Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-203 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-203
Maximum weight per axle or group of axles allowed - Exemptions for heavy-duty tow and recovery and emergency fire suppression vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, no freight motor vehicle shall be operated over, on, or upon the public highways of this state where the total weight on a single axle or any group of axles exceeds the weight limitations set forth in subdivisions (b)(1)-(7). (b) (1) (A) No axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). (B) Axle combinations and fifth wheel placement on the tractor shall ensure equal weight distribution on weight carrying axle combinations, and the axle combinations shall be equipped with brakes having power motivation. (C) An axle load as set out herein is defined as the total load transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers may be included between two (2) parallel transverse vertical planes, not more than forty inches (40") apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle. (2) The total gross weight concentrated on the highway surface from any tandem axle group shall not exceed thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) for each tandem axle group. "Tandem axle group" means two (2) or more axles spaced more than forty inches (40") and not more than ninety-six inches (96") apart from center to center having at least one (1) common point of weight suspension. (3) The total gross weight of a vehicle, freight motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer or semitrailer or combinations of these vehicles operated over, on or upon the public highways of this state shall not exceed eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.); provided, that when operating over or on the interstate system of this state the total gross weight shall not exceed the lesser of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or the weight produced by application of the following formula: Click here to view formula. Where W = overall gross weight on any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds (500 lbs.), L = distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles, and N = number of axles in group under consideration, except that two (2) consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) each, where the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet (36') or more, except such vehicles, or combinations thereof operating under special permits now authorized by law; provided, that wherever a maximum permissive gross weight of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or of lengths prescribed in § 55-7-201 or a height of thirteen and one-half feet (131/2') is authorized for any vehicle or combination of vehicles, it is the legislative intent that the prescribed weight, length, and height limits shall be strictly enforced, and it is unlawful for any state, county, or municipal officer to allow or permit any additional weight, length or height by way of tolerance or otherwise, except that the commissioner of transportation may issue special permits pursuant to § 55-7-205 . (4) "Freight motor vehicle," as used in this section, includes both the tractor or truck and the trailer, semitrailer or trailers, if any, and the weight of any combination shall not exceed the maximum fixed herein; provided, that no freight motor vehicle with motive power shall haul more than one (1) vehicle unless otherwise provided. (5) No freight motor vehicle shall haul a trailer on any highway of this state when the trailer (including its load) weighs more than three thousand five hundred pounds (3,500 lbs.). The restrictions on hauling a trailer in excess weight of three thousand five hundred pounds (3,500 lbs.) by a freight motor vehicle, as described in the preceding sentence, shall not be applicable whenever a converter dolly or equivalent fixed connection having the same safety characteristics is appropriately installed or placed under the trailer to be hauled by this freight motor vehicle. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(5), "trailer" means a vehicle without motive power designed or used for carrying freight or property wholly on its own structure; provided, that it is not unlawful for any motor vehicle subject to this part to have a semitrailer, which, for the purposes hereof, is defined as a vehicle for the carrying of property or freight and so designed that some part of the weight of the semitrailer or its load rests upon or is carried by the motor vehicle to which it is attached. The hauling of a trailer (to the extent herein permitted) or a semitrailer shall be subject to the further provisions hereof. This part is not intended to prohibit the movements of spools carrying wire or cable, when used for construction or repair purposes. The weight limitation respecting trailers shall not be applicable to implements designed to distribute fertilizer while such vehicles are being drawn by a freight motor vehicle between the plant and the farm. (6) If the gross weight of a freight motor vehicle does not exceed the sum obtained by computing the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles, the driver shall not be cited for violation of an axle weight limitation while transporting crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, solid waste, tankage or animal residues, livestock and agricultural products, or agricultural limestone over the state highway system other than the portion designated as the interstate system. (7) For purposes of enforcement of this section, weight restrictions shall be deemed to have a margin of error of ten percent (10%) of the true gross or axle weight for all logging, sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate, solid waste, recovered materials, farm trucks and machinery trucks when being operated over the state highway system other than the portion designated as the interstate system. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(7): (A) "Clay truck" means those trucks used for hauling clay from the place of extraction to the place where the clay is used or processed; (B) "Coal truck" means those trucks used for hauling coal and coal products; (C) "Farm truck" means those trucks utilized by farmers to load grain, fiber, produce, livestock, milk or other agricultural products produced on their farms and to transport the agricultural commodities to their respective markets. The trucks include farm to market transportation when the truck is operated by the farmer, the farmer's family or employee or a representative hired by the farmer to haul the commodity; (D) "Logging truck" means those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips or wood dust from the woods to the mill or from the mill to a loading or storage place or market; (E) "Machinery truck" means those trucks used for hauling machinery by the owner/operator within a one hundred (100) mile radius of the base location of the owner/operator's area of operation, subject to the limitation of one (1) truck per owner/operator; (F) "Phosphate truck" means those trucks used for hauling phosphate, phosphate products, or other raw materials used in the manufacture of phosphorus; (G) "Recovered materials truck" means those trucks used for hauling recovered materials, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while those materials are being hauled from the point of generation to the facility where they will be processed for subsequent shipment to an end-user; (H) "Sand truck" means those trucks used for hauling raw sand from the place of extraction to the place where the sand is used or processed; provided, that if the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of chapter 349 of the Public Acts of 1989, adding sand trucks to this subdivision (b)(7) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such act shall be void and inoperative; (I) "Shale truck" means those trucks used for hauling shale from the place of extraction to the place where the shale is used or processed; and (J) "Solid waste truck" means those trucks used for hauling solid waste, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while the solid waste is being collected and being hauled from the place or places of collection to a landfill or disposal facility. (8) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, in order to promote the reduction of fuel use and emissions, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to subdivision (b)(3) and equipped with idle-reduction technology or other emissions-reduction technology shall be increased by the weight of the idle-reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology; provided, that such weight is not more than five hundred fifty pounds (550 lbs.) or the maximum amount allowed by federal law, whichever is greater. At the request of an authorized representative of the department of safety, the motor vehicle operator shall provide proof by means of documentation or by a physical inspection that the vehicle is equipped with such idle-reduction technology or other emissions-reduction technology. (9) (A) To the extent required by federal law, a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric battery power may exceed any vehicle weight limit under this section, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-two thousand pounds (82,000 lbs.), by an amount that is equal to the difference between: (i) The weight of the vehicle attributable to: (a) The electric batteries used to power the vehicle; or (b) The natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and (ii) The weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. (B) Subdivision (b)(9)(A) applies only when a vehicle is operating on the interstate highway system or within terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest with reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system. (c) For nondivisible overweight loads exceeding the maximum gross vehicle weight established in this section, the commissioner may issue a special permit in accordance with § 55-7-205 allowing axle weights in excess of the axle weight limits established in subsection (b) as follows: (1) The maximum width of the vehicle, including the truck and semi-trailer or trailer combination, shall not exceed ten feet (10'); provided, however, that the load may exceed ten feet (10') in width if properly permitted; (2) No single axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty-three thousand pounds (23,000 lbs.); (3) No tandem axle group shall carry a load in excess of forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.); and (4) No axle group of three (3) axles (tridem) shall carry a load in excess of sixty thousand pounds (60,000 lbs.). (d) (1) To the extent required by federal law, the vehicle weight limitations set forth in this section do not apply to a covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle operating on the interstate highway system and within reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. (2) As used in this subsection (d), "heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle" means a vehicle that: (A) Is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and (B) Has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported. (e) (1) To the extent required by federal law, the vehicle weight limitations otherwise set forth in this section do not apply to an emergency fire suppression vehicle operating on the interstate highway system and within reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. The following vehicle weight limitations shall apply instead: (A) A maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-six thousand pounds (86,000 lbs.); (B) Twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.) on a single steering axle; (C) Thirty-three thousand five hundred pounds (33,500 lbs.) on a single drive axle; (D) Sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.) on a tandem axle; and (E) Fifty-two thousand pounds (52,000 lbs.) on a tandem rear drive steer axle. (2) As used in this subsection (e), "emergency fire suppression vehicle" means a vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions: (A) To transport personnel and equipment; and (B) To support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations. (f) This section shall be enforced in accordance with all applicable provisions of federal law regarding the operation of vehicles. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 39, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 39, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, Secs.s 5, s 6 eff. 4/23/2019. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 477, s 1, Sec.s 2 eff. 6/6/2017. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1012, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 393, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 47, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1933, ch. 35, § 2; 1935 (Ex. Sess.), ch. 17, § 1; 1939, ch. 105, § 6; 1941, ch. 84, § 3; 1945, ch. 164, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.3 (Williams, §§ 1166.33, 2715.2); Acts 1959, ch. 87, § 3; 1963, ch. 103, §§ 3, 4; 1970, ch. 501, § 2; 1976, ch. 411, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1109; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 6; 1981, ch. 535, §§ 1-3; 1982, ch. 904, § 2; 1982, ch. 912, § 3; 1982, ch. 953, §§ 6, 8; 1983, ch. 319, § 6; 1987, ch. 425, §§ 1-3, 5, 6; 1988, ch. 642, §§ 1-5; 1988, ch. 1028, § 1; T.C.A., § 55-11-203; Acts 1989, ch. 35, §§ 1, 2; 1989, ch. 349, §§ 1-3; 1994, ch. 673, § 1; 1995, ch. 139, §§ 1, 2; 1995, ch. 220, § 1; 1996, ch. 882, §§ 1, 2, 4, 5; 2010 , ch. 859, §§ 1-3.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, no freight motor vehicle shall be operated over, on, or upon the public highways of this state where the total weight on a single axle or any group of axles exceeds the weight limitations set forth in subdivisions (b)(1)-(7).
(b) (1) (A) No axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). (B) Axle combinations and fifth wheel placement on the tractor shall ensure equal weight distribution on weight carrying axle combinations, and the axle combinations shall be equipped with brakes having power motivation. (C) An axle load as set out herein is defined as the total load transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers may be included between two (2) parallel transverse vertical planes, not more than forty inches (40") apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle. (2) The total gross weight concentrated on the highway surface from any tandem axle group shall not exceed thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) for each tandem axle group. "Tandem axle group" means two (2) or more axles spaced more than forty inches (40") and not more than ninety-six inches (96") apart from center to center having at least one (1) common point of weight suspension. (3) The total gross weight of a vehicle, freight motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer or semitrailer or combinations of these vehicles operated over, on or upon the public highways of this state shall not exceed eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.); provided, that when operating over or on the interstate system of this state the total gross weight shall not exceed the lesser of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or the weight produced by application of the following formula: Click here to view formula. Where W = overall gross weight on any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds (500 lbs.), L = distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles, and N = number of axles in group under consideration, except that two (2) consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) each, where the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet (36') or more, except such vehicles, or combinations thereof operating under special permits now authorized by law; provided, that wherever a maximum permissive gross weight of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or of lengths prescribed in § 55-7-201 or a height of thirteen and one-half feet (131/2') is authorized for any vehicle or combination of vehicles, it is the legislative intent that the prescribed weight, length, and height limits shall be strictly enforced, and it is unlawful for any state, county, or municipal officer to allow or permit any additional weight, length or height by way of tolerance or otherwise, except that the commissioner of transportation may issue special permits pursuant to § 55-7-205 . (4) "Freight motor vehicle," as used in this section, includes both the tractor or truck and the trailer, semitrailer or trailers, if any, and the weight of any combination shall not exceed the maximum fixed herein; provided, that no freight motor vehicle with motive power shall haul more than one (1) vehicle unless otherwise provided. (5) No freight motor vehicle shall haul a trailer on any highway of this state when the trailer (including its load) weighs more than three thousand five hundred pounds (3,500 lbs.). The restrictions on hauling a trailer in excess weight of three thousand five hundred pounds (3,500 lbs.) by a freight motor vehicle, as described in the preceding sentence, shall not be applicable whenever a converter dolly or equivalent fixed connection having the same safety characteristics is appropriately installed or placed under the trailer to be hauled by this freight motor vehicle. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(5), "trailer" means a vehicle without motive power designed or used for carrying freight or property wholly on its own structure; provided, that it is not unlawful for any motor vehicle subject to this part to have a semitrailer, which, for the purposes hereof, is defined as a vehicle for the carrying of property or freight and so designed that some part of the weight of the semitrailer or its load rests upon or is carried by the motor vehicle to which it is attached. The hauling of a trailer (to the extent herein permitted) or a semitrailer shall be subject to the further provisions hereof. This part is not intended to prohibit the movements of spools carrying wire or cable, when used for construction or repair purposes. The weight limitation respecting trailers shall not be applicable to implements designed to distribute fertilizer while such vehicles are being drawn by a freight motor vehicle between the plant and the farm. (6) If the gross weight of a freight motor vehicle does not exceed the sum obtained by computing the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles, the driver shall not be cited for violation of an axle weight limitation while transporting crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, solid waste, tankage or animal residues, livestock and agricultural products, or agricultural limestone over the state highway system other than the portion designated as the interstate system. (7) For purposes of enforcement of this section, weight restrictions shall be deemed to have a margin of error of ten percent (10%) of the true gross or axle weight for all logging, sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate, solid waste, recovered materials, farm trucks and machinery trucks when being operated over the state highway system other than the portion designated as the interstate system. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(7): (A) "Clay truck" means those trucks used for hauling clay from the place of extraction to the place where the clay is used or processed; (B) "Coal truck" means those trucks used for hauling coal and coal products; (C) "Farm truck" means those trucks utilized by farmers to load grain, fiber, produce, livestock, milk or other agricultural products produced on their farms and to transport the agricultural commodities to their respective markets. The trucks include farm to market transportation when the truck is operated by the farmer, the farmer's family or employee or a representative hired by the farmer to haul the commodity; (D) "Logging truck" means those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips or wood dust from the woods to the mill or from the mill to a loading or storage place or market; (E) "Machinery truck" means those trucks used for hauling machinery by the owner/operator within a one hundred (100) mile radius of the base location of the owner/operator's area of operation, subject to the limitation of one (1) truck per owner/operator; (F) "Phosphate truck" means those trucks used for hauling phosphate, phosphate products, or other raw materials used in the manufacture of phosphorus; (G) "Recovered materials truck" means those trucks used for hauling recovered materials, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while those materials are being hauled from the point of generation to the facility where they will be processed for subsequent shipment to an end-user; (H) "Sand truck" means those trucks used for hauling raw sand from the place of extraction to the place where the sand is used or processed; provided, that if the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of chapter 349 of the Public Acts of 1989, adding sand trucks to this subdivision (b)(7) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such act shall be void and inoperative; (I) "Shale truck" means those trucks used for hauling shale from the place of extraction to the place where the shale is used or processed; and (J) "Solid waste truck" means those trucks used for hauling solid waste, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while the solid waste is being collected and being hauled from the place or places of collection to a landfill or disposal facility. (8) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, in order to promote the reduction of fuel use and emissions, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to subdivision (b)(3) and equipped with idle-reduction technology or other emissions-reduction technology shall be increased by the weight of the idle-reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology; provided, that such weight is not more than five hundred fifty pounds (550 lbs.) or the maximum amount allowed by federal law, whichever is greater. At the request of an authorized representative of the department of safety, the motor vehicle operator shall provide proof by means of documentation or by a physical inspection that the vehicle is equipped with such idle-reduction technology or other emissions-reduction technology. (9) (A) To the extent required by federal law, a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric battery power may exceed any vehicle weight limit under this section, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-two thousand pounds (82,000 lbs.), by an amount that is equal to the difference between: (i) The weight of the vehicle attributable to: (a) The electric batteries used to power the vehicle; or (b) The natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and (ii) The weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. (B) Subdivision (b)(9)(A) applies only when a vehicle is operating on the interstate highway system or within terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest with reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system.
(1) (A) No axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.). (B) Axle combinations and fifth wheel placement on the tractor shall ensure equal weight distribution on weight carrying axle combinations, and the axle combinations shall be equipped with brakes having power motivation. (C) An axle load as set out herein is defined as the total load transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers may be included between two (2) parallel transverse vertical planes, not more than forty inches (40") apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.
(A) No axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.).
(B) Axle combinations and fifth wheel placement on the tractor shall ensure equal weight distribution on weight carrying axle combinations, and the axle combinations shall be equipped with brakes having power motivation.
(C) An axle load as set out herein is defined as the total load transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers may be included between two (2) parallel transverse vertical planes, not more than forty inches (40") apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.
(2) The total gross weight concentrated on the highway surface from any tandem axle group shall not exceed thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) for each tandem axle group. "Tandem axle group" means two (2) or more axles spaced more than forty inches (40") and not more than ninety-six inches (96") apart from center to center having at least one (1) common point of weight suspension.
(3) The total gross weight of a vehicle, freight motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer or semitrailer or combinations of these vehicles operated over, on or upon the public highways of this state shall not exceed eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.); provided, that when operating over or on the interstate system of this state the total gross weight shall not exceed the lesser of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or the weight produced by application of the following formula: Click here to view formula. Where W = overall gross weight on any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds (500 lbs.), L = distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles, and N = number of axles in group under consideration, except that two (2) consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) each, where the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet (36') or more, except such vehicles, or combinations thereof operating under special permits now authorized by law; provided, that wherever a maximum permissive gross weight of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or of lengths prescribed in § 55-7-201 or a height of thirteen and one-half feet (131/2') is authorized for any vehicle or combination of vehicles, it is the legislative intent that the prescribed weight, length, and height limits shall be strictly enforced, and it is unlawful for any state, county, or municipal officer to allow or permit any additional weight, length or height by way of tolerance or otherwise, except that the commissioner of transportation may issue special permits pursuant to § 55-7-205 .
Click here to view formula.
Where W = overall gross weight on any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds (500 lbs.), L = distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles, and N = number of axles in group under consideration, except that two (2) consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.) each, where the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet (36') or more, except such vehicles, or combinations thereof operating under special permits now authorized by law; provided, that wherever a maximum permissive gross weight of eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or of lengths prescribed in § 55-7-201 or a height of thirteen and one-half feet (131/2') is authorized for any vehicle or combination of vehicles, it is the legislative intent that the prescribed weight, length, and height limits shall be strictly enforced, and it is unlawful for any state, county, or municipal officer to allow or permit any additional weight, length or height by way of tolerance or otherwise, except that the commissioner of transportation may issue special permits pursuant to § 55-7-205 .
(4) "Freight motor vehicle," as used in this section, includes both the tractor or truck and the trailer, semitrailer or trailers, if any, and the weight of any combination shall not exceed the maximum fixed herein; provided, that no freight motor vehicle with motive power shall haul more than one (1) vehicle unless otherwise provided.
(5) No freight motor vehicle shall haul a trailer on any highway of this state when the trailer (including its load) weighs more than three thousand five hundred pounds (3,500 lbs.). The restrictions on hauling a trailer in excess weight of three thousand five hundred pounds (3,500 lbs.) by a freight motor vehicle, as described in the preceding sentence, shall not be applicable whenever a converter dolly or equivalent fixed connection having the same safety characteristics is appropriately installed or placed under the trailer to be hauled by this freight motor vehicle. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(5), "trailer" means a vehicle without motive power designed or used for carrying freight or property wholly on its own structure; provided, that it is not unlawful for any motor vehicle subject to this part to have a semitrailer, which, for the purposes hereof, is defined as a vehicle for the carrying of property or freight and so designed that some part of the weight of the semitrailer or its load rests upon or is carried by the motor vehicle to which it is attached. The hauling of a trailer (to the extent herein permitted) or a semitrailer shall be subject to the further provisions hereof. This part is not intended to prohibit the movements of spools carrying wire or cable, when used for construction or repair purposes. The weight limitation respecting trailers shall not be applicable to implements designed to distribute fertilizer while such vehicles are being drawn by a freight motor vehicle between the plant and the farm.
(6) If the gross weight of a freight motor vehicle does not exceed the sum obtained by computing the total weight allowable for the number and type of its axles, the driver shall not be cited for violation of an axle weight limitation while transporting crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, solid waste, tankage or animal residues, livestock and agricultural products, or agricultural limestone over the state highway system other than the portion designated as the interstate system.
(7) For purposes of enforcement of this section, weight restrictions shall be deemed to have a margin of error of ten percent (10%) of the true gross or axle weight for all logging, sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate, solid waste, recovered materials, farm trucks and machinery trucks when being operated over the state highway system other than the portion designated as the interstate system. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(7): (A) "Clay truck" means those trucks used for hauling clay from the place of extraction to the place where the clay is used or processed; (B) "Coal truck" means those trucks used for hauling coal and coal products; (C) "Farm truck" means those trucks utilized by farmers to load grain, fiber, produce, livestock, milk or other agricultural products produced on their farms and to transport the agricultural commodities to their respective markets. The trucks include farm to market transportation when the truck is operated by the farmer, the farmer's family or employee or a representative hired by the farmer to haul the commodity; (D) "Logging truck" means those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips or wood dust from the woods to the mill or from the mill to a loading or storage place or market; (E) "Machinery truck" means those trucks used for hauling machinery by the owner/operator within a one hundred (100) mile radius of the base location of the owner/operator's area of operation, subject to the limitation of one (1) truck per owner/operator; (F) "Phosphate truck" means those trucks used for hauling phosphate, phosphate products, or other raw materials used in the manufacture of phosphorus; (G) "Recovered materials truck" means those trucks used for hauling recovered materials, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while those materials are being hauled from the point of generation to the facility where they will be processed for subsequent shipment to an end-user; (H) "Sand truck" means those trucks used for hauling raw sand from the place of extraction to the place where the sand is used or processed; provided, that if the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of chapter 349 of the Public Acts of 1989, adding sand trucks to this subdivision (b)(7) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such act shall be void and inoperative; (I) "Shale truck" means those trucks used for hauling shale from the place of extraction to the place where the shale is used or processed; and (J) "Solid waste truck" means those trucks used for hauling solid waste, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while the solid waste is being collected and being hauled from the place or places of collection to a landfill or disposal facility.
(A) "Clay truck" means those trucks used for hauling clay from the place of extraction to the place where the clay is used or processed;
(B) "Coal truck" means those trucks used for hauling coal and coal products;
(C) "Farm truck" means those trucks utilized by farmers to load grain, fiber, produce, livestock, milk or other agricultural products produced on their farms and to transport the agricultural commodities to their respective markets. The trucks include farm to market transportation when the truck is operated by the farmer, the farmer's family or employee or a representative hired by the farmer to haul the commodity;
(D) "Logging truck" means those trucks used for hauling logs, pulpwood, bark, wood chips or wood dust from the woods to the mill or from the mill to a loading or storage place or market;
(E) "Machinery truck" means those trucks used for hauling machinery by the owner/operator within a one hundred (100) mile radius of the base location of the owner/operator's area of operation, subject to the limitation of one (1) truck per owner/operator;
(F) "Phosphate truck" means those trucks used for hauling phosphate, phosphate products, or other raw materials used in the manufacture of phosphorus;
(G) "Recovered materials truck" means those trucks used for hauling recovered materials, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while those materials are being hauled from the point of generation to the facility where they will be processed for subsequent shipment to an end-user;
(H) "Sand truck" means those trucks used for hauling raw sand from the place of extraction to the place where the sand is used or processed; provided, that if the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal officer that as a result of any provision of chapter 349 of the Public Acts of 1989, adding sand trucks to this subdivision (b)(7) that Tennessee will lose federal funds, then such act shall be void and inoperative;
(I) "Shale truck" means those trucks used for hauling shale from the place of extraction to the place where the shale is used or processed; and
(J) "Solid waste truck" means those trucks used for hauling solid waste, as defined in § 68-211-802 , but only while the solid waste is being collected and being hauled from the place or places of collection to a landfill or disposal facility.
(8) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, in order to promote the reduction of fuel use and emissions, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to subdivision (b)(3) and equipped with idle-reduction technology or other emissions-reduction technology shall be increased by the weight of the idle-reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology; provided, that such weight is not more than five hundred fifty pounds (550 lbs.) or the maximum amount allowed by federal law, whichever is greater. At the request of an authorized representative of the department of safety, the motor vehicle operator shall provide proof by means of documentation or by a physical inspection that the vehicle is equipped with such idle-reduction technology or other emissions-reduction technology.
(9) (A) To the extent required by federal law, a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric battery power may exceed any vehicle weight limit under this section, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-two thousand pounds (82,000 lbs.), by an amount that is equal to the difference between: (i) The weight of the vehicle attributable to: (a) The electric batteries used to power the vehicle; or (b) The natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and (ii) The weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. (B) Subdivision (b)(9)(A) applies only when a vehicle is operating on the interstate highway system or within terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest with reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system.
(A) To the extent required by federal law, a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric battery power may exceed any vehicle weight limit under this section, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-two thousand pounds (82,000 lbs.), by an amount that is equal to the difference between: (i) The weight of the vehicle attributable to: (a) The electric batteries used to power the vehicle; or (b) The natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and (ii) The weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system.
(i) The weight of the vehicle attributable to: (a) The electric batteries used to power the vehicle; or (b) The natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and
(a) The electric batteries used to power the vehicle; or
(b) The natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and
(ii) The weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system.
(B) Subdivision (b)(9)(A) applies only when a vehicle is operating on the interstate highway system or within terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest with reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system.
(c) For nondivisible overweight loads exceeding the maximum gross vehicle weight established in this section, the commissioner may issue a special permit in accordance with § 55-7-205 allowing axle weights in excess of the axle weight limits established in subsection (b) as follows: (1) The maximum width of the vehicle, including the truck and semi-trailer or trailer combination, shall not exceed ten feet (10'); provided, however, that the load may exceed ten feet (10') in width if properly permitted; (2) No single axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty-three thousand pounds (23,000 lbs.); (3) No tandem axle group shall carry a load in excess of forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.); and (4) No axle group of three (3) axles (tridem) shall carry a load in excess of sixty thousand pounds (60,000 lbs.).
(1) The maximum width of the vehicle, including the truck and semi-trailer or trailer combination, shall not exceed ten feet (10'); provided, however, that the load may exceed ten feet (10') in width if properly permitted;
(2) No single axle shall carry a load in excess of twenty-three thousand pounds (23,000 lbs.);
(3) No tandem axle group shall carry a load in excess of forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.); and
(4) No axle group of three (3) axles (tridem) shall carry a load in excess of sixty thousand pounds (60,000 lbs.).
(d) (1) To the extent required by federal law, the vehicle weight limitations set forth in this section do not apply to a covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle operating on the interstate highway system and within reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. (2) As used in this subsection (d), "heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle" means a vehicle that: (A) Is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and (B) Has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.
(1) To the extent required by federal law, the vehicle weight limitations set forth in this section do not apply to a covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle operating on the interstate highway system and within reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest.
(2) As used in this subsection (d), "heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle" means a vehicle that: (A) Is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and (B) Has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.
(A) Is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and
(B) Has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.
(e) (1) To the extent required by federal law, the vehicle weight limitations otherwise set forth in this section do not apply to an emergency fire suppression vehicle operating on the interstate highway system and within reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. The following vehicle weight limitations shall apply instead: (A) A maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-six thousand pounds (86,000 lbs.); (B) Twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.) on a single steering axle; (C) Thirty-three thousand five hundred pounds (33,500 lbs.) on a single drive axle; (D) Sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.) on a tandem axle; and (E) Fifty-two thousand pounds (52,000 lbs.) on a tandem rear drive steer axle. (2) As used in this subsection (e), "emergency fire suppression vehicle" means a vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions: (A) To transport personnel and equipment; and (B) To support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.
(1) To the extent required by federal law, the vehicle weight limitations otherwise set forth in this section do not apply to an emergency fire suppression vehicle operating on the interstate highway system and within reasonable access to and from the interstate highway system to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. The following vehicle weight limitations shall apply instead: (A) A maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-six thousand pounds (86,000 lbs.); (B) Twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.) on a single steering axle; (C) Thirty-three thousand five hundred pounds (33,500 lbs.) on a single drive axle; (D) Sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.) on a tandem axle; and (E) Fifty-two thousand pounds (52,000 lbs.) on a tandem rear drive steer axle.
(A) A maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-six thousand pounds (86,000 lbs.);
(B) Twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.) on a single steering axle;
(C) Thirty-three thousand five hundred pounds (33,500 lbs.) on a single drive axle;
(D) Sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.) on a tandem axle; and
(E) Fifty-two thousand pounds (52,000 lbs.) on a tandem rear drive steer axle.
(2) As used in this subsection (e), "emergency fire suppression vehicle" means a vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions: (A) To transport personnel and equipment; and (B) To support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.
(A) To transport personnel and equipment; and
(B) To support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.
(f) This section shall be enforced in accordance with all applicable provisions of federal law regarding the operation of vehicles.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 39, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 39, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, Secs.s 5, s 6 eff. 4/23/2019.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 477, s 1, Sec.s 2 eff. 6/6/2017.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1012, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 393, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 47, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1933, ch. 35, § 2; 1935 (Ex. Sess.), ch. 17, § 1; 1939, ch. 105, § 6; 1941, ch. 84, § 3; 1945, ch. 164, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.3 (Williams, §§ 1166.33, 2715.2); Acts 1959, ch. 87, § 3; 1963, ch. 103, §§ 3, 4; 1970, ch. 501, § 2; 1976, ch. 411, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1109; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 6; 1981, ch. 535, §§ 1-3; 1982, ch. 904, § 2; 1982, ch. 912, § 3; 1982, ch. 953, §§ 6, 8; 1983, ch. 319, § 6; 1987, ch. 425, §§ 1-3, 5, 6; 1988, ch. 642, §§ 1-5; 1988, ch. 1028, § 1; T.C.A., § 55-11-203; Acts 1989, ch. 35, §§ 1, 2; 1989, ch. 349, §§ 1-3; 1994, ch. 673, § 1; 1995, ch. 139, §§ 1, 2; 1995, ch. 220, § 1; 1996, ch. 882, §§ 1, 2, 4, 5; 2010 , ch. 859, §§ 1-3.
7_203_1 - Attachment
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-504 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-504
Permanent registration card and validating sticker
Status: in_force

On approval of the application for fleet registration, the department shall issue a permanent registration card and a permanent validating sticker for each of the qualified vehicles in the fleet. The permanent registration card shall be carried in the vehicle at all times and shall be made available to any law enforcement officer on demand. It shall include all necessary motor vehicle insurance information to properly identify fleet coverage, either self-insurance or commercial carrier. The permanent validating sticker shall be displayed in the manner prescribed by the department. Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 5.
On approval of the application for fleet registration, the department shall issue a permanent registration card and a permanent validating sticker for each of the qualified vehicles in the fleet. The permanent registration card shall be carried in the vehicle at all times and shall be made available to any law enforcement officer on demand. It shall include all necessary motor vehicle insurance information to properly identify fleet coverage, either self-insurance or commercial carrier. The permanent validating sticker shall be displayed in the manner prescribed by the department.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-106 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 16 / Section 55-16-106
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1967, ch. 250, § 4; T.C.A., § 59-1606; Acts 1989, ch. 182, § 1; 1996, ch. 868, §4; 2009 , ch. 530, § 129.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1967, ch. 250, § 4; T.C.A., § 59-1606; Acts 1989, ch. 182, § 1; 1996, ch. 868, §4; 2009 , ch. 530, § 129.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-103 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-103
Rules and forms for theft or embezzlement reports - Duties of commissioner and department of safety and department of revenue
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The commissioner of safety is authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the submission of the reports required under §§ 55-5-101 and 55-5-102 . The rules and regulations shall include time limits for the submission of the reports and shall prescribe the forms that the reports shall be submitted upon. (2) The commissioner of safety shall cause to be distributed to the sheriffs' offices and police departments throughout the state the requisite forms for the reporting of the theft and recovery of stolen vehicles and parts. The commissioner of safety shall further prescribe and distribute those forms required of wrecker, garage and automobile salvage operators in regard to the recovery of stolen motor vehicles and parts. (b) (1) The department of safety, by and through the Tennessee highway patrol dispatchers, upon receiving reports of the theft or recovery of motor vehicles, shall cause this information to be filed with the national crime information center. (2) The department of safety shall further notify the department of revenue of these reports and the department of revenue, upon receiving a report of a stolen or embezzled vehicle as heretofore provided, shall file and appropriately index the same, and shall immediately suspend the certificate of title to the vehicle so reported and shall not transfer the certificate of title until such time as it is notified in writing that the vehicle has been recovered. (c) The department of revenue shall, at least once each week, compile and maintain in its office a list of all vehicles that have been stolen and embezzled or recovered as reported to it during the preceding week, and this list shall be made immediately available to the department of safety and shall be open to inspection by the general public. (d) Notwithstanding § 4-7-402 to the contrary, the police department shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the criminal investigation division to investigate theft and recovery of stolen vehicles in any county with a metropolitan form of government and having a population of more than three hundred thousand (300,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census. Nothing in this subsection (d) shall be construed to relieve the duty to report thefts and recoveries of stolen vehicles to the department of safety pursuant to this part. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 72 (Williams, § 5538.172); Acts 1972, ch. 725, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-503; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 66; 2008, ch. 775, § 1.
(a) (1) The commissioner of safety is authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the submission of the reports required under §§ 55-5-101 and 55-5-102 . The rules and regulations shall include time limits for the submission of the reports and shall prescribe the forms that the reports shall be submitted upon. (2) The commissioner of safety shall cause to be distributed to the sheriffs' offices and police departments throughout the state the requisite forms for the reporting of the theft and recovery of stolen vehicles and parts. The commissioner of safety shall further prescribe and distribute those forms required of wrecker, garage and automobile salvage operators in regard to the recovery of stolen motor vehicles and parts.
(1) The commissioner of safety is authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the submission of the reports required under §§ 55-5-101 and 55-5-102 . The rules and regulations shall include time limits for the submission of the reports and shall prescribe the forms that the reports shall be submitted upon.
(2) The commissioner of safety shall cause to be distributed to the sheriffs' offices and police departments throughout the state the requisite forms for the reporting of the theft and recovery of stolen vehicles and parts. The commissioner of safety shall further prescribe and distribute those forms required of wrecker, garage and automobile salvage operators in regard to the recovery of stolen motor vehicles and parts.
(b) (1) The department of safety, by and through the Tennessee highway patrol dispatchers, upon receiving reports of the theft or recovery of motor vehicles, shall cause this information to be filed with the national crime information center. (2) The department of safety shall further notify the department of revenue of these reports and the department of revenue, upon receiving a report of a stolen or embezzled vehicle as heretofore provided, shall file and appropriately index the same, and shall immediately suspend the certificate of title to the vehicle so reported and shall not transfer the certificate of title until such time as it is notified in writing that the vehicle has been recovered.
(1) The department of safety, by and through the Tennessee highway patrol dispatchers, upon receiving reports of the theft or recovery of motor vehicles, shall cause this information to be filed with the national crime information center.
(2) The department of safety shall further notify the department of revenue of these reports and the department of revenue, upon receiving a report of a stolen or embezzled vehicle as heretofore provided, shall file and appropriately index the same, and shall immediately suspend the certificate of title to the vehicle so reported and shall not transfer the certificate of title until such time as it is notified in writing that the vehicle has been recovered.
(c) The department of revenue shall, at least once each week, compile and maintain in its office a list of all vehicles that have been stolen and embezzled or recovered as reported to it during the preceding week, and this list shall be made immediately available to the department of safety and shall be open to inspection by the general public.
(d) Notwithstanding § 4-7-402 to the contrary, the police department shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the criminal investigation division to investigate theft and recovery of stolen vehicles in any county with a metropolitan form of government and having a population of more than three hundred thousand (300,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census. Nothing in this subsection (d) shall be construed to relieve the duty to report thefts and recoveries of stolen vehicles to the department of safety pursuant to this part.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 72 (Williams, § 5538.172); Acts 1972, ch. 725, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-503; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 66; 2008, ch. 775, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-140 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-140
Exemption for member of volunteer fire department or volunteer local rescue squad
Status: in_force

(a) Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, is an active member of a volunteer fire department, and has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the regular registration fee imposed pursuant to § 55-4-111 , for only one (1) vehicle owned or used by the firefighter, upon the certification or sworn statement from the chief of the fire department to which the person is attached confirming the applicant is an active volunteer member, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (a), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (a) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under § 5-8-102 . (b) Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, is an active member of a volunteer local rescue squad, and has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the regular registration fee imposed pursuant to § 55-4-111 , for only one (1) vehicle owned or used by the member, upon certification or sworn statement from the captain of the local rescue squad to which the person is attached confirming the applicant is an active volunteer member, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (b), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (b) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under § 5-8-102 . Acts 2018, ch. 923, § 3.
(a) Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, is an active member of a volunteer fire department, and has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the regular registration fee imposed pursuant to § 55-4-111 , for only one (1) vehicle owned or used by the firefighter, upon the certification or sworn statement from the chief of the fire department to which the person is attached confirming the applicant is an active volunteer member, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (a), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (a) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under § 5-8-102 .
(b) Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, is an active member of a volunteer local rescue squad, and has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the regular registration fee imposed pursuant to § 55-4-111 , for only one (1) vehicle owned or used by the member, upon certification or sworn statement from the captain of the local rescue squad to which the person is attached confirming the applicant is an active volunteer member, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (b), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (b) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under § 5-8-102 .
Acts 2018, ch. 923, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-155 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-155
Special speed limitation on motorscooter - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall operate any motorscooter at any time at a speed greater than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) unless the motorscooter is equipped with a head lamp or lamps that are adequate to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of three hundred feet (300') ahead. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 4, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 54; T.C.A., § 59-855; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) No person shall operate any motorscooter at any time at a speed greater than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) unless the motorscooter is equipped with a head lamp or lamps that are adequate to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of three hundred feet (300') ahead.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 54; T.C.A., § 59-855; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-114 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-114
Issuance of certificate of title - Form and contents - Delivery - Lienors holding certificate
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The commissioner shall, upon receipt of an application for a certificate of title, and after determining by an examination of its records that the applicant is entitled to a certificate of title, issue the same. (2) Except as provided by subdivision (a)(3), the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform, at their option, duties in connection with services normally performed by the department related to the issuance of titles or issuance of replacement certificates of title. (3) The several county clerks shall perform duties in connection with services related to the notation of liens and encumbrances and the extension of mortgages on certificates of title. (4) For each certificate of title issued by a county clerk, the department shall pay the clerk a fee of two dollars ($2.00). (5) For each certificate of title issued by a county clerk, the department shall pay the clerk an additional fee of thirty-five cents (35¢), which funds shall be earmarked for office supplies and equipment required to perform titling and registration services. Such funds shall be preserved for these purposes and shall not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended. (6) For purposes of this subsection (a), the clerk shall be deemed to have issued the certificate of title if the clerk performed the examination of the application for a certificate of title and entered the required data into the state computer system for the purpose of printing or electronically producing the certificate of title. (b) (1) All certificates of title shall be numbered numerically and shall contain upon the face a description of the vehicle, including the make, model, type of body, serial number of the vehicle and the engine or other number of the vehicle and, in addition, a statement of the owner's title and of all liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle described, whether possession is held by the owner under a contract of conditional sale or other agreement and the number of the last certificate of title issued for the same vehicle, and other information as may be determined to be necessary by the commissioner. (2) Joint ownership of a motor vehicle by two (2) or more persons shall be indicated on the certificate of title by the use of the word "and." (3) The certificate of title shall contain forms for assignment of title and warranty by the owner, with space for notation of liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle at the time of transfer. (4) All certificates of title shall include an abbreviation designating all states, that the department has knowledge of, including Tennessee, where a vehicle has been previously titled. The abbreviation shall be the standard two-letter abbreviation used in addresses by the United States postal service. (c) The certificate of title shall be delivered to the owner in the event no lien or encumbrance appears thereon. Otherwise, the certificate of title shall be delivered to the person holding the first lien or encumbrance upon the vehicle as shown in the certificate, and shall be retained by the holder of the first lien or encumbrance until the lien or encumbrance shall be discharged, at which time a notation shall be made on the certificate of title, setting forth the fact that the lien or encumbrance has been discharged, which shall be signed by the lienor. If the certificate of title shows on its face one (1) or more liens or encumbrances still outstanding, then the lienor shall deliver the certificate of title to the next prior lienor, either in person or by registered mail. If there are no more liens or encumbrances still outstanding, then the lienor shall deliver the certificate of title to the owner within seven (7) business days from the discharge of the lien or encumbrance. On the date the lien is discharged, the lienor shall send notice of the discharge to the department by registered mail with return receipt demanded. If the department is not notified within seventy-two (72) hours from the date of discharge, then the lienor is subject to the penalty described in § 55-3-127(c) . As used in this subsection (c), "owner" includes any person or entity who lawfully acquires a motor vehicle and pays off the outstanding lien or encumbrance on the vehicle. (d) In the event any lien or encumbrance which is subordinate to any other outstanding lien or encumbrance is discharged or released, the holder of the sublien or encumbrance shall immediately procure the certificate of title from the lienor in whose possession it is being held for the sole purpose of discharging the lien as provided by subsection (c), and thereupon shall return the certificate of title to the person from whom it was obtained, notifying the department of the discharge of this lien, or, in the alternative, the sublienor may immediately forward to the department a release setting forth the fact that the lien or encumbrance has been discharged, which shall be signed by the lienor, and the department shall note the release of the lien upon the certificate of title when the certificate of title shall next be in the physical possession of the department. (e) With respect to the delegation of duties and the resultant performance of services, the commissioner is authorized to compensate the county clerk at the rates set forth in applicable statutes, upon receipt from the county clerk of confirmation of services in a form acceptable to the commissioner. The prior requirement of a written contract is eliminated. (f) (1) The department may, in its sole discretion, contract with any business entity that maintains a fleet of two hundred (200) or more motor vehicles to allow the business entity to provide any specific service, or all services, normally performed by the department or by a county clerk relative to the titling and the registration of otherwise qualified motor vehicles within the business entity's fleet of motor vehicles. The existence of such a contract shall not be interpreted to diminish, restrict, or limit the authority of the department to administer or enforce applicable provisions of any law with which a motor vehicle within the contracting business entity's fleet is not in compliance. The contract shall require that the department group vehicles by county of domicile. The department shall collect and distribute to county governments and county government officials the same taxes and fees as would be applicable if the vehicles were registered in the county. (2) Contracts with business entities entered into by the department under this subsection (f) shall set forth in detail the duties and responsibilities of each party, shall require compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, shall not contain provisions that are contrary to any federal or state statute, and shall comply with the Federal Drivers' Privacy Protection Act ( 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq.), and the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act, compiled in chapter 25 of this title. (3) A contract entered into under the authority of this subsection (f) shall be at no cost to the department except for the cost of license plates, decals, forms and administrative costs that the department would normally incur in titling and registering motor vehicles within the business entity's fleet were it not for such contract. (4) A contract entered into under the authority of this subsection (f) shall, in addition to all other requirements included in the contract, require the contracting business entity to: (A) Keep all records, inventories, copies and other related paperwork that a county clerk would be required to keep if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title; (B) Forward to the department, no later than the tenth day of each month, copies of all applications, certificates of title, certificates of registration, completed forms, or other related documents or paperwork required by the department that have been issued, completed or processed by the contracting business entity during the prior month; (C) No later than the tenth day of each month, remit to the department all fees and other moneys related to the titling and registering of motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet during the prior month that would have been required to be collected by the department or a county clerk were it not for the contract entered into under this subsection (f); and (D) Timely make all reports that the department requires, including all applicable reports that a county clerk would be required to make if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title. (5) A delinquency in forwarding to the department any remittance, report, application, document, form or paperwork required of the contracting entity by law or by contract shall result in a penalty of five percent (5%) of the delinquent remittance, or the remittance associated with the delinquent report, application, document, form or paperwork, as the case may be, for each thirty (30) days or fraction of the thirty (30) days that the delinquency continues; provided, however, that the penalty may be waived by the commissioner upon the showing of good and reasonable cause. In no case shall the penalty provided for in this subdivision (f)(5) exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the remittance base. (6) If the department enters into a contract with a business entity under this subsection (f) and the business entity fails to strictly comply with any requirement or provision of the contract, the contract may be rescinded in its entirety and cancelled at the discretion of the commissioner; provided, however, that the effective date of the cancellation shall be thirty (30) business days after the date the department gives notice by certified mail to the contracting business entity that the contract is being rescinded and cancelled. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 240, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 462, s 2, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 718, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 35 (Williams, § 5538.135); Acts 1972, ch. 518, § 6; 1972, ch. 540, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-314; Acts 1982, ch. 740, § 1; 1983, ch. 135, § 1; 1986, ch. 771, §§ 2, 3; 1993, ch. 529, § 7; 1996, ch. 552, § 9; 1996, ch. 578, §§ 1, 2; 2007 , ch. 484, § 19; 2008 , ch. 1007, § 8.
(a) (1) The commissioner shall, upon receipt of an application for a certificate of title, and after determining by an examination of its records that the applicant is entitled to a certificate of title, issue the same. (2) Except as provided by subdivision (a)(3), the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform, at their option, duties in connection with services normally performed by the department related to the issuance of titles or issuance of replacement certificates of title. (3) The several county clerks shall perform duties in connection with services related to the notation of liens and encumbrances and the extension of mortgages on certificates of title. (4) For each certificate of title issued by a county clerk, the department shall pay the clerk a fee of two dollars ($2.00). (5) For each certificate of title issued by a county clerk, the department shall pay the clerk an additional fee of thirty-five cents (35¢), which funds shall be earmarked for office supplies and equipment required to perform titling and registration services. Such funds shall be preserved for these purposes and shall not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended. (6) For purposes of this subsection (a), the clerk shall be deemed to have issued the certificate of title if the clerk performed the examination of the application for a certificate of title and entered the required data into the state computer system for the purpose of printing or electronically producing the certificate of title.
(1) The commissioner shall, upon receipt of an application for a certificate of title, and after determining by an examination of its records that the applicant is entitled to a certificate of title, issue the same.
(2) Except as provided by subdivision (a)(3), the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform, at their option, duties in connection with services normally performed by the department related to the issuance of titles or issuance of replacement certificates of title.
(3) The several county clerks shall perform duties in connection with services related to the notation of liens and encumbrances and the extension of mortgages on certificates of title.
(4) For each certificate of title issued by a county clerk, the department shall pay the clerk a fee of two dollars ($2.00).
(5) For each certificate of title issued by a county clerk, the department shall pay the clerk an additional fee of thirty-five cents (35¢), which funds shall be earmarked for office supplies and equipment required to perform titling and registration services. Such funds shall be preserved for these purposes and shall not revert to the county general fund at the end of a budget year if unexpended.
(6) For purposes of this subsection (a), the clerk shall be deemed to have issued the certificate of title if the clerk performed the examination of the application for a certificate of title and entered the required data into the state computer system for the purpose of printing or electronically producing the certificate of title.
(b) (1) All certificates of title shall be numbered numerically and shall contain upon the face a description of the vehicle, including the make, model, type of body, serial number of the vehicle and the engine or other number of the vehicle and, in addition, a statement of the owner's title and of all liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle described, whether possession is held by the owner under a contract of conditional sale or other agreement and the number of the last certificate of title issued for the same vehicle, and other information as may be determined to be necessary by the commissioner. (2) Joint ownership of a motor vehicle by two (2) or more persons shall be indicated on the certificate of title by the use of the word "and." (3) The certificate of title shall contain forms for assignment of title and warranty by the owner, with space for notation of liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle at the time of transfer. (4) All certificates of title shall include an abbreviation designating all states, that the department has knowledge of, including Tennessee, where a vehicle has been previously titled. The abbreviation shall be the standard two-letter abbreviation used in addresses by the United States postal service.
(1) All certificates of title shall be numbered numerically and shall contain upon the face a description of the vehicle, including the make, model, type of body, serial number of the vehicle and the engine or other number of the vehicle and, in addition, a statement of the owner's title and of all liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle described, whether possession is held by the owner under a contract of conditional sale or other agreement and the number of the last certificate of title issued for the same vehicle, and other information as may be determined to be necessary by the commissioner.
(2) Joint ownership of a motor vehicle by two (2) or more persons shall be indicated on the certificate of title by the use of the word "and."
(3) The certificate of title shall contain forms for assignment of title and warranty by the owner, with space for notation of liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle at the time of transfer.
(4) All certificates of title shall include an abbreviation designating all states, that the department has knowledge of, including Tennessee, where a vehicle has been previously titled. The abbreviation shall be the standard two-letter abbreviation used in addresses by the United States postal service.
(c) The certificate of title shall be delivered to the owner in the event no lien or encumbrance appears thereon. Otherwise, the certificate of title shall be delivered to the person holding the first lien or encumbrance upon the vehicle as shown in the certificate, and shall be retained by the holder of the first lien or encumbrance until the lien or encumbrance shall be discharged, at which time a notation shall be made on the certificate of title, setting forth the fact that the lien or encumbrance has been discharged, which shall be signed by the lienor. If the certificate of title shows on its face one (1) or more liens or encumbrances still outstanding, then the lienor shall deliver the certificate of title to the next prior lienor, either in person or by registered mail. If there are no more liens or encumbrances still outstanding, then the lienor shall deliver the certificate of title to the owner within seven (7) business days from the discharge of the lien or encumbrance. On the date the lien is discharged, the lienor shall send notice of the discharge to the department by registered mail with return receipt demanded. If the department is not notified within seventy-two (72) hours from the date of discharge, then the lienor is subject to the penalty described in § 55-3-127(c) . As used in this subsection (c), "owner" includes any person or entity who lawfully acquires a motor vehicle and pays off the outstanding lien or encumbrance on the vehicle.
(d) In the event any lien or encumbrance which is subordinate to any other outstanding lien or encumbrance is discharged or released, the holder of the sublien or encumbrance shall immediately procure the certificate of title from the lienor in whose possession it is being held for the sole purpose of discharging the lien as provided by subsection (c), and thereupon shall return the certificate of title to the person from whom it was obtained, notifying the department of the discharge of this lien, or, in the alternative, the sublienor may immediately forward to the department a release setting forth the fact that the lien or encumbrance has been discharged, which shall be signed by the lienor, and the department shall note the release of the lien upon the certificate of title when the certificate of title shall next be in the physical possession of the department.
(e) With respect to the delegation of duties and the resultant performance of services, the commissioner is authorized to compensate the county clerk at the rates set forth in applicable statutes, upon receipt from the county clerk of confirmation of services in a form acceptable to the commissioner. The prior requirement of a written contract is eliminated.
(f) (1) The department may, in its sole discretion, contract with any business entity that maintains a fleet of two hundred (200) or more motor vehicles to allow the business entity to provide any specific service, or all services, normally performed by the department or by a county clerk relative to the titling and the registration of otherwise qualified motor vehicles within the business entity's fleet of motor vehicles. The existence of such a contract shall not be interpreted to diminish, restrict, or limit the authority of the department to administer or enforce applicable provisions of any law with which a motor vehicle within the contracting business entity's fleet is not in compliance. The contract shall require that the department group vehicles by county of domicile. The department shall collect and distribute to county governments and county government officials the same taxes and fees as would be applicable if the vehicles were registered in the county. (2) Contracts with business entities entered into by the department under this subsection (f) shall set forth in detail the duties and responsibilities of each party, shall require compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, shall not contain provisions that are contrary to any federal or state statute, and shall comply with the Federal Drivers' Privacy Protection Act ( 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq.), and the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act, compiled in chapter 25 of this title. (3) A contract entered into under the authority of this subsection (f) shall be at no cost to the department except for the cost of license plates, decals, forms and administrative costs that the department would normally incur in titling and registering motor vehicles within the business entity's fleet were it not for such contract. (4) A contract entered into under the authority of this subsection (f) shall, in addition to all other requirements included in the contract, require the contracting business entity to: (A) Keep all records, inventories, copies and other related paperwork that a county clerk would be required to keep if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title; (B) Forward to the department, no later than the tenth day of each month, copies of all applications, certificates of title, certificates of registration, completed forms, or other related documents or paperwork required by the department that have been issued, completed or processed by the contracting business entity during the prior month; (C) No later than the tenth day of each month, remit to the department all fees and other moneys related to the titling and registering of motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet during the prior month that would have been required to be collected by the department or a county clerk were it not for the contract entered into under this subsection (f); and (D) Timely make all reports that the department requires, including all applicable reports that a county clerk would be required to make if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title. (5) A delinquency in forwarding to the department any remittance, report, application, document, form or paperwork required of the contracting entity by law or by contract shall result in a penalty of five percent (5%) of the delinquent remittance, or the remittance associated with the delinquent report, application, document, form or paperwork, as the case may be, for each thirty (30) days or fraction of the thirty (30) days that the delinquency continues; provided, however, that the penalty may be waived by the commissioner upon the showing of good and reasonable cause. In no case shall the penalty provided for in this subdivision (f)(5) exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the remittance base. (6) If the department enters into a contract with a business entity under this subsection (f) and the business entity fails to strictly comply with any requirement or provision of the contract, the contract may be rescinded in its entirety and cancelled at the discretion of the commissioner; provided, however, that the effective date of the cancellation shall be thirty (30) business days after the date the department gives notice by certified mail to the contracting business entity that the contract is being rescinded and cancelled.
(1) The department may, in its sole discretion, contract with any business entity that maintains a fleet of two hundred (200) or more motor vehicles to allow the business entity to provide any specific service, or all services, normally performed by the department or by a county clerk relative to the titling and the registration of otherwise qualified motor vehicles within the business entity's fleet of motor vehicles. The existence of such a contract shall not be interpreted to diminish, restrict, or limit the authority of the department to administer or enforce applicable provisions of any law with which a motor vehicle within the contracting business entity's fleet is not in compliance. The contract shall require that the department group vehicles by county of domicile. The department shall collect and distribute to county governments and county government officials the same taxes and fees as would be applicable if the vehicles were registered in the county.
(2) Contracts with business entities entered into by the department under this subsection (f) shall set forth in detail the duties and responsibilities of each party, shall require compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, shall not contain provisions that are contrary to any federal or state statute, and shall comply with the Federal Drivers' Privacy Protection Act ( 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq.), and the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act, compiled in chapter 25 of this title.
(3) A contract entered into under the authority of this subsection (f) shall be at no cost to the department except for the cost of license plates, decals, forms and administrative costs that the department would normally incur in titling and registering motor vehicles within the business entity's fleet were it not for such contract.
(4) A contract entered into under the authority of this subsection (f) shall, in addition to all other requirements included in the contract, require the contracting business entity to: (A) Keep all records, inventories, copies and other related paperwork that a county clerk would be required to keep if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title; (B) Forward to the department, no later than the tenth day of each month, copies of all applications, certificates of title, certificates of registration, completed forms, or other related documents or paperwork required by the department that have been issued, completed or processed by the contracting business entity during the prior month; (C) No later than the tenth day of each month, remit to the department all fees and other moneys related to the titling and registering of motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet during the prior month that would have been required to be collected by the department or a county clerk were it not for the contract entered into under this subsection (f); and (D) Timely make all reports that the department requires, including all applicable reports that a county clerk would be required to make if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title.
(A) Keep all records, inventories, copies and other related paperwork that a county clerk would be required to keep if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title;
(B) Forward to the department, no later than the tenth day of each month, copies of all applications, certificates of title, certificates of registration, completed forms, or other related documents or paperwork required by the department that have been issued, completed or processed by the contracting business entity during the prior month;
(C) No later than the tenth day of each month, remit to the department all fees and other moneys related to the titling and registering of motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet during the prior month that would have been required to be collected by the department or a county clerk were it not for the contract entered into under this subsection (f); and
(D) Timely make all reports that the department requires, including all applicable reports that a county clerk would be required to make if the clerk were titling and registering motor vehicles within the contracting business entity's fleet under chapters 1-6 of this title.
(5) A delinquency in forwarding to the department any remittance, report, application, document, form or paperwork required of the contracting entity by law or by contract shall result in a penalty of five percent (5%) of the delinquent remittance, or the remittance associated with the delinquent report, application, document, form or paperwork, as the case may be, for each thirty (30) days or fraction of the thirty (30) days that the delinquency continues; provided, however, that the penalty may be waived by the commissioner upon the showing of good and reasonable cause. In no case shall the penalty provided for in this subdivision (f)(5) exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the remittance base.
(6) If the department enters into a contract with a business entity under this subsection (f) and the business entity fails to strictly comply with any requirement or provision of the contract, the contract may be rescinded in its entirety and cancelled at the discretion of the commissioner; provided, however, that the effective date of the cancellation shall be thirty (30) business days after the date the department gives notice by certified mail to the contracting business entity that the contract is being rescinded and cancelled.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 240, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 462, s 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 718, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 35 (Williams, § 5538.135); Acts 1972, ch. 518, § 6; 1972, ch. 540, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-314; Acts 1982, ch. 740, § 1; 1983, ch. 135, § 1; 1986, ch. 771, §§ 2, 3; 1993, ch. 529, § 7; 1996, ch. 552, § 9; 1996, ch. 578, §§ 1, 2; 2007 , ch. 484, § 19; 2008 , ch. 1007, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-351 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-351
Commerce and industry
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is a certified member of the National Association of Realtors, 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 Association of Realtors 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 logo and be designed in consultation with the Tennessee Association of Realtors. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Real Estate Educational Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote consumer protection through the education of real estate professionals in Tennessee. (4) Notwithstanding part 1 of this chapter to the contrary, motor vehicles that are registered with Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plates are deemed not to be commercial vehicles. (5) (A) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202 , the commissioner is authorized to and shall issue a registration plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate; provided, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles and pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204 prior to the issuance of the plate. (B) The motorcycle plates authorized by subdivision (a)(5)(A) must be substantially the same in design and configuration, allowing for variations due to size restrictions, as the regular Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by subdivision (a)(1). (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 Linemen Power Tennessee 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 contain the logo or other appropriate design representative of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Linemen Power Tennessee new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used in furtherance of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund's activities in this state. (4) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, motor vehicles used for the purpose of passenger transport that are owned by an entity operating under title 65, chapter 25, and that weigh less than the Class 1 weight as provided in § 55-4-113(a)(2)(A) , are authorized to be issued a license plate described in this subsection (b). (c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association 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 an appropriate logo and be designed in consultation with the Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in this state to support the higher education scholarship programs of the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 24, eff. 7/1/2024. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is a certified member of the National Association of Realtors, 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 Association of Realtors 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 logo and be designed in consultation with the Tennessee Association of Realtors. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Real Estate Educational Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote consumer protection through the education of real estate professionals in Tennessee. (4) Notwithstanding part 1 of this chapter to the contrary, motor vehicles that are registered with Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plates are deemed not to be commercial vehicles. (5) (A) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202 , the commissioner is authorized to and shall issue a registration plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate; provided, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles and pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204 prior to the issuance of the plate. (B) The motorcycle plates authorized by subdivision (a)(5)(A) must be substantially the same in design and configuration, allowing for variations due to size restrictions, as the regular Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by subdivision (a)(1).
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is a certified member of the National Association of Realtors, 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 Association of Realtors 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 logo and be designed in consultation with the Tennessee Association of Realtors.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Real Estate Educational Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote consumer protection through the education of real estate professionals in Tennessee.
(4) Notwithstanding part 1 of this chapter to the contrary, motor vehicles that are registered with Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plates are deemed not to be commercial vehicles.
(5) (A) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202 , the commissioner is authorized to and shall issue a registration plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate; provided, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles and pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204 prior to the issuance of the plate. (B) The motorcycle plates authorized by subdivision (a)(5)(A) must be substantially the same in design and configuration, allowing for variations due to size restrictions, as the regular Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by subdivision (a)(1).
(A) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202 , the commissioner is authorized to and shall issue a registration plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate; provided, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles and pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204 prior to the issuance of the plate.
(B) The motorcycle plates authorized by subdivision (a)(5)(A) must be substantially the same in design and configuration, allowing for variations due to size restrictions, as the regular Tennessee Association of Realtors new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by subdivision (a)(1).
(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 Linemen Power Tennessee 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 contain the logo or other appropriate design representative of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Linemen Power Tennessee new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used in furtherance of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund's activities in this state. (4) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, motor vehicles used for the purpose of passenger transport that are owned by an entity operating under title 65, chapter 25, and that weigh less than the Class 1 weight as provided in § 55-4-113(a)(2)(A) , are authorized to be issued a license plate described in this subsection (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 Linemen Power Tennessee 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 contain the logo or other appropriate design representative of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Linemen Power Tennessee new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used in furtherance of the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund's activities in this state.
(4) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, motor vehicles used for the purpose of passenger transport that are owned by an entity operating under title 65, chapter 25, and that weigh less than the Class 1 weight as provided in § 55-4-113(a)(2)(A) , are authorized to be issued a license plate described in this subsection (b).
(c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association 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 an appropriate logo and be designed in consultation with the Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in this state to support the higher education scholarship programs of the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation.
(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 Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association 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 an appropriate logo and be designed in consultation with the Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in this state to support the higher education scholarship programs of the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 24, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-113 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-113
Garages to report
Status: in_force

The person in charge of any garage or repair shop, to which is brought any motor vehicle that shows evidence of having been involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in § 55-10-107 , or of having been struck by any bullet, shall report to the department within twenty-four (24) hours after the motor vehicle is received, giving the engine number, registration number, and the name and address of the owner or operator of the vehicle. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 90; T.C.A., § 59-1013.
The person in charge of any garage or repair shop, to which is brought any motor vehicle that shows evidence of having been involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in § 55-10-107 , or of having been struck by any bullet, shall report to the department within twenty-four (24) hours after the motor vehicle is received, giving the engine number, registration number, and the name and address of the owner or operator of the vehicle.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 90; T.C.A., § 59-1013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-22-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 22 / Section 55-22-105
When races permitted in tourist resort counties - Times for races in general and on Sundays
Status: in_force

(a) (1) In any county that is a tourist resort county, motor vehicle racing may be permitted on not more than three (3) days a week. If racing is conducted for three (3) days a week, one (1) of the days shall be Sunday. (2) For the purpose of this section, "tourist resort county" means any county having two (2) or more municipalities in which at least forty percent (40%) of the assessed valuation of the real property in those municipalities consists of hotels, motels, restaurants, and similar businesses serving traveling persons as shown by the tax assessment records of the county. (b) (1) No racing shall be conducted after eleven o'clock p.m. (11:00 p.m.). At the conclusion of a racing event, the track management shall encourage all participants and patrons to vacate the premises by not later than eleven-thirty p.m. (11:30 p.m.). (2) No racing shall be conducted on a Sunday except between twelve o'clock (12:00) noon and six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.). At the conclusion of a Sunday racing event, the track management shall encourage all participants and patrons to vacate the premises by not later than six-thirty p.m. (6:30 p.m.). Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 354,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1968, ch. 534, § 5; T.C.A., §§ 59-2305, 66-405.
(a) (1) In any county that is a tourist resort county, motor vehicle racing may be permitted on not more than three (3) days a week. If racing is conducted for three (3) days a week, one (1) of the days shall be Sunday. (2) For the purpose of this section, "tourist resort county" means any county having two (2) or more municipalities in which at least forty percent (40%) of the assessed valuation of the real property in those municipalities consists of hotels, motels, restaurants, and similar businesses serving traveling persons as shown by the tax assessment records of the county.
(1) In any county that is a tourist resort county, motor vehicle racing may be permitted on not more than three (3) days a week. If racing is conducted for three (3) days a week, one (1) of the days shall be Sunday.
(2) For the purpose of this section, "tourist resort county" means any county having two (2) or more municipalities in which at least forty percent (40%) of the assessed valuation of the real property in those municipalities consists of hotels, motels, restaurants, and similar businesses serving traveling persons as shown by the tax assessment records of the county.
(b) (1) No racing shall be conducted after eleven o'clock p.m. (11:00 p.m.). At the conclusion of a racing event, the track management shall encourage all participants and patrons to vacate the premises by not later than eleven-thirty p.m. (11:30 p.m.). (2) No racing shall be conducted on a Sunday except between twelve o'clock (12:00) noon and six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.). At the conclusion of a Sunday racing event, the track management shall encourage all participants and patrons to vacate the premises by not later than six-thirty p.m. (6:30 p.m.).
(1) No racing shall be conducted after eleven o'clock p.m. (11:00 p.m.). At the conclusion of a racing event, the track management shall encourage all participants and patrons to vacate the premises by not later than eleven-thirty p.m. (11:30 p.m.).
(2) No racing shall be conducted on a Sunday except between twelve o'clock (12:00) noon and six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.). At the conclusion of a Sunday racing event, the track management shall encourage all participants and patrons to vacate the premises by not later than six-thirty p.m. (6:30 p.m.).
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 354,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1968, ch. 534, § 5; T.C.A., §§ 59-2305, 66-405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-142 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-142
Turning movements - Signal for stop or decrease in speed
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in § 55-8-140 , or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway, unless and until this movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in §§ 55-8-143 and 55-8-144 in the event any other traffic may be affected by this movement. (b) No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give this signal. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 42; T.C.A., § 59-842.
(a) No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in § 55-8-140 , or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway, unless and until this movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in §§ 55-8-143 and 55-8-144 in the event any other traffic may be affected by this movement.
(b) No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give this signal.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 42; T.C.A., § 59-842.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-216 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-216
Allocation of revenue from cultural plates
Status: in_force

(a) Effective July 1, 1998, and for all subsequent fiscal years, all revenues produced from the sale or renewal of cultural motor vehicle registration plates as defined in § 55-4-201 , excluding personalized plates and the arts plates authorized by § 55-4-240 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in designing, manufacturing and marketing the plates, shall be allocated as follows: (1) Eighty percent (80%) of the funds shall be allocated to the Tennessee arts commission created in title 4, chapter 20; and (2) Twenty percent (20%) of the funds shall be allocated to the state highway fund. (b) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of personalized plates pursuant to § 55-4-210 and the revenues produced from the personalization of cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates pursuant to §§ 55-4-214 and 55-4-241 , or renewals thereof, shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-4-215 . (2) Notwithstanding this section, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of the cultural plates to support the arts authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-4-217 . (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as reallocating the revenues produced from the regular motor vehicle registration fees, or renewals thereof, imposed by part 1 of this chapter. The revenues shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 1999, ch. 494, § 2.
(a) Effective July 1, 1998, and for all subsequent fiscal years, all revenues produced from the sale or renewal of cultural motor vehicle registration plates as defined in § 55-4-201 , excluding personalized plates and the arts plates authorized by § 55-4-240 , after deducting the expense the department has incurred in designing, manufacturing and marketing the plates, shall be allocated as follows: (1) Eighty percent (80%) of the funds shall be allocated to the Tennessee arts commission created in title 4, chapter 20; and (2) Twenty percent (20%) of the funds shall be allocated to the state highway fund.
(1) Eighty percent (80%) of the funds shall be allocated to the Tennessee arts commission created in title 4, chapter 20; and
(2) Twenty percent (20%) of the funds shall be allocated to the state highway fund.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of personalized plates pursuant to § 55-4-210 and the revenues produced from the personalization of cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates pursuant to §§ 55-4-214 and 55-4-241 , or renewals thereof, shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-4-215 . (2) Notwithstanding this section, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of the cultural plates to support the arts authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-4-217 .
(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of personalized plates pursuant to § 55-4-210 and the revenues produced from the personalization of cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates pursuant to §§ 55-4-214 and 55-4-241 , or renewals thereof, shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-4-215 .
(2) Notwithstanding this section, the revenues produced from the sale or renewal of the cultural plates to support the arts authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-4-217 .
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as reallocating the revenues produced from the regular motor vehicle registration fees, or renewals thereof, imposed by part 1 of this chapter. The revenues shall be allocated in accordance with § 55-6-107 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 1999, ch. 494, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-151 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-151
Overtaking and passing school, youth or church bus - Markings - Discharging passengers - Penalties - Installation of cameras on school buses
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. Subsection (a) shall also apply to a school bus with lights flashing and stop sign extended and marked in accordance with this subsection (a) that is stopped upon property owned, operated, or used by a school or educational institution, if the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children outside a protected loading zone. (2) All motor vehicles used in transporting school children to and from school in this state are required to be distinctly marked "School Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height, and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching the school bus, whether traveling in the same or opposite direction. (3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of this subsection (a), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic. (4) Except as otherwise provided by subdivisions (a)(1)-(3), the school bus driver is required to stop the school bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated, until all school children who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all children whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing. (5) (A) It is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to fail to comply with any provision of this subsection (a) other than the requirement that a motor vehicle stop upon approaching a school bus. (B) It is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a person to fail to comply with the provision of this subsection (a) requiring a motor vehicle to stop upon approaching a school bus; except, that a second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (C) A person who violates subdivision (a)(1) and strikes another person with a vehicle, commits a Class E felony; provided, that the person commits a Class C felony if the striking results in the death of the other person. (6) Subdivisions (a)(1)-(5) shall not be applicable to the vehicles of street railway companies, as defined in [former] § 65-16-101 [repealed], while those vehicles are being used for the transportation of school children within a municipality or its environs in the area over which a municipality or a municipal regulatory agency has regulatory jurisdiction under [former] § 65-16-101 [repealed]. (b) Local education agencies (LEAs) are authorized to display a sticker on the rear of school buses directing drivers to remain at a distance of at least one hundred feet (100') while the bus is in motion, except when lawfully overtaking and passing the school bus. The department of safety shall develop uniform standards for the stickers. (c) (1) A local education agency (LEA) may purchase, install, operate, and maintain cameras on the exterior of school buses, or may enter into a contract with a private vendor to purchase, install, operate, and maintain cameras on the exterior of school buses, whether owned, contracted, or leased by the LEA, and provide other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), on behalf of the LEA, for the purpose of recording images of motor vehicles that are in violation of subdivision (a)(1) for failing to stop upon approaching a school bus. (2) An LEA that installs cameras on the exterior of school buses in accordance with subdivision (c)(1) shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with local law enforcement that includes, but is not limited to, the review of evidence from a camera and overall enforcement. Only POST-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement officers, including school resource officers, as defined in § 49-6-4202 , are authorized to review evidence from a camera to determine whether a violation of subdivision (a)(1) has occurred. (3) (A) In lieu of prosecution for an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, a person may be issued a notice of violation or citation; however, this subdivision (c)(3)(A) does not preclude the state from prosecuting an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from such camera if the state meets the burden of proof set out in § 39-11-201 . (B) A notice of violation or citation issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(1) that is based solely upon evidence from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is considered a nonmoving traffic violation. (C) The registered owner of the motor vehicle is responsible for payment of a notice of violation or citation; provided, that the owner is not responsible for the violation if the owner submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) . (D) The fine for a first notice of violation or citation under this subdivision (c)(3) is two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and the fine for a second or subsequent notice of violation or citation is five hundred dollars ($500). (4) (A) Notices of violations or citations must be sent in accordance with § 55-8-198(b)(1) to the registered owner of the vehicle that was captured by the camera. (B) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus are prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the citation was operated in violation of subdivision (a)(1). Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, together with proof that the defendant was the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation, create an inference that the owner of the vehicle was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. The inference may be rebutted if the owner of the vehicle submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) . (C) A citation based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is deemed invalid if the registration information of the motor vehicle for which the citation is issued is not consistent with the evidence recorded by the camera. (5) For a violation of subdivision (a)(1), there is a presumption that the photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus provide evidence that the school bus was stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children. (6) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus depicting a violation of subdivision (a)(1) must be made available for inspection in any proceeding in which the citation or violation is being contested. (7) The notice of violation or citation must include: (A) The date, location, and time of the alleged violation; (B) The amount of the fine being assessed; (C) The means by which the owner may elect to shift responsibility for the payment of the citation to the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation pursuant to § 55-8-198(e) ; and (D) Information detailing the process for contesting the citation, including the applicable court having jurisdiction. (8) (A) One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds from any fine imposed under this section that is based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera installed on the exterior of a school bus must be allocated to the LEA without being designated for any particular purpose. (B) (i) The LEA may use the proceeds for the purpose of defraying the costs of purchasing, installing, operating, or maintaining the camera, or reimbursing or compensating the vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, the provision of other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), or reimbursement to law enforcement for costs related to review and enforcement of violations of subsection (a)(1) allowable under the law. (ii) If the LEA uses the proceeds for the purpose of reimbursing or compensating a vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, or the provision of other services, then the LEA shall create procedures for such reimbursement or compensation and shall maintain records of the reimbursement or compensation. (9) No more than one (1) citation shall be issued for each distinct and separate traffic offense in violation of subdivision (a)(1) or a municipal ordinance or law that mirrors, substantially duplicates, or incorporates by cross-reference the language of subdivision (a)(1). (10) Any LEA that contracts for transportation services with any persons or entities that own school buses, shall include in each contract a provision requiring the owner to allow the LEA, private vendor, or local law enforcement agency reasonable access to the bus for the purposes of installing, maintaining, or inspecting cameras or obtaining, gathering, or transmitting recorded images from the camera to enforce subdivision (a)(1). (11) Any photograph or video recorded by a camera in accordance with this subsection (c) is admissible as evidence in any proceeding alleging a violation of subsection (a) if the photograph or video meets the standards of admissibility set forth in the Tennessee Rules of Evidence. (12) As used in this subsection (c): (A) "Camera" means any device that is capable of: (i) Producing a digital photograph, recorded video, or other recorded image, including an image of a motor vehicle passing or overtaking a school bus and the vehicle's license plate; and (ii) Recording the time, date, and location of a vehicle at the time the image is recorded; (B) "Local education agency" or "LEA" means the same as defined by § 49-1-103 ; and (C) "School bus" means every motor vehicle owned by a county, city, local board of education, LEA, or private contractor that is operated for the transportation of students to or from any public school or public school-related activities. (d) (1) (A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any church bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the church bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the church bus resumes motion or is signaled by the church bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated. (B) This subsection (d) shall not apply unless the church bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses. (2) All motor vehicles used in transporting passengers to and from churches in this state are required to be distinctly marked "Church Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching the church bus, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction. (3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a church bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the church bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of subdivision (d)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic. (4) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection (d), the church bus driver is required to stop the church bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated until all passengers who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all passengers whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing. (5) Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this subsection (d), requiring motor vehicles to stop upon approaching church buses, or violating any of this subsection (d), commits a Class C misdemeanor. (e) (1) (A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any youth bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the youth bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the youth bus resumes motion or is signaled by the youth bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated. (B) Subdivision (e)(1)(A) shall not apply unless the youth bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses. (2) All motor vehicles owned by corporations or organizations used in transporting child passengers to and from child care centers in this state or to and from the activities of religious, charitable, scientific, educational, youth service or athletic institutions or organizations are required to be distinctly marked "Youth Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching such youth bus, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction. (3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways needs not stop upon meeting or passing a youth bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the youth bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of subdivision (e)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic. (4) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection (e), the youth bus driver is required to stop the youth bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated until all passengers who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all passengers whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing. (5) Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this subsection (e), requiring motor vehicles to stop upon approaching youth buses, or violating any of this subsection (e), commits a Class C misdemeanor. (6) For purposes of this subsection (e), a "youth bus" means a motor vehicle designed for carrying not less than fifteen (15) passengers and used for the transportation of persons. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 792, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 418, s 1, eff. 5/21/2019. Acts 1937, ch. 70, §§ 1-3; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2715.6-2715.8 (Williams, §§ 2715.11-2715.13); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 50; 1957, ch. 27, § 1; 1959, ch. 39, § 1; 1961, ch. 171, § 1; 1973, ch. 22, §§ 1-4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-851; Acts 1987, ch. 360, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1997 , ch. 322, § 1; 1998, ch. 753, § 1; 2000, ch. 663, § 1; 2006, ch. 825, § 1.
(a) (1) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. Subsection (a) shall also apply to a school bus with lights flashing and stop sign extended and marked in accordance with this subsection (a) that is stopped upon property owned, operated, or used by a school or educational institution, if the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children outside a protected loading zone. (2) All motor vehicles used in transporting school children to and from school in this state are required to be distinctly marked "School Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height, and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching the school bus, whether traveling in the same or opposite direction. (3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of this subsection (a), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic. (4) Except as otherwise provided by subdivisions (a)(1)-(3), the school bus driver is required to stop the school bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated, until all school children who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all children whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing. (5) (A) It is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to fail to comply with any provision of this subsection (a) other than the requirement that a motor vehicle stop upon approaching a school bus. (B) It is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a person to fail to comply with the provision of this subsection (a) requiring a motor vehicle to stop upon approaching a school bus; except, that a second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (C) A person who violates subdivision (a)(1) and strikes another person with a vehicle, commits a Class E felony; provided, that the person commits a Class C felony if the striking results in the death of the other person. (6) Subdivisions (a)(1)-(5) shall not be applicable to the vehicles of street railway companies, as defined in [former] § 65-16-101 [repealed], while those vehicles are being used for the transportation of school children within a municipality or its environs in the area over which a municipality or a municipal regulatory agency has regulatory jurisdiction under [former] § 65-16-101 [repealed].
(1) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. Subsection (a) shall also apply to a school bus with lights flashing and stop sign extended and marked in accordance with this subsection (a) that is stopped upon property owned, operated, or used by a school or educational institution, if the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children outside a protected loading zone.
(2) All motor vehicles used in transporting school children to and from school in this state are required to be distinctly marked "School Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height, and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching the school bus, whether traveling in the same or opposite direction.
(3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of this subsection (a), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic.
(A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(B) For the purpose of this subsection (a), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic.
(4) Except as otherwise provided by subdivisions (a)(1)-(3), the school bus driver is required to stop the school bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated, until all school children who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all children whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing.
(5) (A) It is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to fail to comply with any provision of this subsection (a) other than the requirement that a motor vehicle stop upon approaching a school bus. (B) It is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a person to fail to comply with the provision of this subsection (a) requiring a motor vehicle to stop upon approaching a school bus; except, that a second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (C) A person who violates subdivision (a)(1) and strikes another person with a vehicle, commits a Class E felony; provided, that the person commits a Class C felony if the striking results in the death of the other person.
(A) It is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to fail to comply with any provision of this subsection (a) other than the requirement that a motor vehicle stop upon approaching a school bus.
(B) It is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a person to fail to comply with the provision of this subsection (a) requiring a motor vehicle to stop upon approaching a school bus; except, that a second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(C) A person who violates subdivision (a)(1) and strikes another person with a vehicle, commits a Class E felony; provided, that the person commits a Class C felony if the striking results in the death of the other person.
(6) Subdivisions (a)(1)-(5) shall not be applicable to the vehicles of street railway companies, as defined in [former] § 65-16-101 [repealed], while those vehicles are being used for the transportation of school children within a municipality or its environs in the area over which a municipality or a municipal regulatory agency has regulatory jurisdiction under [former] § 65-16-101 [repealed].
(b) Local education agencies (LEAs) are authorized to display a sticker on the rear of school buses directing drivers to remain at a distance of at least one hundred feet (100') while the bus is in motion, except when lawfully overtaking and passing the school bus. The department of safety shall develop uniform standards for the stickers.
(c) (1) A local education agency (LEA) may purchase, install, operate, and maintain cameras on the exterior of school buses, or may enter into a contract with a private vendor to purchase, install, operate, and maintain cameras on the exterior of school buses, whether owned, contracted, or leased by the LEA, and provide other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), on behalf of the LEA, for the purpose of recording images of motor vehicles that are in violation of subdivision (a)(1) for failing to stop upon approaching a school bus. (2) An LEA that installs cameras on the exterior of school buses in accordance with subdivision (c)(1) shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with local law enforcement that includes, but is not limited to, the review of evidence from a camera and overall enforcement. Only POST-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement officers, including school resource officers, as defined in § 49-6-4202 , are authorized to review evidence from a camera to determine whether a violation of subdivision (a)(1) has occurred. (3) (A) In lieu of prosecution for an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, a person may be issued a notice of violation or citation; however, this subdivision (c)(3)(A) does not preclude the state from prosecuting an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from such camera if the state meets the burden of proof set out in § 39-11-201 . (B) A notice of violation or citation issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(1) that is based solely upon evidence from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is considered a nonmoving traffic violation. (C) The registered owner of the motor vehicle is responsible for payment of a notice of violation or citation; provided, that the owner is not responsible for the violation if the owner submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) . (D) The fine for a first notice of violation or citation under this subdivision (c)(3) is two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and the fine for a second or subsequent notice of violation or citation is five hundred dollars ($500). (4) (A) Notices of violations or citations must be sent in accordance with § 55-8-198(b)(1) to the registered owner of the vehicle that was captured by the camera. (B) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus are prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the citation was operated in violation of subdivision (a)(1). Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, together with proof that the defendant was the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation, create an inference that the owner of the vehicle was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. The inference may be rebutted if the owner of the vehicle submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) . (C) A citation based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is deemed invalid if the registration information of the motor vehicle for which the citation is issued is not consistent with the evidence recorded by the camera. (5) For a violation of subdivision (a)(1), there is a presumption that the photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus provide evidence that the school bus was stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children. (6) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus depicting a violation of subdivision (a)(1) must be made available for inspection in any proceeding in which the citation or violation is being contested. (7) The notice of violation or citation must include: (A) The date, location, and time of the alleged violation; (B) The amount of the fine being assessed; (C) The means by which the owner may elect to shift responsibility for the payment of the citation to the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation pursuant to § 55-8-198(e) ; and (D) Information detailing the process for contesting the citation, including the applicable court having jurisdiction. (8) (A) One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds from any fine imposed under this section that is based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera installed on the exterior of a school bus must be allocated to the LEA without being designated for any particular purpose. (B) (i) The LEA may use the proceeds for the purpose of defraying the costs of purchasing, installing, operating, or maintaining the camera, or reimbursing or compensating the vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, the provision of other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), or reimbursement to law enforcement for costs related to review and enforcement of violations of subsection (a)(1) allowable under the law. (ii) If the LEA uses the proceeds for the purpose of reimbursing or compensating a vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, or the provision of other services, then the LEA shall create procedures for such reimbursement or compensation and shall maintain records of the reimbursement or compensation. (9) No more than one (1) citation shall be issued for each distinct and separate traffic offense in violation of subdivision (a)(1) or a municipal ordinance or law that mirrors, substantially duplicates, or incorporates by cross-reference the language of subdivision (a)(1). (10) Any LEA that contracts for transportation services with any persons or entities that own school buses, shall include in each contract a provision requiring the owner to allow the LEA, private vendor, or local law enforcement agency reasonable access to the bus for the purposes of installing, maintaining, or inspecting cameras or obtaining, gathering, or transmitting recorded images from the camera to enforce subdivision (a)(1). (11) Any photograph or video recorded by a camera in accordance with this subsection (c) is admissible as evidence in any proceeding alleging a violation of subsection (a) if the photograph or video meets the standards of admissibility set forth in the Tennessee Rules of Evidence. (12) As used in this subsection (c): (A) "Camera" means any device that is capable of: (i) Producing a digital photograph, recorded video, or other recorded image, including an image of a motor vehicle passing or overtaking a school bus and the vehicle's license plate; and (ii) Recording the time, date, and location of a vehicle at the time the image is recorded; (B) "Local education agency" or "LEA" means the same as defined by § 49-1-103 ; and (C) "School bus" means every motor vehicle owned by a county, city, local board of education, LEA, or private contractor that is operated for the transportation of students to or from any public school or public school-related activities.
(1) A local education agency (LEA) may purchase, install, operate, and maintain cameras on the exterior of school buses, or may enter into a contract with a private vendor to purchase, install, operate, and maintain cameras on the exterior of school buses, whether owned, contracted, or leased by the LEA, and provide other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), on behalf of the LEA, for the purpose of recording images of motor vehicles that are in violation of subdivision (a)(1) for failing to stop upon approaching a school bus.
(2) An LEA that installs cameras on the exterior of school buses in accordance with subdivision (c)(1) shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with local law enforcement that includes, but is not limited to, the review of evidence from a camera and overall enforcement. Only POST-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement officers, including school resource officers, as defined in § 49-6-4202 , are authorized to review evidence from a camera to determine whether a violation of subdivision (a)(1) has occurred.
(3) (A) In lieu of prosecution for an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, a person may be issued a notice of violation or citation; however, this subdivision (c)(3)(A) does not preclude the state from prosecuting an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from such camera if the state meets the burden of proof set out in § 39-11-201 . (B) A notice of violation or citation issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(1) that is based solely upon evidence from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is considered a nonmoving traffic violation. (C) The registered owner of the motor vehicle is responsible for payment of a notice of violation or citation; provided, that the owner is not responsible for the violation if the owner submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) . (D) The fine for a first notice of violation or citation under this subdivision (c)(3) is two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and the fine for a second or subsequent notice of violation or citation is five hundred dollars ($500).
(A) In lieu of prosecution for an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, a person may be issued a notice of violation or citation; however, this subdivision (c)(3)(A) does not preclude the state from prosecuting an offense under subdivision (a)(5)(B), where evidence of the offense is based solely from such camera if the state meets the burden of proof set out in § 39-11-201 .
(B) A notice of violation or citation issued for a violation of subdivision (a)(1) that is based solely upon evidence from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is considered a nonmoving traffic violation.
(C) The registered owner of the motor vehicle is responsible for payment of a notice of violation or citation; provided, that the owner is not responsible for the violation if the owner submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) .
(D) The fine for a first notice of violation or citation under this subdivision (c)(3) is two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and the fine for a second or subsequent notice of violation or citation is five hundred dollars ($500).
(4) (A) Notices of violations or citations must be sent in accordance with § 55-8-198(b)(1) to the registered owner of the vehicle that was captured by the camera. (B) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus are prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the citation was operated in violation of subdivision (a)(1). Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, together with proof that the defendant was the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation, create an inference that the owner of the vehicle was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. The inference may be rebutted if the owner of the vehicle submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) . (C) A citation based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is deemed invalid if the registration information of the motor vehicle for which the citation is issued is not consistent with the evidence recorded by the camera.
(A) Notices of violations or citations must be sent in accordance with § 55-8-198(b)(1) to the registered owner of the vehicle that was captured by the camera.
(B) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus are prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the citation was operated in violation of subdivision (a)(1). Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus, together with proof that the defendant was the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation, create an inference that the owner of the vehicle was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. The inference may be rebutted if the owner of the vehicle submits documentation in accordance with § 55-8-198(e) .
(C) A citation based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus is deemed invalid if the registration information of the motor vehicle for which the citation is issued is not consistent with the evidence recorded by the camera.
(5) For a violation of subdivision (a)(1), there is a presumption that the photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus provide evidence that the school bus was stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children.
(6) Photographs or video produced by a camera that has been installed on the exterior of a school bus depicting a violation of subdivision (a)(1) must be made available for inspection in any proceeding in which the citation or violation is being contested.
(7) The notice of violation or citation must include: (A) The date, location, and time of the alleged violation; (B) The amount of the fine being assessed; (C) The means by which the owner may elect to shift responsibility for the payment of the citation to the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation pursuant to § 55-8-198(e) ; and (D) Information detailing the process for contesting the citation, including the applicable court having jurisdiction.
(A) The date, location, and time of the alleged violation;
(B) The amount of the fine being assessed;
(C) The means by which the owner may elect to shift responsibility for the payment of the citation to the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation pursuant to § 55-8-198(e) ; and
(D) Information detailing the process for contesting the citation, including the applicable court having jurisdiction.
(8) (A) One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds from any fine imposed under this section that is based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera installed on the exterior of a school bus must be allocated to the LEA without being designated for any particular purpose. (B) (i) The LEA may use the proceeds for the purpose of defraying the costs of purchasing, installing, operating, or maintaining the camera, or reimbursing or compensating the vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, the provision of other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), or reimbursement to law enforcement for costs related to review and enforcement of violations of subsection (a)(1) allowable under the law. (ii) If the LEA uses the proceeds for the purpose of reimbursing or compensating a vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, or the provision of other services, then the LEA shall create procedures for such reimbursement or compensation and shall maintain records of the reimbursement or compensation.
(A) One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds from any fine imposed under this section that is based solely upon evidence obtained from a camera installed on the exterior of a school bus must be allocated to the LEA without being designated for any particular purpose.
(B) (i) The LEA may use the proceeds for the purpose of defraying the costs of purchasing, installing, operating, or maintaining the camera, or reimbursing or compensating the vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, the provision of other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), or reimbursement to law enforcement for costs related to review and enforcement of violations of subsection (a)(1) allowable under the law. (ii) If the LEA uses the proceeds for the purpose of reimbursing or compensating a vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, or the provision of other services, then the LEA shall create procedures for such reimbursement or compensation and shall maintain records of the reimbursement or compensation.
(i) The LEA may use the proceeds for the purpose of defraying the costs of purchasing, installing, operating, or maintaining the camera, or reimbursing or compensating the vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, the provision of other services related to violations of subdivision (a)(1), or reimbursement to law enforcement for costs related to review and enforcement of violations of subsection (a)(1) allowable under the law.
(ii) If the LEA uses the proceeds for the purpose of reimbursing or compensating a vendor with which the LEA contracted regarding the purchase, installation, operation, or maintenance of the camera, or the provision of other services, then the LEA shall create procedures for such reimbursement or compensation and shall maintain records of the reimbursement or compensation.
(9) No more than one (1) citation shall be issued for each distinct and separate traffic offense in violation of subdivision (a)(1) or a municipal ordinance or law that mirrors, substantially duplicates, or incorporates by cross-reference the language of subdivision (a)(1).
(10) Any LEA that contracts for transportation services with any persons or entities that own school buses, shall include in each contract a provision requiring the owner to allow the LEA, private vendor, or local law enforcement agency reasonable access to the bus for the purposes of installing, maintaining, or inspecting cameras or obtaining, gathering, or transmitting recorded images from the camera to enforce subdivision (a)(1).
(11) Any photograph or video recorded by a camera in accordance with this subsection (c) is admissible as evidence in any proceeding alleging a violation of subsection (a) if the photograph or video meets the standards of admissibility set forth in the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.
(12) As used in this subsection (c): (A) "Camera" means any device that is capable of: (i) Producing a digital photograph, recorded video, or other recorded image, including an image of a motor vehicle passing or overtaking a school bus and the vehicle's license plate; and (ii) Recording the time, date, and location of a vehicle at the time the image is recorded; (B) "Local education agency" or "LEA" means the same as defined by § 49-1-103 ; and (C) "School bus" means every motor vehicle owned by a county, city, local board of education, LEA, or private contractor that is operated for the transportation of students to or from any public school or public school-related activities.
(A) "Camera" means any device that is capable of: (i) Producing a digital photograph, recorded video, or other recorded image, including an image of a motor vehicle passing or overtaking a school bus and the vehicle's license plate; and (ii) Recording the time, date, and location of a vehicle at the time the image is recorded;
(i) Producing a digital photograph, recorded video, or other recorded image, including an image of a motor vehicle passing or overtaking a school bus and the vehicle's license plate; and
(ii) Recording the time, date, and location of a vehicle at the time the image is recorded;
(B) "Local education agency" or "LEA" means the same as defined by § 49-1-103 ; and
(C) "School bus" means every motor vehicle owned by a county, city, local board of education, LEA, or private contractor that is operated for the transportation of students to or from any public school or public school-related activities.
(d) (1) (A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any church bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the church bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the church bus resumes motion or is signaled by the church bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated. (B) This subsection (d) shall not apply unless the church bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses. (2) All motor vehicles used in transporting passengers to and from churches in this state are required to be distinctly marked "Church Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching the church bus, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction. (3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a church bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the church bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of subdivision (d)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic. (4) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection (d), the church bus driver is required to stop the church bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated until all passengers who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all passengers whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing. (5) Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this subsection (d), requiring motor vehicles to stop upon approaching church buses, or violating any of this subsection (d), commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(1) (A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any church bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the church bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the church bus resumes motion or is signaled by the church bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated. (B) This subsection (d) shall not apply unless the church bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses.
(A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any church bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the church bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the church bus resumes motion or is signaled by the church bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated.
(B) This subsection (d) shall not apply unless the church bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses.
(2) All motor vehicles used in transporting passengers to and from churches in this state are required to be distinctly marked "Church Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching the church bus, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction.
(3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a church bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the church bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of subdivision (d)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic.
(A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a church bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the church bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(B) For the purpose of subdivision (d)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic.
(4) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection (d), the church bus driver is required to stop the church bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated until all passengers who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all passengers whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing.
(5) Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this subsection (d), requiring motor vehicles to stop upon approaching church buses, or violating any of this subsection (d), commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) (1) (A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any youth bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the youth bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the youth bus resumes motion or is signaled by the youth bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated. (B) Subdivision (e)(1)(A) shall not apply unless the youth bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses. (2) All motor vehicles owned by corporations or organizations used in transporting child passengers to and from child care centers in this state or to and from the activities of religious, charitable, scientific, educational, youth service or athletic institutions or organizations are required to be distinctly marked "Youth Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching such youth bus, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction. (3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways needs not stop upon meeting or passing a youth bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the youth bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of subdivision (e)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic. (4) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection (e), the youth bus driver is required to stop the youth bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated until all passengers who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all passengers whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing. (5) Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this subsection (e), requiring motor vehicles to stop upon approaching youth buses, or violating any of this subsection (e), commits a Class C misdemeanor. (6) For purposes of this subsection (e), a "youth bus" means a motor vehicle designed for carrying not less than fifteen (15) passengers and used for the transportation of persons.
(1) (A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any youth bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the youth bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the youth bus resumes motion or is signaled by the youth bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated. (B) Subdivision (e)(1)(A) shall not apply unless the youth bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses.
(A) The driver of a vehicle on a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any youth bus that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers shall stop the vehicle before reaching the youth bus, and the driver shall not proceed until the youth bus resumes motion or is signaled by the youth bus driver to proceed or the visual signals on the bus are no longer actuated.
(B) Subdivision (e)(1)(A) shall not apply unless the youth bus has the same type of safety equipment indicating the bus has stopped as is required for school buses.
(2) All motor vehicles owned by corporations or organizations used in transporting child passengers to and from child care centers in this state or to and from the activities of religious, charitable, scientific, educational, youth service or athletic institutions or organizations are required to be distinctly marked "Youth Bus" on the front and rear thereof in letters of not less than six inches (6") in height and so plainly written or printed and so arranged as to be legible to persons approaching such youth bus, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction.
(3) (A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways needs not stop upon meeting or passing a youth bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the youth bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (B) For the purpose of subdivision (e)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic.
(A) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways needs not stop upon meeting or passing a youth bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the youth bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(B) For the purpose of subdivision (e)(3)(A), "separate roadways" means roadways divided by an intervening space that is not suitable to vehicular traffic.
(4) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection (e), the youth bus driver is required to stop the youth bus on the right-hand side of the road or highway, and the driver shall cause the bus to remain stationary and the visual stop signs on the bus actuated until all passengers who should be discharged from the bus have been so discharged and until all passengers whose destination causes them to cross the road or highway at that place have negotiated the crossing.
(5) Any person failing to comply with the requirements of this subsection (e), requiring motor vehicles to stop upon approaching youth buses, or violating any of this subsection (e), commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(6) For purposes of this subsection (e), a "youth bus" means a motor vehicle designed for carrying not less than fifteen (15) passengers and used for the transportation of persons.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 792, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 418, s 1, eff. 5/21/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 70, §§ 1-3; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2715.6-2715.8 (Williams, §§ 2715.11-2715.13); Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 50; 1957, ch. 27, § 1; 1959, ch. 39, § 1; 1961, ch. 171, § 1; 1973, ch. 22, §§ 1-4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-851; Acts 1987, ch. 360, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1997 , ch. 322, § 1; 1998, ch. 753, § 1; 2000, ch. 663, § 1; 2006, ch. 825, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-231 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-231
Retired female firefighter
Status: in_force

(a) A distinctive license plate is authorized for any female who is a retired firefighter, if the female is currently a resident of this state, is otherwise qualified to register and license a motor vehicle pursuant to this title, and submits proof of former membership in a firefighting unit from which the female is a bona fide retired member in good standing. (b) The registration plates shall bear the legend "Retired Female Firefighter." (c) The registration plate shall be issued upon payment of the regular registration fee pursuant to this chapter and an additional fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates, and submission of information in accordance with subsection (d). (d) For issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section, all applications shall contain information that the commissioner requires proving the eligibility of the applicant as a female who retired in good standing as a firefighter pursuant to subsection (a). Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 384, s 26, eff. 5/18/2017.
(a) A distinctive license plate is authorized for any female who is a retired firefighter, if the female is currently a resident of this state, is otherwise qualified to register and license a motor vehicle pursuant to this title, and submits proof of former membership in a firefighting unit from which the female is a bona fide retired member in good standing.
(b) The registration plates shall bear the legend "Retired Female Firefighter."
(c) The registration plate shall be issued upon payment of the regular registration fee pursuant to this chapter and an additional fee equal to the cost of actually designing and manufacturing the plates, and submission of information in accordance with subsection (d).
(d) For issuance of a license plate pursuant to this section, all applications shall contain information that the commissioner requires proving the eligibility of the applicant as a female who retired in good standing as a firefighter pursuant to subsection (a).
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 384, s 26, eff. 5/18/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-312 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-312
Local and regional parks
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 Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of Shelby Park and Bottoms and East Nashville and bear the language "East Nashville" at the bottom of the plate. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's efforts to maintain park features, promote educational programs, support recreational activities, engage visitors, and undertake revitalization efforts within the urban park system. (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 Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of The Bays Mountain Park Association or the City of Kingsport. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to The Bays Mountain Park Association, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and support Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) . (c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a The Volunteer State new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Rocky Mount Historical Association. (3) The funds produced from the sale of The Volunteer State new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Rocky Mount Historical Association in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to provide educational and community outreach programs focused upon the history of the Rocky Mount State Historic site and the customs, values, and practices of the early settlers of Tennessee. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 52, eff. 7/1/2024. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of Shelby Park and Bottoms and East Nashville and bear the language "East Nashville" at the bottom of the plate. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's efforts to maintain park features, promote educational programs, support recreational activities, engage visitors, and undertake revitalization efforts within the urban park system.
(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 Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of Shelby Park and Bottoms and East Nashville and bear the language "East Nashville" at the bottom of the plate. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, Inc.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's efforts to maintain park features, promote educational programs, support recreational activities, engage visitors, and undertake revitalization efforts within the urban park system.
(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 Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of The Bays Mountain Park Association or the City of Kingsport. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to The Bays Mountain Park Association, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and support Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (b) must be designed in consultation with a representative of The Bays Mountain Park Association or the City of Kingsport.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to The Bays Mountain Park Association, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and support Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium.
(4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Bays Mountain new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a The Volunteer State new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Rocky Mount Historical Association. (3) The funds produced from the sale of The Volunteer State new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Rocky Mount Historical Association in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to provide educational and community outreach programs focused upon the history of the Rocky Mount State Historic site and the customs, values, and practices of the early settlers of Tennessee.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a The Volunteer State new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked license plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Rocky Mount Historical Association.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of The Volunteer State new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Rocky Mount Historical Association in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to provide educational and community outreach programs focused upon the history of the Rocky Mount State Historic site and the customs, values, and practices of the early settlers of Tennessee.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 52, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.