Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-29-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 29 / Section 55-29-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Motor Vehicle Recall and Disclosure Law." Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306,s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Motor Vehicle Recall and Disclosure Law."
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306,s 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-397 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-397
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 50, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 50, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-109 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 16 / Section 55-16-109
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1967, ch. 250, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-1609.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1967, ch. 250, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-1609.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-110
Volunteer enforcement of disabled parking laws and ordinances
Status: in_force

(a) A law enforcement agency authorized to enforce parking laws may appoint a volunteer to issue a citation for violations of § 55-21-108 or an ordinance dealing with parking privileges for persons with disabilities, pursuant to the following provisions: (1) A volunteer appointed under this section shall be a resident of the city, county or metropolitan government in which the volunteer program operates. The volunteer program shall be open to any person twenty-one (21) years of age and older, regardless of the person's disability status; provided, that preference shall be given to an applicant with a disability; (2) Any agency appointing a volunteer shall provide training before authorizing a volunteer to issue citations; and (3) A citation issued by a volunteer appointed under this section shall have the same force and effect as a citation issued by a law enforcement officer for the same offense. (b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any county, municipality or metropolitan government may establish a special enforcement unit for the sole purpose of providing adequate enforcement of § 55-21-108 and local ordinances and resolutions relative to disabled parking, pursuant to the following provisions: (1) A city, county, or metropolitan government may establish recruitment and employment guidelines that encourage and enable employment of qualified persons with disabilities in these special enforcement units; (2) A member of the special enforcement unit may issue a notice of a parking violation under § 55-21-108 , or local ordinances relative to disabled parking. A member of the special enforcement unit shall not be considered to be a law enforcement officer and shall not make an arrest in the course of the member's official duties, but shall wear a distinctive piece of clothing such as a jacket, shirt, vest and/or hat with a law enforcement insignia together with a badge while on duty. The local authority or administrating agency may issue a communication device such as a police radio, citizens band radio, or cellular telephone to each member of the special enforcement unit for use while on duty; (3) A city, county, or metropolitan government may pay the cost of uniforms and badges for the special enforcement unit, and may provide daily cleaning of the uniforms. Additionally, the city, county, or metropolitan government may provide motorized wheelchairs for use by members of the special unit while on duty, including batteries and necessary recharging thereof. Any motorized wheelchair used by a member of the special enforcement unit while on duty shall be equipped with a single head lamp in the front and a single stop lamp in the rear; (4) A member of the special enforcement unit may be paid an hourly wage without the benefits provided other permanent and temporary employees, but is entitled to applicable workers' compensation benefits as provided by law. Insurance provided by the city, county, or metropolitan government for disability or liability of a member of the special enforcement unit shall be the same as for other employees performing similar duties; and (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a city, county, or metropolitan government from using regular full-time employees to enforce ordinances or resolutions adopted pursuant to these ordinances or resolutions. (c) This section shall only apply in a county, municipality or metropolitan government that adopts this section by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of the county, municipality or metropolitan government. Acts 1995, ch. 417, §§ 1, 2; 1997, ch. 315, §§ 1-4; 2011, ch. 47, § 62.
(a) A law enforcement agency authorized to enforce parking laws may appoint a volunteer to issue a citation for violations of § 55-21-108 or an ordinance dealing with parking privileges for persons with disabilities, pursuant to the following provisions: (1) A volunteer appointed under this section shall be a resident of the city, county or metropolitan government in which the volunteer program operates. The volunteer program shall be open to any person twenty-one (21) years of age and older, regardless of the person's disability status; provided, that preference shall be given to an applicant with a disability; (2) Any agency appointing a volunteer shall provide training before authorizing a volunteer to issue citations; and (3) A citation issued by a volunteer appointed under this section shall have the same force and effect as a citation issued by a law enforcement officer for the same offense.
(1) A volunteer appointed under this section shall be a resident of the city, county or metropolitan government in which the volunteer program operates. The volunteer program shall be open to any person twenty-one (21) years of age and older, regardless of the person's disability status; provided, that preference shall be given to an applicant with a disability;
(2) Any agency appointing a volunteer shall provide training before authorizing a volunteer to issue citations; and
(3) A citation issued by a volunteer appointed under this section shall have the same force and effect as a citation issued by a law enforcement officer for the same offense.
(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any county, municipality or metropolitan government may establish a special enforcement unit for the sole purpose of providing adequate enforcement of § 55-21-108 and local ordinances and resolutions relative to disabled parking, pursuant to the following provisions: (1) A city, county, or metropolitan government may establish recruitment and employment guidelines that encourage and enable employment of qualified persons with disabilities in these special enforcement units; (2) A member of the special enforcement unit may issue a notice of a parking violation under § 55-21-108 , or local ordinances relative to disabled parking. A member of the special enforcement unit shall not be considered to be a law enforcement officer and shall not make an arrest in the course of the member's official duties, but shall wear a distinctive piece of clothing such as a jacket, shirt, vest and/or hat with a law enforcement insignia together with a badge while on duty. The local authority or administrating agency may issue a communication device such as a police radio, citizens band radio, or cellular telephone to each member of the special enforcement unit for use while on duty; (3) A city, county, or metropolitan government may pay the cost of uniforms and badges for the special enforcement unit, and may provide daily cleaning of the uniforms. Additionally, the city, county, or metropolitan government may provide motorized wheelchairs for use by members of the special unit while on duty, including batteries and necessary recharging thereof. Any motorized wheelchair used by a member of the special enforcement unit while on duty shall be equipped with a single head lamp in the front and a single stop lamp in the rear; (4) A member of the special enforcement unit may be paid an hourly wage without the benefits provided other permanent and temporary employees, but is entitled to applicable workers' compensation benefits as provided by law. Insurance provided by the city, county, or metropolitan government for disability or liability of a member of the special enforcement unit shall be the same as for other employees performing similar duties; and (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a city, county, or metropolitan government from using regular full-time employees to enforce ordinances or resolutions adopted pursuant to these ordinances or resolutions.
(1) A city, county, or metropolitan government may establish recruitment and employment guidelines that encourage and enable employment of qualified persons with disabilities in these special enforcement units;
(2) A member of the special enforcement unit may issue a notice of a parking violation under § 55-21-108 , or local ordinances relative to disabled parking. A member of the special enforcement unit shall not be considered to be a law enforcement officer and shall not make an arrest in the course of the member's official duties, but shall wear a distinctive piece of clothing such as a jacket, shirt, vest and/or hat with a law enforcement insignia together with a badge while on duty. The local authority or administrating agency may issue a communication device such as a police radio, citizens band radio, or cellular telephone to each member of the special enforcement unit for use while on duty;
(3) A city, county, or metropolitan government may pay the cost of uniforms and badges for the special enforcement unit, and may provide daily cleaning of the uniforms. Additionally, the city, county, or metropolitan government may provide motorized wheelchairs for use by members of the special unit while on duty, including batteries and necessary recharging thereof. Any motorized wheelchair used by a member of the special enforcement unit while on duty shall be equipped with a single head lamp in the front and a single stop lamp in the rear;
(4) A member of the special enforcement unit may be paid an hourly wage without the benefits provided other permanent and temporary employees, but is entitled to applicable workers' compensation benefits as provided by law. Insurance provided by the city, county, or metropolitan government for disability or liability of a member of the special enforcement unit shall be the same as for other employees performing similar duties; and
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a city, county, or metropolitan government from using regular full-time employees to enforce ordinances or resolutions adopted pursuant to these ordinances or resolutions.
(c) This section shall only apply in a county, municipality or metropolitan government that adopts this section by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of the county, municipality or metropolitan government.
Acts 1995, ch. 417, §§ 1, 2; 1997, ch. 315, §§ 1-4; 2011, ch. 47, § 62.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-123 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-123
Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy
Status: in_force

When an insurance carrier has certified a motor vehicle liability policy under § 55-12-120 , insurance so certified shall not be cancelled or terminated until at least ten (10) days after notice of cancellation or termination of the insurance so certified shall be filed with the commissioner, except that such a policy subsequently procured and certified shall, on the effective date of its certification, terminate the insurance previously certified with respect to any motor vehicles designated in both certificates. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 23; T.C.A., § 59-1273.
When an insurance carrier has certified a motor vehicle liability policy under § 55-12-120 , insurance so certified shall not be cancelled or terminated until at least ten (10) days after notice of cancellation or termination of the insurance so certified shall be filed with the commissioner, except that such a policy subsequently procured and certified shall, on the effective date of its certification, terminate the insurance previously certified with respect to any motor vehicles designated in both certificates.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 23; T.C.A., § 59-1273.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-209 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-209
Disabled drivers
Status: in_force

(a) Registration plates for disabled drivers shall be issued in accordance with this chapter and chapter 21 of this title. (b) (1) Persons who are eligible to purchase or receive a license plate or plates of distinctive design for disabled drivers pursuant to chapter 21 of this title may elect to personalize the plate or plates pursuant to §§ 55-4-214 and 55-21-103 . (2) Personalized plates for disabled drivers must bear the stylized wheelchair symbol or symbol of access in accordance with § 55-21-104 . (3) The issuance and renewal of plates for disabled drivers shall otherwise comply with §§ 55-4-214 and 55-4-218 , including annual payment by the applicant of twenty-five dollar fee [See Compiler's Note] for each personalized plate in addition to the regular registration fee, if the regular registration fee is applicable. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 112, s 4, eff. 7/1/2020. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
(a) Registration plates for disabled drivers shall be issued in accordance with this chapter and chapter 21 of this title.
(b) (1) Persons who are eligible to purchase or receive a license plate or plates of distinctive design for disabled drivers pursuant to chapter 21 of this title may elect to personalize the plate or plates pursuant to §§ 55-4-214 and 55-21-103 . (2) Personalized plates for disabled drivers must bear the stylized wheelchair symbol or symbol of access in accordance with § 55-21-104 . (3) The issuance and renewal of plates for disabled drivers shall otherwise comply with §§ 55-4-214 and 55-4-218 , including annual payment by the applicant of twenty-five dollar fee [See Compiler's Note] for each personalized plate in addition to the regular registration fee, if the regular registration fee is applicable.
(1) Persons who are eligible to purchase or receive a license plate or plates of distinctive design for disabled drivers pursuant to chapter 21 of this title may elect to personalize the plate or plates pursuant to §§ 55-4-214 and 55-21-103 .
(2) Personalized plates for disabled drivers must bear the stylized wheelchair symbol or symbol of access in accordance with § 55-21-104 .
(3) The issuance and renewal of plates for disabled drivers shall otherwise comply with §§ 55-4-214 and 55-4-218 , including annual payment by the applicant of twenty-five dollar fee [See Compiler's Note] for each personalized plate in addition to the regular registration fee, if the regular registration fee is applicable.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 112, s 4, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-202 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-202
Maximum width and height
Status: in_force

(a) (1) No motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 or any trailer or semitrailer, whose width, including any part of the load, exceeds eight feet (8') (that is, four feet (4') on each side of the center line of the vehicle), or whose height, including any part of the load, exceeds thirteen and one-half feet (131/2'), shall be operated on any highway; provided, that this section shall not apply to farm tractors or farm machinery temporarily moving on any highway. (2) Subdivision (a)(1) relating to maximum width restrictions on trailers and semitrailers shall not apply to a trailer or semitrailer utilized for transporting seed cotton or rolled hay bales; provided, that the width of any such trailer or semitrailer, including any part of the load, shall not exceed ten feet (10') (that is five feet (5') on each side of the center line of the trailer, or semitrailer), and such movement is performed during daylight hours within a radius of fifty (50) miles of the point of origin, and no part of the movement is upon any highway designated and known as a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways or any fully controlled access highway facility or other federal-aid highway designated by the commissioner of transportation. (3) In the event federal law and regulations permit the operation of passenger buses of widths in excess of eight feet (8') on the national systems of interstate and defense highways, then there may be operated on highways with four (4) or more lanes, and such other highways as are designated and approved by the commissioner within the state, passenger buses, the width of which do not exceed eight feet six inches (8' 6"), or such width, not exceeding eight feet six inches (8' 6"), as is permitted under the federal rules and regulations. (4) It is not a violation of this part to transport a houseboat eighteen feet (18') in width, or less, on the highways, but any houseboat in excess of eight feet (8') shall be subject to the fees provided in § 55-7-205 . (b) The approval of the commissioner for buses in excess of eight feet (8') to operate on streets and roads shall be inoperative unless approved by the legislative body of any city with a population of one hundred seventy thousand (170,000) to two hundred fifty thousand (250,000), according to the 1970 federal census. (c) Motor vehicles not exceeding eight feet six inches (8' 6") in width are permitted to operate over the interstate system and other federal-aid highways designated by the commissioner. Incidental appurtenances and retracted awnings, where the width does not exceed six inches (6"), and safety devices, as designated by the commissioner, shall be excluded from the measurement of width and the provisions contained in § 55-7-205 . Within the limitations as provided in this chapter, any such vehicles may use and must confine themselves to the shortest reasonable route to and from the interstate system, other designated highways, and terminals; or, in the case of household goods carriers, to and from points of loading and unloading. Access to facilities in interchange areas adjoining these highways for food, fuel, repairs and rest shall not be denied. (d) Notwithstanding the limitations in subsection (a), a motor vehicle, as defined in § 55-1-103 , or a trailer or semitrailer, whose width, including any part of the load, does not exceed eight feet six inches (8' 6") (that is, four feet three inches (4' 3") on each side of the center line of the vehicle), and whose height, including any part of the load does not exceed thirteen feet six inches (13' 6"), may be operated on the federal and state highway system. Any such vehicles may use and must confine themselves to the shortest reasonable route to and from the federal and state highway system, and terminals; or, in the case of household goods carriers, to and from points of loading and unloading. Access to facilities in interchange areas adjoining these highways for food, fuel, repairs and rest shall not be denied. (e) (1) Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in subsection (a), between one (1) minute past midnight (12:01 a.m.) on the first Friday in March and eleven fifty-nine p.m. (11:59 p.m.) on the first Sunday in November each year, a motor vehicle carrying rafts or rafting apparatus used by an operator for commercial whitewater rafting purposes, when the driver of such motor vehicle possesses written documentation from the department of revenue that such operator is in compliance with the policy of liability insurance provisions in § 65-15-110(b) , and having a height, including any part of the load, that exceeds thirteen feet (13') but does not exceed seventeen and one-half feet (171/2') may operate on the following state highway segments: (A) State Route 40 (United States Highway 64) in Polk County between State Route 33 (United States Highway 411) east of Cleveland and State Route 68 in Ducktown (Ocoee River); and (B) Interstate 40 in Cocke County between the Foothills Parkway and the Tennessee-North Carolina border (Pigeon River); and within five (5) miles of such highway segments upon any additional public road as necessary to travel to and from such operator's place of business to such highway or to and from such highway to such operator's river access point, so long as the load is secured and the vehicle is operated in a safe manner at all times. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the department of transportation or any other entity to design, construct, or maintain overhead structures on or along such highways or public roads with a clearance in excess of thirteen feet (13') or any otherwise applicable design standard. (f) This section shall be enforced in accordance with all applicable provisions of federal law regarding the operation of vehicles on the national network of highways, including interstate highways and the additional highways identified in 23 CFR Part 658, Appendix A. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 4, eff. 4/23/2019. Acts 1933, ch. 35, §§ 4, 7; 1945, ch. 132, § 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.2 (Williams, §§ 2715.4, 2715.7); Acts 1959, ch. 87, § 2; 1963, ch. 103, § 2; 1969, ch. 280, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 12; 1978, ch. 925, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1108; Acts 1983, ch. 319, § 5; 1986, ch. 855, § 1; 1988, ch. 483, § 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-202; Acts 1989, ch. 330, § 2; 1993, ch. 99, § 1; 2000, ch. 669, § 1; 2000, ch. 962, § 1; 2010 , ch. 991, § 1; 2012 , ch. 615, § 1.
(a) (1) No motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 or any trailer or semitrailer, whose width, including any part of the load, exceeds eight feet (8') (that is, four feet (4') on each side of the center line of the vehicle), or whose height, including any part of the load, exceeds thirteen and one-half feet (131/2'), shall be operated on any highway; provided, that this section shall not apply to farm tractors or farm machinery temporarily moving on any highway. (2) Subdivision (a)(1) relating to maximum width restrictions on trailers and semitrailers shall not apply to a trailer or semitrailer utilized for transporting seed cotton or rolled hay bales; provided, that the width of any such trailer or semitrailer, including any part of the load, shall not exceed ten feet (10') (that is five feet (5') on each side of the center line of the trailer, or semitrailer), and such movement is performed during daylight hours within a radius of fifty (50) miles of the point of origin, and no part of the movement is upon any highway designated and known as a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways or any fully controlled access highway facility or other federal-aid highway designated by the commissioner of transportation. (3) In the event federal law and regulations permit the operation of passenger buses of widths in excess of eight feet (8') on the national systems of interstate and defense highways, then there may be operated on highways with four (4) or more lanes, and such other highways as are designated and approved by the commissioner within the state, passenger buses, the width of which do not exceed eight feet six inches (8' 6"), or such width, not exceeding eight feet six inches (8' 6"), as is permitted under the federal rules and regulations. (4) It is not a violation of this part to transport a houseboat eighteen feet (18') in width, or less, on the highways, but any houseboat in excess of eight feet (8') shall be subject to the fees provided in § 55-7-205 .
(1) No motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 or any trailer or semitrailer, whose width, including any part of the load, exceeds eight feet (8') (that is, four feet (4') on each side of the center line of the vehicle), or whose height, including any part of the load, exceeds thirteen and one-half feet (131/2'), shall be operated on any highway; provided, that this section shall not apply to farm tractors or farm machinery temporarily moving on any highway.
(2) Subdivision (a)(1) relating to maximum width restrictions on trailers and semitrailers shall not apply to a trailer or semitrailer utilized for transporting seed cotton or rolled hay bales; provided, that the width of any such trailer or semitrailer, including any part of the load, shall not exceed ten feet (10') (that is five feet (5') on each side of the center line of the trailer, or semitrailer), and such movement is performed during daylight hours within a radius of fifty (50) miles of the point of origin, and no part of the movement is upon any highway designated and known as a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways or any fully controlled access highway facility or other federal-aid highway designated by the commissioner of transportation.
(3) In the event federal law and regulations permit the operation of passenger buses of widths in excess of eight feet (8') on the national systems of interstate and defense highways, then there may be operated on highways with four (4) or more lanes, and such other highways as are designated and approved by the commissioner within the state, passenger buses, the width of which do not exceed eight feet six inches (8' 6"), or such width, not exceeding eight feet six inches (8' 6"), as is permitted under the federal rules and regulations.
(4) It is not a violation of this part to transport a houseboat eighteen feet (18') in width, or less, on the highways, but any houseboat in excess of eight feet (8') shall be subject to the fees provided in § 55-7-205 .
(b) The approval of the commissioner for buses in excess of eight feet (8') to operate on streets and roads shall be inoperative unless approved by the legislative body of any city with a population of one hundred seventy thousand (170,000) to two hundred fifty thousand (250,000), according to the 1970 federal census.
(c) Motor vehicles not exceeding eight feet six inches (8' 6") in width are permitted to operate over the interstate system and other federal-aid highways designated by the commissioner. Incidental appurtenances and retracted awnings, where the width does not exceed six inches (6"), and safety devices, as designated by the commissioner, shall be excluded from the measurement of width and the provisions contained in § 55-7-205 . Within the limitations as provided in this chapter, any such vehicles may use and must confine themselves to the shortest reasonable route to and from the interstate system, other designated highways, and terminals; or, in the case of household goods carriers, to and from points of loading and unloading. Access to facilities in interchange areas adjoining these highways for food, fuel, repairs and rest shall not be denied.
(d) Notwithstanding the limitations in subsection (a), a motor vehicle, as defined in § 55-1-103 , or a trailer or semitrailer, whose width, including any part of the load, does not exceed eight feet six inches (8' 6") (that is, four feet three inches (4' 3") on each side of the center line of the vehicle), and whose height, including any part of the load does not exceed thirteen feet six inches (13' 6"), may be operated on the federal and state highway system. Any such vehicles may use and must confine themselves to the shortest reasonable route to and from the federal and state highway system, and terminals; or, in the case of household goods carriers, to and from points of loading and unloading. Access to facilities in interchange areas adjoining these highways for food, fuel, repairs and rest shall not be denied.
(e) (1) Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in subsection (a), between one (1) minute past midnight (12:01 a.m.) on the first Friday in March and eleven fifty-nine p.m. (11:59 p.m.) on the first Sunday in November each year, a motor vehicle carrying rafts or rafting apparatus used by an operator for commercial whitewater rafting purposes, when the driver of such motor vehicle possesses written documentation from the department of revenue that such operator is in compliance with the policy of liability insurance provisions in § 65-15-110(b) , and having a height, including any part of the load, that exceeds thirteen feet (13') but does not exceed seventeen and one-half feet (171/2') may operate on the following state highway segments: (A) State Route 40 (United States Highway 64) in Polk County between State Route 33 (United States Highway 411) east of Cleveland and State Route 68 in Ducktown (Ocoee River); and (B) Interstate 40 in Cocke County between the Foothills Parkway and the Tennessee-North Carolina border (Pigeon River); and within five (5) miles of such highway segments upon any additional public road as necessary to travel to and from such operator's place of business to such highway or to and from such highway to such operator's river access point, so long as the load is secured and the vehicle is operated in a safe manner at all times. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the department of transportation or any other entity to design, construct, or maintain overhead structures on or along such highways or public roads with a clearance in excess of thirteen feet (13') or any otherwise applicable design standard.
(1) Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in subsection (a), between one (1) minute past midnight (12:01 a.m.) on the first Friday in March and eleven fifty-nine p.m. (11:59 p.m.) on the first Sunday in November each year, a motor vehicle carrying rafts or rafting apparatus used by an operator for commercial whitewater rafting purposes, when the driver of such motor vehicle possesses written documentation from the department of revenue that such operator is in compliance with the policy of liability insurance provisions in § 65-15-110(b) , and having a height, including any part of the load, that exceeds thirteen feet (13') but does not exceed seventeen and one-half feet (171/2') may operate on the following state highway segments: (A) State Route 40 (United States Highway 64) in Polk County between State Route 33 (United States Highway 411) east of Cleveland and State Route 68 in Ducktown (Ocoee River); and (B) Interstate 40 in Cocke County between the Foothills Parkway and the Tennessee-North Carolina border (Pigeon River); and within five (5) miles of such highway segments upon any additional public road as necessary to travel to and from such operator's place of business to such highway or to and from such highway to such operator's river access point, so long as the load is secured and the vehicle is operated in a safe manner at all times.
(A) State Route 40 (United States Highway 64) in Polk County between State Route 33 (United States Highway 411) east of Cleveland and State Route 68 in Ducktown (Ocoee River); and
(B) Interstate 40 in Cocke County between the Foothills Parkway and the Tennessee-North Carolina border (Pigeon River); and within five (5) miles of such highway segments upon any additional public road as necessary to travel to and from such operator's place of business to such highway or to and from such highway to such operator's river access point, so long as the load is secured and the vehicle is operated in a safe manner at all times.
and within five (5) miles of such highway segments upon any additional public road as necessary to travel to and from such operator's place of business to such highway or to and from such highway to such operator's river access point, so long as the load is secured and the vehicle is operated in a safe manner at all times.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the department of transportation or any other entity to design, construct, or maintain overhead structures on or along such highways or public roads with a clearance in excess of thirteen feet (13') or any otherwise applicable design standard.
(f) This section shall be enforced in accordance with all applicable provisions of federal law regarding the operation of vehicles on the national network of highways, including interstate highways and the additional highways identified in 23 CFR Part 658, Appendix A.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 4, eff. 4/23/2019.
Acts 1933, ch. 35, §§ 4, 7; 1945, ch. 132, § 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.2 (Williams, §§ 2715.4, 2715.7); Acts 1959, ch. 87, § 2; 1963, ch. 103, § 2; 1969, ch. 280, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 12; 1978, ch. 925, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1108; Acts 1983, ch. 319, § 5; 1986, ch. 855, § 1; 1988, ch. 483, § 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-202; Acts 1989, ch. 330, § 2; 1993, ch. 99, § 1; 2000, ch. 669, § 1; 2000, ch. 962, § 1; 2010 , ch. 991, § 1; 2012 , ch. 615, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-402 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-402
Powers and duties of commission
Status: in_force

The commission is vested with those powers and duties necessary and proper to enable it to fully and effectively carry out the provisions and objectives of this part, including, but not limited to: (1) The authority to promulgate reasonable substantive and procedural rules as they relate to the operation of this part and pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5; and (2) The authority to prescribe all forms to be used by the commission in the transaction of its business including application, license, compliance, and financial forms. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
The commission is vested with those powers and duties necessary and proper to enable it to fully and effectively carry out the provisions and objectives of this part, including, but not limited to:
(1) The authority to promulgate reasonable substantive and procedural rules as they relate to the operation of this part and pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5; and
(2) The authority to prescribe all forms to be used by the commission in the transaction of its business including application, license, compliance, and financial forms.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 1 / Section 55-1-110
"Metal tire," "pneumatic tire" and "solid tire" defined
Status: in_force

(a) "Metal tire" means every tire, the surface of which in contact with the highway is wholly or partly of metal or other hard, nonresilient materials. (b) "Pneumatic tire" means every tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load. (c) "Solid tire" means every tire of rubber or other resilient material which does not depend upon compressed air for the support of the load. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 9 (Williams, § 5538.109); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-110.
(a) "Metal tire" means every tire, the surface of which in contact with the highway is wholly or partly of metal or other hard, nonresilient materials.
(b) "Pneumatic tire" means every tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load.
(c) "Solid tire" means every tire of rubber or other resilient material which does not depend upon compressed air for the support of the load.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 9 (Williams, § 5538.109); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-110.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-209 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-209
Regulation of use and operation of personal delivery device
Status: in_force

(a) A personal delivery device must: (1) Yield or not obstruct the right-of-way to all other traffic, including pedestrians; (2) Not unreasonably interfere with other traffic, including pedestrians; (3) If the personal delivery device is being operated between sunset and sunrise, be equipped with lighting on both the front and rear of the personal delivery device visible in clear weather from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front and rear of the personal delivery device; and (4) Not transport hazardous materials regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act ( 49 U.S.C. § 5103 ) that are required to be placarded under 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F. (b) A personal delivery device may be operated in a pedestrian area at speeds up to ten (10) miles per hour. (c) A personal delivery device must: (1) Be equipped with a marker that clearly states the name and contact information of the owner and a unique identification number; and (2) Be equipped with a braking system that enables the device to come to a controlled stop. (d) A personal delivery device and any entity that operates a personal delivery device 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. (e) Personal delivery devices may be prohibited by local resolutions or ordinances if the local government determines that the prohibition is necessary, in the interest of public safety. This section does not affect the authority of a local authority's law enforcement officers to enforce the laws of this state relating to the operation of a personal delivery device. (f) An entity that operates a personal delivery device must maintain an insurance policy that includes general liability coverage of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for damages arising from the combined operations of personal delivery devices under a personal delivery device operator's control. Acts 2020, ch. 685, § 5.
(a) A personal delivery device must: (1) Yield or not obstruct the right-of-way to all other traffic, including pedestrians; (2) Not unreasonably interfere with other traffic, including pedestrians; (3) If the personal delivery device is being operated between sunset and sunrise, be equipped with lighting on both the front and rear of the personal delivery device visible in clear weather from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front and rear of the personal delivery device; and (4) Not transport hazardous materials regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act ( 49 U.S.C. § 5103 ) that are required to be placarded under 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F.
(1) Yield or not obstruct the right-of-way to all other traffic, including pedestrians;
(2) Not unreasonably interfere with other traffic, including pedestrians;
(3) If the personal delivery device is being operated between sunset and sunrise, be equipped with lighting on both the front and rear of the personal delivery device visible in clear weather from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front and rear of the personal delivery device; and
(4) Not transport hazardous materials regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act ( 49 U.S.C. § 5103 ) that are required to be placarded under 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F.
(b) A personal delivery device may be operated in a pedestrian area at speeds up to ten (10) miles per hour.
(c) A personal delivery device must: (1) Be equipped with a marker that clearly states the name and contact information of the owner and a unique identification number; and (2) Be equipped with a braking system that enables the device to come to a controlled stop.
(1) Be equipped with a marker that clearly states the name and contact information of the owner and a unique identification number; and
(2) Be equipped with a braking system that enables the device to come to a controlled stop.
(d) A personal delivery device and any entity that operates a personal delivery device 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.
(e) Personal delivery devices may be prohibited by local resolutions or ordinances if the local government determines that the prohibition is necessary, in the interest of public safety. This section does not affect the authority of a local authority's law enforcement officers to enforce the laws of this state relating to the operation of a personal delivery device.
(f) An entity that operates a personal delivery device must maintain an insurance policy that includes general liability coverage of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for damages arising from the combined operations of personal delivery devices under a personal delivery device operator's control.
Acts 2020, ch. 685, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-52-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 52 / Section 55-52-103
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Bicycle" means a human-powered vehicle with two (2) wheels in tandem designed to transport, by the action of pedaling, one (1) or more persons seated on one (1) or more saddle seats on its frame. "Bicycle" also includes a human-powered vehicle designed to transport by pedaling that has more than two (2) wheels where the vehicle is used on a public highway or street, public bicycle path or other public right-of-way, but does not include a tricycle; (2) "Highway" or "street" means the entire width between boundary lines of every way publicly maintained, when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel; (3) "Operator" means a person who travels on a bicycle seated on a saddle seat from which that person is intended to and can pedal the bicycle; (4) "Other public right-of-way" means any right-of-way other than a public highway or street or public bicycle path that is under the jurisdiction and control of the state or a local political subdivision thereof and is designed for use and used by vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic; (5) "Passenger" means any person who travels on a bicycle in any manner except as an operator; (6) "Protective bicycle helmet" means a piece of headgear that meets or exceeds the impact standards for protective bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation, or that is otherwise approved by the commissioner of safety; (7) "Public bicycle path" means a right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of the state or a local political subdivision thereof for use primarily by bicycles and pedestrians; (8) "Restraining seat" means a seat separate from the saddle seat of the operator of the bicycle that is fastened securely to the frame of the bicycle and is adequately equipped to restrain the passenger in the seat and protect the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle; (9) "Sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, intended for use of pedestrians; and (10) "Tricycle" means a three-wheeled human-powered vehicle. Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 4; 2000, ch. 916, §§ 1 - 3.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Bicycle" means a human-powered vehicle with two (2) wheels in tandem designed to transport, by the action of pedaling, one (1) or more persons seated on one (1) or more saddle seats on its frame. "Bicycle" also includes a human-powered vehicle designed to transport by pedaling that has more than two (2) wheels where the vehicle is used on a public highway or street, public bicycle path or other public right-of-way, but does not include a tricycle;
(2) "Highway" or "street" means the entire width between boundary lines of every way publicly maintained, when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel;
(3) "Operator" means a person who travels on a bicycle seated on a saddle seat from which that person is intended to and can pedal the bicycle;
(4) "Other public right-of-way" means any right-of-way other than a public highway or street or public bicycle path that is under the jurisdiction and control of the state or a local political subdivision thereof and is designed for use and used by vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic;
(5) "Passenger" means any person who travels on a bicycle in any manner except as an operator;
(6) "Protective bicycle helmet" means a piece of headgear that meets or exceeds the impact standards for protective bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation, or that is otherwise approved by the commissioner of safety;
(7) "Public bicycle path" means a right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of the state or a local political subdivision thereof for use primarily by bicycles and pedestrians;
(8) "Restraining seat" means a seat separate from the saddle seat of the operator of the bicycle that is fastened securely to the frame of the bicycle and is adequately equipped to restrain the passenger in the seat and protect the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle;
(9) "Sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, intended for use of pedestrians; and
(10) "Tricycle" means a three-wheeled human-powered vehicle.
Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 4; 2000, ch. 916, §§ 1 - 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-121 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-121
Certificate of insurance by nonresident as proof of financial responsibility - Agreement to accept service of process on commissioner
Status: in_force

A nonresident may give proof of financial responsibility by filing with the commissioner a written certificate or certificates of an insurance carrier licensed to transact business in the state in which the motor vehicle, or motor vehicles, owned by the nonresident is registered, or in the state in which the nonresident resides if the nonresident does not own a motor vehicle; provided, that the certificate otherwise conforms with this part. The commissioner shall accept the certificate upon condition that the insurance carrier complies with the following provisions with respect to the policies so certified: (1) The insurance carrier shall execute a power of attorney authorizing the commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process in any action arising out of a motor vehicle accident in this state; and (2) The insurance carrier shall agree in writing that the policies shall be deemed to conform with the laws of this state relating to the terms of motor vehicle liability policies issued therein. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 21; T.C.A., § 59-1271.
A nonresident may give proof of financial responsibility by filing with the commissioner a written certificate or certificates of an insurance carrier licensed to transact business in the state in which the motor vehicle, or motor vehicles, owned by the nonresident is registered, or in the state in which the nonresident resides if the nonresident does not own a motor vehicle; provided, that the certificate otherwise conforms with this part. The commissioner shall accept the certificate upon condition that the insurance carrier complies with the following provisions with respect to the policies so certified:
(1) The insurance carrier shall execute a power of attorney authorizing the commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process in any action arising out of a motor vehicle accident in this state; and
(2) The insurance carrier shall agree in writing that the policies shall be deemed to conform with the laws of this state relating to the terms of motor vehicle liability policies issued therein.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 21; T.C.A., § 59-1271.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-116 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-116
Duration of suspension or revocation under Section 55-12-114 - Restoration
Status: in_force

(a) Where proof of financial responsibility is required by § 55-12-114 , the license and registration must remain suspended or revoked and shall not be renewed, a license shall not be issued to the person, and a motor vehicle shall not be registered in the person's name, until permitted by the motor vehicle laws of this state. The licensee shall maintain proof of financial responsibility for the duration of the license's suspension or revocation, as required by § 55-12-126 . The licensee shall also pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee as a condition precedent to the restoration of the license. Once a person's license is restored, the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's vehicle registration and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. (b) 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 (b), releases the requirement that a person furnish proof of financial responsibility, and if the person's motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked because of the person's failure to furnish that proof, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registration and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, this subsection (b) does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 5, eff. 1/1/2024. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 16; T.C.A., § 59-1266; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 27, 29; 2007 , ch. 484, § 84.
(a) Where proof of financial responsibility is required by § 55-12-114 , the license and registration must remain suspended or revoked and shall not be renewed, a license shall not be issued to the person, and a motor vehicle shall not be registered in the person's name, until permitted by the motor vehicle laws of this state. The licensee shall maintain proof of financial responsibility for the duration of the license's suspension or revocation, as required by § 55-12-126 . The licensee shall also pay a sixty-five-dollar restoration fee as a condition precedent to the restoration of the license. Once a person's license is restored, the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's vehicle registration and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately.
(b) 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 (b), releases the requirement that a person furnish proof of financial responsibility, and if the person's motor vehicle registration has been suspended or revoked because of the person's failure to furnish that proof, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's registration and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registration must be reinstated immediately. Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, this subsection (b) does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment based on a motor vehicle accident.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 5, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 16; T.C.A., § 59-1266; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, §§ 27, 29; 2007 , ch. 484, § 84.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-117 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-117
Registration fees for dealers, manufacturers and transporters - Dealer plates for use on trucks - Lost plates
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Any manufacturer, transporter or dealer may make application to the department for a certificate containing a general distinguishing number and for one (1) or more special plates, as are provided for in § 55-4-226 . The fee for the master plate shall be at the rate of twice the amount of the annual registration fee for a passenger motor vehicle as prescribed in § 55-4-111 , and the charge for additional plates shall be at a rate equal in amount to the annual fee for passenger motor vehicles. (2) Each dealership shall be limited to two hundred twenty-five (225) dealer plates. The fee to replace lost plates shall be the same rate as provided for obtaining the plate initially issued. The fee to replace a mutilated or defaced plate shall be the same as the fee for replacing any other plate; provided, that the mutilated or defaced plate is surrendered to the clerk. (b) (1) Any dealer engaged in the sale of trucks at retail may make application to the department for a certificate for special dealer plates for use on trucks being operated for demonstration purposes or loaned temporarily to a prospective customer to be tested under load conditions over the highways of the state. The fee for the registration plates shall be at the rate of three hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($357.50) per set for the licensing year. No dealer shall purchase more than seven (7) sets of the special plates in any one (1) year. The fee for a plate to replace any lost plate authorized in this section shall be the same as provided for the plate initially issued, and the replacement fee for a mutilated or defaced plate shall be one dollar ($1.00); provided, that this mutilated or defaced plate is surrendered to the clerk. These special registration plates shall contain some wording, marking or coloring so as to be readily distinguishable from all other registration plates issued by the state, and shall not be required to bear county numerical prefixes. (2) No truck dealer shall permit special registration plates to be used by any person except one who is a prospective purchaser of the truck or an employee of the dealer. A truck dealer may authorize by contract a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to distribute food to the needy to use one (1) of its trucks with special registration plates to transport food from the location of a wholesale grocery distributor to the nonprofit organization's own place of operation. While the purchaser in using the truck for a reasonable time may operate the truck in the normal course of business, it is unlawful for the dealer to charge, receive or collect any rental fee or other consideration from or on behalf of the prospective customer for the use of the truck for the time it shall be operated with the special registration plates. Any violation of this subdivision (b)(2) constitutes grounds for the revocation of all the special registration plates issued to or owned by the dealer. (3) The county clerk shall be entitled to a fee of two dollars ($2.00) for issuing each plate; provided, that the clerk shall only be entitled to receive a maximum of ten dollars ($10.00) a day from any one (1) dealer. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 88 (Williams, § 5538.188); Acts 1955, ch. 52, § 11; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1959, ch. 61, § 1; 1967, ch. 218, § 3; 1971, ch. 145, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 10; 1972, ch. 529, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-427; Acts 1984, ch. 560, § 1; 1984, ch. 692, § 1; 1988, ch. 816, §§ 3-5; 1994, ch. 922, § 4; 2002, ch. 856, § 8l; 2007, ch. 484, § 115; 2008, ch. 924, § 7; 2009, ch. 530, § 123.
(a) (1) Any manufacturer, transporter or dealer may make application to the department for a certificate containing a general distinguishing number and for one (1) or more special plates, as are provided for in § 55-4-226 . The fee for the master plate shall be at the rate of twice the amount of the annual registration fee for a passenger motor vehicle as prescribed in § 55-4-111 , and the charge for additional plates shall be at a rate equal in amount to the annual fee for passenger motor vehicles. (2) Each dealership shall be limited to two hundred twenty-five (225) dealer plates. The fee to replace lost plates shall be the same rate as provided for obtaining the plate initially issued. The fee to replace a mutilated or defaced plate shall be the same as the fee for replacing any other plate; provided, that the mutilated or defaced plate is surrendered to the clerk.
(1) Any manufacturer, transporter or dealer may make application to the department for a certificate containing a general distinguishing number and for one (1) or more special plates, as are provided for in § 55-4-226 . The fee for the master plate shall be at the rate of twice the amount of the annual registration fee for a passenger motor vehicle as prescribed in § 55-4-111 , and the charge for additional plates shall be at a rate equal in amount to the annual fee for passenger motor vehicles.
(2) Each dealership shall be limited to two hundred twenty-five (225) dealer plates. The fee to replace lost plates shall be the same rate as provided for obtaining the plate initially issued. The fee to replace a mutilated or defaced plate shall be the same as the fee for replacing any other plate; provided, that the mutilated or defaced plate is surrendered to the clerk.
(b) (1) Any dealer engaged in the sale of trucks at retail may make application to the department for a certificate for special dealer plates for use on trucks being operated for demonstration purposes or loaned temporarily to a prospective customer to be tested under load conditions over the highways of the state. The fee for the registration plates shall be at the rate of three hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($357.50) per set for the licensing year. No dealer shall purchase more than seven (7) sets of the special plates in any one (1) year. The fee for a plate to replace any lost plate authorized in this section shall be the same as provided for the plate initially issued, and the replacement fee for a mutilated or defaced plate shall be one dollar ($1.00); provided, that this mutilated or defaced plate is surrendered to the clerk. These special registration plates shall contain some wording, marking or coloring so as to be readily distinguishable from all other registration plates issued by the state, and shall not be required to bear county numerical prefixes. (2) No truck dealer shall permit special registration plates to be used by any person except one who is a prospective purchaser of the truck or an employee of the dealer. A truck dealer may authorize by contract a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to distribute food to the needy to use one (1) of its trucks with special registration plates to transport food from the location of a wholesale grocery distributor to the nonprofit organization's own place of operation. While the purchaser in using the truck for a reasonable time may operate the truck in the normal course of business, it is unlawful for the dealer to charge, receive or collect any rental fee or other consideration from or on behalf of the prospective customer for the use of the truck for the time it shall be operated with the special registration plates. Any violation of this subdivision (b)(2) constitutes grounds for the revocation of all the special registration plates issued to or owned by the dealer. (3) The county clerk shall be entitled to a fee of two dollars ($2.00) for issuing each plate; provided, that the clerk shall only be entitled to receive a maximum of ten dollars ($10.00) a day from any one (1) dealer.
(1) Any dealer engaged in the sale of trucks at retail may make application to the department for a certificate for special dealer plates for use on trucks being operated for demonstration purposes or loaned temporarily to a prospective customer to be tested under load conditions over the highways of the state. The fee for the registration plates shall be at the rate of three hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($357.50) per set for the licensing year. No dealer shall purchase more than seven (7) sets of the special plates in any one (1) year. The fee for a plate to replace any lost plate authorized in this section shall be the same as provided for the plate initially issued, and the replacement fee for a mutilated or defaced plate shall be one dollar ($1.00); provided, that this mutilated or defaced plate is surrendered to the clerk. These special registration plates shall contain some wording, marking or coloring so as to be readily distinguishable from all other registration plates issued by the state, and shall not be required to bear county numerical prefixes.
(2) No truck dealer shall permit special registration plates to be used by any person except one who is a prospective purchaser of the truck or an employee of the dealer. A truck dealer may authorize by contract a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to distribute food to the needy to use one (1) of its trucks with special registration plates to transport food from the location of a wholesale grocery distributor to the nonprofit organization's own place of operation. While the purchaser in using the truck for a reasonable time may operate the truck in the normal course of business, it is unlawful for the dealer to charge, receive or collect any rental fee or other consideration from or on behalf of the prospective customer for the use of the truck for the time it shall be operated with the special registration plates. Any violation of this subdivision (b)(2) constitutes grounds for the revocation of all the special registration plates issued to or owned by the dealer.
(3) The county clerk shall be entitled to a fee of two dollars ($2.00) for issuing each plate; provided, that the clerk shall only be entitled to receive a maximum of ten dollars ($10.00) a day from any one (1) dealer.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 88 (Williams, § 5538.188); Acts 1955, ch. 52, § 11; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1959, ch. 61, § 1; 1967, ch. 218, § 3; 1971, ch. 145, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 10; 1972, ch. 529, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-427; Acts 1984, ch. 560, § 1; 1984, ch. 692, § 1; 1988, ch. 816, §§ 3-5; 1994, ch. 922, § 4; 2002, ch. 856, § 8l; 2007, ch. 484, § 115; 2008, ch. 924, § 7; 2009, ch. 530, § 123.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-303 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-303
Fish and wildlife
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 Sportsman 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 an appropriate image, design, or logo that promotes and indicates support for the protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife in Tennessee, including the importance of protecting and preserving for future generations the heritage of hunting and fishing in this state. These plates must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency and the board of directors of the Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Sportsman new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to establish and administer programs to ensure the protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife in Tennessee in order to assure the preservation of the heritage of hunting and fishing in this state for future generations. (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 Fish and Wildlife Species 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 executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, the director of the department's vehicle services division, and the commissioner. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Fish and Wildlife Species new specialty earmarked license plates must be deposited in the wildlife resources fund established in § 70-1-401 , in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species and the protection and enhancement of the species' habitats. (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 an Eagle Foundation 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 contain the official logo of the Eagle Foundation or a representation of the American bald eagle, or both. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors of the Eagle Foundation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Eagle Foundation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Eagle Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for the preservation of the American bald eagle and its habitat. (d) (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 Trout Unlimited 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 (d) must contain the official Trout Unlimited logo or other appropriate design representative of the organization. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of trustees of Trout Unlimited. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Trout Unlimited new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited, in accordance with § 55-4-301 , for distribution to the Tennessee chapters of Trout Unlimited in amounts as determined by the council. The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee by the Tennessee chapters of Trout Unlimited to further the organization's mission to conserve, protect, and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. (e) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the 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 Smallmouth Bass 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 (e) must contain a design of a smallmouth bass. The plates must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Smallmouth Bass new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be deposited in the wildlife resources fund established in § 70-1-401 , to be used exclusively for management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species, and the protection and enhancement of the species' habitats. (f) (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 National Wild Turkey Federation 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 (f) must contain the official image, logo, or other appropriate design representative of the National Wild Turkey Federation and include the phrase "Conserve. Hunt. Share." The plates must be designed in consultation with the regional director for the East Tennessee local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of National Wild Turkey Federation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 , for distribution to the Tennessee local chapters of the organization. The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee to further the organization's mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve the heritage of hunting in this state. (g) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the 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 Tennessee Wildlife Federation 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 (g) must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Wildlife Federation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in furtherance of the organization's activities in Tennessee. (h) (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 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nongame and Education Programs 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 (h) must contain the official Tennessee Wildlife Federation logo or other appropriate design representative of the organization. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nongame and Education Programs new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee to further the organization's mission to conserve, protect, and restore Tennessee's wildlife and natural resources. 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 Sportsman 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 an appropriate image, design, or logo that promotes and indicates support for the protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife in Tennessee, including the importance of protecting and preserving for future generations the heritage of hunting and fishing in this state. These plates must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency and the board of directors of the Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Sportsman new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to establish and administer programs to ensure the protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife in Tennessee in order to assure the preservation of the heritage of hunting and fishing in this state for future generations.
(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 Sportsman 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 an appropriate image, design, or logo that promotes and indicates support for the protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife in Tennessee, including the importance of protecting and preserving for future generations the heritage of hunting and fishing in this state. These plates must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency and the board of directors of the Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Sportsman new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to establish and administer programs to ensure the protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife in Tennessee in order to assure the preservation of the heritage of hunting and fishing in this state for future generations.
(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 Fish and Wildlife Species 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 executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, the director of the department's vehicle services division, and the commissioner. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Fish and Wildlife Species new specialty earmarked license plates must be deposited in the wildlife resources fund established in § 70-1-401 , in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species and the protection and enhancement of the species' habitats.
(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 Fish and Wildlife Species 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 executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, the director of the department's vehicle services division, and the commissioner.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Fish and Wildlife Species new specialty earmarked license plates must be deposited in the wildlife resources fund established in § 70-1-401 , in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species and the protection and enhancement of the species' habitats.
(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 an Eagle Foundation 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 contain the official logo of the Eagle Foundation or a representation of the American bald eagle, or both. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors of the Eagle Foundation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Eagle Foundation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Eagle Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for the preservation of the American bald eagle and its habitat.
(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 an Eagle Foundation 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 contain the official logo of the Eagle Foundation or a representation of the American bald eagle, or both. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors of the Eagle Foundation.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Eagle Foundation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Eagle Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for the preservation of the American bald eagle and its habitat.
(d) (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 Trout Unlimited 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 (d) must contain the official Trout Unlimited logo or other appropriate design representative of the organization. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of trustees of Trout Unlimited. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Trout Unlimited new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited, in accordance with § 55-4-301 , for distribution to the Tennessee chapters of Trout Unlimited in amounts as determined by the council. The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee by the Tennessee chapters of Trout Unlimited to further the organization's mission to conserve, protect, and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
(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 Trout Unlimited 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 (d) must contain the official Trout Unlimited logo or other appropriate design representative of the organization. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of trustees of Trout Unlimited.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Trout Unlimited new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited, in accordance with § 55-4-301 , for distribution to the Tennessee chapters of Trout Unlimited in amounts as determined by the council. The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee by the Tennessee chapters of Trout Unlimited to further the organization's mission to conserve, protect, and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
(e) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the 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 Smallmouth Bass 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 (e) must contain a design of a smallmouth bass. The plates must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Smallmouth Bass new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be deposited in the wildlife resources fund established in § 70-1-401 , to be used exclusively for management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species, and the protection and enhancement of the species' habitats.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the 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 Smallmouth Bass 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 (e) must contain a design of a smallmouth bass. The plates must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee wildlife resources agency.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Smallmouth Bass new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee wildlife resources agency, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be deposited in the wildlife resources fund established in § 70-1-401 , to be used exclusively for management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species, and the protection and enhancement of the species' habitats.
(f) (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 National Wild Turkey Federation 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 (f) must contain the official image, logo, or other appropriate design representative of the National Wild Turkey Federation and include the phrase "Conserve. Hunt. Share." The plates must be designed in consultation with the regional director for the East Tennessee local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of National Wild Turkey Federation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 , for distribution to the Tennessee local chapters of the organization. The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee to further the organization's mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve the heritage of hunting 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 in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a National Wild Turkey Federation 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 (f) must contain the official image, logo, or other appropriate design representative of the National Wild Turkey Federation and include the phrase "Conserve. Hunt. Share." The plates must be designed in consultation with the regional director for the East Tennessee local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of National Wild Turkey Federation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 , for distribution to the Tennessee local chapters of the organization. The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee to further the organization's mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve the heritage of hunting in this state.
(g) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the 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 Tennessee Wildlife Federation 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 (g) must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Wildlife Federation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in furtherance of the organization's activities in Tennessee.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the 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 Tennessee Wildlife Federation 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 (g) must be designed in consultation with the executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Wildlife Federation new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in furtherance of the organization's activities in Tennessee.
(h) (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 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nongame and Education Programs 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 (h) must contain the official Tennessee Wildlife Federation logo or other appropriate design representative of the organization. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nongame and Education Programs new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee to further the organization's mission to conserve, protect, and restore Tennessee's wildlife and natural resources.
(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 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nongame and Education Programs 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 (h) must contain the official Tennessee Wildlife Federation logo or other appropriate design representative of the organization. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nongame and Education Programs new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in Tennessee to further the organization's mission to conserve, protect, and restore Tennessee's wildlife and natural resources.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-28-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 28 / Section 55-28-104
Termination, cancellation, or failure to renew manufacturer/dealer agreement by manufacturer or distributor
Status: in_force

(a) A manufacturer or distributor, directly or through any authorized officer, agent, or employee, may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a manufacturer/dealer agreement only with good cause. (b) The manufacturer or distributor has the burden of showing good cause for terminating, canceling, or failing to renew a manufacturer/dealer agreement with a dealer. For purposes of determining whether there is good cause for the proposed action, any of the following factors may be considered: (1) The extent of the affected dealer's penetration in the area of sales responsibility; (2) The nature and extent of the dealer's investment in its business; (3) The adequacy of the dealer's service facilities, equipment, parts, supplies, and personnel; (4) The effect of the proposed action on the community; (5) The extent and quality of the dealer's service under recreational vehicle warranties; (6) The dealer's failure to follow agreed-upon procedures or standards related to the overall operation of the dealership; or (7) The dealer's performance under the terms of its manufacturer/dealer agreement. (c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a manufacturer or distributor shall provide a dealer with at least ninety (90) days prior written notice of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of the manufacturer/dealer agreement. (d) (1) The notice must state all reasons for the proposed termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal and must further state that if, within thirty (30) days following receipt of the notice, the dealer provides to the manufacturer or distributor a written notice of intent to cure all claimed deficiencies, the dealer will then have ninety (90) days following receipt of the original notice to rectify the deficiencies. (2) If the deficiencies are rectified within ninety (90) days, the manufacturer's or distributor's notice is voided. If the dealer fails to provide the notice of intent to cure the deficiencies or fails to cure the deficiencies in the prescribed time period, the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal takes effect as provided in the original notice. (e) The notice period may be reduced to thirty (30) days if the manufacturer's or distributor's grounds for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal are due to any of the following good cause factors: (1) A dealer or one of its owners being convicted of or entering a plea of nolo contendere to a felony; (2) The abandonment or closing of the business operations of the dealer for ten (10) consecutive business days unless the closing is due to an act of God, strike, labor difficulty, or other cause over which the dealer has no control; (3) A significant misrepresentation by the dealer materially affecting the business relationship; (4) A suspension or revocation of the dealer's license, or refusal to renew the dealer's license, by the commission; or (5) A material violation of this chapter which is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice by the manufacturer. (f) Subsection (c) does not apply if the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is the dealer's insolvency, the occurrence of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or bankruptcy. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
(a) A manufacturer or distributor, directly or through any authorized officer, agent, or employee, may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a manufacturer/dealer agreement only with good cause.
(b) The manufacturer or distributor has the burden of showing good cause for terminating, canceling, or failing to renew a manufacturer/dealer agreement with a dealer. For purposes of determining whether there is good cause for the proposed action, any of the following factors may be considered: (1) The extent of the affected dealer's penetration in the area of sales responsibility; (2) The nature and extent of the dealer's investment in its business; (3) The adequacy of the dealer's service facilities, equipment, parts, supplies, and personnel; (4) The effect of the proposed action on the community; (5) The extent and quality of the dealer's service under recreational vehicle warranties; (6) The dealer's failure to follow agreed-upon procedures or standards related to the overall operation of the dealership; or (7) The dealer's performance under the terms of its manufacturer/dealer agreement.
(1) The extent of the affected dealer's penetration in the area of sales responsibility;
(2) The nature and extent of the dealer's investment in its business;
(3) The adequacy of the dealer's service facilities, equipment, parts, supplies, and personnel;
(4) The effect of the proposed action on the community;
(5) The extent and quality of the dealer's service under recreational vehicle warranties;
(6) The dealer's failure to follow agreed-upon procedures or standards related to the overall operation of the dealership; or
(7) The dealer's performance under the terms of its manufacturer/dealer agreement.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a manufacturer or distributor shall provide a dealer with at least ninety (90) days prior written notice of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of the manufacturer/dealer agreement.
(d) (1) The notice must state all reasons for the proposed termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal and must further state that if, within thirty (30) days following receipt of the notice, the dealer provides to the manufacturer or distributor a written notice of intent to cure all claimed deficiencies, the dealer will then have ninety (90) days following receipt of the original notice to rectify the deficiencies. (2) If the deficiencies are rectified within ninety (90) days, the manufacturer's or distributor's notice is voided. If the dealer fails to provide the notice of intent to cure the deficiencies or fails to cure the deficiencies in the prescribed time period, the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal takes effect as provided in the original notice.
(1) The notice must state all reasons for the proposed termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal and must further state that if, within thirty (30) days following receipt of the notice, the dealer provides to the manufacturer or distributor a written notice of intent to cure all claimed deficiencies, the dealer will then have ninety (90) days following receipt of the original notice to rectify the deficiencies.
(2) If the deficiencies are rectified within ninety (90) days, the manufacturer's or distributor's notice is voided. If the dealer fails to provide the notice of intent to cure the deficiencies or fails to cure the deficiencies in the prescribed time period, the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal takes effect as provided in the original notice.
(e) The notice period may be reduced to thirty (30) days if the manufacturer's or distributor's grounds for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal are due to any of the following good cause factors: (1) A dealer or one of its owners being convicted of or entering a plea of nolo contendere to a felony; (2) The abandonment or closing of the business operations of the dealer for ten (10) consecutive business days unless the closing is due to an act of God, strike, labor difficulty, or other cause over which the dealer has no control; (3) A significant misrepresentation by the dealer materially affecting the business relationship; (4) A suspension or revocation of the dealer's license, or refusal to renew the dealer's license, by the commission; or (5) A material violation of this chapter which is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice by the manufacturer.
(1) A dealer or one of its owners being convicted of or entering a plea of nolo contendere to a felony;
(2) The abandonment or closing of the business operations of the dealer for ten (10) consecutive business days unless the closing is due to an act of God, strike, labor difficulty, or other cause over which the dealer has no control;
(3) A significant misrepresentation by the dealer materially affecting the business relationship;
(4) A suspension or revocation of the dealer's license, or refusal to renew the dealer's license, by the commission; or
(5) A material violation of this chapter which is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice by the manufacturer.
(f) Subsection (c) does not apply if the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is the dealer's insolvency, the occurrence of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or bankruptcy.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-203 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-203
Off-highway vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) Any Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle as defined in § 55-8-101 registered pursuant to chapter 4, part 7 of this title, may be operated on county roads, if the requirements in this section are met. As used in this section, "county road" means a road that has been classified as a county road pursuant to § 54-10-103 or a road for which a county has otherwise assumed control, and does not include a state highway or an interstate or national defense highway. Nothing in this section authorizes the operation on county roads of any all-terrain vehicle or off-highway vehicles other than Class I or Class II off-highway vehicles. (b) Any Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle operated on county roads pursuant to subsection (a) may, for the purpose of crossing from one (1) road, field, or area of operation to another, be operated upon a state highway or other noncounty road, except upon the interstate and national defense highway system, if: (1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; (2) The vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway; (3) The operator yields the operator's right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate potential hazard; and (4) Both the headlights and taillights are illuminated when the crossing is made. (c) A Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle authorized by subsection (a) may be operated if, while on the county roads: (1) The vehicle is equipped with: (A) Brakes; (B) At least two (2) taillights, stoplights, and headlights; (C) Two (2) turn signal lamps or other devices meeting the requirements of § 55-8-144 ; (D) A horn meeting the requirements of § 55-9-201 ; (E) A roll bar; (F) Seat belts for each seat; (G) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent spark arrester; (H) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent muffler in proper working order and properly connected to the vehicle's exhaust system; and (I) A windshield, with or without wipers; except, that if the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, then the operator and each passenger shall wear glasses containing impact resistant lenses, safety goggles, or a transparent face shield; and (2) The operator shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age and possess a valid driver license from this state or an equivalent license from another state, and otherwise comply with this chapter. (d) A Class I and Class II off-highway vehicle and any person operating such vehicle is subject to all of the requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12, part 1 of this title, relating to financial responsibility; chapter 50 of this title, relating to driver licenses; and chapters 3 and 4 of this title, relating to titling and registration, except as otherwise provided in chapter 4, part 7 of this title, or this section. (e) Every person operating a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle upon a county road pursuant to this section shall obey all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle under part 1 of this chapter, and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except as to those provisions that by their nature can have no application. (f) A person who violates subsections (a)-(e) commits a Class C misdemeanor. (g) Operation of the following off-highway vehicles shall be exempt from the registration requirements of chapter 4, part 7 of this title, and equipment and safety requirements of this section: (1) An off-highway vehicle operated on any private or public recreational trail or area; (2) An off-highway vehicle operated on an affiliated trail or area operated by a person or entity which has in place a safety program; (3) Off-highway vehicles operated for agricultural purposes; (4) Publicly-owned and operated off-highway vehicles that are used for wildlife management, law enforcement, emergency services, and other such purposes; and (5) Off-highway motor vehicles operated pursuant to § 55-8-185 , except those registered as a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle pursuant to chapter 4, part 7 of this title, and operated on county roads pursuant to this section. (h) Nothing in this section requires any person to obtain a license pursuant to chapter 17 of this title in order to transfer, sell, or lease any Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 9, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) Any Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle as defined in § 55-8-101 registered pursuant to chapter 4, part 7 of this title, may be operated on county roads, if the requirements in this section are met. As used in this section, "county road" means a road that has been classified as a county road pursuant to § 54-10-103 or a road for which a county has otherwise assumed control, and does not include a state highway or an interstate or national defense highway. Nothing in this section authorizes the operation on county roads of any all-terrain vehicle or off-highway vehicles other than Class I or Class II off-highway vehicles.
(b) Any Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle operated on county roads pursuant to subsection (a) may, for the purpose of crossing from one (1) road, field, or area of operation to another, be operated upon a state highway or other noncounty road, except upon the interstate and national defense highway system, if: (1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; (2) The vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway; (3) The operator yields the operator's right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate potential hazard; and (4) Both the headlights and taillights are illuminated when the crossing is made.
(1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;
(2) The vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway;
(3) The operator yields the operator's right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate potential hazard; and
(4) Both the headlights and taillights are illuminated when the crossing is made.
(c) A Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle authorized by subsection (a) may be operated if, while on the county roads: (1) The vehicle is equipped with: (A) Brakes; (B) At least two (2) taillights, stoplights, and headlights; (C) Two (2) turn signal lamps or other devices meeting the requirements of § 55-8-144 ; (D) A horn meeting the requirements of § 55-9-201 ; (E) A roll bar; (F) Seat belts for each seat; (G) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent spark arrester; (H) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent muffler in proper working order and properly connected to the vehicle's exhaust system; and (I) A windshield, with or without wipers; except, that if the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, then the operator and each passenger shall wear glasses containing impact resistant lenses, safety goggles, or a transparent face shield; and (2) The operator shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age and possess a valid driver license from this state or an equivalent license from another state, and otherwise comply with this chapter.
(1) The vehicle is equipped with: (A) Brakes; (B) At least two (2) taillights, stoplights, and headlights; (C) Two (2) turn signal lamps or other devices meeting the requirements of § 55-8-144 ; (D) A horn meeting the requirements of § 55-9-201 ; (E) A roll bar; (F) Seat belts for each seat; (G) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent spark arrester; (H) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent muffler in proper working order and properly connected to the vehicle's exhaust system; and (I) A windshield, with or without wipers; except, that if the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, then the operator and each passenger shall wear glasses containing impact resistant lenses, safety goggles, or a transparent face shield; and
(A) Brakes;
(B) At least two (2) taillights, stoplights, and headlights;
(C) Two (2) turn signal lamps or other devices meeting the requirements of § 55-8-144 ;
(D) A horn meeting the requirements of § 55-9-201 ;
(E) A roll bar;
(F) Seat belts for each seat;
(G) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent spark arrester;
(H) A manufacturer-installed or equivalent muffler in proper working order and properly connected to the vehicle's exhaust system; and
(I) A windshield, with or without wipers; except, that if the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, then the operator and each passenger shall wear glasses containing impact resistant lenses, safety goggles, or a transparent face shield; and
(2) The operator shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age and possess a valid driver license from this state or an equivalent license from another state, and otherwise comply with this chapter.
(d) A Class I and Class II off-highway vehicle and any person operating such vehicle is subject to all of the requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles, including the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12, part 1 of this title, relating to financial responsibility; chapter 50 of this title, relating to driver licenses; and chapters 3 and 4 of this title, relating to titling and registration, except as otherwise provided in chapter 4, part 7 of this title, or this section.
(e) Every person operating a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle upon a county road pursuant to this section shall obey all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle under part 1 of this chapter, and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except as to those provisions that by their nature can have no application.
(f) A person who violates subsections (a)-(e) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(g) Operation of the following off-highway vehicles shall be exempt from the registration requirements of chapter 4, part 7 of this title, and equipment and safety requirements of this section: (1) An off-highway vehicle operated on any private or public recreational trail or area; (2) An off-highway vehicle operated on an affiliated trail or area operated by a person or entity which has in place a safety program; (3) Off-highway vehicles operated for agricultural purposes; (4) Publicly-owned and operated off-highway vehicles that are used for wildlife management, law enforcement, emergency services, and other such purposes; and (5) Off-highway motor vehicles operated pursuant to § 55-8-185 , except those registered as a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle pursuant to chapter 4, part 7 of this title, and operated on county roads pursuant to this section.
(1) An off-highway vehicle operated on any private or public recreational trail or area;
(2) An off-highway vehicle operated on an affiliated trail or area operated by a person or entity which has in place a safety program;
(3) Off-highway vehicles operated for agricultural purposes;
(4) Publicly-owned and operated off-highway vehicles that are used for wildlife management, law enforcement, emergency services, and other such purposes; and
(5) Off-highway motor vehicles operated pursuant to § 55-8-185 , except those registered as a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle pursuant to chapter 4, part 7 of this title, and operated on county roads pursuant to this section.
(h) Nothing in this section requires any person to obtain a license pursuant to chapter 17 of this title in order to transfer, sell, or lease any Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 9, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-214 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-214
Directing traffic in school zones - Posting of signs - Training and performance requirements - Exclusions - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) A county or municipality may hire employees or appoint volunteers to direct vehicles, excluding emergency vehicles, on a public road or highway within a marked school zone for dropping off or picking up students at a public, private, or charter school within the jurisdiction of the county or municipality when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation and only during the period of time that is necessary for the convenience of dropping off or picking up students. (b) The county or municipality shall ensure that appropriate signage is posted in advance of the marked school zone informing drivers as to the dropping off or picking up of students at the approaching school zone. All regulatory and warning signs relating to the dropping off or picking up of students must comply with the manual on uniform traffic control devices (MUTCD). (c) The county or municipality shall ensure that while an individual employed or appointed pursuant to subsection (a) is performing the duties described in subsection (a), that the individual: (1) Is an adult who has received training and is qualified to comply with the MUTCD in their duties; (2) Wears high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI 107-2020 standard performance for Class 2, Type R, as described in the MUTCD; and (3) Uses a STOP paddle that complies with the MUTCD, including, but not limited to, being retroreflective or illuminated when used during hours of darkness or limited visibility. (d) This section does not apply to access-controlled roadways designated as being on the state system of highways and on roadways designated as being on the state system of interstate highways. (e) A motor vehicle operator who knowingly ignores a regulatory or warning sign posted pursuant to subsection (b) for the dropping off or picking up of students commits a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only of fifty dollars ($50.00). Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 948,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
(a) A county or municipality may hire employees or appoint volunteers to direct vehicles, excluding emergency vehicles, on a public road or highway within a marked school zone for dropping off or picking up students at a public, private, or charter school within the jurisdiction of the county or municipality when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation and only during the period of time that is necessary for the convenience of dropping off or picking up students.
(b) The county or municipality shall ensure that appropriate signage is posted in advance of the marked school zone informing drivers as to the dropping off or picking up of students at the approaching school zone. All regulatory and warning signs relating to the dropping off or picking up of students must comply with the manual on uniform traffic control devices (MUTCD).
(c) The county or municipality shall ensure that while an individual employed or appointed pursuant to subsection (a) is performing the duties described in subsection (a), that the individual: (1) Is an adult who has received training and is qualified to comply with the MUTCD in their duties; (2) Wears high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI 107-2020 standard performance for Class 2, Type R, as described in the MUTCD; and (3) Uses a STOP paddle that complies with the MUTCD, including, but not limited to, being retroreflective or illuminated when used during hours of darkness or limited visibility.
(1) Is an adult who has received training and is qualified to comply with the MUTCD in their duties;
(2) Wears high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI 107-2020 standard performance for Class 2, Type R, as described in the MUTCD; and
(3) Uses a STOP paddle that complies with the MUTCD, including, but not limited to, being retroreflective or illuminated when used during hours of darkness or limited visibility.
(d) This section does not apply to access-controlled roadways designated as being on the state system of highways and on roadways designated as being on the state system of interstate highways.
(e) A motor vehicle operator who knowingly ignores a regulatory or warning sign posted pursuant to subsection (b) for the dropping off or picking up of students commits a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only of fifty dollars ($50.00).
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 948,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-104
Terms of members - Vacancies - Oath of office
Status: in_force

(a) The terms of the chair, and the manufacturer and the consumer members of the commission shall be coterminous with that of the governor making their appointment or until their successors are appointed and qualified. (b) (1) The terms of the industry members first appointed to the commission shall be as follows: those members appointed from the list submitted by the Tennessee Automotive Association who are appointed from the first, fourth and seventh congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1956; the members appointed from the second, fifth and eighth congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1958; and the members appointed from the third, sixth and ninth congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1990; provided, that each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. (2) Thereafter, the term of office of each industry member of the commission other than the chair shall be for six (6) years. (3) In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any person serving as a member of the commission, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the governor in the same manner heretofore prescribed for the unexpired portion of the term. (c) The chair and each member of the commission shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required of public officers. Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 3; 1957, ch. 56, § 4; 1977, ch. 162, § 15; T.C.A., § 59-1704; Acts 1985, ch. 50, § 3; 1986, ch. 658, § 2; 1986, ch. 934, § 3; 1997, ch. 190, §§ 2, 3.
(a) The terms of the chair, and the manufacturer and the consumer members of the commission shall be coterminous with that of the governor making their appointment or until their successors are appointed and qualified.
(b) (1) The terms of the industry members first appointed to the commission shall be as follows: those members appointed from the list submitted by the Tennessee Automotive Association who are appointed from the first, fourth and seventh congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1956; the members appointed from the second, fifth and eighth congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1958; and the members appointed from the third, sixth and ninth congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1990; provided, that each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. (2) Thereafter, the term of office of each industry member of the commission other than the chair shall be for six (6) years. (3) In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any person serving as a member of the commission, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the governor in the same manner heretofore prescribed for the unexpired portion of the term.
(1) The terms of the industry members first appointed to the commission shall be as follows: those members appointed from the list submitted by the Tennessee Automotive Association who are appointed from the first, fourth and seventh congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1956; the members appointed from the second, fifth and eighth congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1958; and the members appointed from the third, sixth and ninth congressional districts shall serve until June 30, 1990; provided, that each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
(2) Thereafter, the term of office of each industry member of the commission other than the chair shall be for six (6) years.
(3) In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any person serving as a member of the commission, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the governor in the same manner heretofore prescribed for the unexpired portion of the term.
(c) The chair and each member of the commission shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required of public officers.
Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 3; 1957, ch. 56, § 4; 1977, ch. 162, § 15; T.C.A., § 59-1704; Acts 1985, ch. 50, § 3; 1986, ch. 658, § 2; 1986, ch. 934, § 3; 1997, ch. 190, §§ 2, 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-28-102 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 28 / Section 55-28-102
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter: (1) "Area of sales responsibility" means the geographical area, agreed to by the dealer and the manufacturer in the manufacturer/dealer agreement, within which area the dealer has the exclusive right to display and sell the manufacturer's new recreational vehicles of a particular line-make to the retail public; (2) "Dealer" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity licensed or required to be licensed under this chapter or chapter 17, part 4 of this title; (3) "Distributor" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity that purchases new recreational vehicles for resale to dealers; (4) "Factory campaign" means an effort on the part of a warrantor to contact recreational vehicle owners or dealers in order to address a part or equipment issue; (5) "Family member" means a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, sibling, niece, or nephew, or the spouse of such family member; (6) "Fifth wheel trailer" means a vehicle, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use of such size and weight as to not require a special highway movement permit and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle's rear axle; (7) "Folding camping trailer" means a vehicle mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold at the campsite to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use; (8) "Line-make" means a specific series of recreational vehicles that: (A) Are identified by a common series trade name or trademark; (B) Are targeted to a particular market segment, as determined by their decor, features, equipment, size, weight, and price range; (C) Have lengths and interior floor plans that distinguish the recreational vehicles from other recreational vehicles with substantially the same decor, equipment, features, price, and weight; (D) Belong to a single, distinct classification of recreational vehicle product type having a substantial degree of commonality in the construction of the chassis, frame, and body; and (E) The manufacturer/dealer agreement authorizes a dealer to sell; (9) "Manufacturer" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity that engages in the manufacturing of recreational vehicles; (10) "Manufacturer/dealer agreement" means a written agreement or contract entered into between a manufacturer and a dealer that fixes the rights and responsibilities of the parties and pursuant to which the dealer sells new recreational vehicles; (11) "Motor home" means a motorized vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. The vehicle must contain at least four (4) of the following permanently installed independent life support systems which meet the National Fire Protection Association Standard for Recreational Vehicles: (A) A cooking facility with an on-board fuel source; (B) A potable water supply system that includes at least a sink, faucet, and water tank with an exterior service supply connection; (C) A toilet with exterior evacuation; (D) A gas or electric refrigerator; (E) A heating or air conditioning system with an on-board power or fuel source separate from the vehicle engine; or (F) An electric power system separate from the vehicle engine; (12) "Proprietary part" means any part manufactured by or for and sold exclusively by a manufacturer; (13) "Recreational vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle which is either self-propelled or towed by a consumer-owned tow vehicle, and designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use that complies with all applicable federal vehicle regulations and does not require a special-movement permit to legally use the highways; and (B) Includes the following basic products: (i) Motor home; (ii) Travel trailer; (iii) Fifth wheel travel trailer; and (iv) Folding camping trailer; (14) "Supplier" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity that engages in the manufacturing of recreational vehicle parts, accessories, or components; (15) "Transient customer" means a customer who is temporarily traveling through a dealer's area of sales responsibility; (16) "Travel trailer" means a vehicle, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use of such size and weight as to not require a special highway movement permit when towed by a motorized vehicle; and (17) "Warrantor": (A) Means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity, including a manufacturer or supplier, that provides a written warranty to a consumer in connection with a new recreational vehicle or a part, accessory, or component of such vehicle; and (B) Does not include service contracts, mechanical or other insurance, or extended warranties sold for separate consideration by a dealer or other person not controlled by a manufacturer. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Area of sales responsibility" means the geographical area, agreed to by the dealer and the manufacturer in the manufacturer/dealer agreement, within which area the dealer has the exclusive right to display and sell the manufacturer's new recreational vehicles of a particular line-make to the retail public;
(2) "Dealer" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity licensed or required to be licensed under this chapter or chapter 17, part 4 of this title;
(3) "Distributor" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity that purchases new recreational vehicles for resale to dealers;
(4) "Factory campaign" means an effort on the part of a warrantor to contact recreational vehicle owners or dealers in order to address a part or equipment issue;
(5) "Family member" means a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, sibling, niece, or nephew, or the spouse of such family member;
(6) "Fifth wheel trailer" means a vehicle, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use of such size and weight as to not require a special highway movement permit and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle's rear axle;
(7) "Folding camping trailer" means a vehicle mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold at the campsite to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use;
(8) "Line-make" means a specific series of recreational vehicles that: (A) Are identified by a common series trade name or trademark; (B) Are targeted to a particular market segment, as determined by their decor, features, equipment, size, weight, and price range; (C) Have lengths and interior floor plans that distinguish the recreational vehicles from other recreational vehicles with substantially the same decor, equipment, features, price, and weight; (D) Belong to a single, distinct classification of recreational vehicle product type having a substantial degree of commonality in the construction of the chassis, frame, and body; and (E) The manufacturer/dealer agreement authorizes a dealer to sell;
(A) Are identified by a common series trade name or trademark;
(B) Are targeted to a particular market segment, as determined by their decor, features, equipment, size, weight, and price range;
(C) Have lengths and interior floor plans that distinguish the recreational vehicles from other recreational vehicles with substantially the same decor, equipment, features, price, and weight;
(D) Belong to a single, distinct classification of recreational vehicle product type having a substantial degree of commonality in the construction of the chassis, frame, and body; and
(E) The manufacturer/dealer agreement authorizes a dealer to sell;
(9) "Manufacturer" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity that engages in the manufacturing of recreational vehicles;
(10) "Manufacturer/dealer agreement" means a written agreement or contract entered into between a manufacturer and a dealer that fixes the rights and responsibilities of the parties and pursuant to which the dealer sells new recreational vehicles;
(11) "Motor home" means a motorized vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. The vehicle must contain at least four (4) of the following permanently installed independent life support systems which meet the National Fire Protection Association Standard for Recreational Vehicles: (A) A cooking facility with an on-board fuel source; (B) A potable water supply system that includes at least a sink, faucet, and water tank with an exterior service supply connection; (C) A toilet with exterior evacuation; (D) A gas or electric refrigerator; (E) A heating or air conditioning system with an on-board power or fuel source separate from the vehicle engine; or (F) An electric power system separate from the vehicle engine;
(A) A cooking facility with an on-board fuel source;
(B) A potable water supply system that includes at least a sink, faucet, and water tank with an exterior service supply connection;
(C) A toilet with exterior evacuation;
(D) A gas or electric refrigerator;
(E) A heating or air conditioning system with an on-board power or fuel source separate from the vehicle engine; or
(F) An electric power system separate from the vehicle engine;
(12) "Proprietary part" means any part manufactured by or for and sold exclusively by a manufacturer;
(13) "Recreational vehicle": (A) Means a vehicle which is either self-propelled or towed by a consumer-owned tow vehicle, and designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use that complies with all applicable federal vehicle regulations and does not require a special-movement permit to legally use the highways; and (B) Includes the following basic products: (i) Motor home; (ii) Travel trailer; (iii) Fifth wheel travel trailer; and (iv) Folding camping trailer;
(A) Means a vehicle which is either self-propelled or towed by a consumer-owned tow vehicle, and designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use that complies with all applicable federal vehicle regulations and does not require a special-movement permit to legally use the highways; and
(B) Includes the following basic products: (i) Motor home; (ii) Travel trailer; (iii) Fifth wheel travel trailer; and (iv) Folding camping trailer;
(i) Motor home;
(ii) Travel trailer;
(iii) Fifth wheel travel trailer; and
(iv) Folding camping trailer;
(14) "Supplier" means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity that engages in the manufacturing of recreational vehicle parts, accessories, or components;
(15) "Transient customer" means a customer who is temporarily traveling through a dealer's area of sales responsibility;
(16) "Travel trailer" means a vehicle, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use of such size and weight as to not require a special highway movement permit when towed by a motorized vehicle; and
(17) "Warrantor": (A) Means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity, including a manufacturer or supplier, that provides a written warranty to a consumer in connection with a new recreational vehicle or a part, accessory, or component of such vehicle; and (B) Does not include service contracts, mechanical or other insurance, or extended warranties sold for separate consideration by a dealer or other person not controlled by a manufacturer.
(A) Means any person, firm, corporation, or business entity, including a manufacturer or supplier, that provides a written warranty to a consumer in connection with a new recreational vehicle or a part, accessory, or component of such vehicle; and
(B) Does not include service contracts, mechanical or other insurance, or extended warranties sold for separate consideration by a dealer or other person not controlled by a manufacturer.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-415 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-415
Third-party skill testing program
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Entity" means: (A) A private corporation with at least one (1) employee, licensed to do business by the secretary of state, but not an individual person; or (B) A local, county, or state government, or subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public schools and institutions of higher education; (2) "Third-party skills test" means the skills test required to obtain a commercial driver license that is administered by a third-party skills test examiner and that includes, but is not limited to, the pre-trip inspection, basic skills, and road skills; (3) "Third-party skills test company" means an entity that contracts with and is certified by the department to provide third-party skills tests performed by third-party skills test examiners; and (4) "Third-party skills test examiner" means an individual who has been authorized by the department to perform third-party skills tests. (b) There is established a third-party skills testing program administered by the department for the purpose of facilitating the testing and licensure of commercial drivers. In furtherance of the program: (1) The department may contract with one (1) or more third-party skills test companies, subject to applicable contracting statutes and regulations; and (2) The department may charge a third-party skills test company an annual fee not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) to cover the costs of administering the program. The department shall establish the annual fee by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The department may allow the fee to be waived for a public entity that becomes a third-party skills test company. (c) An entity applying to be a third-party skills test company: (1) Must have access to an appropriate testing area within this state that the department approves for conducting third-party skills tests; (2) Must agree to charge a test taker no more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per third-party skills test, including the test itself and all associated fees and charges; (3) Must agree to issue to a successful test taker an indicator of passage on the skills test, either on a form developed by the department or by other means authorized by the department, which may include electronic means; (4) Must initiate and maintain a bond in an amount determined by the department to be sufficient to pay for retesting drivers in the event that the third-party skills test company or one (1) or more of its third-party skills test examiners working for the company is involved in fraudulent activities related to testing applicants for a CDL. A third-party skills test company that is a government entity is not required to maintain a bond; and (5) Must satisfy other eligibility criteria as the department may establish by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (d) An individual applying to be a third-party skills test examiner: (1) Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; (2) Must possess a valid CDL with the classification and endorsement commensurate with the third-party skills test that the individual is applying to administer; (3) Must possess a valid medical card or certificate; (4) Must provide the individual's ten-year driving history. If the individual's entire driving history is shorter than ten (10) years, then the individual must provide the individual's entire driving history; (5) Must not have been convicted of: (A) A misdemeanor within the past ten (10) years resulting from the applicant driving while intoxicated; (B) A felony within the past ten (10) years; or (C) A crime involving fraudulent activities; (6) Must complete the department's initial training program; and (7) Must satisfy other eligibility criteria as the department may establish by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (e) An application to become a third-party skills test company or a third-party skills test examiner must be submitted to the department on a form and in a manner as the department may prescribe. (f) A CDL applicant shall remit payment for the administration of a third-party skills test to the third-party skills test company, regardless of whether the skills test was administered by a third-party skills test examiner who is an employee of the company or a contractor for the company. (g) (1) A third-party skills test examiner must perform a minimum of thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year. A third-party skills test counts toward this requirement whether or not the test was administered to a person employed by or attending a training program sponsored by the third-party skills test company with which the examiner is associated. If a third-party skills test examiner does not meet this requirement, then the third-party skills test examiner must either take a refresher training course administered by the department or have a state-employed CDL examiner co-score the next third-party skills test that the third-party skills test examiner administers. (2) (A) Notwithstanding subdivision (g)(1), a third-party skills test examiner who is unable to perform the required thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year may apply to the department of safety for a waiver of this requirement. (B) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may grant the waiver upon good cause shown. (C) If the waiver is denied, then compliance with subdivision (g)(1) is required. (h) Each third-party skills test company and each area where third-party skills tests are administered must be inspected by the department on initial application. Thereafter, inspections may occur at the discretion of the department or the FMCSA. (i) Third-party skills test companies and third-party skills test examiners must keep accurate records of all skills tests administered and the results of the tests administered, including whether an applicant passed or failed each portion of the skills test. These records must be available during normal business hours for audit or inspection by the department or the FMCSA. Failure to comply with department records requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of the third-party testing company's contract with the department. A CDL driver whose testing cannot be verified because a third-party skills test company or a third-party skills test examiner failed to keep or produce accurate records may be required to undergo a re-examination of one (1) or more aspects of the skills test by the department. (j) A third-party skills test examiner may apply to the department to be authorized to perform school bus (S) endorsement skills testing pursuant to rules promulgated by the department in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (k) (1) A third-party skills test company is not an agent of the department. (2) A third-party skills test examiner must be an employee or a contractor of a third-party testing company, and a third-party skills test examiner is not an agent or employee of the department for any purpose. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 992, s 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Entity" means: (A) A private corporation with at least one (1) employee, licensed to do business by the secretary of state, but not an individual person; or (B) A local, county, or state government, or subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public schools and institutions of higher education; (2) "Third-party skills test" means the skills test required to obtain a commercial driver license that is administered by a third-party skills test examiner and that includes, but is not limited to, the pre-trip inspection, basic skills, and road skills; (3) "Third-party skills test company" means an entity that contracts with and is certified by the department to provide third-party skills tests performed by third-party skills test examiners; and (4) "Third-party skills test examiner" means an individual who has been authorized by the department to perform third-party skills tests.
(1) "Entity" means: (A) A private corporation with at least one (1) employee, licensed to do business by the secretary of state, but not an individual person; or (B) A local, county, or state government, or subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public schools and institutions of higher education;
(A) A private corporation with at least one (1) employee, licensed to do business by the secretary of state, but not an individual person; or
(B) A local, county, or state government, or subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public schools and institutions of higher education;
(2) "Third-party skills test" means the skills test required to obtain a commercial driver license that is administered by a third-party skills test examiner and that includes, but is not limited to, the pre-trip inspection, basic skills, and road skills;
(3) "Third-party skills test company" means an entity that contracts with and is certified by the department to provide third-party skills tests performed by third-party skills test examiners; and
(4) "Third-party skills test examiner" means an individual who has been authorized by the department to perform third-party skills tests.
(b) There is established a third-party skills testing program administered by the department for the purpose of facilitating the testing and licensure of commercial drivers. In furtherance of the program: (1) The department may contract with one (1) or more third-party skills test companies, subject to applicable contracting statutes and regulations; and (2) The department may charge a third-party skills test company an annual fee not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) to cover the costs of administering the program. The department shall establish the annual fee by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The department may allow the fee to be waived for a public entity that becomes a third-party skills test company.
(1) The department may contract with one (1) or more third-party skills test companies, subject to applicable contracting statutes and regulations; and
(2) The department may charge a third-party skills test company an annual fee not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) to cover the costs of administering the program. The department shall establish the annual fee by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The department may allow the fee to be waived for a public entity that becomes a third-party skills test company.
(c) An entity applying to be a third-party skills test company: (1) Must have access to an appropriate testing area within this state that the department approves for conducting third-party skills tests; (2) Must agree to charge a test taker no more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per third-party skills test, including the test itself and all associated fees and charges; (3) Must agree to issue to a successful test taker an indicator of passage on the skills test, either on a form developed by the department or by other means authorized by the department, which may include electronic means; (4) Must initiate and maintain a bond in an amount determined by the department to be sufficient to pay for retesting drivers in the event that the third-party skills test company or one (1) or more of its third-party skills test examiners working for the company is involved in fraudulent activities related to testing applicants for a CDL. A third-party skills test company that is a government entity is not required to maintain a bond; and (5) Must satisfy other eligibility criteria as the department may establish by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) Must have access to an appropriate testing area within this state that the department approves for conducting third-party skills tests;
(2) Must agree to charge a test taker no more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per third-party skills test, including the test itself and all associated fees and charges;
(3) Must agree to issue to a successful test taker an indicator of passage on the skills test, either on a form developed by the department or by other means authorized by the department, which may include electronic means;
(4) Must initiate and maintain a bond in an amount determined by the department to be sufficient to pay for retesting drivers in the event that the third-party skills test company or one (1) or more of its third-party skills test examiners working for the company is involved in fraudulent activities related to testing applicants for a CDL. A third-party skills test company that is a government entity is not required to maintain a bond; and
(5) Must satisfy other eligibility criteria as the department may establish by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(d) An individual applying to be a third-party skills test examiner: (1) Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; (2) Must possess a valid CDL with the classification and endorsement commensurate with the third-party skills test that the individual is applying to administer; (3) Must possess a valid medical card or certificate; (4) Must provide the individual's ten-year driving history. If the individual's entire driving history is shorter than ten (10) years, then the individual must provide the individual's entire driving history; (5) Must not have been convicted of: (A) A misdemeanor within the past ten (10) years resulting from the applicant driving while intoxicated; (B) A felony within the past ten (10) years; or (C) A crime involving fraudulent activities; (6) Must complete the department's initial training program; and (7) Must satisfy other eligibility criteria as the department may establish by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
(2) Must possess a valid CDL with the classification and endorsement commensurate with the third-party skills test that the individual is applying to administer;
(3) Must possess a valid medical card or certificate;
(4) Must provide the individual's ten-year driving history. If the individual's entire driving history is shorter than ten (10) years, then the individual must provide the individual's entire driving history;
(5) Must not have been convicted of: (A) A misdemeanor within the past ten (10) years resulting from the applicant driving while intoxicated; (B) A felony within the past ten (10) years; or (C) A crime involving fraudulent activities;
(A) A misdemeanor within the past ten (10) years resulting from the applicant driving while intoxicated;
(B) A felony within the past ten (10) years; or
(C) A crime involving fraudulent activities;
(6) Must complete the department's initial training program; and
(7) Must satisfy other eligibility criteria as the department may establish by rule in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(e) An application to become a third-party skills test company or a third-party skills test examiner must be submitted to the department on a form and in a manner as the department may prescribe.
(f) A CDL applicant shall remit payment for the administration of a third-party skills test to the third-party skills test company, regardless of whether the skills test was administered by a third-party skills test examiner who is an employee of the company or a contractor for the company.
(g) (1) A third-party skills test examiner must perform a minimum of thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year. A third-party skills test counts toward this requirement whether or not the test was administered to a person employed by or attending a training program sponsored by the third-party skills test company with which the examiner is associated. If a third-party skills test examiner does not meet this requirement, then the third-party skills test examiner must either take a refresher training course administered by the department or have a state-employed CDL examiner co-score the next third-party skills test that the third-party skills test examiner administers. (2) (A) Notwithstanding subdivision (g)(1), a third-party skills test examiner who is unable to perform the required thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year may apply to the department of safety for a waiver of this requirement. (B) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may grant the waiver upon good cause shown. (C) If the waiver is denied, then compliance with subdivision (g)(1) is required.
(1) A third-party skills test examiner must perform a minimum of thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year. A third-party skills test counts toward this requirement whether or not the test was administered to a person employed by or attending a training program sponsored by the third-party skills test company with which the examiner is associated. If a third-party skills test examiner does not meet this requirement, then the third-party skills test examiner must either take a refresher training course administered by the department or have a state-employed CDL examiner co-score the next third-party skills test that the third-party skills test examiner administers.
(2) (A) Notwithstanding subdivision (g)(1), a third-party skills test examiner who is unable to perform the required thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year may apply to the department of safety for a waiver of this requirement. (B) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may grant the waiver upon good cause shown. (C) If the waiver is denied, then compliance with subdivision (g)(1) is required.
(A) Notwithstanding subdivision (g)(1), a third-party skills test examiner who is unable to perform the required thirty (30) third-party skills tests per year may apply to the department of safety for a waiver of this requirement.
(B) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may grant the waiver upon good cause shown.
(C) If the waiver is denied, then compliance with subdivision (g)(1) is required.
(h) Each third-party skills test company and each area where third-party skills tests are administered must be inspected by the department on initial application. Thereafter, inspections may occur at the discretion of the department or the FMCSA.
(i) Third-party skills test companies and third-party skills test examiners must keep accurate records of all skills tests administered and the results of the tests administered, including whether an applicant passed or failed each portion of the skills test. These records must be available during normal business hours for audit or inspection by the department or the FMCSA. Failure to comply with department records requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of the third-party testing company's contract with the department. A CDL driver whose testing cannot be verified because a third-party skills test company or a third-party skills test examiner failed to keep or produce accurate records may be required to undergo a re-examination of one (1) or more aspects of the skills test by the department.
(j) A third-party skills test examiner may apply to the department to be authorized to perform school bus (S) endorsement skills testing pursuant to rules promulgated by the department in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(k) (1) A third-party skills test company is not an agent of the department. (2) A third-party skills test examiner must be an employee or a contractor of a third-party testing company, and a third-party skills test examiner is not an agent or employee of the department for any purpose.
(1) A third-party skills test company is not an agent of the department.
(2) A third-party skills test examiner must be an employee or a contractor of a third-party testing company, and a third-party skills test examiner is not an agent or employee of the department for any purpose.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 992, s 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-108
Additional information - Request for copy of report - Reports open to public inspection - Prohibited uses
Status: in_force

(a) The department may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the department and may require witnesses of accidents to render reports to the department. (b) (1) Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident, whether the accident has occurred on a highway within this state or on privately owned real property, either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or thereafter, by interviewing the participants or witnesses, shall, within seven (7) calendar days after completing the investigation, forward a report of the accident to the department, and a copy thereof shall be kept in the various district offices of the Tennessee highway patrol. Any motor vehicle officer investigating any accident, at the time of and at the scene of the accident, may have the parties exchange insurance information, which would include the name of each party's insurance company and the location of an agency of the insurance company. Reports prepared by a law enforcement officer shall include information pertaining to the insurance policy, including the name of the insurance company, if known, of each person involved in the accident. If a person has a certificate of compliance with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, issued by the commissioner of safety, a copy of the certificate shall be included in the report. (2) Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident that occurs on a road or highway in Tennessee, including federal interstates and defense highways, shall note on the report of the accident if physical barriers are present at the site of such motor vehicle accident. (c) Whenever an accident occurs involving operators of railroad locomotives, law enforcement officers making reports of such accidents shall enter the operating permit number issued by the employing railroad instead of the operator's motor vehicle license number. (d) Upon written request to the commissioner of safety in Nashville by the driver or owner of a vehicle involved in such an accident, or the driver's or owner's agent or legal representative, a copy of any report of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department shall be forwarded to the requesting party, the written request to be accompanied by four dollars ($4.00) which shall be expendable receipts of the department. Except for personally identifying information described in § 10-7-504(a)(31) , the report under subsection (b) shall not be considered confidential within the meaning of § 55-10-114(a) . Copies of any reports of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department that are on file in the various district offices of the Tennessee highway patrol shall be made available for inspection by the parties set forth in this subsection (d), and may be obtained from the station by paying the fee of four dollars ($4.00). (e) The department of safety shall monitor reports of accidents forwarded to the department by law enforcement agencies to ensure that the reports are being forwarded timely. The department shall notify any law enforcement agency that fails consistently to forward the reports within seven (7) calendar days pursuant to subsection (b). (f) (1) Any report of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department or prepared pursuant to subsection (b) is open to public inspection as a public record under the public records laws compiled in title 10, chapter 7, with the exception of personally identifying information as provided in § 10-7-504(a)(31) . (2) It is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable only by fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence for any person to knowingly use the report or information contained in the report for solicitation that is prohibited by a standard of conduct or practice of any profession licensed by this state. Any person requesting the disclosure of personally identifying information who misrepresents that person's identity or makes a false statement on any request submitted pursuant to this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence. (g) A person who holds a professional license regulated by the executive branch of this state who uses information obtained pursuant to this section in violation of a statute, code of professional ethics, or rule of professional conduct applicable to that person commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fine only of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence. (h) In addition to any other remedies, a person whose personally identifying information is obtained in violation of subdivision (f)(2) or subsection (g) may bring a private right of action individually to recover actual damages against the person or entity committing such violation. The trial court may award a civil penalty up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per act or occurrence against such person or entity. The action may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the alleged violation took place or in the county in which the plaintiff resides. Upon a determination of a violation by the trier of fact, the court may award the plaintiff reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The private right of action provided in this subsection (h) does not apply to contact by persons or entities allowed to obtain personally identifying information pursuant to § 10-7-504(a)(31)(B) or other applicable law. (i) (1) As used in this subsection (i): (A) "Accident response service fee" means a fee imposed for the response or investigation by a law enforcement agency of a motor vehicle accident; and (B) "Entity" includes a governmental entity or agency or a department of a governmental entity. (2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no person or entity shall impose an accident response service fee on or from an insurance company, the driver or owner of a motor vehicle, or any other person. Nothing in this part prevents any county, municipality or other local government from billing an insurance company, the driver or owner of a motor vehicle, or any other person for ambulance services provided in response to or in conjunction with emergency response to motor vehicle accidents. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 111,Secs.s3, s4, s5 eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 111,s 2, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 85; 1963, ch. 217, § 1; 1967, ch. 200, §§ 1, 2; 1969, ch. 213, § 2; 1973, ch. 343, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1008; Acts 1986, ch. 842, §§ 7, 8; 1993, ch. 131, § 1; 1998, ch. 886, §§ 1 - 4; 2004, ch. 757, § 1; 2007, ch. 139, § 1; 2008, ch. 651, § 1; 2008, ch. 681, §§ 1, 2; 2012, ch. 531, §§ 1-6; 2012, ch. 1108, § 1.
(a) The department may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the department and may require witnesses of accidents to render reports to the department.
(b) (1) Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident, whether the accident has occurred on a highway within this state or on privately owned real property, either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or thereafter, by interviewing the participants or witnesses, shall, within seven (7) calendar days after completing the investigation, forward a report of the accident to the department, and a copy thereof shall be kept in the various district offices of the Tennessee highway patrol. Any motor vehicle officer investigating any accident, at the time of and at the scene of the accident, may have the parties exchange insurance information, which would include the name of each party's insurance company and the location of an agency of the insurance company. Reports prepared by a law enforcement officer shall include information pertaining to the insurance policy, including the name of the insurance company, if known, of each person involved in the accident. If a person has a certificate of compliance with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, issued by the commissioner of safety, a copy of the certificate shall be included in the report. (2) Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident that occurs on a road or highway in Tennessee, including federal interstates and defense highways, shall note on the report of the accident if physical barriers are present at the site of such motor vehicle accident.
(1) Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident, whether the accident has occurred on a highway within this state or on privately owned real property, either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or thereafter, by interviewing the participants or witnesses, shall, within seven (7) calendar days after completing the investigation, forward a report of the accident to the department, and a copy thereof shall be kept in the various district offices of the Tennessee highway patrol. Any motor vehicle officer investigating any accident, at the time of and at the scene of the accident, may have the parties exchange insurance information, which would include the name of each party's insurance company and the location of an agency of the insurance company. Reports prepared by a law enforcement officer shall include information pertaining to the insurance policy, including the name of the insurance company, if known, of each person involved in the accident. If a person has a certificate of compliance with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, issued by the commissioner of safety, a copy of the certificate shall be included in the report.
(2) Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident that occurs on a road or highway in Tennessee, including federal interstates and defense highways, shall note on the report of the accident if physical barriers are present at the site of such motor vehicle accident.
(c) Whenever an accident occurs involving operators of railroad locomotives, law enforcement officers making reports of such accidents shall enter the operating permit number issued by the employing railroad instead of the operator's motor vehicle license number.
(d) Upon written request to the commissioner of safety in Nashville by the driver or owner of a vehicle involved in such an accident, or the driver's or owner's agent or legal representative, a copy of any report of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department shall be forwarded to the requesting party, the written request to be accompanied by four dollars ($4.00) which shall be expendable receipts of the department. Except for personally identifying information described in § 10-7-504(a)(31) , the report under subsection (b) shall not be considered confidential within the meaning of § 55-10-114(a) . Copies of any reports of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department that are on file in the various district offices of the Tennessee highway patrol shall be made available for inspection by the parties set forth in this subsection (d), and may be obtained from the station by paying the fee of four dollars ($4.00).
(e) The department of safety shall monitor reports of accidents forwarded to the department by law enforcement agencies to ensure that the reports are being forwarded timely. The department shall notify any law enforcement agency that fails consistently to forward the reports within seven (7) calendar days pursuant to subsection (b).
(f) (1) Any report of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department or prepared pursuant to subsection (b) is open to public inspection as a public record under the public records laws compiled in title 10, chapter 7, with the exception of personally identifying information as provided in § 10-7-504(a)(31) . (2) It is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable only by fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence for any person to knowingly use the report or information contained in the report for solicitation that is prohibited by a standard of conduct or practice of any profession licensed by this state. Any person requesting the disclosure of personally identifying information who misrepresents that person's identity or makes a false statement on any request submitted pursuant to this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence.
(1) Any report of a motor vehicle accident investigated by the department or prepared pursuant to subsection (b) is open to public inspection as a public record under the public records laws compiled in title 10, chapter 7, with the exception of personally identifying information as provided in § 10-7-504(a)(31) .
(2) It is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable only by fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence for any person to knowingly use the report or information contained in the report for solicitation that is prohibited by a standard of conduct or practice of any profession licensed by this state. Any person requesting the disclosure of personally identifying information who misrepresents that person's identity or makes a false statement on any request submitted pursuant to this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence.
(g) A person who holds a professional license regulated by the executive branch of this state who uses information obtained pursuant to this section in violation of a statute, code of professional ethics, or rule of professional conduct applicable to that person commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fine only of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per occurrence.
(h) In addition to any other remedies, a person whose personally identifying information is obtained in violation of subdivision (f)(2) or subsection (g) may bring a private right of action individually to recover actual damages against the person or entity committing such violation. The trial court may award a civil penalty up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per act or occurrence against such person or entity. The action may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the alleged violation took place or in the county in which the plaintiff resides. Upon a determination of a violation by the trier of fact, the court may award the plaintiff reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The private right of action provided in this subsection (h) does not apply to contact by persons or entities allowed to obtain personally identifying information pursuant to § 10-7-504(a)(31)(B) or other applicable law.
(i) (1) As used in this subsection (i): (A) "Accident response service fee" means a fee imposed for the response or investigation by a law enforcement agency of a motor vehicle accident; and (B) "Entity" includes a governmental entity or agency or a department of a governmental entity. (2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no person or entity shall impose an accident response service fee on or from an insurance company, the driver or owner of a motor vehicle, or any other person. Nothing in this part prevents any county, municipality or other local government from billing an insurance company, the driver or owner of a motor vehicle, or any other person for ambulance services provided in response to or in conjunction with emergency response to motor vehicle accidents.
(1) As used in this subsection (i): (A) "Accident response service fee" means a fee imposed for the response or investigation by a law enforcement agency of a motor vehicle accident; and (B) "Entity" includes a governmental entity or agency or a department of a governmental entity.
(A) "Accident response service fee" means a fee imposed for the response or investigation by a law enforcement agency of a motor vehicle accident; and
(B) "Entity" includes a governmental entity or agency or a department of a governmental entity.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no person or entity shall impose an accident response service fee on or from an insurance company, the driver or owner of a motor vehicle, or any other person. Nothing in this part prevents any county, municipality or other local government from billing an insurance company, the driver or owner of a motor vehicle, or any other person for ambulance services provided in response to or in conjunction with emergency response to motor vehicle accidents.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 111,Secs.s3, s4, s5 eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 111,s 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 85; 1963, ch. 217, § 1; 1967, ch. 200, §§ 1, 2; 1969, ch. 213, § 2; 1973, ch. 343, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1008; Acts 1986, ch. 842, §§ 7, 8; 1993, ch. 131, § 1; 1998, ch. 886, §§ 1 - 4; 2004, ch. 757, § 1; 2007, ch. 139, § 1; 2008, ch. 651, § 1; 2008, ch. 681, §§ 1, 2; 2012, ch. 531, §§ 1-6; 2012, ch. 1108, § 1.