Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-108 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-108
Unauthorized use of disabled parking or placard - Violations - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) Any person, except a person who meets the requirements for the issuance of a distinguishing placard or license plate, a disabled veteran's license plate, or who meets the requirements of § 55-21-105(d) , who parks in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, commits a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200), which fine shall not be suspended or waived and, in addition, not more than five (5) hours of community service work may be imposed. Any community service requirements imposed by this section shall be to assist the disabled community by monitoring disabled parking spaces, providing assistance to handicapped centers or to disabled veterans, or other such purposes. The agreement may designate the entity that is responsible for the supervision and control of the offenders. (B) In order to furnish the general assembly with information necessary to make an informed determination as to whether the increase in the cost of living has resulted in the fine authorized by subdivision (a)(1)(A) no longer being commensurate with the amount of fine deserved for the offense committed, every five (5) years, on or before January 15, the fiscal review committee shall report to the chief clerks of the senate and of the house of representatives of the general assembly and report to the general assembly the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics and shall also report to the clerks what the amount of the fine would be if adjusted to reflect the compounded cost-of-living increases during the five-year period. (2) In addition to the fine imposed pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), a vehicle that does not display a disabled license plate or placard, and that is parked in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, is subject to being towed. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant to this subdivision (a)(2), it shall be released to its owner, or person in lawful possession, upon demand; provided, that the person making demand for return pays all reasonable towing and storage charges and that the demand is made during the operating hours of the towing company. (3) It is also a violation of this subsection (a) for any person to park a motor vehicle so that a portion of the vehicle encroaches into a disabled parking space in a manner that restricts, or reasonably could restrict, a person using a wheelchair from exiting or entering a motor vehicle properly parked within the disabled parking space. (4) (A) Signs designating disabled parking shall indicate that unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles may be towed and the driver fined two hundred dollars ($200), and shall also provide the name and telephone number of the towing company or the name and telephone number of the property owner, lessee or agent in control of the property. (B) After July 1, 2008, as new signs designating disabled parking are erected, the signs shall indicate the penalties imposed by this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the removal or alteration of any existing sign designating disabled parking. (b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, subsection (a) shall be enforced by state and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions, whether violations occur on public or private property, in the same manner used to enforce other parking laws. (c) (1) Any person not meeting the requirements of § 55-21-103 who uses a disabled placard to obtain parking commits a misdemeanor. The disabled placard used to obtain parking by a person not meeting the requirements of § 55-21-103 shall be subject to forfeiture and confiscation by state and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions. (2) If a state or local law enforcement officer observes a violation of subdivision (c)(1), the officer may confiscate the disabled placard. To recover the placard, a driver must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the driver was complying with § 55-21-103 , at the time of the confiscation. (d) Any person who unlawfully sells, copies, duplicates, manufactures, or assists in the sale, copying, duplicating or manufacturing of a disabled placard commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a minimum one-thousand-dollar fine and imprisonment for a time in the discretion of the court. (e) Any person who is not a disabled driver as prescribed in § 55-21-102 , and who willfully and falsely represents the person as meeting the requirements to obtain either a permanent or temporary placard commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (f) Any violation of § 55-21-103(g) shall be a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine only of two hundred dollars ($200). Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 7, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 112, s 7, eff. 7/1/2020. Acts 1975, ch. 163, § 8; 1978, ch. 676, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-2208; Acts 1982, ch. 656, §§ 1, 2; 1983, ch. 25, § 2; 1986, ch. 598, § 9; 1986, ch. 791, § 12; 1988, ch. 601, § 3; 1988, ch. 716, § 1; 1989, ch. 442, §§ 1, 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 1, 6; 1992, ch. 683, § 1; 1992, ch. 947, §§ 1, 3; 1993, ch. 93, § 1; 1994, ch. 634, § 1; 2004, ch. 666, § 5; 2007 , ch. 32, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 909, §§ 1-4; 2008 , ch. 1001, § 2.
(a) (1) (A) Any person, except a person who meets the requirements for the issuance of a distinguishing placard or license plate, a disabled veteran's license plate, or who meets the requirements of § 55-21-105(d) , who parks in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, commits a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200), which fine shall not be suspended or waived and, in addition, not more than five (5) hours of community service work may be imposed. Any community service requirements imposed by this section shall be to assist the disabled community by monitoring disabled parking spaces, providing assistance to handicapped centers or to disabled veterans, or other such purposes. The agreement may designate the entity that is responsible for the supervision and control of the offenders. (B) In order to furnish the general assembly with information necessary to make an informed determination as to whether the increase in the cost of living has resulted in the fine authorized by subdivision (a)(1)(A) no longer being commensurate with the amount of fine deserved for the offense committed, every five (5) years, on or before January 15, the fiscal review committee shall report to the chief clerks of the senate and of the house of representatives of the general assembly and report to the general assembly the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics and shall also report to the clerks what the amount of the fine would be if adjusted to reflect the compounded cost-of-living increases during the five-year period. (2) In addition to the fine imposed pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), a vehicle that does not display a disabled license plate or placard, and that is parked in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, is subject to being towed. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant to this subdivision (a)(2), it shall be released to its owner, or person in lawful possession, upon demand; provided, that the person making demand for return pays all reasonable towing and storage charges and that the demand is made during the operating hours of the towing company. (3) It is also a violation of this subsection (a) for any person to park a motor vehicle so that a portion of the vehicle encroaches into a disabled parking space in a manner that restricts, or reasonably could restrict, a person using a wheelchair from exiting or entering a motor vehicle properly parked within the disabled parking space. (4) (A) Signs designating disabled parking shall indicate that unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles may be towed and the driver fined two hundred dollars ($200), and shall also provide the name and telephone number of the towing company or the name and telephone number of the property owner, lessee or agent in control of the property. (B) After July 1, 2008, as new signs designating disabled parking are erected, the signs shall indicate the penalties imposed by this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the removal or alteration of any existing sign designating disabled parking.
(1) (A) Any person, except a person who meets the requirements for the issuance of a distinguishing placard or license plate, a disabled veteran's license plate, or who meets the requirements of § 55-21-105(d) , who parks in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, commits a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200), which fine shall not be suspended or waived and, in addition, not more than five (5) hours of community service work may be imposed. Any community service requirements imposed by this section shall be to assist the disabled community by monitoring disabled parking spaces, providing assistance to handicapped centers or to disabled veterans, or other such purposes. The agreement may designate the entity that is responsible for the supervision and control of the offenders. (B) In order to furnish the general assembly with information necessary to make an informed determination as to whether the increase in the cost of living has resulted in the fine authorized by subdivision (a)(1)(A) no longer being commensurate with the amount of fine deserved for the offense committed, every five (5) years, on or before January 15, the fiscal review committee shall report to the chief clerks of the senate and of the house of representatives of the general assembly and report to the general assembly the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics and shall also report to the clerks what the amount of the fine would be if adjusted to reflect the compounded cost-of-living increases during the five-year period.
(A) Any person, except a person who meets the requirements for the issuance of a distinguishing placard or license plate, a disabled veteran's license plate, or who meets the requirements of § 55-21-105(d) , who parks in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, commits a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200), which fine shall not be suspended or waived and, in addition, not more than five (5) hours of community service work may be imposed. Any community service requirements imposed by this section shall be to assist the disabled community by monitoring disabled parking spaces, providing assistance to handicapped centers or to disabled veterans, or other such purposes. The agreement may designate the entity that is responsible for the supervision and control of the offenders.
(B) In order to furnish the general assembly with information necessary to make an informed determination as to whether the increase in the cost of living has resulted in the fine authorized by subdivision (a)(1)(A) no longer being commensurate with the amount of fine deserved for the offense committed, every five (5) years, on or before January 15, the fiscal review committee shall report to the chief clerks of the senate and of the house of representatives of the general assembly and report to the general assembly the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics and shall also report to the clerks what the amount of the fine would be if adjusted to reflect the compounded cost-of-living increases during the five-year period.
(2) In addition to the fine imposed pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), a vehicle that does not display a disabled license plate or placard, and that is parked in any parking space designated with the wheelchair disabled sign or symbol of access, is subject to being towed. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant to this subdivision (a)(2), it shall be released to its owner, or person in lawful possession, upon demand; provided, that the person making demand for return pays all reasonable towing and storage charges and that the demand is made during the operating hours of the towing company.
(3) It is also a violation of this subsection (a) for any person to park a motor vehicle so that a portion of the vehicle encroaches into a disabled parking space in a manner that restricts, or reasonably could restrict, a person using a wheelchair from exiting or entering a motor vehicle properly parked within the disabled parking space.
(4) (A) Signs designating disabled parking shall indicate that unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles may be towed and the driver fined two hundred dollars ($200), and shall also provide the name and telephone number of the towing company or the name and telephone number of the property owner, lessee or agent in control of the property. (B) After July 1, 2008, as new signs designating disabled parking are erected, the signs shall indicate the penalties imposed by this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the removal or alteration of any existing sign designating disabled parking.
(A) Signs designating disabled parking shall indicate that unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles may be towed and the driver fined two hundred dollars ($200), and shall also provide the name and telephone number of the towing company or the name and telephone number of the property owner, lessee or agent in control of the property.
(B) After July 1, 2008, as new signs designating disabled parking are erected, the signs shall indicate the penalties imposed by this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the removal or alteration of any existing sign designating disabled parking.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, subsection (a) shall be enforced by state and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions, whether violations occur on public or private property, in the same manner used to enforce other parking laws.
(c) (1) Any person not meeting the requirements of § 55-21-103 who uses a disabled placard to obtain parking commits a misdemeanor. The disabled placard used to obtain parking by a person not meeting the requirements of § 55-21-103 shall be subject to forfeiture and confiscation by state and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions. (2) If a state or local law enforcement officer observes a violation of subdivision (c)(1), the officer may confiscate the disabled placard. To recover the placard, a driver must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the driver was complying with § 55-21-103 , at the time of the confiscation.
(1) Any person not meeting the requirements of § 55-21-103 who uses a disabled placard to obtain parking commits a misdemeanor. The disabled placard used to obtain parking by a person not meeting the requirements of § 55-21-103 shall be subject to forfeiture and confiscation by state and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions.
(2) If a state or local law enforcement officer observes a violation of subdivision (c)(1), the officer may confiscate the disabled placard. To recover the placard, a driver must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the driver was complying with § 55-21-103 , at the time of the confiscation.
(d) Any person who unlawfully sells, copies, duplicates, manufactures, or assists in the sale, copying, duplicating or manufacturing of a disabled placard commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a minimum one-thousand-dollar fine and imprisonment for a time in the discretion of the court.
(e) Any person who is not a disabled driver as prescribed in § 55-21-102 , and who willfully and falsely represents the person as meeting the requirements to obtain either a permanent or temporary placard commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(f) Any violation of § 55-21-103(g) shall be a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine only of two hundred dollars ($200).
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 555,s 7, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 112, s 7, eff. 7/1/2020.
Acts 1975, ch. 163, § 8; 1978, ch. 676, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-2208; Acts 1982, ch. 656, §§ 1, 2; 1983, ch. 25, § 2; 1986, ch. 598, § 9; 1986, ch. 791, § 12; 1988, ch. 601, § 3; 1988, ch. 716, § 1; 1989, ch. 442, §§ 1, 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 1, 6; 1992, ch. 683, § 1; 1992, ch. 947, §§ 1, 3; 1993, ch. 93, § 1; 1994, ch. 634, § 1; 2004, ch. 666, § 5; 2007 , ch. 32, §§ 1, 2; 2008 , ch. 909, §§ 1-4; 2008 , ch. 1001, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 16 / Section 55-16-104
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1967, ch. 250, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1604; Acts 1996, ch. 868, § 4.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1967, ch. 250, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1604; Acts 1996, ch. 868, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-392 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-392
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 50, eff. 7/1/2021.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579, s 50, eff. 7/1/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-7-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-7-105
Arrest of violators - Trial - Reduction of overload before moving vehicle - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is the duty of any officer authorized by law to make arrests, when that officer detects any person engaged in the violation of any of the provisions of §§ 55-7-101 - 55-7-103, or regulations issued thereunder, immediately to place in custody and take the person at once before the nearest judge of the court of general sessions for trial, and it is not lawful for any person to move the vehicle overloaded in violation of §§ 55-7-101 - 55-7-103 until the load has been reduced so as to comply with the provisions or a special permit has been obtained. (b) The failure of the driver or the owner of the vehicle promptly to comply with these provisions is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 1616a6; Code 1932, § 2707; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2707; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1105, 55-11-105; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) It is the duty of any officer authorized by law to make arrests, when that officer detects any person engaged in the violation of any of the provisions of §§ 55-7-101 - 55-7-103, or regulations issued thereunder, immediately to place in custody and take the person at once before the nearest judge of the court of general sessions for trial, and it is not lawful for any person to move the vehicle overloaded in violation of §§ 55-7-101 - 55-7-103 until the load has been reduced so as to comply with the provisions or a special permit has been obtained.
(b) The failure of the driver or the owner of the vehicle promptly to comply with these provisions is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 1616a6; Code 1932, § 2707; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2707; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1105, 55-11-105; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-350 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-350
Environment
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 Drive Electric 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 (a) must be designed in consultation with a representative of East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Drive Electric Tennessee new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for electronic vehicle educational purposes. (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 an I RECYCLE 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 Project 2000, Inc., and contain the language "I RECYCLE". (3) The funds produced from the sale of I RECYCLE new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Project 2000, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in this state to support the organization's mission of providing assistance to communities to encourage and assist in recycling efforts. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the I RECYCLE new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2024, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) . (c) TennesSEIA [Obsolete. See Compiler's Notes.] 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 Drive Electric 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 (a) must be designed in consultation with a representative of East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Drive Electric Tennessee new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for electronic vehicle educational purposes.
(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 Drive Electric 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 (a) must be designed in consultation with a representative of East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Drive Electric Tennessee new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for electronic vehicle educational purposes.
(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 an I RECYCLE 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 Project 2000, Inc., and contain the language "I RECYCLE". (3) The funds produced from the sale of I RECYCLE new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Project 2000, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in this state to support the organization's mission of providing assistance to communities to encourage and assist in recycling efforts. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the I RECYCLE new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2024, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an I RECYCLE 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 Project 2000, Inc., and contain the language "I RECYCLE".
(3) The funds produced from the sale of I RECYCLE new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Project 2000, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in this state to support the organization's mission of providing assistance to communities to encourage and assist in recycling efforts.
(4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the I RECYCLE new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2024, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(c) TennesSEIA [Obsolete. See Compiler's Notes.]
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-701 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-701
Denial of driving privileges by court
Status: in_force

(a) When a person, younger than eighteen (18) years of age, but thirteen (13) years of age or older, commits any offense or engages in any prohibited conduct described in this subsection (a), then at the time the person is convicted of the offense, or adjudicated a delinquent child, unruly child or status offender, the court in which the conviction or adjudication occurs shall prepare and send to the department of safety, driver control division, within five (5) working days of the conviction or adjudication, an order of denial of driving privileges for the offender. This section applies to any criminal offense, status offense, violation, infraction or other prohibited conduct involving the possession, use, sale, or consumption of any alcoholic beverage, wine or beer, or any controlled substance as defined and enumerated in title 39, chapter 17, part 4, or involving the possession or carrying of a weapon on school property, as defined and enumerated in § 39-17-1309(b) or (c) . The denial of driving privileges authorized by this section applies when the prohibited conduct occurs before the offender is eighteen (18) years of age, regardless of when a conviction or determination occurs. The department shall promulgate a form "order of denial" for use by the courts. (b) If a court has issued an order of denial of driving privileges pursuant to this section, the court, upon motion of the offender, may review the order and may withdraw the order at any time the court deems appropriate, except as provided in the following: (1) A court may not withdraw an order for a period of ninety (90) days after the issuance of the order if it is the first order issued by any court with respect to the petitioning person; (2) A court may not withdraw an order for a period of one (1) year after the issuance of the order if it is the second or subsequent such order issued by any court with respect to the petitioning person; and (3) A court may not withdraw an order involving a violation of part 4 of this chapter, concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired. (c) For a motion for withdrawal under this section to be properly before a court for consideration, the local district attorney general must have received at least ten (10) days' prior notice of the motion, together with the time and place where it will be considered. The motion must be joined in by a custodial parent or legal guardian of the offender, if the offender is an unemancipated juvenile at the time the motion is made. A custodial parent or legal guardian must appear in court with the offender if the offender is an unemancipated juvenile at the time the motion is made. The motion shall state whether any prior orders of denial have been issued by any court and shall include as exhibits any prior orders of denial so issued. (d) The local district attorney general or assistant district attorney general has the right to appear, present evidence and be heard at proceedings under this section. Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 2; 1990, ch. 1030, § 34; 1991, ch. 473, § 6; 1993, ch. 164, § 1; 1993, ch. 491, § 2.
(a) When a person, younger than eighteen (18) years of age, but thirteen (13) years of age or older, commits any offense or engages in any prohibited conduct described in this subsection (a), then at the time the person is convicted of the offense, or adjudicated a delinquent child, unruly child or status offender, the court in which the conviction or adjudication occurs shall prepare and send to the department of safety, driver control division, within five (5) working days of the conviction or adjudication, an order of denial of driving privileges for the offender. This section applies to any criminal offense, status offense, violation, infraction or other prohibited conduct involving the possession, use, sale, or consumption of any alcoholic beverage, wine or beer, or any controlled substance as defined and enumerated in title 39, chapter 17, part 4, or involving the possession or carrying of a weapon on school property, as defined and enumerated in § 39-17-1309(b) or (c) . The denial of driving privileges authorized by this section applies when the prohibited conduct occurs before the offender is eighteen (18) years of age, regardless of when a conviction or determination occurs. The department shall promulgate a form "order of denial" for use by the courts.
(b) If a court has issued an order of denial of driving privileges pursuant to this section, the court, upon motion of the offender, may review the order and may withdraw the order at any time the court deems appropriate, except as provided in the following: (1) A court may not withdraw an order for a period of ninety (90) days after the issuance of the order if it is the first order issued by any court with respect to the petitioning person; (2) A court may not withdraw an order for a period of one (1) year after the issuance of the order if it is the second or subsequent such order issued by any court with respect to the petitioning person; and (3) A court may not withdraw an order involving a violation of part 4 of this chapter, concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired.
(1) A court may not withdraw an order for a period of ninety (90) days after the issuance of the order if it is the first order issued by any court with respect to the petitioning person;
(2) A court may not withdraw an order for a period of one (1) year after the issuance of the order if it is the second or subsequent such order issued by any court with respect to the petitioning person; and
(3) A court may not withdraw an order involving a violation of part 4 of this chapter, concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired.
(c) For a motion for withdrawal under this section to be properly before a court for consideration, the local district attorney general must have received at least ten (10) days' prior notice of the motion, together with the time and place where it will be considered. The motion must be joined in by a custodial parent or legal guardian of the offender, if the offender is an unemancipated juvenile at the time the motion is made. A custodial parent or legal guardian must appear in court with the offender if the offender is an unemancipated juvenile at the time the motion is made. The motion shall state whether any prior orders of denial have been issued by any court and shall include as exhibits any prior orders of denial so issued.
(d) The local district attorney general or assistant district attorney general has the right to appear, present evidence and be heard at proceedings under this section.
Acts 1989, ch. 64, § 2; 1990, ch. 1030, § 34; 1991, ch. 473, § 6; 1993, ch. 164, § 1; 1993, ch. 491, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-137 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-137
Duty of insurance company to file written proof of insurance when required - Civil penalty for violation
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever, under this part, any person is required to file with the commissioner of safety acceptable evidence of security, proof of financial responsibility, and the requirement may be satisfied by written proof of insurance coverage in the amounts required by this part, and the person is so insured, it is the duty of the insurance company with whom the person has insurance to file, upon request of the insured, the necessary information with the commissioner on a certificate or form approved by the commissioner. (b) If any company fails or refuses to file, within the time required by this part, the certificate or form upon the request of an insured, reasonably made, the company shall forfeit to the insured the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be liable for damages in the amount of any damages sustained by the insured on account of the failure or refusal of the company to file the required form or certificate, the sums to be recoverable at the suit of the insured. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 37; T.C.A., § 59-1287.
(a) Whenever, under this part, any person is required to file with the commissioner of safety acceptable evidence of security, proof of financial responsibility, and the requirement may be satisfied by written proof of insurance coverage in the amounts required by this part, and the person is so insured, it is the duty of the insurance company with whom the person has insurance to file, upon request of the insured, the necessary information with the commissioner on a certificate or form approved by the commissioner.
(b) If any company fails or refuses to file, within the time required by this part, the certificate or form upon the request of an insured, reasonably made, the company shall forfeit to the insured the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be liable for damages in the amount of any damages sustained by the insured on account of the failure or refusal of the company to file the required form or certificate, the sums to be recoverable at the suit of the insured.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 37; T.C.A., § 59-1287.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-163 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-163
Limitations on backing
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle shall not back the vehicle unless that movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 63; T.C.A., § 59-864.
The driver of a vehicle shall not back the vehicle unless that movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 63; T.C.A., § 59-864.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-130 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-130
Vehicle entering through highway or stop intersection
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by § 55-8-149 at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through highway or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver having so yielded may proceed, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on the through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle so proceeding into or across the through highway. (b) The driver of a vehicle shall likewise stop in obedience to a stop sign as required herein at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances thereto although not a part of a through highway and shall proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles not so obliged to stop which are within the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, but may then proceed. (c) (1) The driver of a vehicle who is faced with a yield sign at the entrance to a through highway, drive, or other public roadway is not necessarily required to stop, but is required to exercise caution in entering the highway, drive, or other roadway and to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the highway, drive, or other roadway, or which are approaching so closely on the highway, drive, or other roadway as to constitute an immediate hazard, and the driver having so yielded may proceed when the way is clear. (2) Where there is provided more than one (1) lane for vehicular traffic entering a through highway, drive, or other public roadway, if one (1) or more lanes at the entrance are designated a yield lane by an appropriate marker, this subsection (c) shall control the movement of traffic in any lane so marked with a yield sign, even though traffic in other lanes may be controlled by an electrical signal device or other signs, signals, markings or controls. (d) As used in this section, "drive" and "intersection" have the same meanings as defined in § 55-8-128 . Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 5, eff. 7/1/2015. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 4, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 29; 1969, ch. 18, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-830.
(a) The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by § 55-8-149 at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through highway or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver having so yielded may proceed, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on the through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle so proceeding into or across the through highway.
(b) The driver of a vehicle shall likewise stop in obedience to a stop sign as required herein at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances thereto although not a part of a through highway and shall proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles not so obliged to stop which are within the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, but may then proceed.
(c) (1) The driver of a vehicle who is faced with a yield sign at the entrance to a through highway, drive, or other public roadway is not necessarily required to stop, but is required to exercise caution in entering the highway, drive, or other roadway and to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the highway, drive, or other roadway, or which are approaching so closely on the highway, drive, or other roadway as to constitute an immediate hazard, and the driver having so yielded may proceed when the way is clear. (2) Where there is provided more than one (1) lane for vehicular traffic entering a through highway, drive, or other public roadway, if one (1) or more lanes at the entrance are designated a yield lane by an appropriate marker, this subsection (c) shall control the movement of traffic in any lane so marked with a yield sign, even though traffic in other lanes may be controlled by an electrical signal device or other signs, signals, markings or controls.
(1) The driver of a vehicle who is faced with a yield sign at the entrance to a through highway, drive, or other public roadway is not necessarily required to stop, but is required to exercise caution in entering the highway, drive, or other roadway and to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the highway, drive, or other roadway, or which are approaching so closely on the highway, drive, or other roadway as to constitute an immediate hazard, and the driver having so yielded may proceed when the way is clear.
(2) Where there is provided more than one (1) lane for vehicular traffic entering a through highway, drive, or other public roadway, if one (1) or more lanes at the entrance are designated a yield lane by an appropriate marker, this subsection (c) shall control the movement of traffic in any lane so marked with a yield sign, even though traffic in other lanes may be controlled by an electrical signal device or other signs, signals, markings or controls.
(d) As used in this section, "drive" and "intersection" have the same meanings as defined in § 55-8-128 .
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 4, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 29; 1969, ch. 18, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-830.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-115 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-115
Venue in actions involving manufacturers and motor vehicle dealers
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the venue for any cause of action, claim, lawsuit, arbitration or mediation in which the parties or litigants are a manufacturer and a motor vehicle dealer shall be the state of Tennessee. This section may not be waived in any contract or other agreement and to do so would be against the public policy of Tennessee. Acts 2001, ch. 255, § 1.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the venue for any cause of action, claim, lawsuit, arbitration or mediation in which the parties or litigants are a manufacturer and a motor vehicle dealer shall be the state of Tennessee. This section may not be waived in any contract or other agreement and to do so would be against the public policy of Tennessee.
Acts 2001, ch. 255, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-372 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-372
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 56, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 56, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-53-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 53 / Section 55-53-101
"Electric personal assistive mobility device" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, "electric personal assistive mobility device" or "EPAMD" means a self-balancing, two (2) nontandem wheeled device, designed to transport only one (1) person, with an electric propulsion system with average power of seven hundred fifty (750) watts or one horse power (1 hp.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a propulsion system while ridden by an operator who weighs one hundred seventy pounds (170 lbs.), is less than twenty miles per hour (20 mph). Acts 2002, ch. 734, § 2.
As used in this chapter, "electric personal assistive mobility device" or "EPAMD" means a self-balancing, two (2) nontandem wheeled device, designed to transport only one (1) person, with an electric propulsion system with average power of seven hundred fifty (750) watts or one horse power (1 hp.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a propulsion system while ridden by an operator who weighs one hundred seventy pounds (170 lbs.), is less than twenty miles per hour (20 mph).
Acts 2002, ch. 734, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-104
Application for certificate of title for specially constructed, reconstructed or foreign vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) In the event a vehicle for which an application for a certificate of title is made is a specially constructed, reconstructed or foreign vehicle, this fact shall be stated in the application and with reference to every foreign vehicle that has been registered outside of this state, the owner shall surrender to the county clerk receiving the application all registration plates, registration cards, certificates of title, and other evidence of foreign registration and ownership as may be in the possession or under the control of the owner. (b) Any foreign certificate of title shall be accepted as evidence of title by the department to the same extent as a certificate of title issued by the department; provided, that when the foreign vehicle is registered in a jurisdiction that does not have a certificate of title law, the department shall accept only a notarized bill of sale, and proper foreign registration as the evidence of title. If foreign registration is dated less than ninety (90) days prior to application for a certificate of title, there shall be, in addition, the next past bill of sale showing ownership to have been transferred to the party seeking to sell the same, or that party's representative, which bill of sale shall likewise be notarized. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 30 (Williams, § 5538.130); Acts 1957, ch. 390, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-304; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 14.
(a) In the event a vehicle for which an application for a certificate of title is made is a specially constructed, reconstructed or foreign vehicle, this fact shall be stated in the application and with reference to every foreign vehicle that has been registered outside of this state, the owner shall surrender to the county clerk receiving the application all registration plates, registration cards, certificates of title, and other evidence of foreign registration and ownership as may be in the possession or under the control of the owner.
(b) Any foreign certificate of title shall be accepted as evidence of title by the department to the same extent as a certificate of title issued by the department; provided, that when the foreign vehicle is registered in a jurisdiction that does not have a certificate of title law, the department shall accept only a notarized bill of sale, and proper foreign registration as the evidence of title. If foreign registration is dated less than ninety (90) days prior to application for a certificate of title, there shall be, in addition, the next past bill of sale showing ownership to have been transferred to the party seeking to sell the same, or that party's representative, which bill of sale shall likewise be notarized.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 30 (Williams, § 5538.130); Acts 1957, ch. 390, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-304; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-305 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-305
Validity of current licenses
Status: in_force

For any person holding a currently valid operator, regular chauffeur, or special chauffeur license on July 1, 1989, the license shall remain valid until expiration, suspension, revocation, or cancellation. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.11 (Williams, § 2715.16); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 2; 1957, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 209, § 1; 1959, ch. 272, § 1; 1967, ch. 238, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 162, § 3; Acts 1972, ch. 467, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 82, § 1; 1976, ch. 841, § 1; 1977, ch. 90, § 1; 1977, ch. 189, § 2; 1978, ch. 643, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 247, §§ 5, 8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-704; Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 7; 1987, ch. 446, § 11; 1988, ch. 584, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-104 , 55-7-305.
For any person holding a currently valid operator, regular chauffeur, or special chauffeur license on July 1, 1989, the license shall remain valid until expiration, suspension, revocation, or cancellation.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.11 (Williams, § 2715.16); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 2; 1957, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 209, § 1; 1959, ch. 272, § 1; 1967, ch. 238, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 162, § 3; Acts 1972, ch. 467, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 82, § 1; 1976, ch. 841, § 1; 1977, ch. 90, § 1; 1977, ch. 189, § 2; 1978, ch. 643, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 247, §§ 5, 8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-704; Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 7; 1987, ch. 446, § 11; 1988, ch. 584, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-104 , 55-7-305.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-311 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-311
National and state 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 an Appalachian Trail 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 designed in consultation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Appalachian Trail new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in accordance with § 55-4-301 . Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(i) to the contrary, the funds must be used exclusively to support and assist the management of programs and activities for the Appalachian Trail that lies either in Tennessee or near the Tennessee-North Carolina border. (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 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc., 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 of an appropriate design representative of the Gadsden flag and include the language "Don't Tread on Me." The plates must be designed in consultation with representatives of the Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc. new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support and promote the Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee, including, but not limited to, assisting in the development, maintenance, and presentation of the park's grounds and structures. (c) Save Our Smokies [Obsolete. See Compiler's Notes.] (d) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a First State Flag new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (d) must be of an appropriate design representative of the original state flag of Tennessee that was adopted in 1897 and include the language "The Volunteer State." The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association, Incorporated. (3) The funds produced from the sale of First State Flag new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association, Incorporated, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's efforts to operate the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City, Tennessee. 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 an Appalachian Trail 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 designed in consultation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Appalachian Trail new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in accordance with § 55-4-301 . Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(i) to the contrary, the funds must be used exclusively to support and assist the management of programs and activities for the Appalachian Trail that lies either in Tennessee or near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Appalachian Trail 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 designed in consultation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Appalachian Trail new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in accordance with § 55-4-301 . Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(i) to the contrary, the funds must be used exclusively to support and assist the management of programs and activities for the Appalachian Trail that lies either in Tennessee or near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
(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 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc., 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 of an appropriate design representative of the Gadsden flag and include the language "Don't Tread on Me." The plates must be designed in consultation with representatives of the Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc. new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support and promote the Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee, including, but not limited to, assisting in the development, maintenance, and presentation of the park's grounds and structures.
(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 Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc., 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 of an appropriate design representative of the Gadsden flag and include the language "Don't Tread on Me." The plates must be designed in consultation with representatives of the Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc. new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support and promote the Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee, including, but not limited to, assisting in the development, maintenance, and presentation of the park's grounds and structures.
(c) Save Our Smokies [Obsolete. See Compiler's Notes.]
(d) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , must be issued a First State Flag new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (d) must be of an appropriate design representative of the original state flag of Tennessee that was adopted in 1897 and include the language "The Volunteer State." The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association, Incorporated. (3) The funds produced from the sale of First State Flag new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association, Incorporated, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's efforts to operate the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City, 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 , must be issued a First State Flag new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (d) must be of an appropriate design representative of the original state flag of Tennessee that was adopted in 1897 and include the language "The Volunteer State." The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association, Incorporated.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of First State Flag new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association, Incorporated, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to support the organization's efforts to operate the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-28-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 28 / Section 55-28-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Recreation Vehicle Franchise Act of 2016." Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Recreation Vehicle Franchise Act of 2016."
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781,s 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-367 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-367
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 27, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 27, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-306 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-306
Record of traffic cases - Report of convictions to department
Status: in_force

(a) Every magistrate or judge of a court shall keep or cause to be kept a record of every traffic complaint, warrant, traffic citation or other legal form of traffic charge deposited with or presented to the court or the traffic violations bureau of its jurisdiction, and shall keep a record of every official action by the court or the traffic violations bureau of its jurisdiction in reference thereto, including, but not limited to, a record of every conviction, forfeiture of bail, judgment of acquittal and the amount of fine or forfeiture resulting from every traffic complaint, warrant, or citation deposited with or presented to the court or traffic violations bureau. (b) (1) Except as provided by § 55-50-409 , within thirty (30) days after the conviction or forfeiture of bail of a person upon a charge of violating any provision of chapter 8, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 or other law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, every such magistrate or judge of the court or clerk of the court of record in which the conviction was had or bail was forfeited shall prepare and immediately forward to the department an abstract of the record of the court covering the case in which the person was so convicted or forfeited bail, which abstract must be certified by the person so required to prepare the same to be true and correct. Report need not be made of any conviction involving the illegal parking or standing of a vehicle. (2) Upon receipt of the fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) as specified in § 55-12-129 , the commissioner shall make a payment of ten dollars ($10.00) for the furnishing of a completed report of a conviction resulting in suspension or revocation, including forfeiture of bail not vacated or payment of a fine or penalty, for one (1) or more of the offenses of reckless driving, driving while intoxicated or drugged, drag racing, driving while unlicensed, driving on a revoked or suspended license, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving a vehicle with revoked registration, failing to stop after a traffic accident, or vehicular homicide. (c) The abstract must be made on a form furnished by the commissioner and shall include the following information: (1) Driver's first name, middle name or middle initial, last name, and residence address; (2) Driver's date of birth; (3) Driver license number, class of license, and state of issuance; (4) A statement as to whether or not the license is a commercial driver license; (5) The license plate number, year, and state of issuance of the vehicle involved; (6) A statement as to whether or not the offense was committed in a commercial motor vehicle; (7) A statement as to whether or not the vehicle was transporting hazardous materials requiring placards; (8) A statement as to whether or not the vehicle could transport sixteen (16) or more passengers; (9) The date the offense occurred; (10) The offense the driver was charged with; (11) The date of the conviction; (12) The violation of which the person was convicted; (13) The plea, the judgment, or whether bail was forfeited; (14) The number of the offense (e.g., 1st offense, 2nd offense); (15) The blood alcohol level of the person, if convicted of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-213 , § 55-10-401 or § 55-50-405 ; (16) The amount of any fine or costs assessed for the violation; (17) Whether a driver education or improvement course was completed and the date of completion of the course, if eligible under § 55-10-301 ; (18) The name of the arresting agency; (19) The name of the county and court in which the conviction occurred; and (20) Whether or not there was in effect at the time of the violation an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to the operation of the motor vehicle involved. (d) Every court of record shall also forward a like report to the department upon the conviction of any person of manslaughter or other felony in the commission of which a vehicle was used. (e) The department shall keep all abstracts received under this section at its main office and the same shall be open to public inspection during reasonable business hours. (f) (1) The administrative office of the courts, in conjunction with the department of safety, shall, on an annual basis, provide information and training to the clerks of court concerning the importance and necessity of preparing and forwarding to the department of safety the abstract forms for the convictions required by this section. (2) The training and information required by this subsection (f) is not required to take the same form every year; provided, that the information is conveyed in a manner designed to be viewed, understood and retained by the clerks. The information may be conveyed one year by a training session at the annual court clerks conference and another year may be conveyed by mailing, e-mail or telephone. (3) Any such training shall also include the effect and consequences of any changes in the abstract reporting requirements that may result from changes in state and federal law. (4) The training and information distribution required by this subsection (f) shall apply to all clerks of court having original jurisdiction over traffic offenses, including municipal court clerks. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 107; 1959, ch. 286, § 1; 1976, ch. 613, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A., § 59-1027; Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 11; 2001, ch. 292, § 5; 2005, ch. 120, § 1; 2008, ch. 1181, § 2; 2010, ch. 1037, §§ 2, 3.
(a) Every magistrate or judge of a court shall keep or cause to be kept a record of every traffic complaint, warrant, traffic citation or other legal form of traffic charge deposited with or presented to the court or the traffic violations bureau of its jurisdiction, and shall keep a record of every official action by the court or the traffic violations bureau of its jurisdiction in reference thereto, including, but not limited to, a record of every conviction, forfeiture of bail, judgment of acquittal and the amount of fine or forfeiture resulting from every traffic complaint, warrant, or citation deposited with or presented to the court or traffic violations bureau.
(b) (1) Except as provided by § 55-50-409 , within thirty (30) days after the conviction or forfeiture of bail of a person upon a charge of violating any provision of chapter 8, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 or other law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, every such magistrate or judge of the court or clerk of the court of record in which the conviction was had or bail was forfeited shall prepare and immediately forward to the department an abstract of the record of the court covering the case in which the person was so convicted or forfeited bail, which abstract must be certified by the person so required to prepare the same to be true and correct. Report need not be made of any conviction involving the illegal parking or standing of a vehicle. (2) Upon receipt of the fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) as specified in § 55-12-129 , the commissioner shall make a payment of ten dollars ($10.00) for the furnishing of a completed report of a conviction resulting in suspension or revocation, including forfeiture of bail not vacated or payment of a fine or penalty, for one (1) or more of the offenses of reckless driving, driving while intoxicated or drugged, drag racing, driving while unlicensed, driving on a revoked or suspended license, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving a vehicle with revoked registration, failing to stop after a traffic accident, or vehicular homicide.
(1) Except as provided by § 55-50-409 , within thirty (30) days after the conviction or forfeiture of bail of a person upon a charge of violating any provision of chapter 8, parts 1-5 of this chapter and § 55-12-139 or other law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, every such magistrate or judge of the court or clerk of the court of record in which the conviction was had or bail was forfeited shall prepare and immediately forward to the department an abstract of the record of the court covering the case in which the person was so convicted or forfeited bail, which abstract must be certified by the person so required to prepare the same to be true and correct. Report need not be made of any conviction involving the illegal parking or standing of a vehicle.
(2) Upon receipt of the fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) as specified in § 55-12-129 , the commissioner shall make a payment of ten dollars ($10.00) for the furnishing of a completed report of a conviction resulting in suspension or revocation, including forfeiture of bail not vacated or payment of a fine or penalty, for one (1) or more of the offenses of reckless driving, driving while intoxicated or drugged, drag racing, driving while unlicensed, driving on a revoked or suspended license, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving a vehicle with revoked registration, failing to stop after a traffic accident, or vehicular homicide.
(c) The abstract must be made on a form furnished by the commissioner and shall include the following information: (1) Driver's first name, middle name or middle initial, last name, and residence address; (2) Driver's date of birth; (3) Driver license number, class of license, and state of issuance; (4) A statement as to whether or not the license is a commercial driver license; (5) The license plate number, year, and state of issuance of the vehicle involved; (6) A statement as to whether or not the offense was committed in a commercial motor vehicle; (7) A statement as to whether or not the vehicle was transporting hazardous materials requiring placards; (8) A statement as to whether or not the vehicle could transport sixteen (16) or more passengers; (9) The date the offense occurred; (10) The offense the driver was charged with; (11) The date of the conviction; (12) The violation of which the person was convicted; (13) The plea, the judgment, or whether bail was forfeited; (14) The number of the offense (e.g., 1st offense, 2nd offense); (15) The blood alcohol level of the person, if convicted of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-213 , § 55-10-401 or § 55-50-405 ; (16) The amount of any fine or costs assessed for the violation; (17) Whether a driver education or improvement course was completed and the date of completion of the course, if eligible under § 55-10-301 ; (18) The name of the arresting agency; (19) The name of the county and court in which the conviction occurred; and (20) Whether or not there was in effect at the time of the violation an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to the operation of the motor vehicle involved.
(1) Driver's first name, middle name or middle initial, last name, and residence address;
(2) Driver's date of birth;
(3) Driver license number, class of license, and state of issuance;
(4) A statement as to whether or not the license is a commercial driver license;
(5) The license plate number, year, and state of issuance of the vehicle involved;
(6) A statement as to whether or not the offense was committed in a commercial motor vehicle;
(7) A statement as to whether or not the vehicle was transporting hazardous materials requiring placards;
(8) A statement as to whether or not the vehicle could transport sixteen (16) or more passengers;
(9) The date the offense occurred;
(10) The offense the driver was charged with;
(11) The date of the conviction;
(12) The violation of which the person was convicted;
(13) The plea, the judgment, or whether bail was forfeited;
(14) The number of the offense (e.g., 1st offense, 2nd offense);
(15) The blood alcohol level of the person, if convicted of a violation of § 39-13-106 , § 39-13-213 , § 55-10-401 or § 55-50-405 ;
(16) The amount of any fine or costs assessed for the violation;
(17) Whether a driver education or improvement course was completed and the date of completion of the course, if eligible under § 55-10-301 ;
(18) The name of the arresting agency;
(19) The name of the county and court in which the conviction occurred; and
(20) Whether or not there was in effect at the time of the violation an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to the operation of the motor vehicle involved.
(d) Every court of record shall also forward a like report to the department upon the conviction of any person of manslaughter or other felony in the commission of which a vehicle was used.
(e) The department shall keep all abstracts received under this section at its main office and the same shall be open to public inspection during reasonable business hours.
(f) (1) The administrative office of the courts, in conjunction with the department of safety, shall, on an annual basis, provide information and training to the clerks of court concerning the importance and necessity of preparing and forwarding to the department of safety the abstract forms for the convictions required by this section. (2) The training and information required by this subsection (f) is not required to take the same form every year; provided, that the information is conveyed in a manner designed to be viewed, understood and retained by the clerks. The information may be conveyed one year by a training session at the annual court clerks conference and another year may be conveyed by mailing, e-mail or telephone. (3) Any such training shall also include the effect and consequences of any changes in the abstract reporting requirements that may result from changes in state and federal law. (4) The training and information distribution required by this subsection (f) shall apply to all clerks of court having original jurisdiction over traffic offenses, including municipal court clerks.
(1) The administrative office of the courts, in conjunction with the department of safety, shall, on an annual basis, provide information and training to the clerks of court concerning the importance and necessity of preparing and forwarding to the department of safety the abstract forms for the convictions required by this section.
(2) The training and information required by this subsection (f) is not required to take the same form every year; provided, that the information is conveyed in a manner designed to be viewed, understood and retained by the clerks. The information may be conveyed one year by a training session at the annual court clerks conference and another year may be conveyed by mailing, e-mail or telephone.
(3) Any such training shall also include the effect and consequences of any changes in the abstract reporting requirements that may result from changes in state and federal law.
(4) The training and information distribution required by this subsection (f) shall apply to all clerks of court having original jurisdiction over traffic offenses, including municipal court clerks.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 107; 1959, ch. 286, § 1; 1976, ch. 613, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A., § 59-1027; Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 11; 2001, ch. 292, § 5; 2005, ch. 120, § 1; 2008, ch. 1181, § 2; 2010, ch. 1037, §§ 2, 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-254 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-254
United States reserve forces
Status: in_force

(a) A member of the United States reserve forces shall be issued a registration plate, upon request, for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , upon complying with the title and registration laws and paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the additional fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 . (b) The registration plates provided for in this section shall include an identification legend distinctive to members of the United States reserve forces. The legend shall read "US Reserve Forces." The registration number of the plates shall include the letters "US" and a unique identifying number. (c) Eligibility for United States reserve forces registration plates shall be determined by the department in consultation with the appropriate information on current and valid DD Form 2A (Res), DD Form 2N (Res), DD Form 2MC (Res), DD Form 2AF (Res) or DD Form 2CG (Res) (Armed Forces of the United States identification card), citing that the request is submitted by a member of the United States reserve forces. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
(a) A member of the United States reserve forces shall be issued a registration plate, upon request, for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , upon complying with the title and registration laws and paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the additional fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 .
(b) The registration plates provided for in this section shall include an identification legend distinctive to members of the United States reserve forces. The legend shall read "US Reserve Forces." The registration number of the plates shall include the letters "US" and a unique identifying number.
(c) Eligibility for United States reserve forces registration plates shall be determined by the department in consultation with the appropriate information on current and valid DD Form 2A (Res), DD Form 2N (Res), DD Form 2MC (Res), DD Form 2AF (Res) or DD Form 2CG (Res) (Armed Forces of the United States identification card), citing that the request is submitted by a member of the United States reserve forces.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-302 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-302
Crash helmet required for driver and passenger - Exceptions
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, as defined in chapter 8 of this title, or motorscooter, and any passenger on any of these, shall be required to wear either a crash helmet meeting federal standards contained in 49 CFR 571.218 , or, if the driver or passenger is twenty-one (21) years of age or older, a helmet meeting the following requirements: (1) Except as provided in subdivisions (a)(2)-(4), the helmet shall meet federal motor vehicle safety standards specified in 49 CFR 571.218 ; (2) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 relative to helmet penetration standards, ventilation airways may penetrate through the entire shell of the helmet; provided, that no ventilation airway shall exceed one and one-half inches (11/2") in diameter; (3) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 , the protective surface shall not be required to be a continuous contour; and (4) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 to the contrary, a label on the helmet shall be affixed signifying that the helmet complies with the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC), or the Snell Foundation. (b) This section does not apply to persons riding: (1) Within an enclosed cab; (2) Autocycles, as defined in § 55-1-103 , that are fully enclosed; (3) Golf carts; (4) In a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour, if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or (5) In a funeral procession, memorial ride under a police escort, or body escort detail; provided, that: (A) The driver travels at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour; (B) The driver or passenger is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and (C) The funeral procession, memorial ride, or body escort detail does not exceed a distance of fifty (50) miles. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 6, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1015, s 18, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 492, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1967, ch. 45, § 2 (T.C.A. (supp.), § 50-944); Acts 1976, ch. 758, § 2; 1979, ch. 247, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-934; Acts 2000, ch. 606, § 3; 2005, ch. 430, § 1; 2005, ch. 459, § 1; 2006, ch. 535, § 1.
(a) The driver of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, as defined in chapter 8 of this title, or motorscooter, and any passenger on any of these, shall be required to wear either a crash helmet meeting federal standards contained in 49 CFR 571.218 , or, if the driver or passenger is twenty-one (21) years of age or older, a helmet meeting the following requirements: (1) Except as provided in subdivisions (a)(2)-(4), the helmet shall meet federal motor vehicle safety standards specified in 49 CFR 571.218 ; (2) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 relative to helmet penetration standards, ventilation airways may penetrate through the entire shell of the helmet; provided, that no ventilation airway shall exceed one and one-half inches (11/2") in diameter; (3) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 , the protective surface shall not be required to be a continuous contour; and (4) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 to the contrary, a label on the helmet shall be affixed signifying that the helmet complies with the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC), or the Snell Foundation.
(1) Except as provided in subdivisions (a)(2)-(4), the helmet shall meet federal motor vehicle safety standards specified in 49 CFR 571.218 ;
(2) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 relative to helmet penetration standards, ventilation airways may penetrate through the entire shell of the helmet; provided, that no ventilation airway shall exceed one and one-half inches (11/2") in diameter;
(3) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 , the protective surface shall not be required to be a continuous contour; and
(4) Notwithstanding any provision in 49 CFR 571.218 to the contrary, a label on the helmet shall be affixed signifying that the helmet complies with the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC), or the Snell Foundation.
(b) This section does not apply to persons riding: (1) Within an enclosed cab; (2) Autocycles, as defined in § 55-1-103 , that are fully enclosed; (3) Golf carts; (4) In a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour, if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or (5) In a funeral procession, memorial ride under a police escort, or body escort detail; provided, that: (A) The driver travels at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour; (B) The driver or passenger is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and (C) The funeral procession, memorial ride, or body escort detail does not exceed a distance of fifty (50) miles.
(1) Within an enclosed cab;
(2) Autocycles, as defined in § 55-1-103 , that are fully enclosed;
(3) Golf carts;
(4) In a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour, if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or
(5) In a funeral procession, memorial ride under a police escort, or body escort detail; provided, that: (A) The driver travels at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour; (B) The driver or passenger is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and (C) The funeral procession, memorial ride, or body escort detail does not exceed a distance of fifty (50) miles.
(A) The driver travels at a speed not to exceed thirty (30) miles per hour;
(B) The driver or passenger is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and
(C) The funeral procession, memorial ride, or body escort detail does not exceed a distance of fifty (50) miles.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 6, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1015, s 18, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 492, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1967, ch. 45, § 2 (T.C.A. (supp.), § 50-944); Acts 1976, ch. 758, § 2; 1979, ch. 247, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-934; Acts 2000, ch. 606, § 3; 2005, ch. 430, § 1; 2005, ch. 459, § 1; 2006, ch. 535, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 3 / Section 55-3-110
Determination that vehicle is not stolen
Status: in_force

Prior to the issuance of a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, the department shall determine, by computer or otherwise, if the vehicle has been stolen. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 32 (Williams, § 5538.132); Acts 1978, ch. 842, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-310; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 15.
Prior to the issuance of a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, the department shall determine, by computer or otherwise, if the vehicle has been stolen.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 32 (Williams, § 5538.132); Acts 1978, ch. 842, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-310; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-6-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 6 / Section 55-6-107
Distribution and expenditure of funds
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in § 55-4-116(c) , the proceeds of the taxes levied by chapter 4 of this title shall be apportioned by a distribution of ninety-eight percent (98%) thereof to the highway fund and two percent (2%) thereof to the general fund. The funding board is authorized to allocate the portions of these funds as are required to meet the annual requirements for payment of the state debt. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), from the distribution to the highway fund the revenue shall be allocated to the general fund in an amount sufficient to fund the cost of issuing motor vehicle registration plates, this amount to be established in the annual appropriations act. (b) The fees collected under Class (F) of § 55-4-111 shall be allocated on the basis of ninety-five percent (95%) to the county and municipality in which the collection is made and five percent (5%) to the state; provided, that all the fees plus penalties that are collected as a result of assessments and citations, or either of them, written by representatives of the department, shall be allocated to the state. Not later than the tenth day of the month following the month in which these collections are made, the county clerk shall report and remit that portion of the fees allocated to the county and municipality to the proper county and municipality fiscal officers, and that portion of the fees allocated to the state to the commissioner in the same manner as other revenues collected under chapter 4 of this title. The fees paid to the commissioner shall be apportioned in the same manner as other motor vehicle revenue under subsection (a). The distribution of the fees allocated to the county and municipality shall be as follows: (1) One-half (1/2) of the proceeds shall be expended and distributed in the same manner as the county property tax for school purposes; (2) (A) The other one-half (1/2) shall be as follows: (i) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in unincorporated areas, to the county general fund; and (ii) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in incorporated cities and towns, to the city or town in which the mobile home or house trailer is located; (B) However, a county and city or town may by contract provide for other distribution of the one-half (1/2) not allocated to school purposes. (c) The proceeds of the three cents (3¢) or five cents (5¢) per pound overload taxes assessed under § 55-4-113 shall be apportioned by a distribution of eighty percent (80%) thereof to the highway fund and the remaining twenty percent (20%) to the general fund for the expense of administering the law. (d) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the increases in registration tax revenue generated by the Motor Carrier Funding and Tax Administration Act of 1993 shall be specifically earmarked for use only for the cost of development, implementation, maintenance, and operation of the Tennessee international fuel tax agreement (IFTA) and motor carrier system project. At the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, and at the close of each fiscal year thereafter, remaining unexpended earmarked funds, if any, shall no longer be considered earmarked for the agreement and project and shall be apportioned and distributed under subsection (a). (e) Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, the proceeds derived under chapter 4 of this title from the increases in fees imposed by chapter 181 of the Public Acts of 2017 shall be distributed solely to the highway fund. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159, s 33, eff. 4/17/2023. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 12, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 66 (Williams, § 5538.166); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, §§ 3, 14; Acts 1963, ch. 143, § 10; 1963, ch. 145, § 4; 1967, ch. 218, § 5; 1968, ch. 491, § 1; 1970, ch. 473, § 1; 1975, ch. 265, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-607; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 4; 1993, ch. 142, § 5; 1999, ch. 517, § 1.
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in § 55-4-116(c) , the proceeds of the taxes levied by chapter 4 of this title shall be apportioned by a distribution of ninety-eight percent (98%) thereof to the highway fund and two percent (2%) thereof to the general fund. The funding board is authorized to allocate the portions of these funds as are required to meet the annual requirements for payment of the state debt. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), from the distribution to the highway fund the revenue shall be allocated to the general fund in an amount sufficient to fund the cost of issuing motor vehicle registration plates, this amount to be established in the annual appropriations act.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in § 55-4-116(c) , the proceeds of the taxes levied by chapter 4 of this title shall be apportioned by a distribution of ninety-eight percent (98%) thereof to the highway fund and two percent (2%) thereof to the general fund. The funding board is authorized to allocate the portions of these funds as are required to meet the annual requirements for payment of the state debt.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), from the distribution to the highway fund the revenue shall be allocated to the general fund in an amount sufficient to fund the cost of issuing motor vehicle registration plates, this amount to be established in the annual appropriations act.
(b) The fees collected under Class (F) of § 55-4-111 shall be allocated on the basis of ninety-five percent (95%) to the county and municipality in which the collection is made and five percent (5%) to the state; provided, that all the fees plus penalties that are collected as a result of assessments and citations, or either of them, written by representatives of the department, shall be allocated to the state. Not later than the tenth day of the month following the month in which these collections are made, the county clerk shall report and remit that portion of the fees allocated to the county and municipality to the proper county and municipality fiscal officers, and that portion of the fees allocated to the state to the commissioner in the same manner as other revenues collected under chapter 4 of this title. The fees paid to the commissioner shall be apportioned in the same manner as other motor vehicle revenue under subsection (a). The distribution of the fees allocated to the county and municipality shall be as follows: (1) One-half (1/2) of the proceeds shall be expended and distributed in the same manner as the county property tax for school purposes; (2) (A) The other one-half (1/2) shall be as follows: (i) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in unincorporated areas, to the county general fund; and (ii) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in incorporated cities and towns, to the city or town in which the mobile home or house trailer is located; (B) However, a county and city or town may by contract provide for other distribution of the one-half (1/2) not allocated to school purposes.
(1) One-half (1/2) of the proceeds shall be expended and distributed in the same manner as the county property tax for school purposes;
(2) (A) The other one-half (1/2) shall be as follows: (i) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in unincorporated areas, to the county general fund; and (ii) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in incorporated cities and towns, to the city or town in which the mobile home or house trailer is located; (B) However, a county and city or town may by contract provide for other distribution of the one-half (1/2) not allocated to school purposes.
(A) The other one-half (1/2) shall be as follows: (i) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in unincorporated areas, to the county general fund; and (ii) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in incorporated cities and towns, to the city or town in which the mobile home or house trailer is located;
(i) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in unincorporated areas, to the county general fund; and
(ii) Fees for mobile homes or house trailers located in incorporated cities and towns, to the city or town in which the mobile home or house trailer is located;
(B) However, a county and city or town may by contract provide for other distribution of the one-half (1/2) not allocated to school purposes.
(c) The proceeds of the three cents (3¢) or five cents (5¢) per pound overload taxes assessed under § 55-4-113 shall be apportioned by a distribution of eighty percent (80%) thereof to the highway fund and the remaining twenty percent (20%) to the general fund for the expense of administering the law.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the increases in registration tax revenue generated by the Motor Carrier Funding and Tax Administration Act of 1993 shall be specifically earmarked for use only for the cost of development, implementation, maintenance, and operation of the Tennessee international fuel tax agreement (IFTA) and motor carrier system project. At the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, and at the close of each fiscal year thereafter, remaining unexpended earmarked funds, if any, shall no longer be considered earmarked for the agreement and project and shall be apportioned and distributed under subsection (a).
(e) Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, the proceeds derived under chapter 4 of this title from the increases in fees imposed by chapter 181 of the Public Acts of 2017 shall be distributed solely to the highway fund.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159, s 33, eff. 4/17/2023.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 12, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 66 (Williams, § 5538.166); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, §§ 3, 14; Acts 1963, ch. 143, § 10; 1963, ch. 145, § 4; 1967, ch. 218, § 5; 1968, ch. 491, § 1; 1970, ch. 473, § 1; 1975, ch. 265, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-607; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 4; 1993, ch. 142, § 5; 1999, ch. 517, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-303 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-303
Notification of implications of lien
Status: in_force

At the time when a vehicle owner registers as a shared vehicle owner on a peer-to-peer car sharing program, and prior to the time when the shared vehicle owner makes a shared vehicle available for car sharing on the peer-to-peer car sharing program, the peer-to-peer car sharing program shall notify the shared vehicle owner that, if the shared vehicle has a lien against it, then the use of the shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program, including use without physical damage coverage, may violate the terms of the contract with the lienholder. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
At the time when a vehicle owner registers as a shared vehicle owner on a peer-to-peer car sharing program, and prior to the time when the shared vehicle owner makes a shared vehicle available for car sharing on the peer-to-peer car sharing program, the peer-to-peer car sharing program shall notify the shared vehicle owner that, if the shared vehicle has a lien against it, then the use of the shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer car sharing program, including use without physical damage coverage, may violate the terms of the contract with the lienholder.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 796, s 5, eff. 7/15/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-5-128 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-5-128
Seized or repossessed motor vehicles - Notice to sheriff
Status: in_force

(a) (1) If a motor vehicle is seized or repossessed in Tennessee, the sheriff of the county in which the seizure or repossession occurred shall be notified immediately of the action taken; provided, that if the seizure or repossession occurred in a county having a metropolitan form of government, notification shall be made to the metropolitan police department. The notice shall contain the name and address of the owner and a description of the vehicle, including the make, model and serial number. (2) Failure to notify as provided in this section, errors of fact in notification or notification to an incorrect jurisdiction shall not be construed to be grounds to defeat and/or cancel an otherwise permissible seizure and/or repossession. (b) The notice requirements of this section shall not apply if the owner voluntarily surrenders the vehicle for repossession. Acts 1989, ch. 406, § 1.
(a) (1) If a motor vehicle is seized or repossessed in Tennessee, the sheriff of the county in which the seizure or repossession occurred shall be notified immediately of the action taken; provided, that if the seizure or repossession occurred in a county having a metropolitan form of government, notification shall be made to the metropolitan police department. The notice shall contain the name and address of the owner and a description of the vehicle, including the make, model and serial number. (2) Failure to notify as provided in this section, errors of fact in notification or notification to an incorrect jurisdiction shall not be construed to be grounds to defeat and/or cancel an otherwise permissible seizure and/or repossession.
(1) If a motor vehicle is seized or repossessed in Tennessee, the sheriff of the county in which the seizure or repossession occurred shall be notified immediately of the action taken; provided, that if the seizure or repossession occurred in a county having a metropolitan form of government, notification shall be made to the metropolitan police department. The notice shall contain the name and address of the owner and a description of the vehicle, including the make, model and serial number.
(2) Failure to notify as provided in this section, errors of fact in notification or notification to an incorrect jurisdiction shall not be construed to be grounds to defeat and/or cancel an otherwise permissible seizure and/or repossession.
(b) The notice requirements of this section shall not apply if the owner voluntarily surrenders the vehicle for repossession.
Acts 1989, ch. 406, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-222 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-222
Sheriffs
Status: in_force

An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a duly elected sheriff, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , and payment of the additional fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate which shall bear the number of the sheriff's county of jurisdiction and the word "SHERIFF" in capital letters. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a duly elected sheriff, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , and payment of the additional fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a registration plate which shall bear the number of the sheriff's county of jurisdiction and the word "SHERIFF" in capital letters.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-140 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-140
Required position and method of turning at intersections
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows: (1) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway; (2) Left Turns on Two-way Roadways. At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection, and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection; (3) Left Turns on Other Than Two-way Roadways. At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one (1) direction on one (1) or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the driver's vehicle, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered; (4) Local Instructions. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause markers, buttons or signs to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers, buttons or signs are so placed, no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by those markers, buttons or signs; and (5) Two-way Left Turn Lanes. Where a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been established: (A) A left turn shall not be made from any other lane unless a vehicle cannot safely enter the turn lane; (B) A vehicle shall not be driven in the left turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway; (C) A vehicle shall not use the left turn lane solely for the purpose of passing another vehicle; (D) A vehicle shall not enter a left turn lane more than a safe distance from the point of the intended turn; (E) When any vehicle enters the turn lane, no other vehicle proceeding in an opposite direction shall enter that turn lane if that entrance would prohibit the vehicle already in the lane from making the intended turn; and (F) When vehicles enter the turn lane proceeding in opposite directions, the first vehicle to enter the lane shall have the right-of-way. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 39; T.C.A., § 59-840; Acts 1990, ch. 940, § 1.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
(1) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway;
(2) Left Turns on Two-way Roadways. At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection, and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection;
(3) Left Turns on Other Than Two-way Roadways. At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one (1) direction on one (1) or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the driver's vehicle, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered;
(4) Local Instructions. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause markers, buttons or signs to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers, buttons or signs are so placed, no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by those markers, buttons or signs; and
(5) Two-way Left Turn Lanes. Where a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been established: (A) A left turn shall not be made from any other lane unless a vehicle cannot safely enter the turn lane; (B) A vehicle shall not be driven in the left turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway; (C) A vehicle shall not use the left turn lane solely for the purpose of passing another vehicle; (D) A vehicle shall not enter a left turn lane more than a safe distance from the point of the intended turn; (E) When any vehicle enters the turn lane, no other vehicle proceeding in an opposite direction shall enter that turn lane if that entrance would prohibit the vehicle already in the lane from making the intended turn; and (F) When vehicles enter the turn lane proceeding in opposite directions, the first vehicle to enter the lane shall have the right-of-way.
(A) A left turn shall not be made from any other lane unless a vehicle cannot safely enter the turn lane;
(B) A vehicle shall not be driven in the left turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway;
(C) A vehicle shall not use the left turn lane solely for the purpose of passing another vehicle;
(D) A vehicle shall not enter a left turn lane more than a safe distance from the point of the intended turn;
(E) When any vehicle enters the turn lane, no other vehicle proceeding in an opposite direction shall enter that turn lane if that entrance would prohibit the vehicle already in the lane from making the intended turn; and
(F) When vehicles enter the turn lane proceeding in opposite directions, the first vehicle to enter the lane shall have the right-of-way.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 39; T.C.A., § 59-840; Acts 1990, ch. 940, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-268 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-268
Submarine veteran
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces having served on a submarine in the line of military duty, and whose submarine service has been certified by the department of veterans services, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a submarine veteran license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The application for such plate shall be accompanied by documentation from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services, verifying that the applicant served on a submarine in the line of military duty as a member of the United States armed forces. (b) (1) The design of such license plates that are issued pursuant to this section shall be colored red, white and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States flag and shall bear the legend, "SUBMARINE VETERAN." (2) The license plates provided for in this section shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans services. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 2010, ch. 1151, § 8.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces having served on a submarine in the line of military duty, and whose submarine service has been certified by the department of veterans services, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a submarine veteran license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The application for such plate shall be accompanied by documentation from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services, verifying that the applicant served on a submarine in the line of military duty as a member of the United States armed forces.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces having served on a submarine in the line of military duty, and whose submarine service has been certified by the department of veterans services, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon paying the regular fee applicable to the vehicle and the fee prescribed by § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a submarine veteran license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The application for such plate shall be accompanied by documentation from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services, verifying that the applicant served on a submarine in the line of military duty as a member of the United States armed forces.
(b) (1) The design of such license plates that are issued pursuant to this section shall be colored red, white and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States flag and shall bear the legend, "SUBMARINE VETERAN." (2) The license plates provided for in this section shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans services.
(1) The design of such license plates that are issued pursuant to this section shall be colored red, white and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States flag and shall bear the legend, "SUBMARINE VETERAN."
(2) The license plates provided for in this section shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans services.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 2010, ch. 1151, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-406 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-406
Headlights on motor vehicles - Operation during inclement weather - Violation - Penalty - Costs
Status: in_force

(a) The headlights of every motor vehicle shall be so constructed, equipped, arranged, focused, aimed, and adjusted, that they will at all times mentioned in § 55-9-401 , and under normal atmospheric conditions and on a level road produce a driving light sufficient to render clearly discernible a person two hundred feet (200') ahead, but shall not project a glaring or dazzling light to persons in front of the headlights. The headlights shall be displayed during the period from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, during fog, smoke, or rain and at all other times when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible any person on the road at a distance of two hundred feet (200') ahead of the vehicle. (b) (1) Operation of headlights during periods of rain, as required in this section, shall be made during any time when rain, mist, or other precipitation, including snow, necessitates the constant use of windshield wipers by motorists. (2) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person who is arrested or receives a traffic citation for violation of subdivision (b)(1), upon conviction, shall not be fined more than the maximum fine nor less than the minimum fine as provided by law for the violation nor shall any cost be imposed or assessed against the person. The conviction shall not be reported to the department of safety under §§ 55-10-306 and 55-12-115 . (3) No cost shall be charged under this subsection (b). (4) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 15; 1937, ch. 245; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); Acts 1970, ch. 359, § 1; 1979, ch. 217, §§ 1, 2, 3, 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-909; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) The headlights of every motor vehicle shall be so constructed, equipped, arranged, focused, aimed, and adjusted, that they will at all times mentioned in § 55-9-401 , and under normal atmospheric conditions and on a level road produce a driving light sufficient to render clearly discernible a person two hundred feet (200') ahead, but shall not project a glaring or dazzling light to persons in front of the headlights. The headlights shall be displayed during the period from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, during fog, smoke, or rain and at all other times when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible any person on the road at a distance of two hundred feet (200') ahead of the vehicle.
(b) (1) Operation of headlights during periods of rain, as required in this section, shall be made during any time when rain, mist, or other precipitation, including snow, necessitates the constant use of windshield wipers by motorists. (2) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person who is arrested or receives a traffic citation for violation of subdivision (b)(1), upon conviction, shall not be fined more than the maximum fine nor less than the minimum fine as provided by law for the violation nor shall any cost be imposed or assessed against the person. The conviction shall not be reported to the department of safety under §§ 55-10-306 and 55-12-115 . (3) No cost shall be charged under this subsection (b). (4) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(1) Operation of headlights during periods of rain, as required in this section, shall be made during any time when rain, mist, or other precipitation, including snow, necessitates the constant use of windshield wipers by motorists.
(2) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person who is arrested or receives a traffic citation for violation of subdivision (b)(1), upon conviction, shall not be fined more than the maximum fine nor less than the minimum fine as provided by law for the violation nor shall any cost be imposed or assessed against the person. The conviction shall not be reported to the department of safety under §§ 55-10-306 and 55-12-115 .
(3) No cost shall be charged under this subsection (b).
(4) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 82, § 15; 1937, ch. 245; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); Acts 1970, ch. 359, § 1; 1979, ch. 217, §§ 1, 2, 3, 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-909; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-143 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-143
Signals for turns
Status: in_force

(a) Every driver who intends to start, stop or turn, or partly turn from a direct line, shall first see that that movement can be made in safety, and whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement, shall give a signal required in this section, plainly visible to the driver of the other vehicle of the intention to make such movement. (b) The signal required in this section shall be given by means of the hand and arm, or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the department of safety, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate the intention to start, stop, or turn, or partly turn, by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle, in the following manner: (1) For left turn, or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder; (2) For right turn, or pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward; and (3) For slowing down or to stop, the arm shall be extended downward. (c) These signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least fifty feet (50') before stopping, turning, partly turning, or materially altering the course of the vehicle. (d) Drivers having once given a hand, electrical or mechanical device signal, must continue the course thus indicated, unless they alter the original signal and take care that drivers of vehicles and pedestrians have seen and are aware of the change. (e) Drivers receiving a signal from another driver shall keep their vehicles under complete control and shall be able to avoid an accident resulting from a misunderstanding of the signal. (f) Drivers of vehicles, standing or stopped at the curb or edge before moving these vehicles, shall give signals of their intention to move into traffic, as provided in this section, before turning in the direction the vehicle shall proceed from the curb. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 41; T.C.A., § 59-843.
(a) Every driver who intends to start, stop or turn, or partly turn from a direct line, shall first see that that movement can be made in safety, and whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement, shall give a signal required in this section, plainly visible to the driver of the other vehicle of the intention to make such movement.
(b) The signal required in this section shall be given by means of the hand and arm, or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the department of safety, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate the intention to start, stop, or turn, or partly turn, by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle, in the following manner: (1) For left turn, or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder; (2) For right turn, or pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward; and (3) For slowing down or to stop, the arm shall be extended downward.
(1) For left turn, or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;
(2) For right turn, or pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward; and
(3) For slowing down or to stop, the arm shall be extended downward.
(c) These signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least fifty feet (50') before stopping, turning, partly turning, or materially altering the course of the vehicle.
(d) Drivers having once given a hand, electrical or mechanical device signal, must continue the course thus indicated, unless they alter the original signal and take care that drivers of vehicles and pedestrians have seen and are aware of the change.
(e) Drivers receiving a signal from another driver shall keep their vehicles under complete control and shall be able to avoid an accident resulting from a misunderstanding of the signal.
(f) Drivers of vehicles, standing or stopped at the curb or edge before moving these vehicles, shall give signals of their intention to move into traffic, as provided in this section, before turning in the direction the vehicle shall proceed from the curb.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 41; T.C.A., § 59-843.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-207 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-207
Expiration and renewal
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding § 55-4-104 or other provisions of part 1 of this chapter, all license plates issued under this part and certificates of registration shall not expire on March 31 of each year, but rather shall expire pursuant to subsection (b). (b) With respect to motor vehicles using plates issued pursuant to this part, the commissioner shall establish a system of registration renewals at alternate intervals which will allow for the distribution of the registration workload as uniformly as is practicable throughout the calendar year. Registrations issued under the alternate method are valid for twelve (12) months, and expire on the last day of the last month of the registration period. However, during a transition period, or at any time thereafter when the commissioner shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either registrations or renewals, or both of them, may be issued for terms of not less than six (6) months nor more than eighteen (18) months. The fee imposed for registration of any vehicle under the alternate interval method for a period of other than twelve (12) months shall be proportionate to the annual fee fixed for the vehicle and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar ($0.25). (c) Notwithstanding this section, dealer plates shall be issued and renewed pursuant to § 55-4-226 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
(a) Notwithstanding § 55-4-104 or other provisions of part 1 of this chapter, all license plates issued under this part and certificates of registration shall not expire on March 31 of each year, but rather shall expire pursuant to subsection (b).
(b) With respect to motor vehicles using plates issued pursuant to this part, the commissioner shall establish a system of registration renewals at alternate intervals which will allow for the distribution of the registration workload as uniformly as is practicable throughout the calendar year. Registrations issued under the alternate method are valid for twelve (12) months, and expire on the last day of the last month of the registration period. However, during a transition period, or at any time thereafter when the commissioner shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either registrations or renewals, or both of them, may be issued for terms of not less than six (6) months nor more than eighteen (18) months. The fee imposed for registration of any vehicle under the alternate interval method for a period of other than twelve (12) months shall be proportionate to the annual fee fixed for the vehicle and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar ($0.25).
(c) Notwithstanding this section, dealer plates shall be issued and renewed pursuant to § 55-4-226 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-134 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-134
Replica license plates
Status: in_force

(a) Any replica license plate manufactured or sold in this state purporting to be an official license plate previously issued by the state shall include the language "REPLICA" in at least twenty-four (24) point type on the face of the replica license plate. (b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 2005, ch. 84, § 1.
(a) Any replica license plate manufactured or sold in this state purporting to be an official license plate previously issued by the state shall include the language "REPLICA" in at least twenty-four (24) point type on the face of the replica license plate.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 2005, ch. 84, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-405 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-17-405
Applications for licenses and renewals
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall prescribe and provide forms to be used for applications for licenses and for the renewals thereof to be issued under the terms of this part, and require all applicants and their enfranchised manufacturers, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a license, to provide information touching on and concerning the applicant's character, honesty, integrity, reputation, business relationships, and ability as the commission may deem necessary; provided, that every application for a new recreational vehicle dealer's license shall contain, in addition to any information the commission may require, a statement as to the following facts: (1) The applicant's name and residential address and the trade name, if any, under which the applicant intends to conduct business; (2) If the applicant is a partnership, each partner's name and residential address, whether a limited or general partner, and the name under which the partnership business is to be conducted; (3) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation and the name and address of each of its principal officers, directors, and all persons owning more than five percent (5%) of outstanding shares of stock issued by the corporation; (4) The names of any inventory financers, including floor planners used by the dealership. Applicants shall provide this information to the commission and keep it current; (5) A complete description, including the city, town, or village with the street and number, if any, of the permanent, established place of business and any other additional place or places of business as shall be operated and maintained by the applicant in conjunction with the permanent, established place of business; (6) A financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles by a certified public accountant or public accountant dated not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the application and copies of the most current financial information furnished to the manufacturer, distributor, or their representatives under the terms of any franchise agreements; and (7) A duly executed service agreement on forms provided by the commission with a factory authorized service or repair garage within a reasonable distance from the applicant's established place of business if the recreational vehicle dealer applicant does not have facilities at the dealer's established place of business to service or repair recreational vehicles. (b) All applications for licenses required to be obtained under this part shall be verified by oath or affirmation of the applicant or the applicants. (c) All applications shall be accompanied by the payment of the fee prescribed by § 55-17-406 . In the event that any application is denied or the license applied for is not issued, seventy-five percent (75%) of the license fee shall be refunded to the applicant or applicants. (d) All licenses shall expire two (2) years from the date of issuance. (e) Any change of address of a recreational vehicle dealer must be reported to the commission. (f) When a vehicle salesperson desires to change employment from one dealer to another, that salesperson must submit such person's license to the commission for endorsement of change of employer and may become a salesperson at that person's new place of employment upon submission of the license for endorsement of change of location and payment of any fees due. (g) (1) Each application for a license or renewal of a license of a recreational vehicle dealer shall be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the commission that the dealer has a surety bond in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in force. A letter of credit shall not be satisfactory evidence of a surety bond in the required amount. (2) (A) The bond is for the benefit of any person who suffers loss because of either: (i) Nonpayment by the dealer of a retail customer's prepaid title, registration, or other related fees or taxes; or (ii) The recreational vehicle dealer's failure to deliver in conjunction with the sale of a recreational vehicle a valid recreational vehicle title certificate free and clear of any prior owner's interests and all liens except a lien created by or expressly assumed in writing by the buyer of the recreational vehicle. (B) The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall in no event exceed the amount of this bond. (3) In lieu of a corporate surety on the bond required by subdivision (g)(1), the commission may allow the recreational vehicle dealer to secure the bond by depositing collateral in the form of a certificate of deposit, as accepted and authorized by the banking laws of this state, that has a face value equal to the amount of the bond. The collateral may be deposited with or executed through any authorized state depository designated by the commission. Interest on any deposited certificate of deposit shall be payable to the dealer who has deposited it as collateral, or to a person as the recreational vehicle dealer or the certificate may direct. (4) The surety bond must remain and continue in force for as long as the licensee remains licensed and must name the Tennessee motor vehicle commission as beneficiary. Upon notice of cancellation, the licensee shall either cease business operations until proof of minimum coverage is provided, or provide evidence of minimum coverage from another provider. (5) Any surety is required to provide sixty (60) days' notice of cancellation of the bond or certificate of deposit or letter of credit to the commission. (6) No license so issued shall be transferable, and a separate license shall be required for each separate place of business and shall be prominently displayed in the place of business operated by the person to whom the license is issued. (h) (1) All applications for issuance or renewal of a recreational vehicle dealer license shall contain an attestation that the applicant will comply with each of the following requirements: (A) The applicant shall maintain the surety bond required by subsection (g) in full force and effect during all times that the license is active; and (B) The applicant shall notify the commission upon a change in ownership or location of the dealership as required by § 55-17-407 . (2) Additionally, all applications for issuance or renewal of a recreational vehicle dealer license shall contain the following statement, immediately following the attestation required by subdivision (h)(1): FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SURETY BOND AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-405 , OR NOTIFY THE TENNESSEE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION OF A CHANGE IN THE OWNERSHIP OR LOCATION OF THE DEALERSHIP AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-407 , MAY RESULT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF A CIVIL PENALTY AND/OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALER LICENSE. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781, s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) The commission shall prescribe and provide forms to be used for applications for licenses and for the renewals thereof to be issued under the terms of this part, and require all applicants and their enfranchised manufacturers, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a license, to provide information touching on and concerning the applicant's character, honesty, integrity, reputation, business relationships, and ability as the commission may deem necessary; provided, that every application for a new recreational vehicle dealer's license shall contain, in addition to any information the commission may require, a statement as to the following facts: (1) The applicant's name and residential address and the trade name, if any, under which the applicant intends to conduct business; (2) If the applicant is a partnership, each partner's name and residential address, whether a limited or general partner, and the name under which the partnership business is to be conducted; (3) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation and the name and address of each of its principal officers, directors, and all persons owning more than five percent (5%) of outstanding shares of stock issued by the corporation; (4) The names of any inventory financers, including floor planners used by the dealership. Applicants shall provide this information to the commission and keep it current; (5) A complete description, including the city, town, or village with the street and number, if any, of the permanent, established place of business and any other additional place or places of business as shall be operated and maintained by the applicant in conjunction with the permanent, established place of business; (6) A financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles by a certified public accountant or public accountant dated not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the application and copies of the most current financial information furnished to the manufacturer, distributor, or their representatives under the terms of any franchise agreements; and (7) A duly executed service agreement on forms provided by the commission with a factory authorized service or repair garage within a reasonable distance from the applicant's established place of business if the recreational vehicle dealer applicant does not have facilities at the dealer's established place of business to service or repair recreational vehicles.
(1) The applicant's name and residential address and the trade name, if any, under which the applicant intends to conduct business;
(2) If the applicant is a partnership, each partner's name and residential address, whether a limited or general partner, and the name under which the partnership business is to be conducted;
(3) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation and the name and address of each of its principal officers, directors, and all persons owning more than five percent (5%) of outstanding shares of stock issued by the corporation;
(4) The names of any inventory financers, including floor planners used by the dealership. Applicants shall provide this information to the commission and keep it current;
(5) A complete description, including the city, town, or village with the street and number, if any, of the permanent, established place of business and any other additional place or places of business as shall be operated and maintained by the applicant in conjunction with the permanent, established place of business;
(6) A financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles by a certified public accountant or public accountant dated not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the application and copies of the most current financial information furnished to the manufacturer, distributor, or their representatives under the terms of any franchise agreements; and
(7) A duly executed service agreement on forms provided by the commission with a factory authorized service or repair garage within a reasonable distance from the applicant's established place of business if the recreational vehicle dealer applicant does not have facilities at the dealer's established place of business to service or repair recreational vehicles.
(b) All applications for licenses required to be obtained under this part shall be verified by oath or affirmation of the applicant or the applicants.
(c) All applications shall be accompanied by the payment of the fee prescribed by § 55-17-406 . In the event that any application is denied or the license applied for is not issued, seventy-five percent (75%) of the license fee shall be refunded to the applicant or applicants.
(d) All licenses shall expire two (2) years from the date of issuance.
(e) Any change of address of a recreational vehicle dealer must be reported to the commission.
(f) When a vehicle salesperson desires to change employment from one dealer to another, that salesperson must submit such person's license to the commission for endorsement of change of employer and may become a salesperson at that person's new place of employment upon submission of the license for endorsement of change of location and payment of any fees due.
(g) (1) Each application for a license or renewal of a license of a recreational vehicle dealer shall be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the commission that the dealer has a surety bond in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in force. A letter of credit shall not be satisfactory evidence of a surety bond in the required amount. (2) (A) The bond is for the benefit of any person who suffers loss because of either: (i) Nonpayment by the dealer of a retail customer's prepaid title, registration, or other related fees or taxes; or (ii) The recreational vehicle dealer's failure to deliver in conjunction with the sale of a recreational vehicle a valid recreational vehicle title certificate free and clear of any prior owner's interests and all liens except a lien created by or expressly assumed in writing by the buyer of the recreational vehicle. (B) The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall in no event exceed the amount of this bond. (3) In lieu of a corporate surety on the bond required by subdivision (g)(1), the commission may allow the recreational vehicle dealer to secure the bond by depositing collateral in the form of a certificate of deposit, as accepted and authorized by the banking laws of this state, that has a face value equal to the amount of the bond. The collateral may be deposited with or executed through any authorized state depository designated by the commission. Interest on any deposited certificate of deposit shall be payable to the dealer who has deposited it as collateral, or to a person as the recreational vehicle dealer or the certificate may direct. (4) The surety bond must remain and continue in force for as long as the licensee remains licensed and must name the Tennessee motor vehicle commission as beneficiary. Upon notice of cancellation, the licensee shall either cease business operations until proof of minimum coverage is provided, or provide evidence of minimum coverage from another provider. (5) Any surety is required to provide sixty (60) days' notice of cancellation of the bond or certificate of deposit or letter of credit to the commission. (6) No license so issued shall be transferable, and a separate license shall be required for each separate place of business and shall be prominently displayed in the place of business operated by the person to whom the license is issued.
(1) Each application for a license or renewal of a license of a recreational vehicle dealer shall be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the commission that the dealer has a surety bond in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in force. A letter of credit shall not be satisfactory evidence of a surety bond in the required amount.
(2) (A) The bond is for the benefit of any person who suffers loss because of either: (i) Nonpayment by the dealer of a retail customer's prepaid title, registration, or other related fees or taxes; or (ii) The recreational vehicle dealer's failure to deliver in conjunction with the sale of a recreational vehicle a valid recreational vehicle title certificate free and clear of any prior owner's interests and all liens except a lien created by or expressly assumed in writing by the buyer of the recreational vehicle. (B) The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall in no event exceed the amount of this bond.
(A) The bond is for the benefit of any person who suffers loss because of either: (i) Nonpayment by the dealer of a retail customer's prepaid title, registration, or other related fees or taxes; or (ii) The recreational vehicle dealer's failure to deliver in conjunction with the sale of a recreational vehicle a valid recreational vehicle title certificate free and clear of any prior owner's interests and all liens except a lien created by or expressly assumed in writing by the buyer of the recreational vehicle.
(i) Nonpayment by the dealer of a retail customer's prepaid title, registration, or other related fees or taxes; or
(ii) The recreational vehicle dealer's failure to deliver in conjunction with the sale of a recreational vehicle a valid recreational vehicle title certificate free and clear of any prior owner's interests and all liens except a lien created by or expressly assumed in writing by the buyer of the recreational vehicle.
(B) The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall in no event exceed the amount of this bond.
(3) In lieu of a corporate surety on the bond required by subdivision (g)(1), the commission may allow the recreational vehicle dealer to secure the bond by depositing collateral in the form of a certificate of deposit, as accepted and authorized by the banking laws of this state, that has a face value equal to the amount of the bond. The collateral may be deposited with or executed through any authorized state depository designated by the commission. Interest on any deposited certificate of deposit shall be payable to the dealer who has deposited it as collateral, or to a person as the recreational vehicle dealer or the certificate may direct.
(4) The surety bond must remain and continue in force for as long as the licensee remains licensed and must name the Tennessee motor vehicle commission as beneficiary. Upon notice of cancellation, the licensee shall either cease business operations until proof of minimum coverage is provided, or provide evidence of minimum coverage from another provider.
(5) Any surety is required to provide sixty (60) days' notice of cancellation of the bond or certificate of deposit or letter of credit to the commission.
(6) No license so issued shall be transferable, and a separate license shall be required for each separate place of business and shall be prominently displayed in the place of business operated by the person to whom the license is issued.
(h) (1) All applications for issuance or renewal of a recreational vehicle dealer license shall contain an attestation that the applicant will comply with each of the following requirements: (A) The applicant shall maintain the surety bond required by subsection (g) in full force and effect during all times that the license is active; and (B) The applicant shall notify the commission upon a change in ownership or location of the dealership as required by § 55-17-407 . (2) Additionally, all applications for issuance or renewal of a recreational vehicle dealer license shall contain the following statement, immediately following the attestation required by subdivision (h)(1): FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SURETY BOND AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-405 , OR NOTIFY THE TENNESSEE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION OF A CHANGE IN THE OWNERSHIP OR LOCATION OF THE DEALERSHIP AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-407 , MAY RESULT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF A CIVIL PENALTY AND/OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALER LICENSE.
(1) All applications for issuance or renewal of a recreational vehicle dealer license shall contain an attestation that the applicant will comply with each of the following requirements: (A) The applicant shall maintain the surety bond required by subsection (g) in full force and effect during all times that the license is active; and (B) The applicant shall notify the commission upon a change in ownership or location of the dealership as required by § 55-17-407 .
(A) The applicant shall maintain the surety bond required by subsection (g) in full force and effect during all times that the license is active; and
(B) The applicant shall notify the commission upon a change in ownership or location of the dealership as required by § 55-17-407 .
(2) Additionally, all applications for issuance or renewal of a recreational vehicle dealer license shall contain the following statement, immediately following the attestation required by subdivision (h)(1): FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SURETY BOND AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-405 , OR NOTIFY THE TENNESSEE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION OF A CHANGE IN THE OWNERSHIP OR LOCATION OF THE DEALERSHIP AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-407 , MAY RESULT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF A CIVIL PENALTY AND/OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALER LICENSE.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SURETY BOND AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-405 , OR NOTIFY THE TENNESSEE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION OF A CHANGE IN THE OWNERSHIP OR LOCATION OF THE DEALERSHIP AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 55-17-407 , MAY RESULT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF A CIVIL PENALTY AND/OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALER LICENSE.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 781, s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-104
Duty upon striking unattended vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle that collides with any unattended vehicle shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of that vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle, or shall leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the striking and a statement of the circumstances thereof. Written notices prepared pursuant to this section shall include information pertaining to the insurance policy, including the name of the insurer, of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle. If the driver and the owner have a certificate of compliance with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, issued by the commissioner of safety, a copy of the certificate shall be included in the written notice. (b) The requirements in subsection (a) shall apply to accidents occurring upon highways and the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large. (c) With respect to an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by § 55-30-102 , the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the motor vehicle's owner, or a person on behalf of the motor vehicle's owner, promptly contacts a law enforcement officer or agency to report the accident and the ADS-operated vehicle remains on the scene of the accident as otherwise required by law. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 10, eff. 6/6/2017. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 81; T.C.A., § 59-1004; Acts 1988, ch. 788, § 1; 2007 , ch. 139, § 2.
(a) The driver of any vehicle that collides with any unattended vehicle shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of that vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle, or shall leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the striking and a statement of the circumstances thereof. Written notices prepared pursuant to this section shall include information pertaining to the insurance policy, including the name of the insurer, of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle. If the driver and the owner have a certificate of compliance with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, issued by the commissioner of safety, a copy of the certificate shall be included in the written notice.
(b) The requirements in subsection (a) shall apply to accidents occurring upon highways and the premises of any shopping center, trailer park or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large.
(c) With respect to an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by § 55-30-102 , the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the motor vehicle's owner, or a person on behalf of the motor vehicle's owner, promptly contacts a law enforcement officer or agency to report the accident and the ADS-operated vehicle remains on the scene of the accident as otherwise required by law.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 10, eff. 6/6/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 81; T.C.A., § 59-1004; Acts 1988, ch. 788, § 1; 2007 , ch. 139, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-316 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-316
Entry into shopping center or office park premises for inspection purposes
Status: in_force

Upon receiving written permission of the property owner or manager, a state, county or municipal law enforcement officer is authorized to go onto the premises of any shopping center, or office park, which is generally open to the public at-large in order to inspect any motor vehicle to determine if the vehicle is properly registered and licensed and, where applicable, if a county wheel tax or similar local fee on a motor vehicle is due and owing. Acts 1993, ch. 126, § 1.
Upon receiving written permission of the property owner or manager, a state, county or municipal law enforcement officer is authorized to go onto the premises of any shopping center, or office park, which is generally open to the public at-large in order to inspect any motor vehicle to determine if the vehicle is properly registered and licensed and, where applicable, if a county wheel tax or similar local fee on a motor vehicle is due and owing.
Acts 1993, ch. 126, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-309 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-309
Reexamination
Status: in_force

Any judge having jurisdiction over offenses committed under any statute of this state or municipal ordinance of any city or town regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways shall have the authority to require any person brought before the judge's court for an alleged violation to submit to a reexamination by the department of safety when the judge has good cause to believe that the person, by reason of physical or mental disability, would not be able to operate a motor vehicle with safety upon the highways, or, in the discretion of the judge, would create a hazard to the driving public. However, the operator's or chauffeur's license of the person shall not be withheld or suspended pending the reexamination. Acts 1970, ch. 365, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1052.
Any judge having jurisdiction over offenses committed under any statute of this state or municipal ordinance of any city or town regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways shall have the authority to require any person brought before the judge's court for an alleged violation to submit to a reexamination by the department of safety when the judge has good cause to believe that the person, by reason of physical or mental disability, would not be able to operate a motor vehicle with safety upon the highways, or, in the discretion of the judge, would create a hazard to the driving public. However, the operator's or chauffeur's license of the person shall not be withheld or suspended pending the reexamination.
Acts 1970, ch. 365, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1052.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-363 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-363
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-197 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-197
Failure to yield right-of-way
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who violates subdivisions (a)(1)-(6) and the violation results in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury to or death of any person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor: (1) Section 55-8-115 by failing to drive on the right half of the roadway as provided in the section, except for those motor vehicles in compliance with § 55-7-115 or § 55-7-202 ; (2) Section 55-8-118 or § 55-8-119 by unlawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle as provided in those sections; (3) Section 55-8-128 , § 55-8-129 , § 55-8-130 or § 55-8-131 by failing to yield the right-of-way as provided in those sections; (4) Section 55-8-134 , by failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks as provided in the section; (5) Section 55-8-136 , by failing to exercise due care as provided in the section; or (6) Section 55-8-175(c) , by failing to overtake and pass a bicycle safely as provided in § 55-8-175(c) . (b) For the purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "serious bodily injury" means: (1) Substantial risk of death; (2) Serious disfigurement; or (3) Protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member, organ or mental faculty. (c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor if the accident results in serious bodily injury of another. (2) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor if the accident results in the death of another. (d) The court shall send the department a record of any of the convictions of any of the sections indicated in subsection (a). The court shall indicate on the record or abstract whether the violation resulted in serious bodily injury of another or death of another. (e) Upon conviction, the court may revoke the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privilege of a person convicted under this section for a period of up to six (6) months, if the accident results in serious bodily injury of another, and up to one (1) year if the accident results in death of another. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 834, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 2007 , ch. 537, § 1; 2009 , ch. 342, § 1; 2011 , ch. 192, §§ 2, 3.
(a) Any person who violates subdivisions (a)(1)-(6) and the violation results in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury to or death of any person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor: (1) Section 55-8-115 by failing to drive on the right half of the roadway as provided in the section, except for those motor vehicles in compliance with § 55-7-115 or § 55-7-202 ; (2) Section 55-8-118 or § 55-8-119 by unlawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle as provided in those sections; (3) Section 55-8-128 , § 55-8-129 , § 55-8-130 or § 55-8-131 by failing to yield the right-of-way as provided in those sections; (4) Section 55-8-134 , by failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks as provided in the section; (5) Section 55-8-136 , by failing to exercise due care as provided in the section; or (6) Section 55-8-175(c) , by failing to overtake and pass a bicycle safely as provided in § 55-8-175(c) .
(1) Section 55-8-115 by failing to drive on the right half of the roadway as provided in the section, except for those motor vehicles in compliance with § 55-7-115 or § 55-7-202 ;
(2) Section 55-8-118 or § 55-8-119 by unlawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle as provided in those sections;
(3) Section 55-8-128 , § 55-8-129 , § 55-8-130 or § 55-8-131 by failing to yield the right-of-way as provided in those sections;
(4) Section 55-8-134 , by failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks as provided in the section;
(5) Section 55-8-136 , by failing to exercise due care as provided in the section; or
(6) Section 55-8-175(c) , by failing to overtake and pass a bicycle safely as provided in § 55-8-175(c) .
(b) For the purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "serious bodily injury" means: (1) Substantial risk of death; (2) Serious disfigurement; or (3) Protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member, organ or mental faculty.
(1) Substantial risk of death;
(2) Serious disfigurement; or
(3) Protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member, organ or mental faculty.
(c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor if the accident results in serious bodily injury of another. (2) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor if the accident results in the death of another.
(1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor if the accident results in serious bodily injury of another.
(2) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor if the accident results in the death of another.
(d) The court shall send the department a record of any of the convictions of any of the sections indicated in subsection (a). The court shall indicate on the record or abstract whether the violation resulted in serious bodily injury of another or death of another.
(e) Upon conviction, the court may revoke the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privilege of a person convicted under this section for a period of up to six (6) months, if the accident results in serious bodily injury of another, and up to one (1) year if the accident results in death of another.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 834, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2007 , ch. 537, § 1; 2009 , ch. 342, § 1; 2011 , ch. 192, §§ 2, 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-104
Vehicles stopping for causes other than disablement - Display of warning devices
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any bus, truck or truck tractor is stopped upon the traveled portion of the highway or the shoulder next thereto, except within a business or residential district of a municipality or for any cause other than disablement or for necessary traffic stops, the following requirements shall be complied with during the period of the stop: (1) During the time that lights are required, a lighted fusee or lighted red electric lantern or red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the motor vehicle. Pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels may comply with this subdivision (a)(1) by displaying emergency flashing lights at the front and rear; and (2) If the stop exceeds or is intended to exceed ten (10) minutes, the placing of flares, red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors or flags shall be in the manner prescribed for disabled vehicles. Pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels may comply with this subdivision (a)(2) by displaying emergency flashing lights at the front and rear. (b) Except during the time that lights are required to be displayed by § 55-9-401 , none of the provisions of this chapter that relate to fire extinguishers, red lanterns, red flags, tire chains, flares, and fusees, shall apply to trucks and pickup trucks owned and operated by any person in the transportation of produce and farm products grown exclusively by that person in transporting them to and from market. Acts 1937 (2nd Ex. Sess.), ch. 12, § 1; 1947, ch. 121, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); Acts 1975, ch. 89, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-920.
(a) Whenever any bus, truck or truck tractor is stopped upon the traveled portion of the highway or the shoulder next thereto, except within a business or residential district of a municipality or for any cause other than disablement or for necessary traffic stops, the following requirements shall be complied with during the period of the stop: (1) During the time that lights are required, a lighted fusee or lighted red electric lantern or red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the motor vehicle. Pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels may comply with this subdivision (a)(1) by displaying emergency flashing lights at the front and rear; and (2) If the stop exceeds or is intended to exceed ten (10) minutes, the placing of flares, red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors or flags shall be in the manner prescribed for disabled vehicles. Pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels may comply with this subdivision (a)(2) by displaying emergency flashing lights at the front and rear.
(1) During the time that lights are required, a lighted fusee or lighted red electric lantern or red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the motor vehicle. Pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels may comply with this subdivision (a)(1) by displaying emergency flashing lights at the front and rear; and
(2) If the stop exceeds or is intended to exceed ten (10) minutes, the placing of flares, red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors or flags shall be in the manner prescribed for disabled vehicles. Pickup trucks having not more than two (2) rear wheels may comply with this subdivision (a)(2) by displaying emergency flashing lights at the front and rear.
(b) Except during the time that lights are required to be displayed by § 55-9-401 , none of the provisions of this chapter that relate to fire extinguishers, red lanterns, red flags, tire chains, flares, and fusees, shall apply to trucks and pickup trucks owned and operated by any person in the transportation of produce and farm products grown exclusively by that person in transporting them to and from market.
Acts 1937 (2nd Ex. Sess.), ch. 12, § 1; 1947, ch. 121, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); Acts 1975, ch. 89, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-920.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-20-308 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 20 / Section 55-20-308
Authority of responders when vehicle displays yellow dot decal - Use of information by responders
Status: in_force

(a) If a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle becomes involved in a motor vehicle accident or emergency situation, and a yellow dot decal is affixed to the vehicle, an emergency medical responder or other responder at the scene is authorized to search the compartment of the vehicle for a yellow dot folder or folders. (b) An emergency medical responder or other responder may use the information contained in the yellow dot folder for the following purposes: (1) To identify a participant in the yellow dot program; (2) To ascertain whether the participant has a medical condition that may impede communications with the responder; (3) To communicate with the participant's emergency contacts about the location and general condition of the participant; or (4) To consider the person's current medications and preexisting medical conditions when emergency medical treatment is administered for any injury the participant suffers. (c) If a law enforcement officer stops a motor vehicle with a yellow dot decal affixed to the vehicle and if during the encounter with the driver or passenger of the motor vehicle the officer reasonably believes the driver or passenger has a medical condition that is impacting the officer's encounter with the driver or passenger, the law enforcement officer, upon receiving consent from the driver or passenger, is authorized to review any yellow dot folder or folders present in the vehicle. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 34,s 3, eff. 3/29/2017. Acts 2012, ch. 804, § 9.
(a) If a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle becomes involved in a motor vehicle accident or emergency situation, and a yellow dot decal is affixed to the vehicle, an emergency medical responder or other responder at the scene is authorized to search the compartment of the vehicle for a yellow dot folder or folders.
(b) An emergency medical responder or other responder may use the information contained in the yellow dot folder for the following purposes: (1) To identify a participant in the yellow dot program; (2) To ascertain whether the participant has a medical condition that may impede communications with the responder; (3) To communicate with the participant's emergency contacts about the location and general condition of the participant; or (4) To consider the person's current medications and preexisting medical conditions when emergency medical treatment is administered for any injury the participant suffers.
(1) To identify a participant in the yellow dot program;
(2) To ascertain whether the participant has a medical condition that may impede communications with the responder;
(3) To communicate with the participant's emergency contacts about the location and general condition of the participant; or
(4) To consider the person's current medications and preexisting medical conditions when emergency medical treatment is administered for any injury the participant suffers.
(c) If a law enforcement officer stops a motor vehicle with a yellow dot decal affixed to the vehicle and if during the encounter with the driver or passenger of the motor vehicle the officer reasonably believes the driver or passenger has a medical condition that is impacting the officer's encounter with the driver or passenger, the law enforcement officer, upon receiving consent from the driver or passenger, is authorized to review any yellow dot folder or folders present in the vehicle.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 34,s 3, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2012, ch. 804, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-21-203 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 21 / Section 55-21-203
Notice - Posting - Contents
Status: in_force

Every person subject to § 55-21-202 shall post the following notice in a manner and in a single location that is conspicuous to a driver seeking refueling service: SERVICE TO DISABLED PERSONS Disabled drivers properly displaying a handicapped parking placard or plate are entitled to request and receive refueling service at the self-service pumps of this gas station for which they may not be charged more than the self-service price. Acts 1992, ch. 731, § 1.
Every person subject to § 55-21-202 shall post the following notice in a manner and in a single location that is conspicuous to a driver seeking refueling service:
SERVICE TO DISABLED PERSONS
Disabled drivers properly displaying a handicapped parking placard or plate are entitled to request and receive refueling service at the self-service pumps of this gas station for which they may not be charged more than the self-service price.
Acts 1992, ch. 731, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-202 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-202
Motor vehicles equipped with autonomous technology
Status: in_force

(a) No political subdivision may by ordinance, resolution, or any other means prohibit within the jurisdictional boundaries of the political subdivision the use of a motor vehicle equipped with autonomous technology if the motor vehicle otherwise complies with all safety regulations of the political subdivision. (b) (1) "Autonomous technology" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle on which the technology is installed in high or full automation mode, without any supervision by a human operator, with specific driving mode performance by the automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task that can be managed by a human driver, including the ability to automatically bring the motor vehicle into a minimal risk condition in the event of a critical vehicle or system failure or other emergency event; (2) "Driving mode" means a type of driving scenario with characteristic dynamic driving task requirements including, but not limited to, the following: (A) Expressway merging; (B) High speed cruising; (C) Low speed traffic jam; and (D) Closed-campus operations; (3) "Dynamic driving task" means the operational and tactical aspects of the driving task, but does not include the strategic aspect of the driving task; (4) "Operational" means steering, braking, accelerating, and monitoring the vehicle and roadway; (5) "Strategic" means determining destinations and waypoints; and (6) "Tactical" includes, but is not limited to, the following: (A) Responding to events; and (B) Determining when to change lanes, turn, or use signals. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 927,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307,s 1, eff. 4/24/2015.
(a) No political subdivision may by ordinance, resolution, or any other means prohibit within the jurisdictional boundaries of the political subdivision the use of a motor vehicle equipped with autonomous technology if the motor vehicle otherwise complies with all safety regulations of the political subdivision.
(b) (1) "Autonomous technology" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle on which the technology is installed in high or full automation mode, without any supervision by a human operator, with specific driving mode performance by the automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task that can be managed by a human driver, including the ability to automatically bring the motor vehicle into a minimal risk condition in the event of a critical vehicle or system failure or other emergency event; (2) "Driving mode" means a type of driving scenario with characteristic dynamic driving task requirements including, but not limited to, the following: (A) Expressway merging; (B) High speed cruising; (C) Low speed traffic jam; and (D) Closed-campus operations; (3) "Dynamic driving task" means the operational and tactical aspects of the driving task, but does not include the strategic aspect of the driving task; (4) "Operational" means steering, braking, accelerating, and monitoring the vehicle and roadway; (5) "Strategic" means determining destinations and waypoints; and (6) "Tactical" includes, but is not limited to, the following: (A) Responding to events; and (B) Determining when to change lanes, turn, or use signals.
(1) "Autonomous technology" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle on which the technology is installed in high or full automation mode, without any supervision by a human operator, with specific driving mode performance by the automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task that can be managed by a human driver, including the ability to automatically bring the motor vehicle into a minimal risk condition in the event of a critical vehicle or system failure or other emergency event;
(2) "Driving mode" means a type of driving scenario with characteristic dynamic driving task requirements including, but not limited to, the following: (A) Expressway merging; (B) High speed cruising; (C) Low speed traffic jam; and (D) Closed-campus operations;
(A) Expressway merging;
(B) High speed cruising;
(C) Low speed traffic jam; and
(D) Closed-campus operations;
(3) "Dynamic driving task" means the operational and tactical aspects of the driving task, but does not include the strategic aspect of the driving task;
(4) "Operational" means steering, braking, accelerating, and monitoring the vehicle and roadway;
(5) "Strategic" means determining destinations and waypoints; and
(6) "Tactical" includes, but is not limited to, the following: (A) Responding to events; and (B) Determining when to change lanes, turn, or use signals.
(A) Responding to events; and
(B) Determining when to change lanes, turn, or use signals.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 927,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307,s 1, eff. 4/24/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-261 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-261
Former prisoners of war
Status: in_force

(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a former prisoner of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or the surviving spouse of the former prisoner of war, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon application, shall be issued one (1) license plate for any one (1) motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , by the department, free of charge for life or, in the case of a surviving spouse, until that surviving spouse remarries. The application shall be accompanied by a certificate from the United States defense department stating the period of time that the applicant was a prisoner of war or, in the case of an application by a surviving spouse for continuation of a license plate or plates formerly held by a deceased spouse prisoner-of-war, a copy of the death certificate. (b) The design of these memorial license plates as are issued shall be colored red, white, and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States Flag and shall carry the legend, "Former POW." (c) One (1) additional plate may be obtained by any eligible person upon payment of the regular registration fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , and payment of one-half (1/2) of the fee provided for in § 55-4-204(c)(1) . Additional license plates may be obtained by any former prisoner of war or eligible surviving spouse upon payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , plus the payment of a fee equal to the cost of actually producing the plate. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 13, eff. 5/19/2014. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 12, eff. 5/19/2014. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
(a) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a former prisoner of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or the surviving spouse of the former prisoner of war, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and upon application, shall be issued one (1) license plate for any one (1) motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , by the department, free of charge for life or, in the case of a surviving spouse, until that surviving spouse remarries. The application shall be accompanied by a certificate from the United States defense department stating the period of time that the applicant was a prisoner of war or, in the case of an application by a surviving spouse for continuation of a license plate or plates formerly held by a deceased spouse prisoner-of-war, a copy of the death certificate.
(b) The design of these memorial license plates as are issued shall be colored red, white, and blue so as to be similar in hue and intensity to the coloration of the United States Flag and shall carry the legend, "Former POW."
(c) One (1) additional plate may be obtained by any eligible person upon payment of the regular registration fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , and payment of one-half (1/2) of the fee provided for in § 55-4-204(c)(1) . Additional license plates may be obtained by any former prisoner of war or eligible surviving spouse upon payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under § 55-4-111 , plus the payment of a fee equal to the cost of actually producing the plate.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 13, eff. 5/19/2014.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966,s 12, eff. 5/19/2014.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-404 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 10 / Section 55-10-404
Driving prohibitions - Restricted licenses - Revocation and suspension - Commercial licenses and vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The court shall prohibit any person convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 from driving a vehicle in this state for a period of: (A) One (1) year, if the conviction is a first offense; (B) Two (2) years for a second offense; (C) Six (6) years for a third offense; and (D) Eight (8) years for a fourth or subsequent offense. (2) In the interest of public safety, a driver who has been prohibited from driving a vehicle in this state pursuant to this subsection (a) may apply for a restricted license subject to § 55-10-409 . (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed so as to in any way limit, change, alter, repeal, or amend § 55-50-303 , § 55-50-501 , or § 55-50-502 , nor to limit the power or authority of the department of safety to revoke or suspend a driver license, permit, or privilege under chapter 50 of this title. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the issuance of a restricted license in accordance with § 55-10-409 . (c) A person holding a commercial driver license or operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation of § 55-10-401 for which they are convicted will also be subject to § 55-50-405 . Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 1, eff. 5/13/2013. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 4, eff. 7/1/2013. Code 1932, § 10830; 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1036.
(a) (1) The court shall prohibit any person convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 from driving a vehicle in this state for a period of: (A) One (1) year, if the conviction is a first offense; (B) Two (2) years for a second offense; (C) Six (6) years for a third offense; and (D) Eight (8) years for a fourth or subsequent offense. (2) In the interest of public safety, a driver who has been prohibited from driving a vehicle in this state pursuant to this subsection (a) may apply for a restricted license subject to § 55-10-409 .
(1) The court shall prohibit any person convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 from driving a vehicle in this state for a period of: (A) One (1) year, if the conviction is a first offense; (B) Two (2) years for a second offense; (C) Six (6) years for a third offense; and (D) Eight (8) years for a fourth or subsequent offense.
(A) One (1) year, if the conviction is a first offense;
(B) Two (2) years for a second offense;
(C) Six (6) years for a third offense; and
(D) Eight (8) years for a fourth or subsequent offense.
(2) In the interest of public safety, a driver who has been prohibited from driving a vehicle in this state pursuant to this subsection (a) may apply for a restricted license subject to § 55-10-409 .
(b) Nothing in this part shall be construed so as to in any way limit, change, alter, repeal, or amend § 55-50-303 , § 55-50-501 , or § 55-50-502 , nor to limit the power or authority of the department of safety to revoke or suspend a driver license, permit, or privilege under chapter 50 of this title. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the issuance of a restricted license in accordance with § 55-10-409 .
(c) A person holding a commercial driver license or operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation of § 55-10-401 for which they are convicted will also be subject to § 55-50-405 .
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 1, eff. 5/13/2013.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 154, s 4, eff. 7/1/2013.
Code 1932, § 10830; 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1036.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-118 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 12 / Section 55-12-118
Proof of financial responsibility required on final judgment - Suspension or revocation for failure to file proof - Restoration
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt of a certified copy of final judgment, the commissioner of safety shall immediately revoke the operator's license of any resident of this state and any nonresident's operating privileges in this state against whom judgment is rendered, if the judgment is not paid within sixty (60) days from the date of final judgment, and no restriction as to time based on the commissioner's authority elsewhere in this chapter shall be a bar to that action under the authority of this section; provided, that any judgment paid to the extent of the limits of financial responsibility specified in § 55-12-102 shall, for the purpose of this section, be considered paid. Immediately upon request by the commissioner of safety, the commissioner of revenue shall revoke all of the motor vehicle registrations of any resident or nonresident against whom the judgment is rendered, if the judgment is not paid within sixty (60) days from the date of final judgment. (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply if the parties to the judgment submit on or before the date of revocation proof satisfactory to the commissioner that the parties have entered into an agreement satisfactory to all parties concerning the payment of their damages. (c) A license or registration revoked under the authority of this section remains revoked until it is stayed, satisfied in full as to the extent outlined in subsection (a) or (b), and until the person whose license and registration were revoked provides and maintains proof of financial responsibility as required by § 55-12-126 , pays a one-hundred-dollar restoration fee as required by § 55-12-129 , and passes a driver license examination if the license has been expired, revoked, or suspended for more than one (1) renewal cycle, as described in § 55-50-337 , as a condition precedent to the restoration of such privileges. If the department of safety, pursuant to this subsection (c), reinstates a person's driver license that has been revoked under the authority of this section, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's motor vehicle registrations revoked under authority of this section and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registrations must be reinstated immediately. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 7, eff. 1/1/2024. Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 18; T.C.A., § 59-1268; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1983, ch. 53, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, § 27; 1998, ch. 682, § 5; 2007 , ch. 484, § 86.
(a) Upon receipt of a certified copy of final judgment, the commissioner of safety shall immediately revoke the operator's license of any resident of this state and any nonresident's operating privileges in this state against whom judgment is rendered, if the judgment is not paid within sixty (60) days from the date of final judgment, and no restriction as to time based on the commissioner's authority elsewhere in this chapter shall be a bar to that action under the authority of this section; provided, that any judgment paid to the extent of the limits of financial responsibility specified in § 55-12-102 shall, for the purpose of this section, be considered paid. Immediately upon request by the commissioner of safety, the commissioner of revenue shall revoke all of the motor vehicle registrations of any resident or nonresident against whom the judgment is rendered, if the judgment is not paid within sixty (60) days from the date of final judgment.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply if the parties to the judgment submit on or before the date of revocation proof satisfactory to the commissioner that the parties have entered into an agreement satisfactory to all parties concerning the payment of their damages.
(c) A license or registration revoked under the authority of this section remains revoked until it is stayed, satisfied in full as to the extent outlined in subsection (a) or (b), and until the person whose license and registration were revoked provides and maintains proof of financial responsibility as required by § 55-12-126 , pays a one-hundred-dollar restoration fee as required by § 55-12-129 , and passes a driver license examination if the license has been expired, revoked, or suspended for more than one (1) renewal cycle, as described in § 55-50-337 , as a condition precedent to the restoration of such privileges. If the department of safety, pursuant to this subsection (c), reinstates a person's driver license that has been revoked under the authority of this section, then the commissioner of safety shall request that the commissioner of revenue reinstate the person's motor vehicle registrations revoked under authority of this section and, upon payment to the commissioner of revenue of the appropriate motor vehicle registration fees provided by § 55-4-111 , § 55-4-112 , or § 55-4-113 , the registrations must be reinstated immediately.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 7, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 18; T.C.A., § 59-1268; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 6; 1983, ch. 53, § 6; 1986, ch. 842, § 27; 1998, ch. 682, § 5; 2007 , ch. 484, § 86.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-101
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter: (1) "Autocycle," "motor vehicle," "motorcycle," "motorized bicycle," and "motorscooter" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 55-8-101 ; and (2) "Automated driving system," "ADS," and "ADS-operated vehicle" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 55-30-102 . Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 5, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 5, eff. 6/6/2017. Acts 1979, ch. 247, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-942; Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 4.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Autocycle," "motor vehicle," "motorcycle," "motorized bicycle," and "motorscooter" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 55-8-101 ; and
(2) "Automated driving system," "ADS," and "ADS-operated vehicle" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 55-30-102 .
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 5, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 5, eff. 6/6/2017.
Acts 1979, ch. 247, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-942; Acts 1986, ch. 804, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-107 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-107
Lost, mutilated or illegible certificates - Replacement - Fee
Status: in_force

In the event any certificate of registration is lost, mutilated or becomes illegible, the owner of the vehicle for which the certificate was issued, as shown by the records of the county clerk for the county where the vehicle was registered, or the owner's legal representative, shall immediately make application for and obtain a replacement certificate of registration upon the payment of the fee provided in § 55-6-104 . Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 43 (Williams, § 5538.143); impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-407.
In the event any certificate of registration is lost, mutilated or becomes illegible, the owner of the vehicle for which the certificate was issued, as shown by the records of the county clerk for the county where the vehicle was registered, or the owner's legal representative, shall immediately make application for and obtain a replacement certificate of registration upon the payment of the fee provided in § 55-6-104 .
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 43 (Williams, § 5538.143); impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-407.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-25-111 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 25 / Section 55-25-111
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The department is authorized to adopt administrative regulations to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The regulations may include procedures under which the department, upon receiving a request for personal information that is not subject to disclosure in accordance with the exception provisions of §§ 55-25-105 - 55-25-107, may mail a copy of the request to each individual who is the subject of the information, informing the individual of the request, together with a statement to the effect that disclosure is prohibited and will not be made unless the individual affirmatively elects to waive the individual's right to privacy under this chapter. Acts 1996, ch. 745, § 11.
The department is authorized to adopt administrative regulations to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The regulations may include procedures under which the department, upon receiving a request for personal information that is not subject to disclosure in accordance with the exception provisions of §§ 55-25-105 - 55-25-107, may mail a copy of the request to each individual who is the subject of the information, informing the individual of the request, together with a statement to the effect that disclosure is prohibited and will not be made unless the individual affirmatively elects to waive the individual's right to privacy under this chapter.
Acts 1996, ch. 745, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-122 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-122
Interstate carriers - Registration costs - Regulations - Special handling fee
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner is authorized and directed to apportion the costs of registration plates, as provided in §§ 55-4-111 and 55-4-112 , to interstate motor carriers of passengers operating a fleet of two (2) or more vehicles under the authority of the interstate commerce commission, so that the total cost of such registration bears the same proportion to the registration costs provided in §§ 55-4-111 and 55-4-112 as the total number of miles operated in Tennessee by the fleet of the carrier registered in Tennessee during the preceding year bears to the total number of miles operated by the fleet during that year. (b) The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this apportionment. (c) In addition to the costs of registration plates provided for in subsection (a), there shall be levied a special handling fee of four dollars ($4.00) on each vehicle registered within the state which is principally operated outside of this state and which is owned by a business entity, commercial enterprise or corporation which has its principal place of business outside of this state. All funds derived from the proceeds of this subsection (c) are directed to the county general fund and credited as fees collected by the county clerk. Acts 1955, ch. 77, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; T.C.A., § 59-437; Acts 1989, ch. 300, § 1.
(a) The commissioner is authorized and directed to apportion the costs of registration plates, as provided in §§ 55-4-111 and 55-4-112 , to interstate motor carriers of passengers operating a fleet of two (2) or more vehicles under the authority of the interstate commerce commission, so that the total cost of such registration bears the same proportion to the registration costs provided in §§ 55-4-111 and 55-4-112 as the total number of miles operated in Tennessee by the fleet of the carrier registered in Tennessee during the preceding year bears to the total number of miles operated by the fleet during that year.
(b) The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this apportionment.
(c) In addition to the costs of registration plates provided for in subsection (a), there shall be levied a special handling fee of four dollars ($4.00) on each vehicle registered within the state which is principally operated outside of this state and which is owned by a business entity, commercial enterprise or corporation which has its principal place of business outside of this state. All funds derived from the proceeds of this subsection (c) are directed to the county general fund and credited as fees collected by the county clerk.
Acts 1955, ch. 77, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; T.C.A., § 59-437; Acts 1989, ch. 300, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-180 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-180
Pedestrians led by guide dog or carrying identifying cane given right-of-way - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any pedestrian guided by a guide dog or dog on a blaze orange leash, or carrying in any raised or extended position a cane or similar stick white in color or white tipped with red, shall undertake to cross any public street or thoroughfare in this state, the driver of each and every vehicle approaching that pedestrian carrying the cane or stick or conducted by such dog shall bring such vehicle to a complete stop and before proceeding shall take all precautions necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian; provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed as making any person totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated guilty of contributory negligence in undertaking to cross any street or thoroughfare without being guided by a trained dog or carrying a cane or stick of the type specified in subsection (a). (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1951, ch. 72, § 2 (Williams, §§ 2670.11, 2670.12); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-881; Acts 1980, ch. 488, § 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) Whenever any pedestrian guided by a guide dog or dog on a blaze orange leash, or carrying in any raised or extended position a cane or similar stick white in color or white tipped with red, shall undertake to cross any public street or thoroughfare in this state, the driver of each and every vehicle approaching that pedestrian carrying the cane or stick or conducted by such dog shall bring such vehicle to a complete stop and before proceeding shall take all precautions necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian; provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed as making any person totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated guilty of contributory negligence in undertaking to cross any street or thoroughfare without being guided by a trained dog or carrying a cane or stick of the type specified in subsection (a).
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 72, § 2 (Williams, §§ 2670.11, 2670.12); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-881; Acts 1980, ch. 488, § 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-803 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-803
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 530,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024. Acts 1971, ch. 267, § 1; 1975, ch. 28, § 2; 1979, ch. 102, § 5; T.C.A., §§ 59-730, 55-7-403, 55-7-803; modified.
Repealed by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 530,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024.
Acts 1971, ch. 267, § 1; 1975, ch. 28, § 2; 1979, ch. 102, § 5; T.C.A., §§ 59-730, 55-7-403, 55-7-803; modified.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-30-104 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 30 / Section 55-30-104
Use of integrated electronic display for communication, information, and other uses by person inside ADS-operated vehicle
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding § 55-9-105 , a person who is physically inside an ADS-operated vehicle, when the ADS is engaged, may use an integrated electronic display for communication, information, and other uses enabled by the display if the display is integrated with the vehicle such that it operates and functions in coordination with such autonomous technology and disables automatically any moving images visible to the motor vehicle operator when the autonomous technology is disengaged. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 16, eff. 6/6/2017.
Notwithstanding § 55-9-105 , a person who is physically inside an ADS-operated vehicle, when the ADS is engaged, may use an integrated electronic display for communication, information, and other uses enabled by the display if the display is integrated with the vehicle such that it operates and functions in coordination with such autonomous technology and disables automatically any moving images visible to the motor vehicle operator when the autonomous technology is disengaged.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474, s 16, eff. 6/6/2017.