Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-602 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-602
Reproductions or facsimiles - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for any person to: (1) Photograph, photostat, duplicate or in any way reproduce any driver license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document or facsimile thereof in such a manner that it could be mistaken for a valid license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document; or (2) Issue, sell or cause to be sold a driver license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document or facsimile thereof unless sold in compliance with this chapter. (b) A violation of subsection (a) for the first time is a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) is a Class E felony, with suspension of driving privileges for a period of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, or for a period of time commensurate with the sentence imposed. A violation of subsection (a) in connection with an act of terrorism, a planned act of terrorism, or an attempted act of terrorism, is a Class B felony, with a permanent and irrevocable suspension of driving privileges; provided, however, that the defendant knew or should have known at the time of the offense that the driver's license or facsimile would be used in that manner. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.22 (Williams, § 2715.27); Acts 1978, ch. 562, § 1; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-715; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 12; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-115 , 55-7-602; Acts 1990, ch. 980, § 35; 2002, ch. 849, § 3; 2007, ch. 28, § 2.
(a) It is an offense for any person to: (1) Photograph, photostat, duplicate or in any way reproduce any driver license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document or facsimile thereof in such a manner that it could be mistaken for a valid license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document; or (2) Issue, sell or cause to be sold a driver license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document or facsimile thereof unless sold in compliance with this chapter.
(1) Photograph, photostat, duplicate or in any way reproduce any driver license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document or facsimile thereof in such a manner that it could be mistaken for a valid license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document; or
(2) Issue, sell or cause to be sold a driver license, certificate of driving or other government-issued photo identification document or facsimile thereof unless sold in compliance with this chapter.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) for the first time is a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) is a Class E felony, with suspension of driving privileges for a period of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, or for a period of time commensurate with the sentence imposed. A violation of subsection (a) in connection with an act of terrorism, a planned act of terrorism, or an attempted act of terrorism, is a Class B felony, with a permanent and irrevocable suspension of driving privileges; provided, however, that the defendant knew or should have known at the time of the offense that the driver's license or facsimile would be used in that manner.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.22 (Williams, § 2715.27); Acts 1978, ch. 562, § 1; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-715; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 12; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-115 , 55-7-602; Acts 1990, ch. 980, § 35; 2002, ch. 849, § 3; 2007, ch. 28, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-101
Short title for chapters 1-6
Status: in_force

Chapters 1-6 of this title shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Law." Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 97 (Williams, § 5538.197); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-101.
Chapters 1-6 of this title shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Law."
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 97 (Williams, § 5538.197); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-101.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-111 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-111
Varying locations for portable scales
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the portable scales and those permanent scales not on interstate highways operated by the state shall be used at varying times and at varying locations, for the portable scales, in order to avoid the establishment of any pattern of enforcement that would encourage avoidance of the legal obligations imposed by this title. Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 12; T.C.A., § 55-11-111.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the portable scales and those permanent scales not on interstate highways operated by the state shall be used at varying times and at varying locations, for the portable scales, in order to avoid the establishment of any pattern of enforcement that would encourage avoidance of the legal obligations imposed by this title.
Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 12; T.C.A., § 55-11-111.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-211 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-211
Requirements for reinstatement or renewal of registration after suspension or revocation
Status: in_force

(a) The department of revenue shall not process an application for reinstatement or renewal of registration of a motor vehicle after a suspension or revocation of the registration under § 55-12-210 until: (1) The applicant pays all fees owed pursuant to § 55-12-210 ; (2) The applicant pays the county reinstatement fee pursuant to subsection (b); and (3) The applicant provides one (1) of the following: (A) The owner or operator's proof of financial security in a form approved by the department of revenue; (B) Proof of exemption from the owner or operator's financial security requirements under this chapter; or (C) A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the vehicle is not in use on any public road. (b) There is imposed a county reinstatement fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for reinstatement or renewal of registration of a motor vehicle after a suspension or revocation of the registration under § 55-12-210 . This reinstatement fee is in addition to any other fee imposed under this chapter. All revenues from this county reinstatement fee shall be earmarked for the county clerk's work in administration of the vehicle insurance verification program and shall not revert to the general fund at the end of the budget year if unexpended. (c) The commissioner of revenue may waive the fees imposed under § 55-12-210 and the county clerk of the county in which the vehicle is to be registered may waive the county reinstatement fee under subsection (b) if: (1) The registration was suspended or revoked under § 55-12-210 ; and (2) The applicant provides proof acceptable to the department of revenue that the applicant had an owner or operator's financial security in effect for the vehicle on the date the suspension or revocation went into effect. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 8,Secs.s4, s5, s6 eff. 3/22/2017. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
(a) The department of revenue shall not process an application for reinstatement or renewal of registration of a motor vehicle after a suspension or revocation of the registration under § 55-12-210 until: (1) The applicant pays all fees owed pursuant to § 55-12-210 ; (2) The applicant pays the county reinstatement fee pursuant to subsection (b); and (3) The applicant provides one (1) of the following: (A) The owner or operator's proof of financial security in a form approved by the department of revenue; (B) Proof of exemption from the owner or operator's financial security requirements under this chapter; or (C) A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the vehicle is not in use on any public road.
(1) The applicant pays all fees owed pursuant to § 55-12-210 ;
(2) The applicant pays the county reinstatement fee pursuant to subsection (b); and
(3) The applicant provides one (1) of the following: (A) The owner or operator's proof of financial security in a form approved by the department of revenue; (B) Proof of exemption from the owner or operator's financial security requirements under this chapter; or (C) A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the vehicle is not in use on any public road.
(A) The owner or operator's proof of financial security in a form approved by the department of revenue;
(B) Proof of exemption from the owner or operator's financial security requirements under this chapter; or
(C) A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the vehicle is not in use on any public road.
(b) There is imposed a county reinstatement fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for reinstatement or renewal of registration of a motor vehicle after a suspension or revocation of the registration under § 55-12-210 . This reinstatement fee is in addition to any other fee imposed under this chapter. All revenues from this county reinstatement fee shall be earmarked for the county clerk's work in administration of the vehicle insurance verification program and shall not revert to the general fund at the end of the budget year if unexpended.
(c) The commissioner of revenue may waive the fees imposed under § 55-12-210 and the county clerk of the county in which the vehicle is to be registered may waive the county reinstatement fee under subsection (b) if: (1) The registration was suspended or revoked under § 55-12-210 ; and (2) The applicant provides proof acceptable to the department of revenue that the applicant had an owner or operator's financial security in effect for the vehicle on the date the suspension or revocation went into effect.
(1) The registration was suspended or revoked under § 55-12-210 ; and
(2) The applicant provides proof acceptable to the department of revenue that the applicant had an owner or operator's financial security in effect for the vehicle on the date the suspension or revocation went into effect.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 8,Secs.s4, s5, s6 eff. 3/22/2017.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-710 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-710
Provisions of part in pamphlets for schools and driver license examination manuals
Status: in_force

The department of safety shall prepare a pamphlet describing this part for distribution to students in all schools. The department shall also describe this part in the driver manual used to prepare applicants for the license examination. Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 9.
The department of safety shall prepare a pamphlet describing this part for distribution to students in all schools. The department shall also describe this part in the driver manual used to prepare applicants for the license examination.
Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-262 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-262
Pearl Harbor survivors
Status: in_force

(a) A distinctive license plate is authorized for any person who was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and who was present at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, if the person is currently a resident of Tennessee, is the owner of a motor vehicle or motor home that is registered for private use, and is otherwise qualified to register and license a motor vehicle pursuant to this title. For the purposes of this section, "private use" vehicle means any motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) or motor home that is not used for rehire or for any other commercial purpose. (b) The registration plates provided for in this section shall be the same as regular registration plates but shall also bear the legend "PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR." (c) The registration plate authorized pursuant to this section shall be issued upon payment of the regular registration fee pursuant to this chapter and the additional fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 and submission of information in accordance with subsection (d). (d) All applications pursuant to this section shall contain such information as the commissioner shall require to prove eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2002, ch. 866, § 2.
(a) A distinctive license plate is authorized for any person who was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and who was present at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, if the person is currently a resident of Tennessee, is the owner of a motor vehicle or motor home that is registered for private use, and is otherwise qualified to register and license a motor vehicle pursuant to this title. For the purposes of this section, "private use" vehicle means any motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) or motor home that is not used for rehire or for any other commercial purpose.
(b) The registration plates provided for in this section shall be the same as regular registration plates but shall also bear the legend "PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR."
(c) The registration plate authorized pursuant to this section shall be issued upon payment of the regular registration fee pursuant to this chapter and the additional fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 and submission of information in accordance with subsection (d).
(d) All applications pursuant to this section shall contain such information as the commissioner shall require to prove eligibility for issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2002, ch. 866, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-123 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-123
"Golf cart" defined
Status: in_force

"Golf cart" means a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and equipped with safety belts installed for use in the left front and right front seats and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty miles per hour (20 mph). Acts 2002, ch. 747, §3; 2010 , ch. 628, § 1.
"Golf cart" means a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and equipped with safety belts installed for use in the left front and right front seats and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty miles per hour (20 mph).
Acts 2002, ch. 747, §3; 2010 , ch. 628, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 51 / Section 55-51-105
Advisory committee
Status: in_force

(a) The director shall by regulation establish a motorcycle rider education program advisory committee to assist in the development of the motorcycle rider education program. The committee shall also monitor the program upon its implementation and report to the director as necessary with recommendations including, but not limited to, the administration, application, and substance of the program. The committee shall consist of five (5) members, including a chair, appointed by the director. One (1) member selected shall be a resident of each grand division, two (2) members shall be selected from the state at large, and not more than two (2) members shall be residents of the same grand division. (b) Three (3) members shall be qualified motorcycle wholesalers, dealers, or retailers licensed in this state. All shall be of good moral character and each shall have been actually engaged in the distribution or sale of motorcycles in this state for not less than three (3) consecutive years preceding the appointment, and each shall have the necessary qualifications for the applicable license under chapter 17 of this title, and be the holder of the license at all times while a member of the committee. (c) Two (2) members shall be consumer members of the advisory committee, who shall be citizens of this state, who shall have a valid motorcycle operator's license, and who shall have no interest, direct or indirect, in the commercial manufacture or sale of motorcycles. (d) The committee shall meet at the call of the director. Members shall serve without compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for their travel expenses while engaged in business of the committee. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 1987, ch. 446, § 5; T.C.A., § 55-25-105 .
(a) The director shall by regulation establish a motorcycle rider education program advisory committee to assist in the development of the motorcycle rider education program. The committee shall also monitor the program upon its implementation and report to the director as necessary with recommendations including, but not limited to, the administration, application, and substance of the program. The committee shall consist of five (5) members, including a chair, appointed by the director. One (1) member selected shall be a resident of each grand division, two (2) members shall be selected from the state at large, and not more than two (2) members shall be residents of the same grand division.
(b) Three (3) members shall be qualified motorcycle wholesalers, dealers, or retailers licensed in this state. All shall be of good moral character and each shall have been actually engaged in the distribution or sale of motorcycles in this state for not less than three (3) consecutive years preceding the appointment, and each shall have the necessary qualifications for the applicable license under chapter 17 of this title, and be the holder of the license at all times while a member of the committee.
(c) Two (2) members shall be consumer members of the advisory committee, who shall be citizens of this state, who shall have a valid motorcycle operator's license, and who shall have no interest, direct or indirect, in the commercial manufacture or sale of motorcycles.
(d) The committee shall meet at the call of the director. Members shall serve without compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for their travel expenses while engaged in business of the committee. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 1987, ch. 446, § 5; T.C.A., § 55-25-105 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-406 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-406
Application for commercial driver license
Status: in_force

(a) The application for a commercial driver license shall include the following: (1) The full legal name and current legal residential address of the person, including the street address and number or route and box number (or post office box number if the person has no bona fide residential street address); (2) A physical description of the person including sex, height, weight, hair and eye colors; (3) The applicant's social security number; (4) Date of birth; (5) Signature; (6) Photograph; (7) Certification that all information is correct; (8) Statement that the applicant has read and understands the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title; and (9) Any other information deemed necessary or required by the department or the secretary of transportation. (b) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of six dollars ($6.00) that shall constitute expendable receipts of the department. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.13 (Williams, § 2715.18); Acts 1973, ch. 224, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-706; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-106 , 55-7-406; Acts 1989, ch. 137, § 3; 1989, ch. 341, § 5.
(a) The application for a commercial driver license shall include the following: (1) The full legal name and current legal residential address of the person, including the street address and number or route and box number (or post office box number if the person has no bona fide residential street address); (2) A physical description of the person including sex, height, weight, hair and eye colors; (3) The applicant's social security number; (4) Date of birth; (5) Signature; (6) Photograph; (7) Certification that all information is correct; (8) Statement that the applicant has read and understands the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title; and (9) Any other information deemed necessary or required by the department or the secretary of transportation.
(1) The full legal name and current legal residential address of the person, including the street address and number or route and box number (or post office box number if the person has no bona fide residential street address);
(2) A physical description of the person including sex, height, weight, hair and eye colors;
(3) The applicant's social security number;
(4) Date of birth;
(5) Signature;
(6) Photograph;
(7) Certification that all information is correct;
(8) Statement that the applicant has read and understands the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title; and
(9) Any other information deemed necessary or required by the department or the secretary of transportation.
(b) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of six dollars ($6.00) that shall constitute expendable receipts of the department.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.13 (Williams, § 2715.18); Acts 1973, ch. 224, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-706; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-106 , 55-7-406; Acts 1989, ch. 137, § 3; 1989, ch. 341, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-145 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-145
Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or other on-track equipment - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of the vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until that driver can do so safely. These requirements shall apply when: (1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, which shall mean any self-propelled machinery or vehicle traveling on a railroad track; (2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment; (3) A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the railroad train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard; or (4) An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing. (b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 44; T.C.A., § 59-845; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2012 , ch. 588, § 1.
(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of the vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until that driver can do so safely. These requirements shall apply when: (1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, which shall mean any self-propelled machinery or vehicle traveling on a railroad track; (2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment; (3) A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the railroad train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard; or (4) An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, which shall mean any self-propelled machinery or vehicle traveling on a railroad track;
(2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment;
(3) A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the railroad train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard; or
(4) An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 44; T.C.A., § 59-845; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2012 , ch. 588, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-308 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-308
Part inapplicable to autocycles - Exception
Status: in_force

Except as provided in § 55-9-302 , this part does not apply to autocycles. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 176, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 9.
Except as provided in § 55-9-302 , this part does not apply to autocycles.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 176, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-208 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-208
Insurer may use both IICMVA model and full book of business download process
Status: in_force

Nothing in this part precludes an automobile liability insurer from utilizing both the IICMVA model and the full book of business download process described in § 55-12-207 . Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Nothing in this part precludes an automobile liability insurer from utilizing both the IICMVA model and the full book of business download process described in § 55-12-207 .
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-120 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-120
Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway
Status: in_force

(a) No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: (1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within three hundred feet (300') or such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction; (2) When approaching within one hundred feet (100') of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing; or (3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100') of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. (b) The limitations of subsection (a) shall not apply upon a one-way roadway. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 19; T.C.A., § 59-820.
(a) No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: (1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within three hundred feet (300') or such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction; (2) When approaching within one hundred feet (100') of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing; or (3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100') of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within three hundred feet (300') or such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;
(2) When approaching within one hundred feet (100') of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing; or
(3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100') of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(b) The limitations of subsection (a) shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 19; T.C.A., § 59-820.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-113-d-1 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-113-d-1
2024 Tennessee Code Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) Chapter 21 - DISABLED DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS (§§ 55-21-101 — 55-21-304) Part 1 - DISABLED DRIVERS LAW OF 1975 (§§ 55-21-101 — 55-21-113) Section 55-21-113 - Authority of nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physical therapist to issue certified statements of disability or deafness[Effective Upon Contingency; See Note]
Status: in_force

(a) A nurse practitioner licensed under title 63, chapter 7, and a physician assistant licensed under title 63, chapter 19, shall have the same authority that a physician has under this part to issue certified statements of disability or deafness to accompany the application of disabled or deaf persons to obtain the appropriate registration, license plates, placards and decals from the department, as described in this part, only if the authority is expressly included in the written protocol developed jointly by the supervising physician and the nurse practitioner, or the written protocol or collaborative agreement jointly developed by the supervising physician and the physician assistant, whichever is applicable, setting forth the range of services that may be performed by the nurse practitioner or physician assistant. (b) A physical therapist licensed under title 63, chapter 13, has the same authority that a physician has under this part to issue certified statements of disability to accompany the application of persons with disabilities to obtain the appropriate registration, license plates, placards, and decals from the department, as described in this part. (c) A chiropractic physician licensed under title 63, chapter 4, has the same authority under this part to issue certified statements of disability to accompany the applications of persons with disabilities to obtain the appropriate registration, license plates, placards, and decals from the department, as described in this part, as a physician licensed under title 63, chapter 6 or 9. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1042,s 11, effective upon promulgation of rules governing the collaborative agreements of physician assistants with physicians; see T.C.A. § 63-19-106(h)(1). Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 519,s 1, eff. 3/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 89, s 1, eff. 3/31/2023. Acts 2009 , ch. 264, § 2.
(a) A nurse practitioner licensed under title 63, chapter 7, and a physician assistant licensed under title 63, chapter 19, shall have the same authority that a physician has under this part to issue certified statements of disability or deafness to accompany the application of disabled or deaf persons to obtain the appropriate registration, license plates, placards and decals from the department, as described in this part, only if the authority is expressly included in the written protocol developed jointly by the supervising physician and the nurse practitioner, or the written protocol or collaborative agreement jointly developed by the supervising physician and the physician assistant, whichever is applicable, setting forth the range of services that may be performed by the nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
(b) A physical therapist licensed under title 63, chapter 13, has the same authority that a physician has under this part to issue certified statements of disability to accompany the application of persons with disabilities to obtain the appropriate registration, license plates, placards, and decals from the department, as described in this part.
(c) A chiropractic physician licensed under title 63, chapter 4, has the same authority under this part to issue certified statements of disability to accompany the applications of persons with disabilities to obtain the appropriate registration, license plates, placards, and decals from the department, as described in this part, as a physician licensed under title 63, chapter 6 or 9.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1042,s 11, effective upon promulgation of rules governing the collaborative agreements of physician assistants with physicians; see T.C.A. § 63-19-106(h)(1).
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 519,s 1, eff. 3/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 89, s 1, eff. 3/31/2023.
Acts 2009 , ch. 264, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-404 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-404
Separate licenses for activities and locations - Employment of licensed salesperson
Status: in_force

(a) Any person engaging, acting, or serving in more than one (1) of the activities for which a license is required under § 55-17-403 or having more than one (1) location where the business is carried on or conducted, is required to obtain and hold a separate, current license for each activity in which the person is engaged for each location. (b) No recreational vehicle dealer shall hire any person for the purpose of selling recreational vehicles, or for acting in the capacity of a vehicle salesperson, without first determining that the person is duly licensed as a vehicle salesperson. (c) No vehicle salesperson shall sell or attempt to sell any recreational vehicle for any recreational vehicle dealer, unless the vehicle salesperson is employed by the recreational vehicle dealer having an interest in the sale of the recreational vehicle. (d) No person licensed under this section shall give, pay, or in any manner compensate any other person for services rendered as a vehicle salesperson without first engaging or employing the person in the capacity of a vehicle salesperson. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) Any person engaging, acting, or serving in more than one (1) of the activities for which a license is required under § 55-17-403 or having more than one (1) location where the business is carried on or conducted, is required to obtain and hold a separate, current license for each activity in which the person is engaged for each location.
(b) No recreational vehicle dealer shall hire any person for the purpose of selling recreational vehicles, or for acting in the capacity of a vehicle salesperson, without first determining that the person is duly licensed as a vehicle salesperson.
(c) No vehicle salesperson shall sell or attempt to sell any recreational vehicle for any recreational vehicle dealer, unless the vehicle salesperson is employed by the recreational vehicle dealer having an interest in the sale of the recreational vehicle.
(d) No person licensed under this section shall give, pay, or in any manner compensate any other person for services rendered as a vehicle salesperson without first engaging or employing the person in the capacity of a vehicle salesperson.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-704 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-704
Noncompliance - Powers and duties of commissioner
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt of a report of noncompliance, the department shall transmit a certified copy of the report to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses in the reciprocating state in which the nonresident is licensed. (b) When the licensing authority of a reciprocating state reports that a person holding a Tennessee license has failed to comply with a citation issued in that state, the commissioner shall forthwith suspend the person's license. The order of suspension shall indicate the reason for the order and shall notify the person that the license shall remain suspended until the person has furnished evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the person has complied with the terms of the citation that was the basis for the suspension order by appearing before the court to which the person was cited and complying with any order entered by the court. (c) A copy of any suspension order issued under this section shall be furnished to the licensing authority of the reciprocating state. (d) The commissioner shall maintain a current listing of reciprocating states under this part. The lists shall from time to time be disseminated among the appropriate departments, divisions, bureaus, and agencies of this state; the principal law enforcement officers of the several counties, cities, and towns of this state; and the licensing authorities in reciprocating states. (e) The commissioner has the authority to execute or make agreements, arrangements, or declarations to carry out this part. Acts 1979, ch. 102, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 59-734, 55-7-304, 55-7-704.
(a) Upon receipt of a report of noncompliance, the department shall transmit a certified copy of the report to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses in the reciprocating state in which the nonresident is licensed.
(b) When the licensing authority of a reciprocating state reports that a person holding a Tennessee license has failed to comply with a citation issued in that state, the commissioner shall forthwith suspend the person's license. The order of suspension shall indicate the reason for the order and shall notify the person that the license shall remain suspended until the person has furnished evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the person has complied with the terms of the citation that was the basis for the suspension order by appearing before the court to which the person was cited and complying with any order entered by the court.
(c) A copy of any suspension order issued under this section shall be furnished to the licensing authority of the reciprocating state.
(d) The commissioner shall maintain a current listing of reciprocating states under this part. The lists shall from time to time be disseminated among the appropriate departments, divisions, bureaus, and agencies of this state; the principal law enforcement officers of the several counties, cities, and towns of this state; and the licensing authorities in reciprocating states.
(e) The commissioner has the authority to execute or make agreements, arrangements, or declarations to carry out this part.
Acts 1979, ch. 102, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 59-734, 55-7-304, 55-7-704.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-310 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-310
Lakes and Rivers
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Protecting Rivers and Clean Waters new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of the protection of rivers and clean waters. The plates must be designed in consultation with the Harpeth Conservancy. (3) The funds produced from the sale of the Protecting Rivers and Clean Waters new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Harpeth Conservancy, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for restoring and protecting the ecological health of the Harpeth River and clean water in Tennessee. (b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Radnor Lake new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with the commissioner of environment and conservation, commissioner of agriculture, executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, and the commissioner of revenue. (3) The funds derived from the sale of the Radnor Lake new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to The Friends of Radnor Lake in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to protect, preserve, and promote the natural integrity of Radnor Lake Natural Area in Davidson County. (c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a River Life new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative of Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of River Life new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to assist Bedford County emergency services with Duck River safety challenges in the Duck River area. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the River Life new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (c) has until July 1, 2024, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) . Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Protecting Rivers and Clean Waters new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of the protection of rivers and clean waters. The plates must be designed in consultation with the Harpeth Conservancy. (3) The funds produced from the sale of the Protecting Rivers and Clean Waters new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Harpeth Conservancy, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for restoring and protecting the ecological health of the Harpeth River and clean water in Tennessee.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Protecting Rivers and Clean Waters new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of the protection of rivers and clean waters. The plates must be designed in consultation with the Harpeth Conservancy.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of the Protecting Rivers and Clean Waters new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Harpeth Conservancy, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for restoring and protecting the ecological health of the Harpeth River and clean water in Tennessee.
(b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Radnor Lake new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with the commissioner of environment and conservation, commissioner of agriculture, executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, and the commissioner of revenue. (3) The funds derived from the sale of the Radnor Lake new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to The Friends of Radnor Lake in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to protect, preserve, and promote the natural integrity of Radnor Lake Natural Area in Davidson County.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Radnor Lake new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with the commissioner of environment and conservation, commissioner of agriculture, executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, and the commissioner of revenue.
(3) The funds derived from the sale of the Radnor Lake new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to The Friends of Radnor Lake in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to protect, preserve, and promote the natural integrity of Radnor Lake Natural Area in Davidson County.
(c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a River Life new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative of Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of River Life new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to assist Bedford County emergency services with Duck River safety challenges in the Duck River area. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the River Life new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (c) has until July 1, 2024, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a River Life new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative of Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation, Inc.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of River Life new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to assist Bedford County emergency services with Duck River safety challenges in the Duck River area.
(4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the River Life new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (c) has until July 1, 2024, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-2-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 2 / Section 55-2-107
Applications for certificates of registration or title - Granting or refusing
Status: in_force

The department shall examine and determine the genuineness, regularity, and legality of every application for a certificate of registration or title for a vehicle and of any other application lawfully made to the department, and may in all cases make investigation as may be necessary or require additional information, and shall reject any application if not satisfied of the genuineness, regularity, or legality of the application or the truth of any statement contained in the application, or for any other reason, when authorized by law. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 22 (Williams, § 5538.122); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-207; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 5.
The department shall examine and determine the genuineness, regularity, and legality of every application for a certificate of registration or title for a vehicle and of any other application lawfully made to the department, and may in all cases make investigation as may be necessary or require additional information, and shall reject any application if not satisfied of the genuineness, regularity, or legality of the application or the truth of any statement contained in the application, or for any other reason, when authorized by law.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 22 (Williams, § 5538.122); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-207; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-13-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 13 / Section 55-13-106
Penalty for violations
Status: in_force

Any person, or any employee, agent or officer of any person who violates this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.30 (Williams, § 6770.19); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1306; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112.
Any person, or any employee, agent or officer of any person who violates this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.30 (Williams, § 6770.19); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1306; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-115 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-115
Lost or damaged certificate of title - Replacement
Status: in_force

(a) In the event any certificate of title is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible, the owner or a legal representative or successor in interest of the owner of the vehicle for which the same was issued, as shown by the records of the department, shall immediately make application for and obtain a replacement upon the payment of the fee provided in § 55-6-101 . (b) Upon issuance of any replacement or duplicate certificate of title, the previous certificate that was issued shall be void; provided, that any such replacement or duplicate certificate of title shall be forwarded by the department to the person as is entitled to possession of the certificate of title under § 55-3-114(d) . Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 36 (Williams, § 5538.136); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-315; Acts 2001, ch. 233, § 4; 2007, ch. 484, § 20.
(a) In the event any certificate of title is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible, the owner or a legal representative or successor in interest of the owner of the vehicle for which the same was issued, as shown by the records of the department, shall immediately make application for and obtain a replacement upon the payment of the fee provided in § 55-6-101 .
(b) Upon issuance of any replacement or duplicate certificate of title, the previous certificate that was issued shall be void; provided, that any such replacement or duplicate certificate of title shall be forwarded by the department to the person as is entitled to possession of the certificate of title under § 55-3-114(d) .
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 36 (Williams, § 5538.136); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-315; Acts 2001, ch. 233, § 4; 2007, ch. 484, § 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-137 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-137
Pedestrians to use right half of crosswalks
Status: in_force

Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 36; T.C.A., § 59-837.
Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 36; T.C.A., § 59-837.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-135 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-135
False statements - Perjury - Violations of part - Penalties - Suspension of license
Status: in_force

(a) With respect to the requirements of this part, any person who knowingly submits a false statement under oath to the commissioner commits perjury and shall be subject to the penalties therefor. The commissioner may, upon determining from the records that a person has knowingly made a false statement, suspend the person's driver license for a period not to exceed six (6) months. (b) Any person who violates any provision of this part for which no specific penalty is provided commits a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 35; T.C.A., § 59-1285; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111.
(a) With respect to the requirements of this part, any person who knowingly submits a false statement under oath to the commissioner commits perjury and shall be subject to the penalties therefor. The commissioner may, upon determining from the records that a person has knowingly made a false statement, suspend the person's driver license for a period not to exceed six (6) months.
(b) Any person who violates any provision of this part for which no specific penalty is provided commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 35; T.C.A., § 59-1285; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-303 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-303
Franchising
Status: in_force

(a) No more than two (2) new untitled motor vehicles of a specific line-make may be consigned by a franchised motor vehicle dealer to an automotive mobility dealer. (b) Any retail sale of a new untitled motor vehicle must be accomplished by the consigning franchised dealer. (c) A licensed franchise motor vehicle dealer shall not be required to obtain an automotive mobility dealer license to display, advertise, offer for sale or sell adapted motor vehicles. Acts 2010, ch. 1038, § 1.
(a) No more than two (2) new untitled motor vehicles of a specific line-make may be consigned by a franchised motor vehicle dealer to an automotive mobility dealer.
(b) Any retail sale of a new untitled motor vehicle must be accomplished by the consigning franchised dealer.
(c) A licensed franchise motor vehicle dealer shall not be required to obtain an automotive mobility dealer license to display, advertise, offer for sale or sell adapted motor vehicles.
Acts 2010, ch. 1038, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-120 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-120
Disclosure of information to public - Use of drugs or alcohol as factor in accident - Requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Every law enforcement agency shall have a policy describing when law enforcement personnel may disclose to the public information or law enforcement records concerning the use of drugs or alcohol by a driver as a contributing factor in a motor vehicle accident. (b) The policy required by subsection (a) shall include a requirement that the law enforcement agency make a good faith effort to notify the immediate family of those involved in the motor vehicle accident of the presence of drugs or alcohol as a contributing factor before such information may be made available to the public. (c) A law enforcement officer investigating a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person, and having probable cause to believe that an operator of a motor vehicle involved in the accident was driving under the influence of alcohol, shall investigate whether the operator was served alcoholic beverages or beer at an establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages or beer. The alcoholic beverage commission must be notified of the investigation within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 961,s 3, eff. 5/9/2024. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 756, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) Every law enforcement agency shall have a policy describing when law enforcement personnel may disclose to the public information or law enforcement records concerning the use of drugs or alcohol by a driver as a contributing factor in a motor vehicle accident.
(b) The policy required by subsection (a) shall include a requirement that the law enforcement agency make a good faith effort to notify the immediate family of those involved in the motor vehicle accident of the presence of drugs or alcohol as a contributing factor before such information may be made available to the public.
(c) A law enforcement officer investigating a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person, and having probable cause to believe that an operator of a motor vehicle involved in the accident was driving under the influence of alcohol, shall investigate whether the operator was served alcoholic beverages or beer at an establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages or beer. The alcoholic beverage commission must be notified of the investigation within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 961,s 3, eff. 5/9/2024.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 756, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-148 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-148
Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten (10) or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch (1/2") per foot of the distance between any two (2) adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches (9"), measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this section. (b) Before making any such crossing, the person operating or moving the vehicle or equipment described in subsection (a) shall first stop the same not less than fifteen feet (15') nor more than fifty feet (50') from the nearest rail of such railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely. (c) No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagger or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be made under the flagger's direction. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 47; T.C.A., § 59-848.
(a) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten (10) or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch (1/2") per foot of the distance between any two (2) adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches (9"), measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this section.
(b) Before making any such crossing, the person operating or moving the vehicle or equipment described in subsection (a) shall first stop the same not less than fifteen feet (15') nor more than fifty feet (50') from the nearest rail of such railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(c) No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagger or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be made under the flagger's direction.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 47; T.C.A., § 59-848.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-110
License for each location and franchise - Exception - Employment of salesperson
Status: in_force

(a) Any person engaging, acting or serving in more than one (1) of the activities for which a license is required under § 55-17-109 or having more than one (1) location where the business is carried on or conducted, is required to obtain and hold a separate, current license for each activity in which the person is engaged for each location. (b) Any motor vehicle dealer having more than one (1) franchise permitting the dealer to sell or have an interest in the sale of motor vehicles with more than one (1) trade name or line-make shall obtain a separate license for each trade name or line-make of motor vehicle; provided, that persons selling used motor vehicles exclusively need only obtain one (1) license for each business location. (c) No motor vehicle dealer or recreational vehicle dealer as defined in § 55-17-401 shall hire any person for the purpose of selling motor vehicles or recreational vehicles, or for acting in the capacity of a motor vehicle salesperson, without first determining that the person is duly licensed as a motor vehicle salesperson. (d) No motor vehicle salesperson shall sell or attempt to sell any motor vehicle or recreational vehicle for any motor vehicle dealer or recreational vehicle dealer, unless the motor vehicle salesperson is employed by the motor vehicle dealer or recreational vehicle dealer having an interest in the sale of the motor vehicle or recreational vehicle. (e) No person licensed under this section shall give, pay or in any manner compensate any other person for services rendered as a motor vehicle salesperson without first engaging or employing the person in the capacity of a motor vehicle salesperson. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 5, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 4; 1959, ch. 25, § 5; 1977, ch. 162, § 20; T.C.A., § 59-1710; Acts 2005, ch. 379, § 22.
(a) Any person engaging, acting or serving in more than one (1) of the activities for which a license is required under § 55-17-109 or having more than one (1) location where the business is carried on or conducted, is required to obtain and hold a separate, current license for each activity in which the person is engaged for each location.
(b) Any motor vehicle dealer having more than one (1) franchise permitting the dealer to sell or have an interest in the sale of motor vehicles with more than one (1) trade name or line-make shall obtain a separate license for each trade name or line-make of motor vehicle; provided, that persons selling used motor vehicles exclusively need only obtain one (1) license for each business location.
(c) No motor vehicle dealer or recreational vehicle dealer as defined in § 55-17-401 shall hire any person for the purpose of selling motor vehicles or recreational vehicles, or for acting in the capacity of a motor vehicle salesperson, without first determining that the person is duly licensed as a motor vehicle salesperson.
(d) No motor vehicle salesperson shall sell or attempt to sell any motor vehicle or recreational vehicle for any motor vehicle dealer or recreational vehicle dealer, unless the motor vehicle salesperson is employed by the motor vehicle dealer or recreational vehicle dealer having an interest in the sale of the motor vehicle or recreational vehicle.
(e) No person licensed under this section shall give, pay or in any manner compensate any other person for services rendered as a motor vehicle salesperson without first engaging or employing the person in the capacity of a motor vehicle salesperson.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 5, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 4; 1959, ch. 25, § 5; 1977, ch. 162, § 20; T.C.A., § 59-1710; Acts 2005, ch. 379, § 22.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-115 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-115
"Place of business" defined
Status: in_force

The place actually occupied, either continuously or at regular periods, by a dealer or manufacturer, where such dealer's or manufacturer's books and records are kept and a large share of business is transacted, is deemed to be the established place of business for the purpose of chapters 1-6 of this title. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 14 (Williams, § 5538.114); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-115.
The place actually occupied, either continuously or at regular periods, by a dealer or manufacturer, where such dealer's or manufacturer's books and records are kept and a large share of business is transacted, is deemed to be the established place of business for the purpose of chapters 1-6 of this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 14 (Williams, § 5538.114); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-115.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-410 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-410
Rules and regulations - Affirmative duty of transporter to ensure safety
Status: in_force

(a) The department of transportation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations prescribing safety precautions and equipment to be utilized by those transporting mobile homes subject to this part. (b) The transporter and the seller of the mobile home, if the seller is a different person or entity than the transporter, moving a mobile home that is subject to this part shall have the affirmative duty to determine that: (1) The undercarriage for the manufactured home is equipped with adequate brakes that are operated from the towing vehicle; and (2) The route traveled allows safe passage of the mobile home, based upon the height and width of the mobile home. (c) The affirmative duty created pursuant to this section shall be primarily the transporter's duty. The seller shall be secondarily liable. The affirmative duty to determine the safe passage may be met by use of a front escort vehicle having protrusions equal to the height and width of the mobile home. Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 10.
(a) The department of transportation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations prescribing safety precautions and equipment to be utilized by those transporting mobile homes subject to this part.
(b) The transporter and the seller of the mobile home, if the seller is a different person or entity than the transporter, moving a mobile home that is subject to this part shall have the affirmative duty to determine that: (1) The undercarriage for the manufactured home is equipped with adequate brakes that are operated from the towing vehicle; and (2) The route traveled allows safe passage of the mobile home, based upon the height and width of the mobile home.
(1) The undercarriage for the manufactured home is equipped with adequate brakes that are operated from the towing vehicle; and
(2) The route traveled allows safe passage of the mobile home, based upon the height and width of the mobile home.
(c) The affirmative duty created pursuant to this section shall be primarily the transporter's duty. The seller shall be secondarily liable. The affirmative duty to determine the safe passage may be met by use of a front escort vehicle having protrusions equal to the height and width of the mobile home.
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-27-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 27 / Section 55-27-104
Funds held in trust by a distributor
Status: in_force

Funds held by a manufacturer's distributor of motor vehicles that are described in one (1) or more of § 55-27-103(1)-(10) , as to which the distributor is obligated to a dealer or customer, are trust funds held in trust by the manufacturer's distributor for the benefit of any dealer or customer to whom the obligation is owed. Acts 2009, ch. 322, § 2.
Funds held by a manufacturer's distributor of motor vehicles that are described in one (1) or more of § 55-27-103(1)-(10) , as to which the distributor is obligated to a dealer or customer, are trust funds held in trust by the manufacturer's distributor for the benefit of any dealer or customer to whom the obligation is owed.
Acts 2009, ch. 322, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-22-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 22 / Section 55-22-102
Authority of county legislative body with respect to conduct of races and regulation and licensure of automobile race tracks
Status: in_force

A county legislative body shall have the authority to: (1) Provide for the times, dates, and conditions under which motor vehicle races shall be conducted; and (2) Establish any other rule relative to the regulation and licensure of automobile race tracks that the county legislative body deems prudent and advisable. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 354,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1968, ch. 534, § 2; 1972, ch. 678, § 11; 1979, ch. 28, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 59-2302, 66-402.
A county legislative body shall have the authority to:
(1) Provide for the times, dates, and conditions under which motor vehicle races shall be conducted; and
(2) Establish any other rule relative to the regulation and licensure of automobile race tracks that the county legislative body deems prudent and advisable.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 354,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1968, ch. 534, § 2; 1972, ch. 678, § 11; 1979, ch. 28, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 59-2302, 66-402.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-18-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 18 / Section 55-18-108
Organization and operation of clubs and associations authorized
Status: in_force

(a) This chapter shall be deemed and held exclusive authority for the organization and operation of automobile clubs and associations within this state, and the clubs and associations shall not be subject to any other laws respecting insurance companies of any class, kind or character, except as to the conduct of hearings by the commissioner and appeals therefrom. (b) This chapter shall not affect the validity of any membership certificate of any automobile club or association issued and outstanding prior to June 1, 1957. Acts 1957, ch. 157, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-1808.
(a) This chapter shall be deemed and held exclusive authority for the organization and operation of automobile clubs and associations within this state, and the clubs and associations shall not be subject to any other laws respecting insurance companies of any class, kind or character, except as to the conduct of hearings by the commissioner and appeals therefrom.
(b) This chapter shall not affect the validity of any membership certificate of any automobile club or association issued and outstanding prior to June 1, 1957.
Acts 1957, ch. 157, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-1808.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-157 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-157
Charging violations
Status: in_force

In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this chapter, the complaint and the summons or notice to appear shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, together with the speed limit applicable within the district or at the location. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 56; T.C.A., § 59-857.
In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this chapter, the complaint and the summons or notice to appear shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, together with the speed limit applicable within the district or at the location.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 56; T.C.A., § 59-857.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-6-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 6 / Section 55-6-108
Fines and penalties - Transmittal and expenditure - Enforcement of collection
Status: in_force

(a) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under chapters 1-6 of this title shall be paid over immediately after receipt thereof to the commissioner, with an accompanying statement setting forth the action or proceedings in which these moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense and fines, penalty, forfeiture or sentence, if any, imposed. (b) The commissioner is empowered, in the name of the state, to take all steps necessary to enforce the collection and prompt return of all fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds, and the fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds, when so collected, shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 67 (Williams, § 5538.167); Acts 1957, ch. 348, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1963, ch. 195, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-608.
(a) All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under chapters 1-6 of this title shall be paid over immediately after receipt thereof to the commissioner, with an accompanying statement setting forth the action or proceedings in which these moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense and fines, penalty, forfeiture or sentence, if any, imposed.
(b) The commissioner is empowered, in the name of the state, to take all steps necessary to enforce the collection and prompt return of all fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds, and the fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds, when so collected, shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 67 (Williams, § 5538.167); Acts 1957, ch. 348, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1963, ch. 195, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-608.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-20-304 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 20 / Section 55-20-304
Publicizing program
Status: in_force

The department of transportation and the governor's highway safety office shall take reasonable measures to publicize the yellow dot program to potential participants, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical responders. In publicizing the yellow dot program, the department may cooperate with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services agencies, the department of veterans services, human resources agencies, statewide development districts with direct contact with senior citizen centers in such districts, and other governmental agencies, especially agencies which assist persons who are fifty-five (55) years of age or older or agencies providing services to veterans. The department may also cooperate with and seek the assistance of interested nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, AARP, American Automobile Association, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Tennessee Coalition for the Enhancement of Senior Drivers. The department, in consultation with the governor's highway safety office, shall also develop training materials on the yellow dot program that may be furnished to the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission, the Tennessee highway patrol, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services agencies, and used by such organizations during recruit training and annual in-service training. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 34,s 2, eff. 3/29/2017. Acts 2012, ch. 804, § 5.
The department of transportation and the governor's highway safety office shall take reasonable measures to publicize the yellow dot program to potential participants, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical responders. In publicizing the yellow dot program, the department may cooperate with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services agencies, the department of veterans services, human resources agencies, statewide development districts with direct contact with senior citizen centers in such districts, and other governmental agencies, especially agencies which assist persons who are fifty-five (55) years of age or older or agencies providing services to veterans. The department may also cooperate with and seek the assistance of interested nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, AARP, American Automobile Association, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Tennessee Coalition for the Enhancement of Senior Drivers. The department, in consultation with the governor's highway safety office, shall also develop training materials on the yellow dot program that may be furnished to the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission, the Tennessee highway patrol, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services agencies, and used by such organizations during recruit training and annual in-service training.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 34,s 2, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2012, ch. 804, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-29-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 29 / Section 55-29-106
Noncompliance with chapter
Status: in_force

Noncompliance with this chapter shall constitute a violation of chapter 17, part 1 of this title. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306,s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Noncompliance with this chapter shall constitute a violation of chapter 17, part 1 of this title.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306,s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-411 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-411
Recreational vehicle show permit
Status: in_force

(a) A recreational vehicle show is any display, except as provided in subsection (h), of recreational vehicles by one (1) or more manufacturers or recreational vehicle dealers. (b) A recreational vehicle show permit must be obtained from the commission by the sponsor or promoter of the show no later than ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the recreational vehicle show. The permit, or a copy of the permit, shall be prominently displayed at any entrance into the recreational vehicle show. (c) A recreational vehicle show permit shall be valid for seven (7) consecutive days and may be renewed one (1) time for an additional seven (7) consecutive days. Any such renewal shall begin the day after the expiration of the original permit. A sponsor or promoter may obtain only one (1) recreational vehicle show permit and renewal per calendar year for the same location. (d) The applicant shall provide to the commission the names and addresses of each manufacturer or recreational vehicle dealer displaying recreational vehicles at the show. (e) The sales price of each recreational vehicle displayed at the show shall be prominently displayed with the recreational vehicle. Any warranty information associated with the recreational vehicle must be available upon request. (f) A licensed recreational vehicle dealer may only sell travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and folding camping trailers, as defined in § 55-28-102 , at up to six (6) shows permitted by the Tennessee motor vehicle commission per year, in addition to selling travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and folding camping trailers at the dealer's established place of business. (g) Any manufacturer or recreational vehicle dealer displaying recreational vehicles at the recreational vehicle show shall have a representative present at all times during the recreational vehicle show. (h) A manufacturer or recreational vehicle dealer may display at a single location without obtaining a recreational vehicle show permit; provided, that no representatives of the displayer are present and that no sales solicitations or activities take place, at the following locations: (1) The interior common areas of shopping malls, hotels, or convention centers; (2) The interior of wholesale shopping clubs; (3) County, regional, or state fairs; (4) Agricultural events and educational demonstrations; (5) Sporting and entertainment events in conjunction with the sponsorship of the event; and (6) Commercial airport terminals. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) A recreational vehicle show is any display, except as provided in subsection (h), of recreational vehicles by one (1) or more manufacturers or recreational vehicle dealers.
(b) A recreational vehicle show permit must be obtained from the commission by the sponsor or promoter of the show no later than ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the recreational vehicle show. The permit, or a copy of the permit, shall be prominently displayed at any entrance into the recreational vehicle show.
(c) A recreational vehicle show permit shall be valid for seven (7) consecutive days and may be renewed one (1) time for an additional seven (7) consecutive days. Any such renewal shall begin the day after the expiration of the original permit. A sponsor or promoter may obtain only one (1) recreational vehicle show permit and renewal per calendar year for the same location.
(d) The applicant shall provide to the commission the names and addresses of each manufacturer or recreational vehicle dealer displaying recreational vehicles at the show.
(e) The sales price of each recreational vehicle displayed at the show shall be prominently displayed with the recreational vehicle. Any warranty information associated with the recreational vehicle must be available upon request.
(f) A licensed recreational vehicle dealer may only sell travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and folding camping trailers, as defined in § 55-28-102 , at up to six (6) shows permitted by the Tennessee motor vehicle commission per year, in addition to selling travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and folding camping trailers at the dealer's established place of business.
(g) Any manufacturer or recreational vehicle dealer displaying recreational vehicles at the recreational vehicle show shall have a representative present at all times during the recreational vehicle show.
(h) A manufacturer or recreational vehicle dealer may display at a single location without obtaining a recreational vehicle show permit; provided, that no representatives of the displayer are present and that no sales solicitations or activities take place, at the following locations: (1) The interior common areas of shopping malls, hotels, or convention centers; (2) The interior of wholesale shopping clubs; (3) County, regional, or state fairs; (4) Agricultural events and educational demonstrations; (5) Sporting and entertainment events in conjunction with the sponsorship of the event; and (6) Commercial airport terminals.
(1) The interior common areas of shopping malls, hotels, or convention centers;
(2) The interior of wholesale shopping clubs;
(3) County, regional, or state fairs;
(4) Agricultural events and educational demonstrations;
(5) Sporting and entertainment events in conjunction with the sponsorship of the event; and
(6) Commercial airport terminals.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-112 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-112
Flashing signals
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (1) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, and the light is clearly visible for a sufficient distance ahead to permit stopping, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign; and (2) Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution. (b) This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by the rules as set forth in § 55-8-145 . Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 11; T.C.A., § 59-812.
(a) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (1) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, and the light is clearly visible for a sufficient distance ahead to permit stopping, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign; and (2) Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
(1) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, and the light is clearly visible for a sufficient distance ahead to permit stopping, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign; and
(2) Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
(b) This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by the rules as set forth in § 55-8-145 .
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 11; T.C.A., § 59-812.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-409 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-409
Category of size for which permits required
Status: in_force

A permit is required for each category of size, height, width, length and/or weight, that is exceeded by the mobile home being transported, except as provided in § 55-4-405 . Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 9.
A permit is required for each category of size, height, width, length and/or weight, that is exceeded by the mobile home being transported, except as provided in § 55-4-405 .
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-18-109 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 18 / Section 55-18-109
Fees - Use for expenses of administration
Status: in_force

The fees provided by this chapter shall be expendable receipts for the use of the commissioner in defraying the cost of the administration of this chapter. Acts 1957, ch. 157, § 9; T.C.A., § 59-1809.
The fees provided by this chapter shall be expendable receipts for the use of the commissioner in defraying the cost of the administration of this chapter.
Acts 1957, ch. 157, § 9; T.C.A., § 59-1809.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-335 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-335
Visible full face on licenses
Status: in_force

(a) All driver licenses shall bear a visible full face photograph of the applicant furnished by the department or bear an endorsement that no photograph is required. No license issued shall be valid unless it bears this photograph or endorsement. (b) (1) The department shall begin developing a plan for implementation of a system for the issuance of driver licenses bearing a visible full face photograph of the licensee, which photograph shall be taken by or under the direction of the department. (2) The department shall use such process or processes in the issuance of licenses that prohibit, as nearly as practicable, the ability to alter or reproduce the license or the ability to superimpose a photograph on the license without ready detection. (3) This system shall permit the keeping of a copy of the actual driver license as issued. (c) In the development and installation of a system for the issuance of licenses, the department shall establish regulations and standards for the evaluation of various processes and equipment available for this purpose, and shall provide an opportunity for each reliable and financially responsible company with such a process to demonstrate its process and equipment for the purpose of determining the best available process and equipment at the most economical price. Any contracts for the purchase of material and equipment required to implement this program shall be entered into in accordance with the competitive bid procedures provided for in title 12, chapter 3. The commissioner may solicit outside consulting services in order to accomplish on a competitive basis the design and application of the system and implementation thereof. The commissioner shall require a performance bond sufficient to guarantee the performance of any such lease or franchise contracts that may be entered into, the bond to be sufficient to protect the interests of the state and of the individual license purchasers. (d) In addition to its other duties under the law, the procurement commission shall advise the commissioner on appropriate standards for the evaluation of various processes and equipment, shall observe any demonstrations of processes and equipment, and shall advise the commissioner on the most economic and feasible method available. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s5, s6 eff. 4/22/2021. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 618, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-7-108 , 55-7-335; Acts 2010 , ch. 1037, § 5; 2011 , ch. 295, § 19.
(a) All driver licenses shall bear a visible full face photograph of the applicant furnished by the department or bear an endorsement that no photograph is required. No license issued shall be valid unless it bears this photograph or endorsement.
(b) (1) The department shall begin developing a plan for implementation of a system for the issuance of driver licenses bearing a visible full face photograph of the licensee, which photograph shall be taken by or under the direction of the department. (2) The department shall use such process or processes in the issuance of licenses that prohibit, as nearly as practicable, the ability to alter or reproduce the license or the ability to superimpose a photograph on the license without ready detection. (3) This system shall permit the keeping of a copy of the actual driver license as issued.
(1) The department shall begin developing a plan for implementation of a system for the issuance of driver licenses bearing a visible full face photograph of the licensee, which photograph shall be taken by or under the direction of the department.
(2) The department shall use such process or processes in the issuance of licenses that prohibit, as nearly as practicable, the ability to alter or reproduce the license or the ability to superimpose a photograph on the license without ready detection.
(3) This system shall permit the keeping of a copy of the actual driver license as issued.
(c) In the development and installation of a system for the issuance of licenses, the department shall establish regulations and standards for the evaluation of various processes and equipment available for this purpose, and shall provide an opportunity for each reliable and financially responsible company with such a process to demonstrate its process and equipment for the purpose of determining the best available process and equipment at the most economical price. Any contracts for the purchase of material and equipment required to implement this program shall be entered into in accordance with the competitive bid procedures provided for in title 12, chapter 3. The commissioner may solicit outside consulting services in order to accomplish on a competitive basis the design and application of the system and implementation thereof. The commissioner shall require a performance bond sufficient to guarantee the performance of any such lease or franchise contracts that may be entered into, the bond to be sufficient to protect the interests of the state and of the individual license purchasers.
(d) In addition to its other duties under the law, the procurement commission shall advise the commissioner on appropriate standards for the evaluation of various processes and equipment, shall observe any demonstrations of processes and equipment, and shall advise the commissioner on the most economic and feasible method available.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s5, s6 eff. 4/22/2021.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 618, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-7-108 , 55-7-335; Acts 2010 , ch. 1037, § 5; 2011 , ch. 295, § 19.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-125 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-125
Liens and encumbrances - Filing
Status: in_force

No conditional sales contract, chattel mortgage, or other lien or encumbrance or title retention instrument upon a registered vehicle, other than a lien dependent upon possession entered into after March 1, 1951, or a lien of the state for taxes established pursuant to title 67, chapter 1, part 14, shall be valid against the creditors of an owner or subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers, until the requirements of this section and § 55-3-126 have been complied with, unless such creditor, purchaser, or encumbrancer has actual notice of the prior lien. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 68 (Williams, § 5538.168); Acts 1978, ch. 686, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-326.
No conditional sales contract, chattel mortgage, or other lien or encumbrance or title retention instrument upon a registered vehicle, other than a lien dependent upon possession entered into after March 1, 1951, or a lien of the state for taxes established pursuant to title 67, chapter 1, part 14, shall be valid against the creditors of an owner or subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers, until the requirements of this section and § 55-3-126 have been complied with, unless such creditor, purchaser, or encumbrancer has actual notice of the prior lien.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 68 (Williams, § 5538.168); Acts 1978, ch. 686, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-326.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-353 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-353
Sexual, violent sexual, violent juvenile sexual offender identification - Human trafficker identification
Status: in_force

(a) When the department issues or renews a driver license or photo identification card to a sexual offender, violent sexual offender or violent juvenile sexual offender as required by § 40-39-213 , the driver license or photo identification card shall bear a designation sufficient to enable a law enforcement officer to identify the bearer of the license or card as a sexual offender, violent sexual offender or violent juvenile sexual offender. (b) When the department issues or renews a driver license or photo identification license to a person convicted of a human trafficking offense, as defined in § 39-13-314 , the driver license or photo identification license must bear a designation sufficient to enable a law enforcement officer to identify the bearer of the license as a person who has been convicted of a human trafficking offense. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1015, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 2008 , ch. 1143, § 2; 2011 , ch. 483, § 24.
(a) When the department issues or renews a driver license or photo identification card to a sexual offender, violent sexual offender or violent juvenile sexual offender as required by § 40-39-213 , the driver license or photo identification card shall bear a designation sufficient to enable a law enforcement officer to identify the bearer of the license or card as a sexual offender, violent sexual offender or violent juvenile sexual offender.
(b) When the department issues or renews a driver license or photo identification license to a person convicted of a human trafficking offense, as defined in § 39-13-314 , the driver license or photo identification license must bear a designation sufficient to enable a law enforcement officer to identify the bearer of the license as a person who has been convicted of a human trafficking offense.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1015, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1143, § 2; 2011 , ch. 483, § 24.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-337 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-337
Expiration of licenses
Status: in_force

(a) Every driver license issued by the department on or after January 1, 2016, shall be issued for a period of eight (8) years excluding Class P licenses, which shall expire one (1) year from the date of initial issuance. The commissioner may issue an initial license or renew a license that shall remain valid for three (3) to eight (8) years in order to transition licensees to an eight-year renewal cycle. License fees due under § 55-50-323 shall be prorated to reflect the appropriate fee for a renewal cycle of lesser length than eight (8) years; provided, that for Class D, Class M, and photo identification licenses, there shall be deducted from the gross prorated fee the amount of two dollars ($2.00). (b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, temporary licenses issued pursuant to § 55-50-331(g) shall be valid during the period of time specified in § 55-50-331(g) . (c) Any person issued a license or permit prior to July 1, 2004, who is subject to § 55-50-331(g) shall, upon renewal or reapplication, receive, if otherwise eligible, a temporary license, which shall expire in accordance with § 55-50-331(g) . Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 145,s 4, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 348,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-7-337; Acts 1990, ch. 830, § 3; 1992, ch. 791, § 6; 2004, ch. 778, § 8; 2007, ch. 194, §§ 22, 23.
(a) Every driver license issued by the department on or after January 1, 2016, shall be issued for a period of eight (8) years excluding Class P licenses, which shall expire one (1) year from the date of initial issuance. The commissioner may issue an initial license or renew a license that shall remain valid for three (3) to eight (8) years in order to transition licensees to an eight-year renewal cycle. License fees due under § 55-50-323 shall be prorated to reflect the appropriate fee for a renewal cycle of lesser length than eight (8) years; provided, that for Class D, Class M, and photo identification licenses, there shall be deducted from the gross prorated fee the amount of two dollars ($2.00).
(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, temporary licenses issued pursuant to § 55-50-331(g) shall be valid during the period of time specified in § 55-50-331(g) .
(c) Any person issued a license or permit prior to July 1, 2004, who is subject to § 55-50-331(g) shall, upon renewal or reapplication, receive, if otherwise eligible, a temporary license, which shall expire in accordance with § 55-50-331(g) .
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 145,s 4, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 348,s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-7-337; Acts 1990, ch. 830, § 3; 1992, ch. 791, § 6; 2004, ch. 778, § 8; 2007, ch. 194, §§ 22, 23.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-325 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-325
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2012 , ch. 749, § 2.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2012 , ch. 749, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-708 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-708
Data search to determine offender status - Applicants for restricted license or removal of denial order
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part to the contrary, any district attorney general or assistant district attorney general shall be authorized to call upon the driver control division to search the data compiled for the purpose of ascertaining whether a person applying for a restricted license under this part or applying for a withdrawal of an order of denial under this part has had other orders of denial or restricted licenses issued. (b) Upon request of any district attorney general or assistant district attorney general, the driver control division shall send the requestor a certified copy of such other orders of denial or restricted licenses. Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 8.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part to the contrary, any district attorney general or assistant district attorney general shall be authorized to call upon the driver control division to search the data compiled for the purpose of ascertaining whether a person applying for a restricted license under this part or applying for a withdrawal of an order of denial under this part has had other orders of denial or restricted licenses issued.
(b) Upon request of any district attorney general or assistant district attorney general, the driver control division shall send the requestor a certified copy of such other orders of denial or restricted licenses.
Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-31-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 31 / Section 55-31-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Modernization of Towing, Immobilization, and Oversight Normalization (MOTION) Act." Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Modernization of Towing, Immobilization, and Oversight Normalization (MOTION) Act."
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-23-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 23 / Section 55-23-102
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1980, ch. 779, § 2.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1980, ch. 779, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-407 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-407
Permit for exceptionally tall mobile homes - Fee - Routing instructions
Status: in_force

(a) A permit shall be required for the transport of any mobile home exceeding fourteen feet two inches (14' 2") in height. Permits authorized pursuant to this section shall be issued on a short-term basis only and shall be accompanied by special routing instructions approved by the department of transportation. The transport of mobile homes exceeding sixteen feet (16') in height shall not be permitted. (b) The fee for permits issued pursuant to this section shall be fifty dollars ($50.00). (c) The department of transportation shall make available, both in printed form and on the department's official website, a list of the overpasses on public roads within the state that have a minimum clearance above the roadway below of less than fourteen feet six inches (14' 6"). The list shall be updated at least monthly on the website and at least annually in the printed version. The department is authorized to charge a fee for the printed list sufficient to offset the administrative cost of compiling, updating, printing and shipping the list. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 252,s 2, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 7.
(a) A permit shall be required for the transport of any mobile home exceeding fourteen feet two inches (14' 2") in height. Permits authorized pursuant to this section shall be issued on a short-term basis only and shall be accompanied by special routing instructions approved by the department of transportation. The transport of mobile homes exceeding sixteen feet (16') in height shall not be permitted.
(b) The fee for permits issued pursuant to this section shall be fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c) The department of transportation shall make available, both in printed form and on the department's official website, a list of the overpasses on public roads within the state that have a minimum clearance above the roadway below of less than fourteen feet six inches (14' 6"). The list shall be updated at least monthly on the website and at least annually in the printed version. The department is authorized to charge a fee for the printed list sufficient to offset the administrative cost of compiling, updating, printing and shipping the list.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 252,s 2, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-408 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-408
Headlights complying with prohibition against glaring and dazzling lights - Anti-glare devices - Mounted height of lamps
Status: in_force

Headlights shall be deemed to comply with § 55-9-406 , prohibiting glaring and dazzling lights, if the headlights are of a type customarily employed by manufacturers of automobiles and in addition are equipped with some anti-glare device; provided, that the anti-glare device, or any combination thereof, when properly adjusted, shall prevent any of the bright portions of the headlight beams from rising above a horizontal plane passing through the lamp centers parallel to a level road upon which the loaded vehicle stands and in no case higher than forty-two inches (42"), seventy-five feet (75') ahead of the vehicle. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 308, s 39, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 15; 1937, ch. 245, § 5; 1939, ch. 206, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-911.
Headlights shall be deemed to comply with § 55-9-406 , prohibiting glaring and dazzling lights, if the headlights are of a type customarily employed by manufacturers of automobiles and in addition are equipped with some anti-glare device; provided, that the anti-glare device, or any combination thereof, when properly adjusted, shall prevent any of the bright portions of the headlight beams from rising above a horizontal plane passing through the lamp centers parallel to a level road upon which the loaded vehicle stands and in no case higher than forty-two inches (42"), seventy-five feet (75') ahead of the vehicle.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 308, s 39, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 15; 1937, ch. 245, § 5; 1939, ch. 206, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-911.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-20-301 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 20 / Section 55-20-301
Authority of department of transportation to develop and assist in implementation of program - Purpose
Status: in_force

The department of transportation is authorized to develop and assist in the implementation of the yellow dot motor vehicle medical information program. The purpose of the yellow dot program is to assist: (1) Drivers and passengers who participate in the program; (2) Emergency medical responders in reporting critical medical information in the event of a motor vehicle accident or a medical emergency involving a participant's vehicle; and (3) Law enforcement officers in becoming aware of a motorist's or passenger's critical medical information that may impact the officer's encounter with the motorist or passenger during a traffic stop or welfare check. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 34,s 1, eff. 3/29/2017. Acts 2012, ch. 804, § 2.
The department of transportation is authorized to develop and assist in the implementation of the yellow dot motor vehicle medical information program. The purpose of the yellow dot program is to assist:
(1) Drivers and passengers who participate in the program;
(2) Emergency medical responders in reporting critical medical information in the event of a motor vehicle accident or a medical emergency involving a participant's vehicle; and
(3) Law enforcement officers in becoming aware of a motorist's or passenger's critical medical information that may impact the officer's encounter with the motorist or passenger during a traffic stop or welfare check.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 34,s 1, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2012, ch. 804, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-901 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-901
Short Title
Status: in_force

This part may be known and cited as the "Interstate Driver License Compact." Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 610, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
This part may be known and cited as the "Interstate Driver License Compact."
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 610, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-105
Chauffeur using automobile without owner's consent - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any chauffeur or any other person in like capacity to use the automobile of another without the owner's permission or consent. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1911, ch. 28, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 6501a1, 6501a2; Code 1932, §§ 10847, 10848; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-505; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) It is unlawful for any chauffeur or any other person in like capacity to use the automobile of another without the owner's permission or consent.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1911, ch. 28, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 6501a1, 6501a2; Code 1932, §§ 10847, 10848; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-505; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-206 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-206
Off-road vehicles - Prohibited acts - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, "motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 , which possesses a four-wheel drive capability and that is designed and suitable for operation off the highway on natural terrain. (b) It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on private property for the purposes of testing or demonstrating driving skills or ascertaining certain vehicle endurance factors, unless the consent of the owner or person in control of the property has been granted for the activities. The driving skills and vehicle endurance factors include, but are not limited to, cross-country driving, drag racing or testing the motor vehicle's capabilities over natural, rough or muddy terrain. (c) Any person found guilty of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and, in the discretion of the court, the person's driver license shall be subject to suspension for six (6) months. Acts 1980, ch. 775, §§ 1, 2.
(a) For the purposes of this section, "motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 , which possesses a four-wheel drive capability and that is designed and suitable for operation off the highway on natural terrain.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on private property for the purposes of testing or demonstrating driving skills or ascertaining certain vehicle endurance factors, unless the consent of the owner or person in control of the property has been granted for the activities. The driving skills and vehicle endurance factors include, but are not limited to, cross-country driving, drag racing or testing the motor vehicle's capabilities over natural, rough or muddy terrain.
(c) Any person found guilty of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and, in the discretion of the court, the person's driver license shall be subject to suspension for six (6) months.
Acts 1980, ch. 775, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-805 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-805
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 530,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024. Acts 1971, ch. 267, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 59-730, 55-7-405, 55-7-805; modified.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 530,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024.
Acts 1971, ch. 267, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 59-730, 55-7-405, 55-7-805; modified.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-112 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-112
"Lienor," "owner" and "person" defined
Status: in_force

(a) "Lienor" means any person who holds any lien, mortgage, conditional sales contract or other encumbrance against a vehicle. (b) "Owner" means a person who holds the legal title of a vehicle, or in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of chapters 1-6 of this title. (c) "Person" means every natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 11 (Williams, § 5538.111); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-112.
(a) "Lienor" means any person who holds any lien, mortgage, conditional sales contract or other encumbrance against a vehicle.
(b) "Owner" means a person who holds the legal title of a vehicle, or in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of chapters 1-6 of this title.
(c) "Person" means every natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 11 (Williams, § 5538.111); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-121 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-121
No-passing zones
Status: in_force

The department of transportation is authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of those zones. When these signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 20; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-821.
The department of transportation is authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of those zones. When these signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 20; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-821.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-801 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-801
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act." Acts 2007, ch. 214, § 2.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act."
Acts 2007, ch. 214, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-22-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 22 / Section 55-22-101
Insurance requirements for conduct of motor vehicle races
Status: in_force

(a) No person, firm, or corporation shall operate or conduct any motor vehicle races on any permanent race track or other place for the holding of a motor vehicle race upon which motor vehicles of any description are raced, unless the applicant has insurance for the general public with minimum limits of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per person and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) per accident or three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) combined single limit, for loss because of bodily injury, including death at any time resulting from such bodily harm caused to any person or persons by the operation of the track or other place; provided, that this insurance shall not be applicable to: (1) Drivers; (2) Pit area personnel; (3) All persons involved in the conduct of any motor vehicle race; or (4) Any persons involved with the race who have signed a written release of liability. (b) Satisfaction by the insured of a final judgment for injury shall not be a condition precedent to the duty of the insurer to make payment on account of the injury. (c) The county clerk of the county where a motor vehicle race is conducted shall: (1) Verify the person, firm, or corporation operating or conducting a motor vehicle race has insurance as prescribed in subsection (a); and (2) Issue documentation to the person, firm, or corporation confirming that the requirements of subdivision (c)(1) have been met. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 354,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1968, ch. 534, § 1; 1972, ch. 678, § 10; 1973, ch. 264, § 2; 1979, ch. 28, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 59-2301, 66-401; Acts 1993, ch. 469, § 1.
(a) No person, firm, or corporation shall operate or conduct any motor vehicle races on any permanent race track or other place for the holding of a motor vehicle race upon which motor vehicles of any description are raced, unless the applicant has insurance for the general public with minimum limits of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per person and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) per accident or three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) combined single limit, for loss because of bodily injury, including death at any time resulting from such bodily harm caused to any person or persons by the operation of the track or other place; provided, that this insurance shall not be applicable to: (1) Drivers; (2) Pit area personnel; (3) All persons involved in the conduct of any motor vehicle race; or (4) Any persons involved with the race who have signed a written release of liability.
(1) Drivers;
(2) Pit area personnel;
(3) All persons involved in the conduct of any motor vehicle race; or
(4) Any persons involved with the race who have signed a written release of liability.
(b) Satisfaction by the insured of a final judgment for injury shall not be a condition precedent to the duty of the insurer to make payment on account of the injury.
(c) The county clerk of the county where a motor vehicle race is conducted shall: (1) Verify the person, firm, or corporation operating or conducting a motor vehicle race has insurance as prescribed in subsection (a); and (2) Issue documentation to the person, firm, or corporation confirming that the requirements of subdivision (c)(1) have been met.
(1) Verify the person, firm, or corporation operating or conducting a motor vehicle race has insurance as prescribed in subsection (a); and
(2) Issue documentation to the person, firm, or corporation confirming that the requirements of subdivision (c)(1) have been met.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 354,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1968, ch. 534, § 1; 1972, ch. 678, § 10; 1973, ch. 264, § 2; 1979, ch. 28, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 59-2301, 66-401; Acts 1993, ch. 469, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-24-112 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 24 / Section 55-24-112
Manufacturer's warranty - Disclosure to purchaser
Status: in_force

Any business entity that purchases a fleet of new motor vehicles, titles the motor vehicles in the business entity's name and sells the vehicles to an individual purchaser shall disclose in writing any remaining manufacturer's warranty on the motor vehicles to the purchaser. Acts 1994, ch. 672, § 1; T.C.A. § 55-24-212.
Any business entity that purchases a fleet of new motor vehicles, titles the motor vehicles in the business entity's name and sells the vehicles to an individual purchaser shall disclose in writing any remaining manufacturer's warranty on the motor vehicles to the purchaser.
Acts 1994, ch. 672, § 1; T.C.A. § 55-24-212.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-305 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-305
Rearview mirrors and footrests
Status: in_force

All motorcycles and motorscooters operated upon any highway or public road of this state shall be equipped with a rearview mirror and securely attached footrests for the operators and passengers on all motorcycles and motorscooters. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 9, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1968, ch. 493, § 1; 1976, ch. 758, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-937; Acts 2005, ch. 136, § 1.
All motorcycles and motorscooters operated upon any highway or public road of this state shall be equipped with a rearview mirror and securely attached footrests for the operators and passengers on all motorcycles and motorscooters.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 9, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1968, ch. 493, § 1; 1976, ch. 758, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-937; Acts 2005, ch. 136, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-208 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-208
Water damaged motor vehicles - Certificate of title
Status: in_force

There shall be a brand affixed to a certificate of title issued by the department for a motor vehicle which has sustained substantial water damage. Acts 1989, ch. 377, § 2.
There shall be a brand affixed to a certificate of title issued by the department for a motor vehicle which has sustained substantial water damage.
Acts 1989, ch. 377, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-502 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-502
Drag racing - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) Drag racing is a Class E felony, and any person who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state, or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, any apartment house complex, or any other premises generally frequented by the public at large, or who is a participant therein, for the purpose of drag racing commits the offense of drag racing unless the premises are properly licensed for this purpose. (b) If the violation of subsection (a) results in the serious bodily injury of a participant, passenger, bystander or other person, drag racing shall be punished as provided in § 39-13-106(b) for vehicular assault. (c) Any motor vehicle used to commit the offense of drag racing or to flee after commission of the offense of drag racing is, upon conviction for the offense, subject to seizure and forfeiture as provided in title 40, chapter 33, part 1. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1000,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 573, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1041; Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 14; 1989, ch. 591, § 112; 2006, ch. 971, § 4.
(a) Drag racing is a Class E felony, and any person who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state, or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, any apartment house complex, or any other premises generally frequented by the public at large, or who is a participant therein, for the purpose of drag racing commits the offense of drag racing unless the premises are properly licensed for this purpose.
(b) If the violation of subsection (a) results in the serious bodily injury of a participant, passenger, bystander or other person, drag racing shall be punished as provided in § 39-13-106(b) for vehicular assault.
(c) Any motor vehicle used to commit the offense of drag racing or to flee after commission of the offense of drag racing is, upon conviction for the offense, subject to seizure and forfeiture as provided in title 40, chapter 33, part 1.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1000,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 573, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1041; Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 14; 1989, ch. 591, § 112; 2006, ch. 971, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-206 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-206
Guidelines for best behavior during traffic stops
Status: in_force

(a) Within six (6) months from May 2, 2017, the department of safety, in consultation with state and local law enforcement agencies, shall develop advisory guidelines concerning best behaviors for drivers to exercise when stopped by law enforcement officers. (b) After the advisory guidelines are completed and approved by the commissioner, the department of education shall make the advisory guidelines an integral part of driver education in this state. (c) These advisory guidelines shall be promoted to the public, as the department deems fit, to increase awareness and public safety. (d) Law enforcement officers shall be trained that citizens may, but are not required to, follow the advisory guidelines established pursuant to this section, and that citizens shall not be liable for any civil damages or subject to any other liability or action for any failure to comply with these guidelines. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 252,s 1, eff. 5/2/2017.
(a) Within six (6) months from May 2, 2017, the department of safety, in consultation with state and local law enforcement agencies, shall develop advisory guidelines concerning best behaviors for drivers to exercise when stopped by law enforcement officers.
(b) After the advisory guidelines are completed and approved by the commissioner, the department of education shall make the advisory guidelines an integral part of driver education in this state.
(c) These advisory guidelines shall be promoted to the public, as the department deems fit, to increase awareness and public safety.
(d) Law enforcement officers shall be trained that citizens may, but are not required to, follow the advisory guidelines established pursuant to this section, and that citizens shall not be liable for any civil damages or subject to any other liability or action for any failure to comply with these guidelines.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 252,s 1, eff. 5/2/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-291 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-291
"Children First!"
Status: in_force

(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a "CHILDREN FIRST!" specialty earmarked plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (b) The commissioner, in consultation with the commission on children and youth, shall determine a distinctive color and design for the "CHILDREN FIRST!" specialty earmarked plate. (c) All revenues produced in each fiscal year from the sale of "CHILDREN FIRST!" specialty earmarked plates, minus the costs the state has incurred in designing and manufacturing the plates, shall be allocated to the department of human services, to be used solely to provide additional funding for child abuse prevention services pursuant to § 71-6-203 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 59.
(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a "CHILDREN FIRST!" specialty earmarked plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(b) The commissioner, in consultation with the commission on children and youth, shall determine a distinctive color and design for the "CHILDREN FIRST!" specialty earmarked plate.
(c) All revenues produced in each fiscal year from the sale of "CHILDREN FIRST!" specialty earmarked plates, minus the costs the state has incurred in designing and manufacturing the plates, shall be allocated to the department of human services, to be used solely to provide additional funding for child abuse prevention services pursuant to § 71-6-203 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 59.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-138 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-138
Certification of understanding of and compliance with financial responsibility law
Status: in_force

The commissioner of safety, with each application for an operator's or chauffeur's license, shall include a brief summary of the state's financial responsibility law and the summary shall contain the following or similar certification to be signed by the applicant: "I CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND ABOUT TENNESSEE'S FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW AND I AGREE TO ABIDE BY IT." Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 30; 1992, ch. 791, § 8.
The commissioner of safety, with each application for an operator's or chauffeur's license, shall include a brief summary of the state's financial responsibility law and the summary shall contain the following or similar certification to be signed by the applicant: "I CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND ABOUT TENNESSEE'S FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW AND I AGREE TO ABIDE BY IT."
Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 30; 1992, ch. 791, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-201 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-201
Operation of a platoon
Status: in_force

(a) A person may operate a platoon on the streets and highways of this state after the person provides notification to the department of transportation and the department of safety. The notification provided pursuant to this subsection (a) must include a plan for general platoon operations. (b) If the notification and the plan submitted pursuant to subsection (a) are not rejected by either the department of transportation or the department of safety within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notification and the plan, the person may operate a platoon on the streets and highways of this state. (c) For purposes of a platoon operating pursuant to this section: (1) Vehicles in the platoon are not a caravan or motorcade; (2) The lead vehicle in the platoon is not drawing any subsequent vehicle in the platoon; and (3) If the platoon includes a commercial motor vehicle, an appropriately endorsed driver who holds a valid commercial driver license must be present behind the wheel of each commercial motor vehicle in the platoon. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 171,s 4, eff. 4/24/2017.
(a) A person may operate a platoon on the streets and highways of this state after the person provides notification to the department of transportation and the department of safety. The notification provided pursuant to this subsection (a) must include a plan for general platoon operations.
(b) If the notification and the plan submitted pursuant to subsection (a) are not rejected by either the department of transportation or the department of safety within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notification and the plan, the person may operate a platoon on the streets and highways of this state.
(c) For purposes of a platoon operating pursuant to this section: (1) Vehicles in the platoon are not a caravan or motorcade; (2) The lead vehicle in the platoon is not drawing any subsequent vehicle in the platoon; and (3) If the platoon includes a commercial motor vehicle, an appropriately endorsed driver who holds a valid commercial driver license must be present behind the wheel of each commercial motor vehicle in the platoon.
(1) Vehicles in the platoon are not a caravan or motorcade;
(2) The lead vehicle in the platoon is not drawing any subsequent vehicle in the platoon; and
(3) If the platoon includes a commercial motor vehicle, an appropriately endorsed driver who holds a valid commercial driver license must be present behind the wheel of each commercial motor vehicle in the platoon.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 171,s 4, eff. 4/24/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-201 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-201
Parties to a crime
Status: in_force

Every person who commits, attempts to commit, conspires to commit, or aids or abets in the commission of any act declared in chapter 8 or parts 1-5 of this chapter to be a crime, whether individually or in connection with one (1) or more other persons, or as a principal, agent or accessory, is guilty of the offense, and every person who falsely, fraudulently, forcibly or willfully induces, causes, coerces, requires, permits or directs another to violate any provision of chapter 8 or parts 1-5 of this chapter is likewise guilty of the offense. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 93; T.C.A., § 59-1016.
Every person who commits, attempts to commit, conspires to commit, or aids or abets in the commission of any act declared in chapter 8 or parts 1-5 of this chapter to be a crime, whether individually or in connection with one (1) or more other persons, or as a principal, agent or accessory, is guilty of the offense, and every person who falsely, fraudulently, forcibly or willfully induces, causes, coerces, requires, permits or directs another to violate any provision of chapter 8 or parts 1-5 of this chapter is likewise guilty of the offense.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 93; T.C.A., § 59-1016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-106
"Essential parts," "reconstructed vehicle," and "specially constructed vehicle" defined
Status: in_force

(a) "Essential parts" means all integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation. (b) "Reconstructed vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used. (c) "Specially constructed vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and not materially altered from its original construction. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 5 (Williams, § 5538.105); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-106.
(a) "Essential parts" means all integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation.
(b) "Reconstructed vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used.
(c) "Specially constructed vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and not materially altered from its original construction.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 5 (Williams, § 5538.105); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-106.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-13-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 13 / Section 55-13-107
Suit for damages sustained
Status: in_force

In addition to the other penalties provided in this chapter, any person who is injured in the person's business or property, by any violation of this chapter, may proceed against the violator by suit to recover the damages so sustained and the costs of the suit. Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.31 (Williams, § 6770.20); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1307.
In addition to the other penalties provided in this chapter, any person who is injured in the person's business or property, by any violation of this chapter, may proceed against the violator by suit to recover the damages so sustained and the costs of the suit.
Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.31 (Williams, § 6770.20); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1307.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-119 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-119
Proof of financial responsibility with respect to a motor vehicle or a person not the owner of the vehicle
Status: in_force

Proof of financial responsibility, when required under this chapter with respect to a motor vehicle or with respect to a person who is not the owner of the motor vehicle, may be given by filing: (1) A certificate of insurance as provided in § 55-12-120 ; (2) A bond as provided in § 55-12-102 ; (3) A deposit in cash with the commissioner of no less than the amount specified in § 55-12-102 ; or (4) A certificate of self-insurance, as provided in § 55-12-111 . Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 19; T.C.A., § 59-1269; Acts 1983, ch. 53, § 7.
Proof of financial responsibility, when required under this chapter with respect to a motor vehicle or with respect to a person who is not the owner of the motor vehicle, may be given by filing:
(1) A certificate of insurance as provided in § 55-12-120 ;
(2) A bond as provided in § 55-12-102 ;
(3) A deposit in cash with the commissioner of no less than the amount specified in § 55-12-102 ; or
(4) A certificate of self-insurance, as provided in § 55-12-111 .
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 19; T.C.A., § 59-1269; Acts 1983, ch. 53, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-2-114 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 2 / Section 55-2-114
Commissioner's authority to permit filing, submission or retention of documents in digital format
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, when chapters 1-6 of this title require that any document be filed, submitted, or retained in paper, microfiche, or any other nondigital format, the commissioner is authorized to permit the filing, submission, or retention of such document in a digital format. Acts 2012, ch. 657, § 11.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, when chapters 1-6 of this title require that any document be filed, submitted, or retained in paper, microfiche, or any other nondigital format, the commissioner is authorized to permit the filing, submission, or retention of such document in a digital format.
Acts 2012, ch. 657, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-114 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-114
Suspension of all registrations upon suspension or revocation of license - Restoration fee - Exception upon filing proof of financial responsibility - Release - Compliance by Tennessee resident moving to or returning from another state
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever the commissioner suspends or revokes the license of a person by reason of a conviction, the commissioner shall request that the commissioner of revenue suspend or revoke all registrations in the person's name, and the commissioner of revenue shall suspend or revoke those registrations immediately; provided, that the registrations in the person's name must not be suspended or revoked, unless otherwise required by law, if the person provides and maintains proof of financial responsibility for the length of the license's revocation or suspension. (b) Prior to the issuance of a restricted license as authorized by § 55-10-409 , § 55-50-502 , or § 55-50-505 , the licensee shall provide to the department of safety proof of financial responsibility as required by § 55-12-126 . The licensee shall maintain such proof of financial responsibility for the duration of the license's suspension or revocation, as required by § 55-12-126 . (c) When a person's license is restored after suspension or revocation, the person shall pay a one-hundred-dollar restoration fee, unless the person was convicted of driving on a revoked license pursuant to § 55-50-504 and the original suspension or revocation was made for a violation of an offense not requiring mandatory revocation, in which case the person shall pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee. If the license has been expired, revoked, or suspended for more than one (1) renewal cycle, as described in § 55-50-337 , then the person must pass the driver license examination. Payment of the appropriate restoration fee and, if applicable, passage of the driver license examination are conditions precedent to the restoration of the license. Upon restoration of a person's license, the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registrations and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registrations must be reinstated immediately, unless the person has another suspension or revocation under this chapter preventing reinstatement. (d) (1) In order to reinstate a driver license after suspension or revocation, if the person did not have a restricted license issued under subsection (b), or was not eligible for a restricted license, the person shall provide proof of financial responsibility prospectively for a length of time equal to the length of time for which the suspension or revocation was in effect. (2) A person who is not eligible for a restricted license may provide proof of financial responsibility during the person's revocation or suspension period to satisfy this proof requirement. A person who provides proof of financial responsibility during the entire suspension or revocation period is not required to provide proof of financial responsibility to reinstate a driver license. (e) The department of safety may release a person's requirement to provide proof of financial responsibility after the expiration of the period of suspension or revocation, if the department of safety's records establish that during the suspension or revocation period, the person was not convicted of an additional offense authorizing or requiring the suspension or revocation of the person's license, nor was the person's license suspended, revoked, prohibited, or cancelled due to a separate violation of law. If the department of safety, pursuant to this subsection (e), releases the requirement that a person furnish proof of financial responsibility, and if the person's motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked because of the person's failure to furnish that proof, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registration and, upon payment of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees to the commissioner of revenue provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, this subsection (e) does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident. (f) A Tennessee resident who moves to another state during the period of a cancellation, suspension, or revocation in this state complies with this section upon the department of safety receiving certification that the former resident has satisfied the financial responsibility laws of the new state, as well as upon meeting all other requirements and conditions for reinstatement of driving privileges in Tennessee. If the person returns to Tennessee as a Tennessee resident and reapplies for a Tennessee driver license, the requirements for regaining driving privileges are the same as for other Tennessee residents. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 43, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 14; T.C.A., § 59-1264; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1980, ch. 868, § 1; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 27, 28; 1991, ch. 121, § 1; 1998, ch. 682, §§ 2, 3; 2001, ch. 110, § 2; 2007 , ch. 484, § 83.
(a) Whenever the commissioner suspends or revokes the license of a person by reason of a conviction, the commissioner shall request that the commissioner of revenue suspend or revoke all registrations in the person's name, and the commissioner of revenue shall suspend or revoke those registrations immediately; provided, that the registrations in the person's name must not be suspended or revoked, unless otherwise required by law, if the person provides and maintains proof of financial responsibility for the length of the license's revocation or suspension.
(b) Prior to the issuance of a restricted license as authorized by § 55-10-409 , § 55-50-502 , or § 55-50-505 , the licensee shall provide to the department of safety proof of financial responsibility as required by § 55-12-126 . The licensee shall maintain such proof of financial responsibility for the duration of the license's suspension or revocation, as required by § 55-12-126 .
(c) When a person's license is restored after suspension or revocation, the person shall pay a one-hundred-dollar restoration fee, unless the person was convicted of driving on a revoked license pursuant to § 55-50-504 and the original suspension or revocation was made for a violation of an offense not requiring mandatory revocation, in which case the person shall pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee. If the license has been expired, revoked, or suspended for more than one (1) renewal cycle, as described in § 55-50-337 , then the person must pass the driver license examination. Payment of the appropriate restoration fee and, if applicable, passage of the driver license examination are conditions precedent to the restoration of the license. Upon restoration of a person's license, the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registrations and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registrations must be reinstated immediately, unless the person has another suspension or revocation under this chapter preventing reinstatement.
(d) (1) In order to reinstate a driver license after suspension or revocation, if the person did not have a restricted license issued under subsection (b), or was not eligible for a restricted license, the person shall provide proof of financial responsibility prospectively for a length of time equal to the length of time for which the suspension or revocation was in effect. (2) A person who is not eligible for a restricted license may provide proof of financial responsibility during the person's revocation or suspension period to satisfy this proof requirement. A person who provides proof of financial responsibility during the entire suspension or revocation period is not required to provide proof of financial responsibility to reinstate a driver license.
(1) In order to reinstate a driver license after suspension or revocation, if the person did not have a restricted license issued under subsection (b), or was not eligible for a restricted license, the person shall provide proof of financial responsibility prospectively for a length of time equal to the length of time for which the suspension or revocation was in effect.
(2) A person who is not eligible for a restricted license may provide proof of financial responsibility during the person's revocation or suspension period to satisfy this proof requirement. A person who provides proof of financial responsibility during the entire suspension or revocation period is not required to provide proof of financial responsibility to reinstate a driver license.
(e) The department of safety may release a person's requirement to provide proof of financial responsibility after the expiration of the period of suspension or revocation, if the department of safety's records establish that during the suspension or revocation period, the person was not convicted of an additional offense authorizing or requiring the suspension or revocation of the person's license, nor was the person's license suspended, revoked, prohibited, or cancelled due to a separate violation of law. If the department of safety, pursuant to this subsection (e), releases the requirement that a person furnish proof of financial responsibility, and if the person's motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked because of the person's failure to furnish that proof, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registration and, upon payment of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees to the commissioner of revenue provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, this subsection (e) does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident.
(f) A Tennessee resident who moves to another state during the period of a cancellation, suspension, or revocation in this state complies with this section upon the department of safety receiving certification that the former resident has satisfied the financial responsibility laws of the new state, as well as upon meeting all other requirements and conditions for reinstatement of driving privileges in Tennessee. If the person returns to Tennessee as a Tennessee resident and reapplies for a Tennessee driver license, the requirements for regaining driving privileges are the same as for other Tennessee residents.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 43, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 14; T.C.A., § 59-1264; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1980, ch. 868, § 1; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 27, 28; 1991, ch. 121, § 1; 1998, ch. 682, §§ 2, 3; 2001, ch. 110, § 2; 2007 , ch. 484, § 83.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 51 / Section 55-51-103
Instructor requirements and training
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall establish standards for an approved motorcycle rider education instructor preparation course. Successful completion of the course shall require the participant to demonstrate knowledge of the course material, knowledge of safe motorcycle operating practices, and the necessary aptitude for instructing students. (b) The department shall establish minimum requirements for the qualification of a rider education instructor. The minimum requirements shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The instructor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) The instructor must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must hold a valid motorcycle operator's license or endorsement; (3) The instructor must have at least two (2) years of recent motorcycle riding experience; (4) The instructor's driver license must not have been suspended or revoked at any time during the preceding two (2) years; (5) The instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years; (6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and (7) The instructor must have an approved instructor certificate that may be a state or motorcycle safety foundation certificate, and the instructor must be registered as a currently active instructor. Acts 1987, ch. 446, § 3; T.C.A., § 55-25-103 .
(a) The department shall establish standards for an approved motorcycle rider education instructor preparation course. Successful completion of the course shall require the participant to demonstrate knowledge of the course material, knowledge of safe motorcycle operating practices, and the necessary aptitude for instructing students.
(b) The department shall establish minimum requirements for the qualification of a rider education instructor. The minimum requirements shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The instructor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) The instructor must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must hold a valid motorcycle operator's license or endorsement; (3) The instructor must have at least two (2) years of recent motorcycle riding experience; (4) The instructor's driver license must not have been suspended or revoked at any time during the preceding two (2) years; (5) The instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years; (6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and (7) The instructor must have an approved instructor certificate that may be a state or motorcycle safety foundation certificate, and the instructor must be registered as a currently active instructor.
(1) The instructor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(2) The instructor must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must hold a valid motorcycle operator's license or endorsement;
(3) The instructor must have at least two (2) years of recent motorcycle riding experience;
(4) The instructor's driver license must not have been suspended or revoked at any time during the preceding two (2) years;
(5) The instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years;
(6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and
(7) The instructor must have an approved instructor certificate that may be a state or motorcycle safety foundation certificate, and the instructor must be registered as a currently active instructor.
Acts 1987, ch. 446, § 3; T.C.A., § 55-25-103 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-315 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-315
Museums
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must contain the logo or other distinctive emblem of the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in an appropriate design and contain the language "The State of American Music." The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative designated by the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for music educational programs and developing an oral history program of musical legends in this state. (b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a The Hermitage new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Andrew Jackson Foundation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of The Hermitage new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Andrew Jackson Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's mission to preserve the home place of Andrew Jackson and create learning opportunities, outreach, and scholarship about Jackson and Jacksonian America. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 38, eff. 7/1/2024. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must contain the logo or other distinctive emblem of the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in an appropriate design and contain the language "The State of American Music." The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative designated by the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for music educational programs and developing an oral history program of musical legends in this state.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must contain the logo or other distinctive emblem of the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in an appropriate design and contain the language "The State of American Music." The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative designated by the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for music educational programs and developing an oral history program of musical legends in this state.
(b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a The Hermitage new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Andrew Jackson Foundation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of The Hermitage new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Andrew Jackson Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's mission to preserve the home place of Andrew Jackson and create learning opportunities, outreach, and scholarship about Jackson and Jacksonian America.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a The Hermitage new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Andrew Jackson Foundation.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of The Hermitage new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Andrew Jackson Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's mission to preserve the home place of Andrew Jackson and create learning opportunities, outreach, and scholarship about Jackson and Jacksonian America.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 38, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-314 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-314
Liability for spill of hazardous waste from twin trailer truck
Status: in_force

If any person who is driving or in physical control of a twin trailer truck that contains hazardous waste, as defined in § 68-212-104 , is adjudicated to have been at fault in a court of competent jurisdiction for an accident resulting in a spill of the hazardous waste, the employer of the person shall be jointly and severally responsible for: (1) Damages incurred as a result of the spill; and (2) Any clean-up cost that may result from the spill. Acts 1982, ch. 912, § 5.
If any person who is driving or in physical control of a twin trailer truck that contains hazardous waste, as defined in § 68-212-104 , is adjudicated to have been at fault in a court of competent jurisdiction for an accident resulting in a spill of the hazardous waste, the employer of the person shall be jointly and severally responsible for:
(1) Damages incurred as a result of the spill; and
(2) Any clean-up cost that may result from the spill.
Acts 1982, ch. 912, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-312 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-312
Registration prima facie evidence of ownership and that operation was for owner's benefit - Exception for dealers' loaner vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) Proof of the registration of the motor-propelled vehicle in the name of any person shall be prima facie evidence of ownership of the motor propelled vehicle by the person in whose name the vehicle is registered; and the proof of registration shall likewise be prima facie evidence that the vehicle was then and there being operated by the owner or by the owner's servant for the owner's use and benefit and within the course and scope of the servant's employment. (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any automobile dealer who provides a customer a loaner vehicle without charge while the customer's vehicle is being serviced or repaired by the dealer. The dealer shall not be vicariously liable under any vicarious liability theory, to any person injured as the result of an accident caused in whole or in part by a customer driving a loaner vehicle provided by the dealer where the dealer was provided with proof of insurance by the customer prior to the customer being provided with the loaner vehicle. Acts 1921, ch. 162, § 2; 1923, ch. 59; Shan. Supp., § 3079a198b2; mod. Code 1932, § 2702; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1038; Acts 2012, ch. 884, § 2.
(a) Proof of the registration of the motor-propelled vehicle in the name of any person shall be prima facie evidence of ownership of the motor propelled vehicle by the person in whose name the vehicle is registered; and the proof of registration shall likewise be prima facie evidence that the vehicle was then and there being operated by the owner or by the owner's servant for the owner's use and benefit and within the course and scope of the servant's employment.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any automobile dealer who provides a customer a loaner vehicle without charge while the customer's vehicle is being serviced or repaired by the dealer. The dealer shall not be vicariously liable under any vicarious liability theory, to any person injured as the result of an accident caused in whole or in part by a customer driving a loaner vehicle provided by the dealer where the dealer was provided with proof of insurance by the customer prior to the customer being provided with the loaner vehicle.
Acts 1921, ch. 162, § 2; 1923, ch. 59; Shan. Supp., § 3079a198b2; mod. Code 1932, § 2702; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1038; Acts 2012, ch. 884, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-19-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 19 / Section 55-19-108
Proceedings for the suspension or revocation of licenses - Review - Reexamination
Status: in_force

(a) In all proceedings for the suspension or revocation of licenses under this chapter, the holder of the license shall be served with a complaint specifying the charges against the holder and shall be given fifteen (15) days' notice to prepare for a hearing, where the holder shall be heard in person or by counsel or by both. The commissioner has the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and enforce the attendance of witnesses at the hearing of all matters arising pursuant to the enforcement of this chapter. The commissioner, with the approval of the attorney general and reporter, has the power to make all needed rules for the proceedings in a hearing, and in case any witness shall fail or refuse to obey a subpoena issued by the commissioner, the commissioner may issue an attachment for the witness, directed to any highway patrol officer, sheriff or constable of the state, and compel the witness to attend before the commissioner and give testimony upon matters that are lawfully required by the commissioner. A full and complete record of the hearing shall be recorded and any party to the proceedings, upon request, shall be supplied with a transcript of the proceedings at the usual cost. (b) No later than sixty (60) days following the hearing, the commissioner shall issue an order as may be appropriate under the circumstances and may, if the facts adduced at the hearing warrant, suspend for any period or revoke any license issued under this chapter. (c) The action of the commissioner and the order issued by the commissioner may be reviewed by petition for common law writ of certiorari, addressed to the circuit court of Davidson County, which petition shall be filed within ten (10) days from the date of the order of the commissioner. (d) Immediately upon the grant of the writ of certiorari, the commissioner shall cause to be made, certified and forwarded to the court a complete transcript of the proceedings in the cause, which shall contain all the proof submitted before the commissioner. All defendants named in the petition desiring to make defense shall answer or otherwise plead to the petition within ten (10) days from the date of the filing of the transcript, unless the time be extended by the court. (e) The decision of the commissioner shall be reviewed by the circuit court solely upon the pleadings and the transcript of the proceedings before the commissioner, and neither party shall be entitled to introduce any additional evidence in the circuit court. (f) Either party dissatisfied with the judgment or decree of the circuit court may, upon giving bond as required in other suits, appeal to the supreme court, and have a reexamination, in that court, of the whole matter of law and fact appearing in the record. When any appeal is made, the clerk of the circuit court in which the suit was pending shall include as part of the record the original certified transcript of the proceedings had before the commissioner when identified by the trial judge, instead of a bill of exceptions, which need not be made and filed. Acts 1967, ch. 163, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-1908.
(a) In all proceedings for the suspension or revocation of licenses under this chapter, the holder of the license shall be served with a complaint specifying the charges against the holder and shall be given fifteen (15) days' notice to prepare for a hearing, where the holder shall be heard in person or by counsel or by both. The commissioner has the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and enforce the attendance of witnesses at the hearing of all matters arising pursuant to the enforcement of this chapter. The commissioner, with the approval of the attorney general and reporter, has the power to make all needed rules for the proceedings in a hearing, and in case any witness shall fail or refuse to obey a subpoena issued by the commissioner, the commissioner may issue an attachment for the witness, directed to any highway patrol officer, sheriff or constable of the state, and compel the witness to attend before the commissioner and give testimony upon matters that are lawfully required by the commissioner. A full and complete record of the hearing shall be recorded and any party to the proceedings, upon request, shall be supplied with a transcript of the proceedings at the usual cost.
(b) No later than sixty (60) days following the hearing, the commissioner shall issue an order as may be appropriate under the circumstances and may, if the facts adduced at the hearing warrant, suspend for any period or revoke any license issued under this chapter.
(c) The action of the commissioner and the order issued by the commissioner may be reviewed by petition for common law writ of certiorari, addressed to the circuit court of Davidson County, which petition shall be filed within ten (10) days from the date of the order of the commissioner.
(d) Immediately upon the grant of the writ of certiorari, the commissioner shall cause to be made, certified and forwarded to the court a complete transcript of the proceedings in the cause, which shall contain all the proof submitted before the commissioner. All defendants named in the petition desiring to make defense shall answer or otherwise plead to the petition within ten (10) days from the date of the filing of the transcript, unless the time be extended by the court.
(e) The decision of the commissioner shall be reviewed by the circuit court solely upon the pleadings and the transcript of the proceedings before the commissioner, and neither party shall be entitled to introduce any additional evidence in the circuit court.
(f) Either party dissatisfied with the judgment or decree of the circuit court may, upon giving bond as required in other suits, appeal to the supreme court, and have a reexamination, in that court, of the whole matter of law and fact appearing in the record. When any appeal is made, the clerk of the circuit court in which the suit was pending shall include as part of the record the original certified transcript of the proceedings had before the commissioner when identified by the trial judge, instead of a bill of exceptions, which need not be made and filed.
Acts 1967, ch. 163, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-1908.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-53-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 53 / Section 55-53-104
Construction - Operation on highways
Status: in_force

(a) Nothing in this chapter or in any other law of this state shall be construed to limit the operation of an EPAMD on the public highways, sidewalks, bike trails and bicycle routes of this state except as otherwise set forth in this chapter. (b) A person operating an EPAMD shall obey all speed limits for motor vehicles and shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and human powered devices at all times. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the department of transportation shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit the operation of EPAMDs on any highway within its jurisdiction if it determines that the regulation or prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety. Acts 2002, ch. 734, § 5.
(a) Nothing in this chapter or in any other law of this state shall be construed to limit the operation of an EPAMD on the public highways, sidewalks, bike trails and bicycle routes of this state except as otherwise set forth in this chapter.
(b) A person operating an EPAMD shall obey all speed limits for motor vehicles and shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and human powered devices at all times.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the department of transportation shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit the operation of EPAMDs on any highway within its jurisdiction if it determines that the regulation or prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety.
Acts 2002, ch. 734, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-190 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-190
Street sweeper operation - Liability
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of this section, "street sweeper" means a vacuum or broom-type vehicle used for routine mechanized street, road, interstate highway, and/or bridge sweeping to clean and remove sand, dirt, soil, paper, glass, cans, and other debris. (b) If operated in compliance with the national highway traffic safety administration standards, including the National Highway Safety Manual, a street sweeper may make intermittent stops as necessary to collect tree limbs, debris, and other objects the street sweeper cannot automatically collect and travel at a speed below the lawful minimum speed: (1) On any particular roadway in all nonresidential areas at any time except six thirty a.m. (6:30 a.m.) to eight thirty a.m. (8:30 a.m.) and three thirty p.m. (3:30 p.m.) to six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.) on weekdays; (2) On any particular roadway in all residential areas at any time; or (3) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), at any time on any roadway after an emergency or an event that makes street sweeping necessary or desirable. (c) Absent noncompliance with this section, operator negligence or an intentional tort by an operator, operation of a street sweeper in compliance with this section shall not be a violation of law, and shall not subject the street sweeper to liability for claims for personal injury, property damage or death. Acts 1999, ch. 337, § 1.
(a) For the purpose of this section, "street sweeper" means a vacuum or broom-type vehicle used for routine mechanized street, road, interstate highway, and/or bridge sweeping to clean and remove sand, dirt, soil, paper, glass, cans, and other debris.
(b) If operated in compliance with the national highway traffic safety administration standards, including the National Highway Safety Manual, a street sweeper may make intermittent stops as necessary to collect tree limbs, debris, and other objects the street sweeper cannot automatically collect and travel at a speed below the lawful minimum speed: (1) On any particular roadway in all nonresidential areas at any time except six thirty a.m. (6:30 a.m.) to eight thirty a.m. (8:30 a.m.) and three thirty p.m. (3:30 p.m.) to six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.) on weekdays; (2) On any particular roadway in all residential areas at any time; or (3) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), at any time on any roadway after an emergency or an event that makes street sweeping necessary or desirable.
(1) On any particular roadway in all nonresidential areas at any time except six thirty a.m. (6:30 a.m.) to eight thirty a.m. (8:30 a.m.) and three thirty p.m. (3:30 p.m.) to six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.) on weekdays;
(2) On any particular roadway in all residential areas at any time; or
(3) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), at any time on any roadway after an emergency or an event that makes street sweeping necessary or desirable.
(c) Absent noncompliance with this section, operator negligence or an intentional tort by an operator, operation of a street sweeper in compliance with this section shall not be a violation of law, and shall not subject the street sweeper to liability for claims for personal injury, property damage or death.
Acts 1999, ch. 337, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-2-111 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 2 / Section 55-2-111
Notice - Manner of giving - Proof by certificate or affidavit
Status: in_force

Whenever the department is authorized or required to give any notice under chapters 1-6 of this title, unless a different method of giving notice is otherwise expressly prescribed, notice shall be given either by personal delivery to the person to be notified or by registered mail with return receipt. The giving of notice by registered mail shall be complete upon the receipt by the department of the return receipt card. Proof of the giving of notice in either manner may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the department or affidavit of any person over eighteen (18) years of age, naming the person to whom notice was given and specifying the time, place and manner of the giving of notice, except that, where the notice has been given by registered mail, the return receipt shall be attached to the certificate or affidavit. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 26 (Williams, § 5538.126); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-211; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 9.
Whenever the department is authorized or required to give any notice under chapters 1-6 of this title, unless a different method of giving notice is otherwise expressly prescribed, notice shall be given either by personal delivery to the person to be notified or by registered mail with return receipt. The giving of notice by registered mail shall be complete upon the receipt by the department of the return receipt card. Proof of the giving of notice in either manner may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of the department or affidavit of any person over eighteen (18) years of age, naming the person to whom notice was given and specifying the time, place and manner of the giving of notice, except that, where the notice has been given by registered mail, the return receipt shall be attached to the certificate or affidavit.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 26 (Williams, § 5538.126); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-211; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-302 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-302
Requirements and laws applicable to electric bicycles
Status: in_force

An electric bicycle and any person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to any requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12, part 1 of this title; the Uniform Classified and Commercial Driver License Act of 1988, compiled in chapter 50 of this title; and chapters 3 and 4 of this title, relating to titling and registration. Except as otherwise specified by this part, the requirements and laws applicable to bicycles in this title shall apply to electric bicycles. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 3, eff. 7/1/2016.
An electric bicycle and any person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to any requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12, part 1 of this title; the Uniform Classified and Commercial Driver License Act of 1988, compiled in chapter 50 of this title; and chapters 3 and 4 of this title, relating to titling and registration. Except as otherwise specified by this part, the requirements and laws applicable to bicycles in this title shall apply to electric bicycles.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 3, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-52-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 52 / Section 55-52-105
Child bicycle safety rules and regulations
Status: in_force

With regard to any bicycle operated over any highway, street or sidewalk, it is unlawful: (1) For any person under sixteen (16) years of age to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when so engaged the person wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet; (2) For any person to be a passenger on a bicycle unless, with respect to any person who weighs less than forty pounds (40 lbs.), or is less than forty inches (40") in height, the person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a restraining seat; (3) For any parent or legal guardian of a person under twelve (12) years of age to knowingly permit the person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in violation of subdivision (1) or (2); and (4) To rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of any person under sixteen (16) years of age unless: (A) The person is in possession of a protective bicycle helmet of good fit at the time of the rental or lease; or (B) The rental or lease includes a protective bicycle helmet of good fit, and the person intends to wear the helmet, as required by subdivision (1), at all times while operating or being a passenger on the bicycle. Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 6; 1998, ch. 684, § 2; 2000, ch. 916, § 5.
With regard to any bicycle operated over any highway, street or sidewalk, it is unlawful:
(1) For any person under sixteen (16) years of age to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when so engaged the person wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet;
(2) For any person to be a passenger on a bicycle unless, with respect to any person who weighs less than forty pounds (40 lbs.), or is less than forty inches (40") in height, the person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a restraining seat;
(3) For any parent or legal guardian of a person under twelve (12) years of age to knowingly permit the person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in violation of subdivision (1) or (2); and
(4) To rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of any person under sixteen (16) years of age unless: (A) The person is in possession of a protective bicycle helmet of good fit at the time of the rental or lease; or (B) The rental or lease includes a protective bicycle helmet of good fit, and the person intends to wear the helmet, as required by subdivision (1), at all times while operating or being a passenger on the bicycle.
(A) The person is in possession of a protective bicycle helmet of good fit at the time of the rental or lease; or
(B) The rental or lease includes a protective bicycle helmet of good fit, and the person intends to wear the helmet, as required by subdivision (1), at all times while operating or being a passenger on the bicycle.
Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 6; 1998, ch. 684, § 2; 2000, ch. 916, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-126 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-126
Restricted access
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access roadway except at entrances and exits that are established by public authority. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 25; T.C.A., § 59-826; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access roadway except at entrances and exits that are established by public authority.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 25; T.C.A., § 59-826; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-129 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-129
Impounded vehicles - Entry onto private property
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "impound" means removing a vehicle from a private parking lot adjacent to a street, alley, highway, or thoroughfare by a uniformed police officer, to the nearest garage or other place of safety or to a garage designated or maintained by a law enforcement agency. (b) Authorized personnel of the appropriate law enforcement agency in any county or municipality of this state have the authority to impound any vehicle after determining the existence of any one (1) or more of the following factors: (1) The registration plate displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle; or (2) The renewal decal displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle. (c) Sections 55-31-302 and 55-31-303 govern the disposition of any vehicle impounded pursuant to this section. (d) Law enforcement personnel must secure permission of the owner of any private property before entering onto the property for the purposes of this section. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 8, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1993, ch. 261, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, "impound" means removing a vehicle from a private parking lot adjacent to a street, alley, highway, or thoroughfare by a uniformed police officer, to the nearest garage or other place of safety or to a garage designated or maintained by a law enforcement agency.
(b) Authorized personnel of the appropriate law enforcement agency in any county or municipality of this state have the authority to impound any vehicle after determining the existence of any one (1) or more of the following factors: (1) The registration plate displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle; or (2) The renewal decal displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle.
(1) The registration plate displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle; or
(2) The renewal decal displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle.
(c) Sections 55-31-302 and 55-31-303 govern the disposition of any vehicle impounded pursuant to this section.
(d) Law enforcement personnel must secure permission of the owner of any private property before entering onto the property for the purposes of this section.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 8, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1993, ch. 261, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-129 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-129
Unlawful removal of registration decal or plate
Status: in_force

(a) Unless lawfully transferred in accordance with this chapter, it is unlawful to willfully cut, clip or otherwise remove the registration decal from a registration plate, or to remove a registration plate from a motor vehicle if either are removed for the purpose of selling the decal or plate, attaching the decal or plate to another registration plate or motor vehicle, or otherwise using the decal or plate to circumvent or avoid the vehicle registration laws of this chapter. (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1987, ch. 224, § 1; 1990, ch. 1030, § 39.
(a) Unless lawfully transferred in accordance with this chapter, it is unlawful to willfully cut, clip or otherwise remove the registration decal from a registration plate, or to remove a registration plate from a motor vehicle if either are removed for the purpose of selling the decal or plate, attaching the decal or plate to another registration plate or motor vehicle, or otherwise using the decal or plate to circumvent or avoid the vehicle registration laws of this chapter.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1987, ch. 224, § 1; 1990, ch. 1030, § 39.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-206 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-206
Duties of department of revenue and designated agent with respect to developing and implementing program
Status: in_force

In developing and implementing the program, the department of revenue and, if applicable, its designated agent shall: (1) Consult and cooperate with automobile liability insurers in establishing and operating the program; (2) Designate and maintain a contact person for automobile liability insurers during the development, implementation, and administration of the program; (3) Publish a detailed guide of the program; (4) Establish and maintain the systems necessary to make verification requests to insurers using the data elements that the department of revenue, or its designated agent, and automobile liability insurers have agreed upon and are necessary to receive accurate responses from automobile liability insurers; (5) Implement and maintain, for all information transmitted and received, strict system and data security measures consistent with applicable industry standards as determined by the department of revenue by rule; provided, data secured by the department of revenue, or its designated agent, via the program shall not be shared with any party other than those permitted by state or federal privacy laws, including, but not limited to, the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 ( 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721 et seq.); (6) If applicable, be responsible for keeping the designated agent informed on the implementation status, functionality, and planned or unplanned service interruptions; and (7) Provide alternative methods of reporting for automobile liability insurers writing fewer than five hundred (500) noncommercial motor vehicle policies in this state as determined by the department of revenue. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511, s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
In developing and implementing the program, the department of revenue and, if applicable, its designated agent shall:
(1) Consult and cooperate with automobile liability insurers in establishing and operating the program;
(2) Designate and maintain a contact person for automobile liability insurers during the development, implementation, and administration of the program;
(3) Publish a detailed guide of the program;
(4) Establish and maintain the systems necessary to make verification requests to insurers using the data elements that the department of revenue, or its designated agent, and automobile liability insurers have agreed upon and are necessary to receive accurate responses from automobile liability insurers;
(5) Implement and maintain, for all information transmitted and received, strict system and data security measures consistent with applicable industry standards as determined by the department of revenue by rule; provided, data secured by the department of revenue, or its designated agent, via the program shall not be shared with any party other than those permitted by state or federal privacy laws, including, but not limited to, the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 ( 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721 et seq.);
(6) If applicable, be responsible for keeping the designated agent informed on the implementation status, functionality, and planned or unplanned service interruptions; and
(7) Provide alternative methods of reporting for automobile liability insurers writing fewer than five hundred (500) noncommercial motor vehicle policies in this state as determined by the department of revenue.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 511, s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-701 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-701
Off-highway vehicle license plate
Status: in_force

(a) An owner or lessee of a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle, as defined in § 55-8-101 , who is a resident of this state shall be issued an off-highway vehicle license plate authorized by § 55-4-210(f) upon: (1) Compliance with the applicable provisions of chapters 1-6, including applications for certificates of title, and with rules promulgated by the department; and (2) Payment of the fee applicable to the vehicle as provided in Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) . (b) The fees imposed by Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) and collected by the department shall be allocated pursuant to § 55-6-107(a) in the same manner as registration fees imposed by this chapter are allocated. (c) As a condition precedent to operating a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle upon a county road in this state the operator shall comply with chapter 12 of this title relative to financial responsibility. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790,s 8, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) An owner or lessee of a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle, as defined in § 55-8-101 , who is a resident of this state shall be issued an off-highway vehicle license plate authorized by § 55-4-210(f) upon: (1) Compliance with the applicable provisions of chapters 1-6, including applications for certificates of title, and with rules promulgated by the department; and (2) Payment of the fee applicable to the vehicle as provided in Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) .
(1) Compliance with the applicable provisions of chapters 1-6, including applications for certificates of title, and with rules promulgated by the department; and
(2) Payment of the fee applicable to the vehicle as provided in Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) .
(b) The fees imposed by Class H of § 55-4-111(a)(1) and collected by the department shall be allocated pursuant to § 55-6-107(a) in the same manner as registration fees imposed by this chapter are allocated.
(c) As a condition precedent to operating a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle upon a county road in this state the operator shall comply with chapter 12 of this title relative to financial responsibility.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790,s 8, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-205 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-205
[Enactment contingent on funding by the federal selective service system. See the Compiler's Notes.] Electronic transmittal of information to federal selective service system
Status: in_force

The department shall transmit, in an electronic format, necessary information contained on applications for an intermediate driver license, driver license, renewal of driver license or photo identification license to the federal selective service system for any male United States citizen or immigrant who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-six (26) years of age and is required to be registered pursuant to the Military Selective Service Act of 1967 (50 U.S.C. Appx. § 451 et seq.); provided, that the department shall not be required to transmit the information until the department has a sufficient computer operating system in place to efficiently effectuate the transmission. Acts 2002, ch. 781, § 2.
The department shall transmit, in an electronic format, necessary information contained on applications for an intermediate driver license, driver license, renewal of driver license or photo identification license to the federal selective service system for any male United States citizen or immigrant who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-six (26) years of age and is required to be registered pursuant to the Military Selective Service Act of 1967 (50 U.S.C. Appx. § 451 et seq.); provided, that the department shall not be required to transmit the information until the department has a sufficient computer operating system in place to efficiently effectuate the transmission.
Acts 2002, ch. 781, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-113 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-113
"Nonresident" defined
Status: in_force

"Nonresident" means every person who is not a resident of this state. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 12 (Williams, § 5538.112); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-113.
"Nonresident" means every person who is not a resident of this state.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 12 (Williams, § 5538.112); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-20-201 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 20 / Section 55-20-201
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Passenger Contract Carrier Safety Act of 2002." Acts 2002, ch. 750, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Passenger Contract Carrier Safety Act of 2002."
Acts 2002, ch. 750, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-803 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-803
Offense of leaving child unattended in motor vehicle - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for a person responsible for a child younger than seven (7) years of age to knowingly leave that child in a motor vehicle located on public property or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that is generally frequented by the public at large without being supervised in the motor vehicle by a person who is at least thirteen (13) years of age, if: (1) The conditions present a risk to the child's health or safety; (2) The engine of the motor vehicle is running; or (3) The keys to the motor vehicle are located anywhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. (b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense. (c) A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500). Acts 2007, ch. 214, § 4.
(a) It is an offense for a person responsible for a child younger than seven (7) years of age to knowingly leave that child in a motor vehicle located on public property or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that is generally frequented by the public at large without being supervised in the motor vehicle by a person who is at least thirteen (13) years of age, if: (1) The conditions present a risk to the child's health or safety; (2) The engine of the motor vehicle is running; or (3) The keys to the motor vehicle are located anywhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
(1) The conditions present a risk to the child's health or safety;
(2) The engine of the motor vehicle is running; or
(3) The keys to the motor vehicle are located anywhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense.
(c) A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).
Acts 2007, ch. 214, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-414 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-414
Collection of fees and charges - Payment into state treasury
Status: in_force

All fees and charges under this part shall be collected and received by the executive director of the commission and paid by the executive director into the state treasury. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
All fees and charges under this part shall be collected and received by the executive director of the commission and paid by the executive director into the state treasury.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.