, requesting an assigned certificate of title or, in the event the previous owner is unknown to the applicant, evidence of notification, in a publication of general circulation in the county in which the application is being made, of the applicant's intent to apply for title on the vehicle. The notification shall contain a description of the vehicle, including make, model, year and vehicle identification number, and a request to any and all parties holding an interest in the vehicle to contact the person in possession of the vehicle by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten (10) business days of the date of the publication;
(B) Verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN) by a law enforcement officer or licensed dealer;
(C) A notarized bill of sale from the last registered owner or a notarized statement from the seller stating why the vehicle was not titled or registered in the seller's name;
(D) In the absence of documentation pursuant to subdivision (e)(1)(C), a licensed motor vehicle dealer appraisal of the value of the vehicle;
(E) Photographs of the vehicle in its prerepaired state. If prerepair photographs are unavailable, then post-repair photographs shall be submitted, along with a notarized statement from the applicant that no prerepair photographs are available and that the person was unaware that prerepair photographs would be required before the repairs were made. If no repairs were made, the statement should so state; and
(F) In the event a vehicle was purchased new and never titled and the manufacturer's statement of origin has been lost and a duplicate of the original manufacturer's statement of origin cannot be obtained from the manufacturer, a complete copy of the original manufacturer's statement of origin, certified as true and exact, shall be required.
(2) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a person may apply for a certificate of title to a vehicle lacking proper documentation, if the vehicle is at least thirty (30) years old and the person submits a certificate of ownership signed under penalty of perjury on a form prescribed by the department.
(3) Upon submission of a complete certificate of ownership form with the required supporting documentation and payment of the appropriate fee, a certificate of title shall be issued and the county clerk shall issue a license plate to the applicant upon acceptance by the county clerk of the submitted documents and payment of the appropriate fees. A certificate of title issued pursuant to this subsection (e) shall not relieve the registrant of civil or criminal liability resulting from possession of the vehicle as otherwise provided by law. Issuance of a title or registration under the certification provisions is solely dependent on the applicant's ability to provide satisfactory evidence of the applicant's legal right of ownership and conformity to all related provisions as prescribed in § 55-2-107 .
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 462, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 29 (Williams, § 5538.129); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 4; 1965, ch. 125, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 5; 1973, ch. 234, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-303; Acts 1982, ch. 600, § 2; 1984, ch. 559, § 1; 1986, ch. 771, § 1; 1989, ch. 341, § 1; 2006, ch. 952, § 1; 2007 , ch. 289, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, §§ 11-13; 2009 , ch. 530, §§ 109, 112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-420 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-420
License to provide compliance-based ignition interlock services
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "In writing" means either by written electronic communication or by written physical communication; (2) "Manufacturer" means an individual or entity responsible for the design, construction, or production of an ignition interlock device that has been approved by the ignition interlock program as meeting all of the minimum requirements set forth in the ignition interlock device program rules; (3) "Permanent revocation" means the indefinite revocation of an entity's or individual's license or ability to perform the actions authorized under this section; (4) "Service center" means an entity designated by the manufacturer and approved by the ignition interlock program to provide services, including, but not limited to, installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of an ignition interlock device within this state; (5) "Subcontractor" means an individual or entity, other than a service center or technician, seeking to provide intermediary services for a manufacturer, including, but not limited to, opening and managing service centers and installing and monitoring ignition interlock devices; (6) "Technician" means a person affiliated with a service center and engaged in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of ignition interlock devices in this state; and (7) "Temporary suspension" means the partial or full removal of an entity's or individual's license or ability to perform the actions authorized in this section, for a period of not more than one (1) year. (b) A manufacturer, service center, technician, or subcontractor must be licensed by the department of safety in order to provide compliance-based ignition interlock services under this section. (c) (1) The department shall establish the requirements for each license category by rule pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. A manufacturer, service center, technician, or subcontractor must apply to the department for a license to operate in this state. The application must be on a form published by the department and must be accompanied by the fee set by the department under subdivision (c)(2). (2) The department may impose an initial application fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and a renewal application fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Fees paid under this subsection (c) must only be used to fund the ignition interlock program within the department. Fee amounts must be established by rules promulgated pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (d) If an applicant meets the requirements for the license type for which the applicant applied, then the department must issue the applicant a license valid for one (1) year. (e) (1) If a licensee's renewal application is received by the department at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the licensee's current license, then the licensee is authorized to continue to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices after the expiration date of the license so long as the department has not issued a denial of a renewal. (2) If a licensee's renewal application is received by the department less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the licensee's current license, then the licensee is not authorized to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices after the expiration date of the license until a renewal has been issued by the department. In addition to the renewal fee, the licensee is subject to a late fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100). (3) The department must inform the licensee in writing of the date the renewal application was received by the department. (f) A former licensee who has not held an active license for more than (1) year from the date of expiration of the previous license is not eligible for renewal and must apply as an initial applicant. (g) (1) The department may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke a license, either in whole or in part, of a licensee who violates this section or rules promulgated by the department. Temporary suspension or permanent revocation may include, but is not limited to: (A) Ceasing the licensee's ability to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices; and (B) Ceasing the licensee's ability to open any new service centers. (2) If a license is permanently revoked, then the department may require the licensee to pay for the licensee's existing customers to transition to a new ignition interlock device, regardless of manufacturer. (h) (1) An individual or entity may seek administrative review of the department's denial of an initial application, denial of a renewal application, temporary suspension, or permanent revocation. (2) In order to seek administrative review under this subsection (h), the individual or entity must submit the request for review in writing to the ignition interlock division. The request for review under this subsection (h) must include the individual's or entity's reasoning for the request and supporting documentation. The ignition interlock division shall forward the request to the colonel of the highway patrol or the colonel's designee for review and a final determination. (3) The colonel or the colonel's designee shall review the department's records regarding the individual or entity and the supporting documentation provided by the individual or entity, and render a determination in writing within thirty (30) business days of the division's receipt of the request. (4) Following the determination, the individual or entity may seek judicial review of the decision of the colonel or the colonel's designee as provided by § 4-5-322 . (i) The department may promulgate rules pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act in order to carry out this section; provided, that the rules shall not exceed the authority granted in this section. All licenses and licensees are subject to rules promulgated pursuant to this section. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 964, s 26, eff. 1/1/2023.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "In writing" means either by written electronic communication or by written physical communication; (2) "Manufacturer" means an individual or entity responsible for the design, construction, or production of an ignition interlock device that has been approved by the ignition interlock program as meeting all of the minimum requirements set forth in the ignition interlock device program rules; (3) "Permanent revocation" means the indefinite revocation of an entity's or individual's license or ability to perform the actions authorized under this section; (4) "Service center" means an entity designated by the manufacturer and approved by the ignition interlock program to provide services, including, but not limited to, installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of an ignition interlock device within this state; (5) "Subcontractor" means an individual or entity, other than a service center or technician, seeking to provide intermediary services for a manufacturer, including, but not limited to, opening and managing service centers and installing and monitoring ignition interlock devices; (6) "Technician" means a person affiliated with a service center and engaged in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of ignition interlock devices in this state; and (7) "Temporary suspension" means the partial or full removal of an entity's or individual's license or ability to perform the actions authorized in this section, for a period of not more than one (1) year.
(1) "In writing" means either by written electronic communication or by written physical communication;
(2) "Manufacturer" means an individual or entity responsible for the design, construction, or production of an ignition interlock device that has been approved by the ignition interlock program as meeting all of the minimum requirements set forth in the ignition interlock device program rules;
(3) "Permanent revocation" means the indefinite revocation of an entity's or individual's license or ability to perform the actions authorized under this section;
(4) "Service center" means an entity designated by the manufacturer and approved by the ignition interlock program to provide services, including, but not limited to, installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of an ignition interlock device within this state;
(5) "Subcontractor" means an individual or entity, other than a service center or technician, seeking to provide intermediary services for a manufacturer, including, but not limited to, opening and managing service centers and installing and monitoring ignition interlock devices;
(6) "Technician" means a person affiliated with a service center and engaged in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of ignition interlock devices in this state; and
(7) "Temporary suspension" means the partial or full removal of an entity's or individual's license or ability to perform the actions authorized in this section, for a period of not more than one (1) year.
(b) A manufacturer, service center, technician, or subcontractor must be licensed by the department of safety in order to provide compliance-based ignition interlock services under this section.
(c) (1) The department shall establish the requirements for each license category by rule pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. A manufacturer, service center, technician, or subcontractor must apply to the department for a license to operate in this state. The application must be on a form published by the department and must be accompanied by the fee set by the department under subdivision (c)(2). (2) The department may impose an initial application fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and a renewal application fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Fees paid under this subsection (c) must only be used to fund the ignition interlock program within the department. Fee amounts must be established by rules promulgated pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) The department shall establish the requirements for each license category by rule pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. A manufacturer, service center, technician, or subcontractor must apply to the department for a license to operate in this state. The application must be on a form published by the department and must be accompanied by the fee set by the department under subdivision (c)(2).
(2) The department may impose an initial application fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and a renewal application fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Fees paid under this subsection (c) must only be used to fund the ignition interlock program within the department. Fee amounts must be established by rules promulgated pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(d) If an applicant meets the requirements for the license type for which the applicant applied, then the department must issue the applicant a license valid for one (1) year.
(e) (1) If a licensee's renewal application is received by the department at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the licensee's current license, then the licensee is authorized to continue to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices after the expiration date of the license so long as the department has not issued a denial of a renewal. (2) If a licensee's renewal application is received by the department less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the licensee's current license, then the licensee is not authorized to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices after the expiration date of the license until a renewal has been issued by the department. In addition to the renewal fee, the licensee is subject to a late fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100). (3) The department must inform the licensee in writing of the date the renewal application was received by the department.
(1) If a licensee's renewal application is received by the department at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the licensee's current license, then the licensee is authorized to continue to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices after the expiration date of the license so long as the department has not issued a denial of a renewal.
(2) If a licensee's renewal application is received by the department less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the licensee's current license, then the licensee is not authorized to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices after the expiration date of the license until a renewal has been issued by the department. In addition to the renewal fee, the licensee is subject to a late fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100).
(3) The department must inform the licensee in writing of the date the renewal application was received by the department.
(f) A former licensee who has not held an active license for more than (1) year from the date of expiration of the previous license is not eligible for renewal and must apply as an initial applicant.
(g) (1) The department may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke a license, either in whole or in part, of a licensee who violates this section or rules promulgated by the department. Temporary suspension or permanent revocation may include, but is not limited to: (A) Ceasing the licensee's ability to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices; and (B) Ceasing the licensee's ability to open any new service centers. (2) If a license is permanently revoked, then the department may require the licensee to pay for the licensee's existing customers to transition to a new ignition interlock device, regardless of manufacturer.
(1) The department may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke a license, either in whole or in part, of a licensee who violates this section or rules promulgated by the department. Temporary suspension or permanent revocation may include, but is not limited to: (A) Ceasing the licensee's ability to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices; and (B) Ceasing the licensee's ability to open any new service centers.
(A) Ceasing the licensee's ability to perform new installations of ignition interlock devices; and
(B) Ceasing the licensee's ability to open any new service centers.
(2) If a license is permanently revoked, then the department may require the licensee to pay for the licensee's existing customers to transition to a new ignition interlock device, regardless of manufacturer.
(h) (1) An individual or entity may seek administrative review of the department's denial of an initial application, denial of a renewal application, temporary suspension, or permanent revocation. (2) In order to seek administrative review under this subsection (h), the individual or entity must submit the request for review in writing to the ignition interlock division. The request for review under this subsection (h) must include the individual's or entity's reasoning for the request and supporting documentation. The ignition interlock division shall forward the request to the colonel of the highway patrol or the colonel's designee for review and a final determination. (3) The colonel or the colonel's designee shall review the department's records regarding the individual or entity and the supporting documentation provided by the individual or entity, and render a determination in writing within thirty (30) business days of the division's receipt of the request. (4) Following the determination, the individual or entity may seek judicial review of the decision of the colonel or the colonel's designee as provided by § 4-5-322 .
(1) An individual or entity may seek administrative review of the department's denial of an initial application, denial of a renewal application, temporary suspension, or permanent revocation.
(2) In order to seek administrative review under this subsection (h), the individual or entity must submit the request for review in writing to the ignition interlock division. The request for review under this subsection (h) must include the individual's or entity's reasoning for the request and supporting documentation. The ignition interlock division shall forward the request to the colonel of the highway patrol or the colonel's designee for review and a final determination.
(3) The colonel or the colonel's designee shall review the department's records regarding the individual or entity and the supporting documentation provided by the individual or entity, and render a determination in writing within thirty (30) business days of the division's receipt of the request.
(4) Following the determination, the individual or entity may seek judicial review of the decision of the colonel or the colonel's designee as provided by § 4-5-322 .
(i) The department may promulgate rules pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act in order to carry out this section; provided, that the rules shall not exceed the authority granted in this section. All licenses and licensees are subject to rules promulgated pursuant to this section.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 964, s 26, eff. 1/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-410 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-410
Matters and procedures respecting hearing and judicial review of contested case
Status: in_force

The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, shall govern all matters and procedures respecting the hearing and judicial review of any contested case arising under this part. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, shall govern all matters and procedures respecting the hearing and judicial review of any contested case arising under this part.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.