Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-202 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-202
Issuance - Applicability of part - Requirements - Plates deemed obsolete due to inactivity
Status: in_force

(a) (1) All cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates, memorial motor vehicle registration plates and special purpose motor vehicle registration plates now, or in the future, shall be issued and renewed pursuant to this part. No plate, other than those issued under part 1 of this chapter, shall be issued or renewed unless authorized in this part. (2) For the purposes of this part and part 3 of this chapter, "this part" means this part and part 3 of this chapter. (b) All plates issued pursuant to this part shall be issued and renewed subject to the following: (1) Payment of the applicable registration fee, except as specifically provided otherwise by § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part; (2) An additional fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) to be paid by the applicant upon issuance and renewal, except as specifically provided otherwise by § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part; (3) (A) A minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for collegiate plates as defined by § 55-4-201 . Collegiate plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for each classification of collegiate plates; (B) A minimum order of at least five hundred (500) plates for all other cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates. Personalized plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of five hundred (500) plates; (4) A design which shall be approved by the commissioner; and (5) A handling fee of one dollar ($1.00) payable to the county clerk upon issuance or renewal of any cultural, specialty earmarked, or new specialty earmarked license plate, except plates exempted from payment of fees under § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part. (c) (1) Subsection (b) shall apply equally to the renewal of any plate issued pursuant to this part; provided, that any plate that fails to meet the minimum requirements of subdivision (b)(3) by December 31, 1999, or for two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter shall not be reissued or renewed, and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid. (2) Any cultural or new specialty earmarked plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 1998, shall be subject to the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3). (3) Any plate authorized by this part that qualifies for initial issuance on or after July 1, 1998, shall be subject to the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3). (d) Any plate authorized by this part that has not qualified for initial issuance by December 31, 1999, shall not be issued and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid. (e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), any plate authorized by statute on or after January 1, 1999, that fails to meet the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3)(B) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing the plate shall not be issued, and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid. (f) Subdivision (b)(3) and subsections (c), (d), (e), (g), and (k) shall not apply to the following plates issued pursuant to this part: (1) Antique motor vehicle; (2) Dealer; (3) Disabled; (4) Emergency; (5) Firefighter, as provided for in § 55-4-224 ; (6) General assembly; (7) Government service; (8) [Deleted by 2023 amendment.] (9) Judiciary; (10) Legislator Emeritus; (11) Memorial; (12) Metropolitan council; (13) Military; (14) National guard; (15) Physician; (16) Sheriff; (17) United States house of representatives; (18) United States judge; and (19) United States senate. (g) (1) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 2002, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(1) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural or new specialty earmarked plate initially issued on or after July 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(1) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing that plate, or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter, shall not be issued, reissued or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. The commissioner shall annually notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission of the sections of this code authorizing the issuance of plates deemed obsolete and invalid pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1). (2) Subdivision (g)(1) shall not apply to collegiate plates otherwise administered pursuant to this part; provided, that on and after July 1, 2002, collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance by the department. This subdivision (g)(2) shall apply equally to the renewal of any collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state initially issued by the department on or after July 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(2) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (3) (A) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least two hundred fifty (250) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(A) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(A) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (B) On or after September 1, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(B) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued on or after September 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(B) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (h) All funds produced from the sale or renewal of cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked license plates shall be used exclusively in Tennessee to support departments, agencies, charities, programs and other activities impacting Tennessee, as authorized pursuant to this part. (i) (1) Any new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on behalf of a nonprofit organization shall be subject to certification of the organization's nonprofit status by the secretary of state within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the act authorizing the plate prior to initial issuance. (2) Any specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute and initially issued prior to July 1, 1998, on behalf of a nonprofit organization, and any new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute and initially issued on or after July 1, 1998, and prior to July 1, 2008, on behalf of a nonprofit organization, shall be subject to certification of the organization's nonprofit status by the secretary of state. (3) Any new specialty earmarked license plate or specialty earmarked license plate authorized on behalf of a nonprofit organization that is not certified as a registered nonprofit organization in good standing with the state by the secretary of state shall not be issued or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (j) Any nonprofit organization receiving proceeds from the sale of a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate, shall be subject to the following requirements: (1) The nonprofit organization shall meet and maintain all statutory requirements and internal revenue service regulations for nonprofit corporations; (2) Each nonprofit organization shall maintain its nonprofit status in good standing with the secretary of state; (3) By September 30 each year, all nonprofit organizations receiving proceeds from the sale or renewal of a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate shall submit an annual accounting of all such funds received from July 1 to June 30 of the preceding state fiscal year to the comptroller of the treasury. If a nonprofit organization fails to comply with the annual accounting requirement, then the commissioner of the department or agency responsible for paying the specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate proceeds shall, at the request of the comptroller of the treasury, hold the proceeds in reserve until the nonprofit organization submits its annual accounting and the comptroller notifies the department or agency to release the funds. Any costs associated with holding the plate proceeds shall be deducted from the reserve fund as an administration fee. The comptroller of the treasury may audit any nonprofit organization receiving funds from a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate to ensure that the funds are being used in accordance with statutory authority for the plate, and the cost of the audit shall be charged to the nonprofit organization; and (4) A nonprofit organization shall return any proceeds received from a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate that a comptroller of the treasury's audit finds have been used in violation of statutory authority. The attorney general and reporter is authorized to institute proceedings, as defined in § 48-51-201 , under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, compiled in title 48, chapters 51-68, to recover the proceeds. (k) (1) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 2013, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. Any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute shall be subject to a minimum order of at least eight hundred (800) plates for the renewal of such cultural or new specialty earmarked plates. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (k)(1) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing that plate, or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter, shall not be issued, reissued, or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. The commissioner shall annually notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission of the sections of the code authorizing the issuance of plates deemed obsolete and invalid pursuant to this subdivision (k)(1). (2) Subdivision (k)(1) shall not apply to collegiate plates otherwise administered pursuant to this part; provided, that on and after July 1, 2013, collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance by the department. The renewal of any collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside Tennessee issued by the department on or after July 1, 2013, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least eight hundred (800) plates. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (k)(2) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued, or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (l) Notwithstanding subdivision (c)(1) or another law to the contrary, a collegiate plate for King University must be administratively reissued by the department of revenue if the minimum order requirement of one hundred (100) plates is met prior to reissuance. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 52, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 33, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 15, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, Secs.s 48, s 49 eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, s 2, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 1, Sec.s 2, Secs.s 3, s 4, s 5 eff. 3/29/2016. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 264, s 1, eff. 4/25/2013. Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 1999, ch. 494, § 1; 2000, ch. 674, § 1; 2002, ch. 876, §§ 1, 3; 2007 , ch. 484, § 42; 2007 , ch. 604, § 17; 2008 , ch. 924, §§ 8, 12; 2008 , ch. 1145, § 1.
(a) (1) All cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates, memorial motor vehicle registration plates and special purpose motor vehicle registration plates now, or in the future, shall be issued and renewed pursuant to this part. No plate, other than those issued under part 1 of this chapter, shall be issued or renewed unless authorized in this part. (2) For the purposes of this part and part 3 of this chapter, "this part" means this part and part 3 of this chapter.
(1) All cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked motor vehicle registration plates, memorial motor vehicle registration plates and special purpose motor vehicle registration plates now, or in the future, shall be issued and renewed pursuant to this part. No plate, other than those issued under part 1 of this chapter, shall be issued or renewed unless authorized in this part.
(2) For the purposes of this part and part 3 of this chapter, "this part" means this part and part 3 of this chapter.
(b) All plates issued pursuant to this part shall be issued and renewed subject to the following: (1) Payment of the applicable registration fee, except as specifically provided otherwise by § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part; (2) An additional fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) to be paid by the applicant upon issuance and renewal, except as specifically provided otherwise by § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part; (3) (A) A minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for collegiate plates as defined by § 55-4-201 . Collegiate plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for each classification of collegiate plates; (B) A minimum order of at least five hundred (500) plates for all other cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates. Personalized plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of five hundred (500) plates; (4) A design which shall be approved by the commissioner; and (5) A handling fee of one dollar ($1.00) payable to the county clerk upon issuance or renewal of any cultural, specialty earmarked, or new specialty earmarked license plate, except plates exempted from payment of fees under § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part.
(1) Payment of the applicable registration fee, except as specifically provided otherwise by § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part;
(2) An additional fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) to be paid by the applicant upon issuance and renewal, except as specifically provided otherwise by § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part;
(3) (A) A minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for collegiate plates as defined by § 55-4-201 . Collegiate plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for each classification of collegiate plates; (B) A minimum order of at least five hundred (500) plates for all other cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates. Personalized plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of five hundred (500) plates;
(A) A minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for collegiate plates as defined by § 55-4-201 . Collegiate plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of one hundred (100) plates for each classification of collegiate plates;
(B) A minimum order of at least five hundred (500) plates for all other cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates. Personalized plates for motorcycles, as authorized by § 55-4-210(c) , shall be subject to a minimum order of five hundred (500) plates;
(4) A design which shall be approved by the commissioner; and
(5) A handling fee of one dollar ($1.00) payable to the county clerk upon issuance or renewal of any cultural, specialty earmarked, or new specialty earmarked license plate, except plates exempted from payment of fees under § 55-4-204 or any other applicable provision of this part.
(c) (1) Subsection (b) shall apply equally to the renewal of any plate issued pursuant to this part; provided, that any plate that fails to meet the minimum requirements of subdivision (b)(3) by December 31, 1999, or for two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter shall not be reissued or renewed, and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid. (2) Any cultural or new specialty earmarked plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 1998, shall be subject to the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3). (3) Any plate authorized by this part that qualifies for initial issuance on or after July 1, 1998, shall be subject to the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3).
(1) Subsection (b) shall apply equally to the renewal of any plate issued pursuant to this part; provided, that any plate that fails to meet the minimum requirements of subdivision (b)(3) by December 31, 1999, or for two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter shall not be reissued or renewed, and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(2) Any cultural or new specialty earmarked plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 1998, shall be subject to the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3).
(3) Any plate authorized by this part that qualifies for initial issuance on or after July 1, 1998, shall be subject to the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3).
(d) Any plate authorized by this part that has not qualified for initial issuance by December 31, 1999, shall not be issued and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), any plate authorized by statute on or after January 1, 1999, that fails to meet the minimum issuance requirements of subdivision (b)(3)(B) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing the plate shall not be issued, and the commissioner shall notify the Tennessee code commission that the section of this code authorizing the issuance of the plate is, on the basis of inactivity, to be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(f) Subdivision (b)(3) and subsections (c), (d), (e), (g), and (k) shall not apply to the following plates issued pursuant to this part: (1) Antique motor vehicle; (2) Dealer; (3) Disabled; (4) Emergency; (5) Firefighter, as provided for in § 55-4-224 ; (6) General assembly; (7) Government service; (8) [Deleted by 2023 amendment.] (9) Judiciary; (10) Legislator Emeritus; (11) Memorial; (12) Metropolitan council; (13) Military; (14) National guard; (15) Physician; (16) Sheriff; (17) United States house of representatives; (18) United States judge; and (19) United States senate.
(1) Antique motor vehicle;
(2) Dealer;
(3) Disabled;
(4) Emergency;
(5) Firefighter, as provided for in § 55-4-224 ;
(6) General assembly;
(7) Government service;
(8) [Deleted by 2023 amendment.]
(9) Judiciary;
(10) Legislator Emeritus;
(11) Memorial;
(12) Metropolitan council;
(13) Military;
(14) National guard;
(15) Physician;
(16) Sheriff;
(17) United States house of representatives;
(18) United States judge; and
(19) United States senate.
(g) (1) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 2002, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(1) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural or new specialty earmarked plate initially issued on or after July 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(1) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing that plate, or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter, shall not be issued, reissued or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. The commissioner shall annually notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission of the sections of this code authorizing the issuance of plates deemed obsolete and invalid pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1). (2) Subdivision (g)(1) shall not apply to collegiate plates otherwise administered pursuant to this part; provided, that on and after July 1, 2002, collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance by the department. This subdivision (g)(2) shall apply equally to the renewal of any collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state initially issued by the department on or after July 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(2) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (3) (A) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least two hundred fifty (250) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(A) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(A) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (B) On or after September 1, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(B) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued on or after September 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(B) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(1) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 2002, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(1) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural or new specialty earmarked plate initially issued on or after July 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(1) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing that plate, or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter, shall not be issued, reissued or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. The commissioner shall annually notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission of the sections of this code authorizing the issuance of plates deemed obsolete and invalid pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1).
(2) Subdivision (g)(1) shall not apply to collegiate plates otherwise administered pursuant to this part; provided, that on and after July 1, 2002, collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance by the department. This subdivision (g)(2) shall apply equally to the renewal of any collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state initially issued by the department on or after July 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(2) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(3) (A) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least two hundred fifty (250) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(A) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(A) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. (B) On or after September 1, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(B) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued on or after September 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(B) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(A) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least two hundred fifty (250) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(A) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued between July 1, 2002, and August 31, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(A) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(B) On or after September 1, 2002, any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. This subdivision (g)(3)(B) shall apply equally to the renewal of any cultural license plate authorized by § 55-4-240 and initially issued on or after September 1, 2002. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (g)(3)(B) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(h) All funds produced from the sale or renewal of cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked license plates shall be used exclusively in Tennessee to support departments, agencies, charities, programs and other activities impacting Tennessee, as authorized pursuant to this part.
(i) (1) Any new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on behalf of a nonprofit organization shall be subject to certification of the organization's nonprofit status by the secretary of state within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the act authorizing the plate prior to initial issuance. (2) Any specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute and initially issued prior to July 1, 1998, on behalf of a nonprofit organization, and any new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute and initially issued on or after July 1, 1998, and prior to July 1, 2008, on behalf of a nonprofit organization, shall be subject to certification of the organization's nonprofit status by the secretary of state. (3) Any new specialty earmarked license plate or specialty earmarked license plate authorized on behalf of a nonprofit organization that is not certified as a registered nonprofit organization in good standing with the state by the secretary of state shall not be issued or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(1) Any new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on behalf of a nonprofit organization shall be subject to certification of the organization's nonprofit status by the secretary of state within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the act authorizing the plate prior to initial issuance.
(2) Any specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute and initially issued prior to July 1, 1998, on behalf of a nonprofit organization, and any new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute and initially issued on or after July 1, 1998, and prior to July 1, 2008, on behalf of a nonprofit organization, shall be subject to certification of the organization's nonprofit status by the secretary of state.
(3) Any new specialty earmarked license plate or specialty earmarked license plate authorized on behalf of a nonprofit organization that is not certified as a registered nonprofit organization in good standing with the state by the secretary of state shall not be issued or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(j) Any nonprofit organization receiving proceeds from the sale of a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate, shall be subject to the following requirements: (1) The nonprofit organization shall meet and maintain all statutory requirements and internal revenue service regulations for nonprofit corporations; (2) Each nonprofit organization shall maintain its nonprofit status in good standing with the secretary of state; (3) By September 30 each year, all nonprofit organizations receiving proceeds from the sale or renewal of a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate shall submit an annual accounting of all such funds received from July 1 to June 30 of the preceding state fiscal year to the comptroller of the treasury. If a nonprofit organization fails to comply with the annual accounting requirement, then the commissioner of the department or agency responsible for paying the specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate proceeds shall, at the request of the comptroller of the treasury, hold the proceeds in reserve until the nonprofit organization submits its annual accounting and the comptroller notifies the department or agency to release the funds. Any costs associated with holding the plate proceeds shall be deducted from the reserve fund as an administration fee. The comptroller of the treasury may audit any nonprofit organization receiving funds from a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate to ensure that the funds are being used in accordance with statutory authority for the plate, and the cost of the audit shall be charged to the nonprofit organization; and (4) A nonprofit organization shall return any proceeds received from a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate that a comptroller of the treasury's audit finds have been used in violation of statutory authority. The attorney general and reporter is authorized to institute proceedings, as defined in § 48-51-201 , under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, compiled in title 48, chapters 51-68, to recover the proceeds.
(1) The nonprofit organization shall meet and maintain all statutory requirements and internal revenue service regulations for nonprofit corporations;
(2) Each nonprofit organization shall maintain its nonprofit status in good standing with the secretary of state;
(3) By September 30 each year, all nonprofit organizations receiving proceeds from the sale or renewal of a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate shall submit an annual accounting of all such funds received from July 1 to June 30 of the preceding state fiscal year to the comptroller of the treasury. If a nonprofit organization fails to comply with the annual accounting requirement, then the commissioner of the department or agency responsible for paying the specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate proceeds shall, at the request of the comptroller of the treasury, hold the proceeds in reserve until the nonprofit organization submits its annual accounting and the comptroller notifies the department or agency to release the funds. Any costs associated with holding the plate proceeds shall be deducted from the reserve fund as an administration fee. The comptroller of the treasury may audit any nonprofit organization receiving funds from a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate to ensure that the funds are being used in accordance with statutory authority for the plate, and the cost of the audit shall be charged to the nonprofit organization; and
(4) A nonprofit organization shall return any proceeds received from a specialty earmarked license plate or new specialty earmarked license plate that a comptroller of the treasury's audit finds have been used in violation of statutory authority. The attorney general and reporter is authorized to institute proceedings, as defined in § 48-51-201 , under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, compiled in title 48, chapters 51-68, to recover the proceeds.
(k) (1) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 2013, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. Any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute shall be subject to a minimum order of at least eight hundred (800) plates for the renewal of such cultural or new specialty earmarked plates. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (k)(1) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing that plate, or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter, shall not be issued, reissued, or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. The commissioner shall annually notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission of the sections of the code authorizing the issuance of plates deemed obsolete and invalid pursuant to this subdivision (k)(1). (2) Subdivision (k)(1) shall not apply to collegiate plates otherwise administered pursuant to this part; provided, that on and after July 1, 2013, collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance by the department. The renewal of any collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside Tennessee issued by the department on or after July 1, 2013, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least eight hundred (800) plates. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (k)(2) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued, or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(1) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute on or after July 1, 2013, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance. Any cultural or new specialty earmarked license plate authorized by statute shall be subject to a minimum order of at least eight hundred (800) plates for the renewal of such cultural or new specialty earmarked plates. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (k)(1) within one (1) year of the effective date of the act authorizing that plate, or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods thereafter, shall not be issued, reissued, or renewed and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid. The commissioner shall annually notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission of the sections of the code authorizing the issuance of plates deemed obsolete and invalid pursuant to this subdivision (k)(1).
(2) Subdivision (k)(1) shall not apply to collegiate plates otherwise administered pursuant to this part; provided, that on and after July 1, 2013, collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside this state shall be subject to a minimum order of at least one thousand (1,000) plates prior to initial issuance by the department. The renewal of any collegiate plates for four-year colleges or universities located outside Tennessee issued by the department on or after July 1, 2013, shall be subject to a minimum order of at least eight hundred (800) plates. Any such plate that does not meet the minimum order requirements of this subdivision (k)(2) or does not meet the renewal requirements for any two (2) successive renewal periods, shall not be administratively issued, reissued, or renewed by the department and shall be deemed obsolete and invalid.
(l) Notwithstanding subdivision (c)(1) or another law to the contrary, a collegiate plate for King University must be administratively reissued by the department of revenue if the minimum order requirement of one hundred (100) plates is met prior to reissuance.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 52, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968, s 33, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 15, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, Secs.s 48, s 49 eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, s 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 1, Sec.s 2, Secs.s 3, s 4, s 5 eff. 3/29/2016.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 264, s 1, eff. 4/25/2013.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 1999, ch. 494, § 1; 2000, ch. 674, § 1; 2002, ch. 876, §§ 1, 3; 2007 , ch. 484, § 42; 2007 , ch. 604, § 17; 2008 , ch. 924, §§ 8, 12; 2008 , ch. 1145, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-13-105 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 13 / Section 55-13-105
Injunction and quo warranto - Proceedings to restrain violations
Status: in_force

(a) The chancery courts have jurisdiction to grant injunctions restraining violations of this chapter upon proceedings brought by the attorney general and reporter, the district attorney general or any party in interest. (b) For repeated violations of this chapter, the court may enjoin a finance company, finance agency, or any person or persons from thereafter engaging in the business of financing the purchase or sale of motor vehicles in this state. (c) Where the violator is a corporation, domestic or foreign, the charter rights, franchises or privileges of the corporation or the privilege of doing business in this state may be revoked in a quo warranto proceeding brought by the attorney general and reporter or the district attorney general for the proper district. In this proceeding, the court shall enter an order or decree as it deems reasonable and proper to carry into effect this chapter and to prevent unfair competition and prohibit monopolies. Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.29 (Williams, § 6770.18); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1305.
(a) The chancery courts have jurisdiction to grant injunctions restraining violations of this chapter upon proceedings brought by the attorney general and reporter, the district attorney general or any party in interest.
(b) For repeated violations of this chapter, the court may enjoin a finance company, finance agency, or any person or persons from thereafter engaging in the business of financing the purchase or sale of motor vehicles in this state.
(c) Where the violator is a corporation, domestic or foreign, the charter rights, franchises or privileges of the corporation or the privilege of doing business in this state may be revoked in a quo warranto proceeding brought by the attorney general and reporter or the district attorney general for the proper district. In this proceeding, the court shall enter an order or decree as it deems reasonable and proper to carry into effect this chapter and to prevent unfair competition and prohibit monopolies.
Acts 1937, ch. 244, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 6770.29 (Williams, § 6770.18); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1305.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-415 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-415
Operation of vehicle with lamps or spotlights facing backwards - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is an offense for a person to operate any vehicle equipped with auxiliary lamps or spotlights facing backwards on a highway, street or roadway in this state when the lamps or spotlights are in operation. (2) This section does not apply to any emergency vehicle or public utility vehicle. (3) It is not the intent of this section to prohibit the use of the lamps or spotlights for lawful purposes while the vehicle is parked, but the use of the lamps or spotlights shall not interfere with a vehicle operating on a highway, street or roadway. (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Acts 1990, ch. 673, § 1.
(a) (1) It is an offense for a person to operate any vehicle equipped with auxiliary lamps or spotlights facing backwards on a highway, street or roadway in this state when the lamps or spotlights are in operation. (2) This section does not apply to any emergency vehicle or public utility vehicle. (3) It is not the intent of this section to prohibit the use of the lamps or spotlights for lawful purposes while the vehicle is parked, but the use of the lamps or spotlights shall not interfere with a vehicle operating on a highway, street or roadway.
(1) It is an offense for a person to operate any vehicle equipped with auxiliary lamps or spotlights facing backwards on a highway, street or roadway in this state when the lamps or spotlights are in operation.
(2) This section does not apply to any emergency vehicle or public utility vehicle.
(3) It is not the intent of this section to prohibit the use of the lamps or spotlights for lawful purposes while the vehicle is parked, but the use of the lamps or spotlights shall not interfere with a vehicle operating on a highway, street or roadway.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Acts 1990, ch. 673, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-314 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-314
Cities and counties
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Franklin new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of historic Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, and include the language "Historic Franklin." The plates must be designed in consultation with Franklin Tomorrow, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Franklin new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Franklin Tomorrow, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for Franklin Tomorrow's community-wide effort to create and implement a shared vision for the future of Franklin, Tennessee. (b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Maury 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 historic Maury County and bear an image of or a design depicting the Maury County courthouse dome. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Maury County Historical Society. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Maury new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Maury County Historical Society in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist in the preservation of history in Maury County. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Historic Maury new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) . (c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Wilson County The Place to Be new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative from the county government of Wilson County. (3) The funds produced from the sale of the new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Wilson Rides, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 , to be used exclusively in this state for ride scheduling and volunteer scheduling services. (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 , shall be issued a Historic Jonesborough 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 historic Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee. The plates must be designed in consultation with representatives of the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and the Jonesborough Genealogical Society. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Jonesborough new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist tourism and the preservation of history in the Town of Jonesborough and surrounding community. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Historic Jonesborough new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (d) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) . (e) (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 Historic Rutherford new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (e) must be of an appropriate design representative of historic Rutherford County and be designed in consultation with a representative of the Rutherford County Historical Society. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Rutherford new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Rutherford County Historical Society in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist in the preservation of history in Rutherford County, including financial support for history museums in the county. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 51, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 46, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 11, eff. 7/1/2024. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Franklin new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of historic Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, and include the language "Historic Franklin." The plates must be designed in consultation with Franklin Tomorrow, Inc. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Franklin new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Franklin Tomorrow, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for Franklin Tomorrow's community-wide effort to create and implement a shared vision for the future of Franklin, Tennessee.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Franklin new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) must be of an appropriate design representative of historic Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, and include the language "Historic Franklin." The plates must be designed in consultation with Franklin Tomorrow, Inc.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Franklin new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Franklin Tomorrow, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively for Franklin Tomorrow's community-wide effort to create and implement a shared vision for the future of Franklin, Tennessee.
(b) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Maury 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 historic Maury County and bear an image of or a design depicting the Maury County courthouse dome. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Maury County Historical Society. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Maury new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Maury County Historical Society in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist in the preservation of history in Maury County. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Historic Maury new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Maury 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 historic Maury County and bear an image of or a design depicting the Maury County courthouse dome. The plates must be designed in consultation with a representative of the Maury County Historical Society.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Maury new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Maury County Historical Society in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist in the preservation of history in Maury County.
(4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Historic Maury new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (b) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Wilson County The Place to Be new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative from the county government of Wilson County. (3) The funds produced from the sale of the new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Wilson Rides, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 , to be used exclusively in this state for ride scheduling and volunteer scheduling services.
(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 Wilson County The Place to Be new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) must be designed in consultation with a representative from the county government of Wilson County.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of the new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to Wilson Rides, Inc., in accordance with § 55-4-301 , to be used exclusively in this state for ride scheduling and volunteer scheduling services.
(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 , shall be issued a Historic Jonesborough 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 historic Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee. The plates must be designed in consultation with representatives of the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and the Jonesborough Genealogical Society. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Jonesborough new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist tourism and the preservation of history in the Town of Jonesborough and surrounding community. (4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Historic Jonesborough new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (d) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Historic Jonesborough 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 historic Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee. The plates must be designed in consultation with representatives of the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and the Jonesborough Genealogical Society.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Jonesborough new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist tourism and the preservation of history in the Town of Jonesborough and surrounding community.
(4) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(k)(1) , the Historic Jonesborough new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (d) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(k)(1) .
(e) (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 Historic Rutherford new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (e) must be of an appropriate design representative of historic Rutherford County and be designed in consultation with a representative of the Rutherford County Historical Society. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Rutherford new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Rutherford County Historical Society in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist in the preservation of history in Rutherford County, including financial support for history museums in the county.
(1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an Historic Rutherford new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (e) must be of an appropriate design representative of historic Rutherford County and be designed in consultation with a representative of the Rutherford County Historical Society.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Historic Rutherford new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Rutherford County Historical Society in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively to promote and assist in the preservation of history in Rutherford County, including financial support for history museums in the county.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 51, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 46, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 11, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-307 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 8 / Section 55-8-307
Prohibited operation of class 3 electric bicycle by person under 14 years of age - Helmet requirements
Status: in_force

(a) It is a delinquent act for a person under fourteen (14) years of age to operate a class 3 electric bicycle upon any street or highway; provided, that the person may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers. (b) The operator and all passengers of a class 3 electric bicycle, regardless of age, shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting federal standards established by the United States consumer product safety commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials. A label on the helmet shall be affixed signifying the helmet complies with this subsection (b). (c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) shall be punishable only by a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). (2) A person who violates subsection (b) commits a Class C misdemeanor. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 8, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) It is a delinquent act for a person under fourteen (14) years of age to operate a class 3 electric bicycle upon any street or highway; provided, that the person may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.
(b) The operator and all passengers of a class 3 electric bicycle, regardless of age, shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting federal standards established by the United States consumer product safety commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials. A label on the helmet shall be affixed signifying the helmet complies with this subsection (b).
(c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) shall be punishable only by a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). (2) A person who violates subsection (b) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(1) A violation of subsection (a) shall be punishable only by a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 8, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-610 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 9 / Section 55-9-610
Child safety restraints - Programs to increase compliance
Status: in_force

The departments of health and safety shall place a priority on programs directed to increasing compliance with laws requiring child safety restraints. These efforts shall include the following: (1) The department of safety shall supply to health care institutions providing obstetrical services appropriate literature pertaining to child safety restraints for distribution to prospective parents and parents of newborn children; and (2) The departments of health and safety shall coordinate their efforts in visiting prenatal classes offered by health care institutions providing obstetrical services to assure prospective parents understand the requirements of and necessity for child safety restraints. Acts 1989, ch. 564, § 8; T.C.A., § 55-9-611.
The departments of health and safety shall place a priority on programs directed to increasing compliance with laws requiring child safety restraints. These efforts shall include the following:
(1) The department of safety shall supply to health care institutions providing obstetrical services appropriate literature pertaining to child safety restraints for distribution to prospective parents and parents of newborn children; and
(2) The departments of health and safety shall coordinate their efforts in visiting prenatal classes offered by health care institutions providing obstetrical services to assure prospective parents understand the requirements of and necessity for child safety restraints.
Acts 1989, ch. 564, § 8; T.C.A., § 55-9-611.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-322 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-322
Examination of applicants
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) The department shall examine every applicant for a driver license, intermediate driver license, learner permit, temporary driver license, temporary learner permit, and temporary intermediate driver license, except as otherwise provided in this part. This examination shall include a test of the applicant's eyesight to be administered according to standards set by the department, the applicant's ability to read and/or understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of the traffic laws of this state, and shall include an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of the type covered by the license classification or endorsement that the applicant is seeking. The examination may also include further physical and mental examinations the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways. (B) All such examinations given to persons under eighteen (18) years of age shall be written, with the exception of examination of the applicant's eyesight including, but not limited to, night vision performance. However, this restriction shall not apply to any person who, prior to January 1, 1990, obtained a valid license other than by written examination, or to any person with a medical condition, certified by a physician, which would render a written examination impractical, or to any handicapped child, including the learning disabled, certified by a specialist as unable to be tested by written examination. (2) In addition, all examinations administered to applicants for a driver license or intermediate driver license shall include questions concerning drugs and alcohol, the effects of those substances on a person's ability to operate a vehicle and the applicable Tennessee laws pertaining to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the alcohol and drug related questions shall constitute one-fourth (1/4) of the written examination. The department shall ensure the driver manual used to prepare applicants for the license examination includes sufficient information concerning drugs and alcohol to enable a reasonably diligent applicant to correctly answer the additional questions. (b) (1) The department may waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application for a Tennessee driver license by a nonresident who establishes residency in this state. The new resident must surrender a driver license or submit a certified report from the former state of residence. Either the license or the report shall verify that the license is not subject to cancellation, suspension or revocation and that the license is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months. (2) (A) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "valid military commercial driver license" means any commercial driver license that is recognized by any active or reserve component of any branch of the United States armed forces as currently being valid or as having been valid at the time of an applicant's separation or discharge from the armed forces that occurred within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application for a commercial driver license. (B) The department shall waive the required skills test upon initial application for a commercial driver license by any applicant who, at the time of initial application, has been issued, or is in immediate possession of, a valid military commercial driver license and who certifies on the application that, during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (i) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (ii) Has not had any driver license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in this state or any other state; (iii) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or any other state; (iv) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(c) ; (v) Has not had any conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with any traffic accident; and (vi) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault. (C) The applicant shall also certify on the application, and submit supporting documentation as required in subdivision (b)(2)(D), that the applicant: (i) Is regularly employed or was regularly employed within the ninety-day period immediately preceding application in a position in the United States armed forces requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the applicant is applying; (ii) Is exempted or was exempted from the commercial driver license requirements in 49 CFR § 383.3(c) ; and (iii) Is operating or was operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding application, in the case of a member in active duty. (D) The application shall be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (b)(2)(C): (i) A notarized affidavit signed by a commanding officer, if the applicant is on active duty; or (ii) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service: (a) A copy of the applicant's certificate of release of discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214); or (b) A statement from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services. (E) Any applicant who is a member of the active duty military, military reserves, national guard, or active duty United States coast guard or coast guard auxiliary whose temporary or permanent duty station is located in this state obtaining the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall submit documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's current duty station assignment. (F) An applicant who obtains the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall be required to successfully complete any applicable vision and knowledge tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee. (c) (1) The examinations for applicants for commercial driver licenses shall be conducted in compliance with 49 CFR Part 383. (2) The department is permitted to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to third-party testing for the skills tests required for commercial driver licenses, in accordance with 49 CFR Part 383. (3) The department shall not reject the applicant for a commercial driver license if the examiner believes the condition of the vehicle is unsafe for operation, unless the examiner requests an inspection of the vehicle by a qualified commercial vehicle inspector of the department. This vehicle, and all commercial vehicles inspected by the department, shall be inspected in accordance with the North American Standard Uniform Inspection procedures outlined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. A commercial vehicle placed out-of-service for mechanical or safety defects by the qualified inspector shall be placed out-of-service for safety defects as defined in the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria. The applicant shall be given a written report listing all defects by the inspector and informed of necessary repairs to cause the vehicle to be in compliance. The examiner shall not conduct a road test if the commercial vehicle inspector determines that the vehicle does not meet the standards defined in the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria. (d) All persons who are in the United States armed forces and who are holders of driver licenses in this state may have their licenses renewed upon application to the department upon their return to Tennessee without further examination. (e) Persons applying for reinstatement of a cancelled, suspended or revoked driver license shall not be required to take an eye test or knowledge and skills tests unless their license has been expired in excess of one (1) renewal cycle as provided in § 55-50-338(a)(3) . (f) An applicant who presents evidence acceptable to the department that the applicant has satisfactorily completed a driver education and training course offered for Class D vehicles by nonpublic schools in categories 1, 2, or 3 as recognized by the state board of education, a public school, a public institution of higher learning, or a commercial driver training school, operating under chapter 19 of this title, shall be deemed to have satisfactorily completed the department's examinations. The department may require the courses to include certain knowledge and skills examinations. An applicant who resides thirty (30) or more miles from a driver services center must be allowed to complete online any classroom training that is required as a prerequisite to obtaining a Class H or hardship license under this subsection (f). (g) The department may authorize early intervention programs and alcohol and drug safety DUI schools administered by the department of health to administer the knowledge element of the driver license examination, subject to oversight by the department of safety. A defensive driving program under the oversight of the department of safety may also administer the examinations. An applicant who presents evidence acceptable to the department that the applicant has satisfactorily completed such a knowledge examination shall be deemed to have successfully completed the knowledge element of the driver license examination. (h) The department of education may incorporate a driver license knowledge examination developed by the department of safety as a part of proficiency tests administered to eighth and tenth grade students pursuant to § 49-6-6001 . The driver license knowledge examination shall comply with the requirements of this section. An applicant who presents acceptable evidence to the department of safety that the applicant has satisfactorily completed such a knowledge examination shall be deemed to have successfully completed the knowledge element of the driver license examination. (i) (1) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a foreign country, or the licensing authority of the foreign country, under which the department and the foreign country agree to grant like driving privileges to new residents operating motor vehicles in this state or the foreign country. (2) The memorandum of understanding executed pursuant to subdivision (i)(1) shall be a reciprocal agreement under which the parties agree that: (A) The foreign country or licensing authority shall waive any required knowledge and skills tests or equivalent tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license from this state, and shall issue a driver license or equivalent license to the new resident; and (B) The department shall waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license or equivalent license from the foreign country, and shall issue a driver license to the new resident, if the applicant presents documentation to the department that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized by the United States department of homeland security. (3) The memorandum of understanding may specify any of the following: (A) That the foreign country shall verify the residency of the applicant in the foreign country prior to issuance of a driver license; (B) That the department and the foreign country shall verify that the driver license held by the applicant is not subject to cancellation, suspension, or revocation and is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months; and (C) Circumstances under which the department or the foreign country shall limit or deny issuance of a driver license. (4) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a foreign country regardless of whether the department has previously determined to administer a knowledge or skills test in the language of the foreign country. (5) As used in this subsection (i): (A) "Driver license" includes a driver license, an intermediate driver license, a temporary driver license, or a temporary intermediate driver license; and (B) "Foreign country" means a country or political subdivision of a country other than the United States. (j) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department shall permit any student enrolled in a state-approved cooperative driver testing program who is seeking an exemption from the Class D knowledge or skills examinations to present the third-party driver examiner testing certification form required for the exemption to the department at any driver license testing station within one (1) year of satisfactory completion of a Class D driver education and training course. (k) The commissioner of safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this section. All rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 698,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 737, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 62, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; 1988, ch. 978, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-8-322; Acts 1989, ch. 60, §§ 5, 7; 1992, ch. 791, §§ 1-3; 1997 , ch. 50, § 1; 2000, ch. 700, §§ 8, 9; 2004, ch. 778, § 4; 2007 , ch. 194, §§ 11-13.
(a) (1) (A) The department shall examine every applicant for a driver license, intermediate driver license, learner permit, temporary driver license, temporary learner permit, and temporary intermediate driver license, except as otherwise provided in this part. This examination shall include a test of the applicant's eyesight to be administered according to standards set by the department, the applicant's ability to read and/or understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of the traffic laws of this state, and shall include an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of the type covered by the license classification or endorsement that the applicant is seeking. The examination may also include further physical and mental examinations the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways. (B) All such examinations given to persons under eighteen (18) years of age shall be written, with the exception of examination of the applicant's eyesight including, but not limited to, night vision performance. However, this restriction shall not apply to any person who, prior to January 1, 1990, obtained a valid license other than by written examination, or to any person with a medical condition, certified by a physician, which would render a written examination impractical, or to any handicapped child, including the learning disabled, certified by a specialist as unable to be tested by written examination. (2) In addition, all examinations administered to applicants for a driver license or intermediate driver license shall include questions concerning drugs and alcohol, the effects of those substances on a person's ability to operate a vehicle and the applicable Tennessee laws pertaining to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the alcohol and drug related questions shall constitute one-fourth (1/4) of the written examination. The department shall ensure the driver manual used to prepare applicants for the license examination includes sufficient information concerning drugs and alcohol to enable a reasonably diligent applicant to correctly answer the additional questions.
(1) (A) The department shall examine every applicant for a driver license, intermediate driver license, learner permit, temporary driver license, temporary learner permit, and temporary intermediate driver license, except as otherwise provided in this part. This examination shall include a test of the applicant's eyesight to be administered according to standards set by the department, the applicant's ability to read and/or understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of the traffic laws of this state, and shall include an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of the type covered by the license classification or endorsement that the applicant is seeking. The examination may also include further physical and mental examinations the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways. (B) All such examinations given to persons under eighteen (18) years of age shall be written, with the exception of examination of the applicant's eyesight including, but not limited to, night vision performance. However, this restriction shall not apply to any person who, prior to January 1, 1990, obtained a valid license other than by written examination, or to any person with a medical condition, certified by a physician, which would render a written examination impractical, or to any handicapped child, including the learning disabled, certified by a specialist as unable to be tested by written examination.
(A) The department shall examine every applicant for a driver license, intermediate driver license, learner permit, temporary driver license, temporary learner permit, and temporary intermediate driver license, except as otherwise provided in this part. This examination shall include a test of the applicant's eyesight to be administered according to standards set by the department, the applicant's ability to read and/or understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of the traffic laws of this state, and shall include an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of the type covered by the license classification or endorsement that the applicant is seeking. The examination may also include further physical and mental examinations the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways.
(B) All such examinations given to persons under eighteen (18) years of age shall be written, with the exception of examination of the applicant's eyesight including, but not limited to, night vision performance. However, this restriction shall not apply to any person who, prior to January 1, 1990, obtained a valid license other than by written examination, or to any person with a medical condition, certified by a physician, which would render a written examination impractical, or to any handicapped child, including the learning disabled, certified by a specialist as unable to be tested by written examination.
(2) In addition, all examinations administered to applicants for a driver license or intermediate driver license shall include questions concerning drugs and alcohol, the effects of those substances on a person's ability to operate a vehicle and the applicable Tennessee laws pertaining to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the alcohol and drug related questions shall constitute one-fourth (1/4) of the written examination. The department shall ensure the driver manual used to prepare applicants for the license examination includes sufficient information concerning drugs and alcohol to enable a reasonably diligent applicant to correctly answer the additional questions.
(b) (1) The department may waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application for a Tennessee driver license by a nonresident who establishes residency in this state. The new resident must surrender a driver license or submit a certified report from the former state of residence. Either the license or the report shall verify that the license is not subject to cancellation, suspension or revocation and that the license is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months. (2) (A) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "valid military commercial driver license" means any commercial driver license that is recognized by any active or reserve component of any branch of the United States armed forces as currently being valid or as having been valid at the time of an applicant's separation or discharge from the armed forces that occurred within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application for a commercial driver license. (B) The department shall waive the required skills test upon initial application for a commercial driver license by any applicant who, at the time of initial application, has been issued, or is in immediate possession of, a valid military commercial driver license and who certifies on the application that, during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (i) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (ii) Has not had any driver license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in this state or any other state; (iii) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or any other state; (iv) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(c) ; (v) Has not had any conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with any traffic accident; and (vi) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault. (C) The applicant shall also certify on the application, and submit supporting documentation as required in subdivision (b)(2)(D), that the applicant: (i) Is regularly employed or was regularly employed within the ninety-day period immediately preceding application in a position in the United States armed forces requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the applicant is applying; (ii) Is exempted or was exempted from the commercial driver license requirements in 49 CFR § 383.3(c) ; and (iii) Is operating or was operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding application, in the case of a member in active duty. (D) The application shall be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (b)(2)(C): (i) A notarized affidavit signed by a commanding officer, if the applicant is on active duty; or (ii) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service: (a) A copy of the applicant's certificate of release of discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214); or (b) A statement from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services. (E) Any applicant who is a member of the active duty military, military reserves, national guard, or active duty United States coast guard or coast guard auxiliary whose temporary or permanent duty station is located in this state obtaining the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall submit documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's current duty station assignment. (F) An applicant who obtains the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall be required to successfully complete any applicable vision and knowledge tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee.
(1) The department may waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application for a Tennessee driver license by a nonresident who establishes residency in this state. The new resident must surrender a driver license or submit a certified report from the former state of residence. Either the license or the report shall verify that the license is not subject to cancellation, suspension or revocation and that the license is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months.
(2) (A) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "valid military commercial driver license" means any commercial driver license that is recognized by any active or reserve component of any branch of the United States armed forces as currently being valid or as having been valid at the time of an applicant's separation or discharge from the armed forces that occurred within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application for a commercial driver license. (B) The department shall waive the required skills test upon initial application for a commercial driver license by any applicant who, at the time of initial application, has been issued, or is in immediate possession of, a valid military commercial driver license and who certifies on the application that, during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (i) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (ii) Has not had any driver license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in this state or any other state; (iii) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or any other state; (iv) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(c) ; (v) Has not had any conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with any traffic accident; and (vi) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault. (C) The applicant shall also certify on the application, and submit supporting documentation as required in subdivision (b)(2)(D), that the applicant: (i) Is regularly employed or was regularly employed within the ninety-day period immediately preceding application in a position in the United States armed forces requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the applicant is applying; (ii) Is exempted or was exempted from the commercial driver license requirements in 49 CFR § 383.3(c) ; and (iii) Is operating or was operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding application, in the case of a member in active duty. (D) The application shall be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (b)(2)(C): (i) A notarized affidavit signed by a commanding officer, if the applicant is on active duty; or (ii) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service: (a) A copy of the applicant's certificate of release of discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214); or (b) A statement from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services. (E) Any applicant who is a member of the active duty military, military reserves, national guard, or active duty United States coast guard or coast guard auxiliary whose temporary or permanent duty station is located in this state obtaining the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall submit documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's current duty station assignment. (F) An applicant who obtains the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall be required to successfully complete any applicable vision and knowledge tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee.
(A) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "valid military commercial driver license" means any commercial driver license that is recognized by any active or reserve component of any branch of the United States armed forces as currently being valid or as having been valid at the time of an applicant's separation or discharge from the armed forces that occurred within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application for a commercial driver license.
(B) The department shall waive the required skills test upon initial application for a commercial driver license by any applicant who, at the time of initial application, has been issued, or is in immediate possession of, a valid military commercial driver license and who certifies on the application that, during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (i) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (ii) Has not had any driver license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in this state or any other state; (iii) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or any other state; (iv) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(c) ; (v) Has not had any conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with any traffic accident; and (vi) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault.
(i) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license;
(ii) Has not had any driver license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in this state or any other state;
(iii) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or any other state;
(iv) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR § 383.51(c) ;
(v) Has not had any conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, in this or any other state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with any traffic accident; and
(vi) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault.
(C) The applicant shall also certify on the application, and submit supporting documentation as required in subdivision (b)(2)(D), that the applicant: (i) Is regularly employed or was regularly employed within the ninety-day period immediately preceding application in a position in the United States armed forces requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the applicant is applying; (ii) Is exempted or was exempted from the commercial driver license requirements in 49 CFR § 383.3(c) ; and (iii) Is operating or was operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding application, in the case of a member in active duty.
(i) Is regularly employed or was regularly employed within the ninety-day period immediately preceding application in a position in the United States armed forces requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the applicant is applying;
(ii) Is exempted or was exempted from the commercial driver license requirements in 49 CFR § 383.3(c) ; and
(iii) Is operating or was operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding application, in the case of a member in active duty.
(D) The application shall be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (b)(2)(C): (i) A notarized affidavit signed by a commanding officer, if the applicant is on active duty; or (ii) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service: (a) A copy of the applicant's certificate of release of discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214); or (b) A statement from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services.
(i) A notarized affidavit signed by a commanding officer, if the applicant is on active duty; or
(ii) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service: (a) A copy of the applicant's certificate of release of discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214); or (b) A statement from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services.
(a) A copy of the applicant's certificate of release of discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214); or
(b) A statement from the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces, certified by the department of veterans services.
(E) Any applicant who is a member of the active duty military, military reserves, national guard, or active duty United States coast guard or coast guard auxiliary whose temporary or permanent duty station is located in this state obtaining the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall submit documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's current duty station assignment.
(F) An applicant who obtains the skills test waiver under this subdivision (b)(2) shall be required to successfully complete any applicable vision and knowledge tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee.
(c) (1) The examinations for applicants for commercial driver licenses shall be conducted in compliance with 49 CFR Part 383. (2) The department is permitted to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to third-party testing for the skills tests required for commercial driver licenses, in accordance with 49 CFR Part 383. (3) The department shall not reject the applicant for a commercial driver license if the examiner believes the condition of the vehicle is unsafe for operation, unless the examiner requests an inspection of the vehicle by a qualified commercial vehicle inspector of the department. This vehicle, and all commercial vehicles inspected by the department, shall be inspected in accordance with the North American Standard Uniform Inspection procedures outlined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. A commercial vehicle placed out-of-service for mechanical or safety defects by the qualified inspector shall be placed out-of-service for safety defects as defined in the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria. The applicant shall be given a written report listing all defects by the inspector and informed of necessary repairs to cause the vehicle to be in compliance. The examiner shall not conduct a road test if the commercial vehicle inspector determines that the vehicle does not meet the standards defined in the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria.
(1) The examinations for applicants for commercial driver licenses shall be conducted in compliance with 49 CFR Part 383.
(2) The department is permitted to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to third-party testing for the skills tests required for commercial driver licenses, in accordance with 49 CFR Part 383.
(3) The department shall not reject the applicant for a commercial driver license if the examiner believes the condition of the vehicle is unsafe for operation, unless the examiner requests an inspection of the vehicle by a qualified commercial vehicle inspector of the department. This vehicle, and all commercial vehicles inspected by the department, shall be inspected in accordance with the North American Standard Uniform Inspection procedures outlined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. A commercial vehicle placed out-of-service for mechanical or safety defects by the qualified inspector shall be placed out-of-service for safety defects as defined in the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria. The applicant shall be given a written report listing all defects by the inspector and informed of necessary repairs to cause the vehicle to be in compliance. The examiner shall not conduct a road test if the commercial vehicle inspector determines that the vehicle does not meet the standards defined in the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria.
(d) All persons who are in the United States armed forces and who are holders of driver licenses in this state may have their licenses renewed upon application to the department upon their return to Tennessee without further examination.
(e) Persons applying for reinstatement of a cancelled, suspended or revoked driver license shall not be required to take an eye test or knowledge and skills tests unless their license has been expired in excess of one (1) renewal cycle as provided in § 55-50-338(a)(3) .
(f) An applicant who presents evidence acceptable to the department that the applicant has satisfactorily completed a driver education and training course offered for Class D vehicles by nonpublic schools in categories 1, 2, or 3 as recognized by the state board of education, a public school, a public institution of higher learning, or a commercial driver training school, operating under chapter 19 of this title, shall be deemed to have satisfactorily completed the department's examinations. The department may require the courses to include certain knowledge and skills examinations. An applicant who resides thirty (30) or more miles from a driver services center must be allowed to complete online any classroom training that is required as a prerequisite to obtaining a Class H or hardship license under this subsection (f).
(g) The department may authorize early intervention programs and alcohol and drug safety DUI schools administered by the department of health to administer the knowledge element of the driver license examination, subject to oversight by the department of safety. A defensive driving program under the oversight of the department of safety may also administer the examinations. An applicant who presents evidence acceptable to the department that the applicant has satisfactorily completed such a knowledge examination shall be deemed to have successfully completed the knowledge element of the driver license examination.
(h) The department of education may incorporate a driver license knowledge examination developed by the department of safety as a part of proficiency tests administered to eighth and tenth grade students pursuant to § 49-6-6001 . The driver license knowledge examination shall comply with the requirements of this section. An applicant who presents acceptable evidence to the department of safety that the applicant has satisfactorily completed such a knowledge examination shall be deemed to have successfully completed the knowledge element of the driver license examination.
(i) (1) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a foreign country, or the licensing authority of the foreign country, under which the department and the foreign country agree to grant like driving privileges to new residents operating motor vehicles in this state or the foreign country. (2) The memorandum of understanding executed pursuant to subdivision (i)(1) shall be a reciprocal agreement under which the parties agree that: (A) The foreign country or licensing authority shall waive any required knowledge and skills tests or equivalent tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license from this state, and shall issue a driver license or equivalent license to the new resident; and (B) The department shall waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license or equivalent license from the foreign country, and shall issue a driver license to the new resident, if the applicant presents documentation to the department that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized by the United States department of homeland security. (3) The memorandum of understanding may specify any of the following: (A) That the foreign country shall verify the residency of the applicant in the foreign country prior to issuance of a driver license; (B) That the department and the foreign country shall verify that the driver license held by the applicant is not subject to cancellation, suspension, or revocation and is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months; and (C) Circumstances under which the department or the foreign country shall limit or deny issuance of a driver license. (4) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a foreign country regardless of whether the department has previously determined to administer a knowledge or skills test in the language of the foreign country. (5) As used in this subsection (i): (A) "Driver license" includes a driver license, an intermediate driver license, a temporary driver license, or a temporary intermediate driver license; and (B) "Foreign country" means a country or political subdivision of a country other than the United States.
(1) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a foreign country, or the licensing authority of the foreign country, under which the department and the foreign country agree to grant like driving privileges to new residents operating motor vehicles in this state or the foreign country.
(2) The memorandum of understanding executed pursuant to subdivision (i)(1) shall be a reciprocal agreement under which the parties agree that: (A) The foreign country or licensing authority shall waive any required knowledge and skills tests or equivalent tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license from this state, and shall issue a driver license or equivalent license to the new resident; and (B) The department shall waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license or equivalent license from the foreign country, and shall issue a driver license to the new resident, if the applicant presents documentation to the department that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized by the United States department of homeland security.
(A) The foreign country or licensing authority shall waive any required knowledge and skills tests or equivalent tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license from this state, and shall issue a driver license or equivalent license to the new resident; and
(B) The department shall waive the required knowledge and skills tests upon application by a new resident who possesses a valid driver license or equivalent license from the foreign country, and shall issue a driver license to the new resident, if the applicant presents documentation to the department that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized by the United States department of homeland security.
(3) The memorandum of understanding may specify any of the following: (A) That the foreign country shall verify the residency of the applicant in the foreign country prior to issuance of a driver license; (B) That the department and the foreign country shall verify that the driver license held by the applicant is not subject to cancellation, suspension, or revocation and is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months; and (C) Circumstances under which the department or the foreign country shall limit or deny issuance of a driver license.
(A) That the foreign country shall verify the residency of the applicant in the foreign country prior to issuance of a driver license;
(B) That the department and the foreign country shall verify that the driver license held by the applicant is not subject to cancellation, suspension, or revocation and is valid, or has not been expired in excess of six (6) months; and
(C) Circumstances under which the department or the foreign country shall limit or deny issuance of a driver license.
(4) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a foreign country regardless of whether the department has previously determined to administer a knowledge or skills test in the language of the foreign country.
(5) As used in this subsection (i): (A) "Driver license" includes a driver license, an intermediate driver license, a temporary driver license, or a temporary intermediate driver license; and (B) "Foreign country" means a country or political subdivision of a country other than the United States.
(A) "Driver license" includes a driver license, an intermediate driver license, a temporary driver license, or a temporary intermediate driver license; and
(B) "Foreign country" means a country or political subdivision of a country other than the United States.
(j) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department shall permit any student enrolled in a state-approved cooperative driver testing program who is seeking an exemption from the Class D knowledge or skills examinations to present the third-party driver examiner testing certification form required for the exemption to the department at any driver license testing station within one (1) year of satisfactory completion of a Class D driver education and training course.
(k) The commissioner of safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this section. All rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 698,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 737, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 62, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; 1988, ch. 978, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-8-322; Acts 1989, ch. 60, §§ 5, 7; 1992, ch. 791, §§ 1-3; 1997 , ch. 50, § 1; 2000, ch. 700, §§ 8, 9; 2004, ch. 778, § 4; 2007 , ch. 194, §§ 11-13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-101 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-101
Registration required before operation - Application - Issuance of registration and license plates - Rules and regulations - Temporary permit - Transfer of registration when changing vehicles - Fees - Safety rules for homemade trailers
Status: in_force

(a) (1) As a condition precedent to the operation of any motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of this state, the motor vehicle shall be registered as provided in this chapter. (2) The registration and the fees provided for registration shall constitute a privilege tax upon the operation of motor vehicles. (b) (1) The commissioner shall be, and is constituted, the registrar of motor vehicles and, except as otherwise provided in chapters 1-6 of this title, every owner of a vehicle intended to be operated in this state and required by this chapter to be registered shall, before same is operated, apply to the department for the registration of, and the registration plates for, the vehicle. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), any regularly licensed passenger motor vehicle that is not operated for hire and is owned by a nonresident who establishes residency in this state may be operated in this state for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date that residency is established. (c) Application for registration shall be made, in the manner prescribed by the commissioner on forms provided or approved by the department, to the county clerk of the county of the owner's residence or of a county wherein the vehicle is based or is to be operated, except that a nonresident may apply directly to the department for registration. Any applicant for registration under any allowance or requirement for the apportionment of the fee shall apply to the department. (d) (1) (A) Upon finding the title to the vehicle or application for the title in order and all fees required under chapters 1-6 of this title duly tendered, the county clerk shall forward the application for registration and the proper fee to the department in the manner provided by law, and the department upon registering the vehicle shall issue or cause to be issued a registration certificate and license plate or plates to the owner; provided, that any person operating a vehicle under the terms of a bona fide lease agreement of not less than ninety (90) days' tenure may, with the written consent of the owner and other reasonable evidence of right to possession of the vehicle as the commissioner may require, apply to the department for, and be issued, registration and plate or plates thereunder. (B) The lessee-registrant shall be deemed to be the lawful holder of the registration with all rights in and to it as may be provided under this chapter for owner-registrants, except that each application requiring the owner's consent to register shall be accompanied by a fee of two dollars ($2.00) in addition to other fees required by law. (C) Any requirements in this title to the contrary notwithstanding, the commissioner is authorized to approve registrations and issue the certificates and plates thereunder, and the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform duties in connection with approving registrations and issuing certificates and plates as the commissioner may prescribe; provided, that the commissioner's authority to remove plates to a point of central distribution to the applicants for registration is limited to those issued for freight motor vehicles, other than farm trucks, in weight classes of eighteen thousand (18,000) or more pounds or for vehicles owned by nonresidents and other vehicles as may be registered under a proration program or like plan allowing the apportionment of fees; and provided further, that any clerk taking an application to be forwarded to the department shall likewise be entitled to the fee provided in § 55-6-101(a)(1) . (D) The commissioner is empowered to make all rules and regulations respecting the manner in which applications shall be made and the manner in which any application and fee shall be forwarded to the department. (E) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner has the authority to establish a procedure to accept electronically any and all remittances, titling and registration transactions. (2) The commissioner shall not issue a registration for a vehicle based in a county that has been designated by the Tennessee air pollution control board to have a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in order to attain or maintain compliance with national ambient air quality standards, except in accordance with terms and conditions as are established in rules of the board. (e) The department, in its discretion, may grant a temporary permit to operate a vehicle for which application for registration has been made, where the application is accompanied by the proper fee pending action upon the application by the department. (f) The registration shall be valid from the time of issuance until the date provided for the annual expiration of registration, except it shall likewise expire upon the prior transfer of any interest by operation of law or otherwise in or pertaining to the vehicles so registered; provided, that upon the registration becoming void by reason of the transfer of ownership, the owner-registrant may, upon application to the department through the county clerk by surrender of the certificate and payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) plus the clerk's fee, register another vehicle for the unexpired portion under the same number and be issued a new certificate properly identifying the vehicle to which the license has been transferred. If the vehicle to be registered is of a weight or classification that requires the payment of a higher fee, the applicant must surrender both the certificate and the plate or plates to the clerk, and, upon payment of the amount being the difference between the fees required for the two (2) registrations as of that date, together with the one-dollar transfer fee and the clerk's fee, be issued a new certificate of registration and appropriate plate or plates. Further, it shall be allowable for one holding a license as an individual to submit it, under this subsection (f), in application for reassignment to a vehicle which this licensee holds by the entireties with the licensee's spouse. If a vehicle is permanently withdrawn from a proportionally registered fleet and a replacement vehicle is added to the fleet in the same calendar month, the replacement vehicle shall be considered fully registered as provided in this section if the vehicle is registered for a weight equal to or less than the vehicle permanently withdrawn or if the additional registration fee, one-dollar transfer fee, and clerk's fee are paid when the replacement vehicle is registered for a weight greater than the vehicle withdrawn. If a vehicle is permanently withdrawn from a proportionally registered fleet and is not replaced by another vehicle in the same calendar month, credit shall be allowed as follows: (1) The credit shall be a sum equal to the amount paid with respect to such vehicle when it was first proportionally registered in the registration year, reduced by one-twelfth ( 1 / 12 ) for each calendar month or fraction of the calendar month elapsing since the beginning of the registration year; (2) The credit may be applied against subsequent additions to the fleet or for other additional registration fees assessed; and (3) In no event shall credit be allowed for fees beyond such registration year, nor shall any such amount be subject to refund. (g) With the approval of the registrar, a license issued for a vehicle that has been destroyed or necessarily removed from service may be transferred to a replacement vehicle in the same manner and under the same conditions provided under this allowance for the reassignment of registration. (h) (1) When the registrar has issued two (2) valid registrations for the same vehicle, title to which remains vested in the same person, the second registration being taken only for the purpose of qualifying it for operation under a lawful requirement for proration of the registration fee, a refund may be made of the unused portion of the fee paid for the first issued of the two (2) outstanding registrations, less ten dollars ($10.00). Surrender of both the first certificate of registration and the related license plate, and the submission of any other documentation as the registrar may require, is a prerequisite to the payment of the refund, that shall be proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period when the second registration was taken. (2) When the registrar has issued a valid registration for a vehicle to a lessee-registrant for the purpose of qualifying it for operation under a lawful requirement for proration of the registration fee, and the bona fide lease agreement pertaining to the vehicle is terminated, the lessee-registrant may transfer the license issued to a replacement vehicle in the same manner and under the same conditions provided under this allowance for the reassignment of registration, or surrender both the certificate of registration and relative license plate and any other documentation as the registrar may require to secure a refund of the unused portion of the fee paid, which shall be proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period for which registration was issued; provided, that the annual license fee for the surrendered license plate is one hundred fifty dollars ($150) or more. (i) (1) The registrant may surrender the certificate and plate or plates to the department through the county clerk in an application for a registration of some other class or classification for the same vehicle and be issued a new certificate for it, together with appropriate plate or plates, upon the payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) and the clerk's fee, and if the new registration requires a higher fee, that amount being the difference in the fees required for the two (2) registrations as of the date of application. (2) Any person registering a motor vehicle under § 55-4-113 , who during the registration year exchanges the original registration for a registration in a lesser class and subsequently desires to register the vehicle in the class of the original registration or some lesser class, may do so upon the payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) and the clerk's fee. (3) In addition to this allowance for the reregistration of the vehicle by reason of some change in its use or design, it shall likewise be permissible for a vehicle to be reregistered, in the same class under the same license number, when the owner, an individual, makes an assignment to self and spouse for the purpose of establishing tenancy to the vehicle by the entireties. (4) Application under this subsection (i), an exception to the requirement for an original registration, shall be made in the manner described in subdivisions (i)(1)-(3) except the fee shall be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) plus the clerk's fee. (j) The reassignment of registrations as provided in this section shall be allowable among all classifications and, in computing a reassignment fee, the value of the registration being surrendered shall be determined by establishing that amount which would be the fee required for its issuance as of the date of the application for reassignment. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, no fee shall be charged for the transfer of registration of any motor vehicle to any person acquiring title to the motor vehicle as a result of the death of the spouse of this person if application for transfer is made within one (1) year from the date of the spouse's death. (k) The owner of a motorized bicycle may, subject to the approval of the commissioner, apply for registration and registration plates for the motorized bicycle. The commissioner shall by regulation provide for the manner in which single applications are to be made and the conditions under which they may be allowed; however, this subsection (k) shall not be construed as granting the commissioner authority to issue registration and plates for motorized bicycles on any basis other than as is required in this chapter. Each applicant for registration under this provision shall be charged the same registration taxes imposed on Class (A) motor vehicles by § 55-4-111 . (l) (1) Trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers domiciled in this state which are homemade or materially reconstructed, as defined herein, shall not be titled or registered, where required under this title, to operate over the roads and highways of this state, unless the department certifies that the trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer complies with § 65-15-111 and with any applicable safety rules and regulations promulgated by the department. (2) It is unlawful to operate trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers titled or registered in accordance with this chapter that are subsequently materially reconstructed during the term of the title or registration for the trailer without certification from the department that the reconstructed trailer complies with § 65-15-111 and all applicable safety rules and regulations. (3) As used is this subsection ( l ): (A) "Homemade" means the construction or assembly of a trailer from new or used parts, using a body or frame not originating from any previously manufactured trailer, and not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; and (B) "Materially reconstructed" means substantial alteration or modification made to an original manufacturer's specifications. Substantial alterations or modifications shall be deemed to have occurred if the trailer has undergone a major manufacturing alteration, which has materially changed the original configuration, structure or specifications of basic components of a previously assembled or manufactured trailer. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, Secs.s 5, s 6 eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 294, s 2, eff. 4/24/2015. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 553, s 2, eff. 3/17/2014. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 40 (Williams, § 5538.140); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 5; 1955, ch. 52, § 3; 1963, ch. 143, § 5; 1963, ch. 145, § 3; 1963, ch. 156, § 1; 1965, ch. 272, § 1; 1965, ch. 337, § 1; 1970, ch. 549, §§ 1, 2; 1972, ch. 627, § 1; 1973, ch. 234, § 2; 1976, ch. 432, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1979, ch. 247, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-401; Acts 1981, ch. 130, § 1; 1986, ch. 798, § 1; 1988, ch. 817, § 3; 1993, ch. 416, § 1; 1995, ch. 305, § 109; 2001, ch. 233, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, § 34; 2008 , ch. 1007, § 6.
(a) (1) As a condition precedent to the operation of any motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of this state, the motor vehicle shall be registered as provided in this chapter. (2) The registration and the fees provided for registration shall constitute a privilege tax upon the operation of motor vehicles.
(1) As a condition precedent to the operation of any motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of this state, the motor vehicle shall be registered as provided in this chapter.
(2) The registration and the fees provided for registration shall constitute a privilege tax upon the operation of motor vehicles.
(b) (1) The commissioner shall be, and is constituted, the registrar of motor vehicles and, except as otherwise provided in chapters 1-6 of this title, every owner of a vehicle intended to be operated in this state and required by this chapter to be registered shall, before same is operated, apply to the department for the registration of, and the registration plates for, the vehicle. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), any regularly licensed passenger motor vehicle that is not operated for hire and is owned by a nonresident who establishes residency in this state may be operated in this state for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date that residency is established.
(1) The commissioner shall be, and is constituted, the registrar of motor vehicles and, except as otherwise provided in chapters 1-6 of this title, every owner of a vehicle intended to be operated in this state and required by this chapter to be registered shall, before same is operated, apply to the department for the registration of, and the registration plates for, the vehicle.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), any regularly licensed passenger motor vehicle that is not operated for hire and is owned by a nonresident who establishes residency in this state may be operated in this state for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date that residency is established.
(c) Application for registration shall be made, in the manner prescribed by the commissioner on forms provided or approved by the department, to the county clerk of the county of the owner's residence or of a county wherein the vehicle is based or is to be operated, except that a nonresident may apply directly to the department for registration. Any applicant for registration under any allowance or requirement for the apportionment of the fee shall apply to the department.
(d) (1) (A) Upon finding the title to the vehicle or application for the title in order and all fees required under chapters 1-6 of this title duly tendered, the county clerk shall forward the application for registration and the proper fee to the department in the manner provided by law, and the department upon registering the vehicle shall issue or cause to be issued a registration certificate and license plate or plates to the owner; provided, that any person operating a vehicle under the terms of a bona fide lease agreement of not less than ninety (90) days' tenure may, with the written consent of the owner and other reasonable evidence of right to possession of the vehicle as the commissioner may require, apply to the department for, and be issued, registration and plate or plates thereunder. (B) The lessee-registrant shall be deemed to be the lawful holder of the registration with all rights in and to it as may be provided under this chapter for owner-registrants, except that each application requiring the owner's consent to register shall be accompanied by a fee of two dollars ($2.00) in addition to other fees required by law. (C) Any requirements in this title to the contrary notwithstanding, the commissioner is authorized to approve registrations and issue the certificates and plates thereunder, and the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform duties in connection with approving registrations and issuing certificates and plates as the commissioner may prescribe; provided, that the commissioner's authority to remove plates to a point of central distribution to the applicants for registration is limited to those issued for freight motor vehicles, other than farm trucks, in weight classes of eighteen thousand (18,000) or more pounds or for vehicles owned by nonresidents and other vehicles as may be registered under a proration program or like plan allowing the apportionment of fees; and provided further, that any clerk taking an application to be forwarded to the department shall likewise be entitled to the fee provided in § 55-6-101(a)(1) . (D) The commissioner is empowered to make all rules and regulations respecting the manner in which applications shall be made and the manner in which any application and fee shall be forwarded to the department. (E) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner has the authority to establish a procedure to accept electronically any and all remittances, titling and registration transactions. (2) The commissioner shall not issue a registration for a vehicle based in a county that has been designated by the Tennessee air pollution control board to have a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in order to attain or maintain compliance with national ambient air quality standards, except in accordance with terms and conditions as are established in rules of the board.
(1) (A) Upon finding the title to the vehicle or application for the title in order and all fees required under chapters 1-6 of this title duly tendered, the county clerk shall forward the application for registration and the proper fee to the department in the manner provided by law, and the department upon registering the vehicle shall issue or cause to be issued a registration certificate and license plate or plates to the owner; provided, that any person operating a vehicle under the terms of a bona fide lease agreement of not less than ninety (90) days' tenure may, with the written consent of the owner and other reasonable evidence of right to possession of the vehicle as the commissioner may require, apply to the department for, and be issued, registration and plate or plates thereunder. (B) The lessee-registrant shall be deemed to be the lawful holder of the registration with all rights in and to it as may be provided under this chapter for owner-registrants, except that each application requiring the owner's consent to register shall be accompanied by a fee of two dollars ($2.00) in addition to other fees required by law. (C) Any requirements in this title to the contrary notwithstanding, the commissioner is authorized to approve registrations and issue the certificates and plates thereunder, and the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform duties in connection with approving registrations and issuing certificates and plates as the commissioner may prescribe; provided, that the commissioner's authority to remove plates to a point of central distribution to the applicants for registration is limited to those issued for freight motor vehicles, other than farm trucks, in weight classes of eighteen thousand (18,000) or more pounds or for vehicles owned by nonresidents and other vehicles as may be registered under a proration program or like plan allowing the apportionment of fees; and provided further, that any clerk taking an application to be forwarded to the department shall likewise be entitled to the fee provided in § 55-6-101(a)(1) . (D) The commissioner is empowered to make all rules and regulations respecting the manner in which applications shall be made and the manner in which any application and fee shall be forwarded to the department. (E) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner has the authority to establish a procedure to accept electronically any and all remittances, titling and registration transactions.
(A) Upon finding the title to the vehicle or application for the title in order and all fees required under chapters 1-6 of this title duly tendered, the county clerk shall forward the application for registration and the proper fee to the department in the manner provided by law, and the department upon registering the vehicle shall issue or cause to be issued a registration certificate and license plate or plates to the owner; provided, that any person operating a vehicle under the terms of a bona fide lease agreement of not less than ninety (90) days' tenure may, with the written consent of the owner and other reasonable evidence of right to possession of the vehicle as the commissioner may require, apply to the department for, and be issued, registration and plate or plates thereunder.
(B) The lessee-registrant shall be deemed to be the lawful holder of the registration with all rights in and to it as may be provided under this chapter for owner-registrants, except that each application requiring the owner's consent to register shall be accompanied by a fee of two dollars ($2.00) in addition to other fees required by law.
(C) Any requirements in this title to the contrary notwithstanding, the commissioner is authorized to approve registrations and issue the certificates and plates thereunder, and the several county clerks are designated deputies to perform duties in connection with approving registrations and issuing certificates and plates as the commissioner may prescribe; provided, that the commissioner's authority to remove plates to a point of central distribution to the applicants for registration is limited to those issued for freight motor vehicles, other than farm trucks, in weight classes of eighteen thousand (18,000) or more pounds or for vehicles owned by nonresidents and other vehicles as may be registered under a proration program or like plan allowing the apportionment of fees; and provided further, that any clerk taking an application to be forwarded to the department shall likewise be entitled to the fee provided in § 55-6-101(a)(1) .
(D) The commissioner is empowered to make all rules and regulations respecting the manner in which applications shall be made and the manner in which any application and fee shall be forwarded to the department.
(E) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner has the authority to establish a procedure to accept electronically any and all remittances, titling and registration transactions.
(2) The commissioner shall not issue a registration for a vehicle based in a county that has been designated by the Tennessee air pollution control board to have a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in order to attain or maintain compliance with national ambient air quality standards, except in accordance with terms and conditions as are established in rules of the board.
(e) The department, in its discretion, may grant a temporary permit to operate a vehicle for which application for registration has been made, where the application is accompanied by the proper fee pending action upon the application by the department.
(f) The registration shall be valid from the time of issuance until the date provided for the annual expiration of registration, except it shall likewise expire upon the prior transfer of any interest by operation of law or otherwise in or pertaining to the vehicles so registered; provided, that upon the registration becoming void by reason of the transfer of ownership, the owner-registrant may, upon application to the department through the county clerk by surrender of the certificate and payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) plus the clerk's fee, register another vehicle for the unexpired portion under the same number and be issued a new certificate properly identifying the vehicle to which the license has been transferred. If the vehicle to be registered is of a weight or classification that requires the payment of a higher fee, the applicant must surrender both the certificate and the plate or plates to the clerk, and, upon payment of the amount being the difference between the fees required for the two (2) registrations as of that date, together with the one-dollar transfer fee and the clerk's fee, be issued a new certificate of registration and appropriate plate or plates. Further, it shall be allowable for one holding a license as an individual to submit it, under this subsection (f), in application for reassignment to a vehicle which this licensee holds by the entireties with the licensee's spouse. If a vehicle is permanently withdrawn from a proportionally registered fleet and a replacement vehicle is added to the fleet in the same calendar month, the replacement vehicle shall be considered fully registered as provided in this section if the vehicle is registered for a weight equal to or less than the vehicle permanently withdrawn or if the additional registration fee, one-dollar transfer fee, and clerk's fee are paid when the replacement vehicle is registered for a weight greater than the vehicle withdrawn. If a vehicle is permanently withdrawn from a proportionally registered fleet and is not replaced by another vehicle in the same calendar month, credit shall be allowed as follows: (1) The credit shall be a sum equal to the amount paid with respect to such vehicle when it was first proportionally registered in the registration year, reduced by one-twelfth ( 1 / 12 ) for each calendar month or fraction of the calendar month elapsing since the beginning of the registration year; (2) The credit may be applied against subsequent additions to the fleet or for other additional registration fees assessed; and (3) In no event shall credit be allowed for fees beyond such registration year, nor shall any such amount be subject to refund.
(1) The credit shall be a sum equal to the amount paid with respect to such vehicle when it was first proportionally registered in the registration year, reduced by one-twelfth ( 1 / 12 ) for each calendar month or fraction of the calendar month elapsing since the beginning of the registration year;
(2) The credit may be applied against subsequent additions to the fleet or for other additional registration fees assessed; and
(3) In no event shall credit be allowed for fees beyond such registration year, nor shall any such amount be subject to refund.
(g) With the approval of the registrar, a license issued for a vehicle that has been destroyed or necessarily removed from service may be transferred to a replacement vehicle in the same manner and under the same conditions provided under this allowance for the reassignment of registration.
(h) (1) When the registrar has issued two (2) valid registrations for the same vehicle, title to which remains vested in the same person, the second registration being taken only for the purpose of qualifying it for operation under a lawful requirement for proration of the registration fee, a refund may be made of the unused portion of the fee paid for the first issued of the two (2) outstanding registrations, less ten dollars ($10.00). Surrender of both the first certificate of registration and the related license plate, and the submission of any other documentation as the registrar may require, is a prerequisite to the payment of the refund, that shall be proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period when the second registration was taken. (2) When the registrar has issued a valid registration for a vehicle to a lessee-registrant for the purpose of qualifying it for operation under a lawful requirement for proration of the registration fee, and the bona fide lease agreement pertaining to the vehicle is terminated, the lessee-registrant may transfer the license issued to a replacement vehicle in the same manner and under the same conditions provided under this allowance for the reassignment of registration, or surrender both the certificate of registration and relative license plate and any other documentation as the registrar may require to secure a refund of the unused portion of the fee paid, which shall be proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period for which registration was issued; provided, that the annual license fee for the surrendered license plate is one hundred fifty dollars ($150) or more.
(1) When the registrar has issued two (2) valid registrations for the same vehicle, title to which remains vested in the same person, the second registration being taken only for the purpose of qualifying it for operation under a lawful requirement for proration of the registration fee, a refund may be made of the unused portion of the fee paid for the first issued of the two (2) outstanding registrations, less ten dollars ($10.00). Surrender of both the first certificate of registration and the related license plate, and the submission of any other documentation as the registrar may require, is a prerequisite to the payment of the refund, that shall be proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period when the second registration was taken.
(2) When the registrar has issued a valid registration for a vehicle to a lessee-registrant for the purpose of qualifying it for operation under a lawful requirement for proration of the registration fee, and the bona fide lease agreement pertaining to the vehicle is terminated, the lessee-registrant may transfer the license issued to a replacement vehicle in the same manner and under the same conditions provided under this allowance for the reassignment of registration, or surrender both the certificate of registration and relative license plate and any other documentation as the registrar may require to secure a refund of the unused portion of the fee paid, which shall be proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period for which registration was issued; provided, that the annual license fee for the surrendered license plate is one hundred fifty dollars ($150) or more.
(i) (1) The registrant may surrender the certificate and plate or plates to the department through the county clerk in an application for a registration of some other class or classification for the same vehicle and be issued a new certificate for it, together with appropriate plate or plates, upon the payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) and the clerk's fee, and if the new registration requires a higher fee, that amount being the difference in the fees required for the two (2) registrations as of the date of application. (2) Any person registering a motor vehicle under § 55-4-113 , who during the registration year exchanges the original registration for a registration in a lesser class and subsequently desires to register the vehicle in the class of the original registration or some lesser class, may do so upon the payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) and the clerk's fee. (3) In addition to this allowance for the reregistration of the vehicle by reason of some change in its use or design, it shall likewise be permissible for a vehicle to be reregistered, in the same class under the same license number, when the owner, an individual, makes an assignment to self and spouse for the purpose of establishing tenancy to the vehicle by the entireties. (4) Application under this subsection (i), an exception to the requirement for an original registration, shall be made in the manner described in subdivisions (i)(1)-(3) except the fee shall be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) plus the clerk's fee.
(1) The registrant may surrender the certificate and plate or plates to the department through the county clerk in an application for a registration of some other class or classification for the same vehicle and be issued a new certificate for it, together with appropriate plate or plates, upon the payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) and the clerk's fee, and if the new registration requires a higher fee, that amount being the difference in the fees required for the two (2) registrations as of the date of application.
(2) Any person registering a motor vehicle under § 55-4-113 , who during the registration year exchanges the original registration for a registration in a lesser class and subsequently desires to register the vehicle in the class of the original registration or some lesser class, may do so upon the payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) and the clerk's fee.
(3) In addition to this allowance for the reregistration of the vehicle by reason of some change in its use or design, it shall likewise be permissible for a vehicle to be reregistered, in the same class under the same license number, when the owner, an individual, makes an assignment to self and spouse for the purpose of establishing tenancy to the vehicle by the entireties.
(4) Application under this subsection (i), an exception to the requirement for an original registration, shall be made in the manner described in subdivisions (i)(1)-(3) except the fee shall be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) plus the clerk's fee.
(j) The reassignment of registrations as provided in this section shall be allowable among all classifications and, in computing a reassignment fee, the value of the registration being surrendered shall be determined by establishing that amount which would be the fee required for its issuance as of the date of the application for reassignment. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, no fee shall be charged for the transfer of registration of any motor vehicle to any person acquiring title to the motor vehicle as a result of the death of the spouse of this person if application for transfer is made within one (1) year from the date of the spouse's death.
(k) The owner of a motorized bicycle may, subject to the approval of the commissioner, apply for registration and registration plates for the motorized bicycle. The commissioner shall by regulation provide for the manner in which single applications are to be made and the conditions under which they may be allowed; however, this subsection (k) shall not be construed as granting the commissioner authority to issue registration and plates for motorized bicycles on any basis other than as is required in this chapter. Each applicant for registration under this provision shall be charged the same registration taxes imposed on Class (A) motor vehicles by § 55-4-111 .
(l) (1) Trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers domiciled in this state which are homemade or materially reconstructed, as defined herein, shall not be titled or registered, where required under this title, to operate over the roads and highways of this state, unless the department certifies that the trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer complies with § 65-15-111 and with any applicable safety rules and regulations promulgated by the department. (2) It is unlawful to operate trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers titled or registered in accordance with this chapter that are subsequently materially reconstructed during the term of the title or registration for the trailer without certification from the department that the reconstructed trailer complies with § 65-15-111 and all applicable safety rules and regulations. (3) As used is this subsection ( l ): (A) "Homemade" means the construction or assembly of a trailer from new or used parts, using a body or frame not originating from any previously manufactured trailer, and not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; and (B) "Materially reconstructed" means substantial alteration or modification made to an original manufacturer's specifications. Substantial alterations or modifications shall be deemed to have occurred if the trailer has undergone a major manufacturing alteration, which has materially changed the original configuration, structure or specifications of basic components of a previously assembled or manufactured trailer.
(1) Trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers domiciled in this state which are homemade or materially reconstructed, as defined herein, shall not be titled or registered, where required under this title, to operate over the roads and highways of this state, unless the department certifies that the trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer complies with § 65-15-111 and with any applicable safety rules and regulations promulgated by the department.
(2) It is unlawful to operate trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers titled or registered in accordance with this chapter that are subsequently materially reconstructed during the term of the title or registration for the trailer without certification from the department that the reconstructed trailer complies with § 65-15-111 and all applicable safety rules and regulations.
(3) As used is this subsection ( l ): (A) "Homemade" means the construction or assembly of a trailer from new or used parts, using a body or frame not originating from any previously manufactured trailer, and not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; and (B) "Materially reconstructed" means substantial alteration or modification made to an original manufacturer's specifications. Substantial alterations or modifications shall be deemed to have occurred if the trailer has undergone a major manufacturing alteration, which has materially changed the original configuration, structure or specifications of basic components of a previously assembled or manufactured trailer.
(A) "Homemade" means the construction or assembly of a trailer from new or used parts, using a body or frame not originating from any previously manufactured trailer, and not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; and
(B) "Materially reconstructed" means substantial alteration or modification made to an original manufacturer's specifications. Substantial alterations or modifications shall be deemed to have occurred if the trailer has undergone a major manufacturing alteration, which has materially changed the original configuration, structure or specifications of basic components of a previously assembled or manufactured trailer.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, Secs.s 5, s 6 eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 294, s 2, eff. 4/24/2015.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 553, s 2, eff. 3/17/2014.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 40 (Williams, § 5538.140); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 5; 1955, ch. 52, § 3; 1963, ch. 143, § 5; 1963, ch. 145, § 3; 1963, ch. 156, § 1; 1965, ch. 272, § 1; 1965, ch. 337, § 1; 1970, ch. 549, §§ 1, 2; 1972, ch. 627, § 1; 1973, ch. 234, § 2; 1976, ch. 432, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1979, ch. 247, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-401; Acts 1981, ch. 130, § 1; 1986, ch. 798, § 1; 1988, ch. 817, § 3; 1993, ch. 416, § 1; 1995, ch. 305, § 109; 2001, ch. 233, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, § 34; 2008 , ch. 1007, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-341 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 4 / Section 55-4-341
Children's hospitals
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 Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The purpose of the new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) is to recognize and support the many contributions to children's health care made by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The plates must bear an appropriate design or logo that represents the commitment to children's health care exhibited by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The plates must be designed in consultation with the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . (b) (1) Owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are residents of the state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an East Tennessee Children's Hospital 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 bear an appropriate design of the East Tennessee Children's Hospital and be designed in consultation with the chair of the board. The design of the plates may be identical to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital plates previously authorized by chapter 876 of the Public Acts of 2002. (3) The funds produced from the sale of East Tennessee Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in furtherance of such organization's activities in this state. (c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The purpose of the new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) is to recognize, commemorate, and celebrate the many healthcare contributions made by Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. The plates must bear an appropriate design or logo that depicts through words or pictures the many healthcare contributions made by Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors for Methodist Health Systems of Memphis and West Tennessee. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . (d) (1) Owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are residents 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 Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (d) must contain a logo or other design representative of the mission of Niswonger Children's Hospital. The plates must be designed in consultation with the administration and governing body of Niswonger Children's Hospital. (3) Funds produced from the sale of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates must be allocated to the Mountain States Health Foundation in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used for the sole purpose of developing and expanding Niswonger Children's Hospital, the Tri-Cities region's only children's hospital. (4) (A) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate authorized and issued prior to July 1, 2009, is entitled to retain the license plate for vehicular use upon compliance with all motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and payment of all required fees. (B) Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates must be included in any calculations for issuance and continuation of issuance of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates authorized pursuant to this subsection (d). (C) A Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate is not required to be replaced with a redesigned license plate issued pursuant to this subsection (d) until such time as the next regular replacement of the previously issued plate is scheduled; provided, that a person previously issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate may request a redesigned Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate, if issued, at the time of their next regular renewal. (D) If Niswonger Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates are subsequently deemed obsolete pursuant to § 55-4-202(g)(1) , then the determination also applies to all Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates previously issued. (5) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(g)(1) , the Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (d) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(g)(1) . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 43, eff. 7/1/2024. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The purpose of the new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) is to recognize and support the many contributions to children's health care made by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The plates must bear an appropriate design or logo that represents the commitment to children's health care exhibited by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The plates must be designed in consultation with the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, in accordance with § 55-4-301 .
(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 Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The purpose of the new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (a) is to recognize and support the many contributions to children's health care made by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The plates must bear an appropriate design or logo that represents the commitment to children's health care exhibited by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The plates must be designed in consultation with the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, in accordance with § 55-4-301 .
(b) (1) Owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are residents of the state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an East Tennessee Children's Hospital 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 bear an appropriate design of the East Tennessee Children's Hospital and be designed in consultation with the chair of the board. The design of the plates may be identical to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital plates previously authorized by chapter 876 of the Public Acts of 2002. (3) The funds produced from the sale of East Tennessee Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in furtherance of such organization's activities in this state.
(1) Owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are residents of the state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued an East Tennessee Children's Hospital 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 bear an appropriate design of the East Tennessee Children's Hospital and be designed in consultation with the chair of the board. The design of the plates may be identical to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital plates previously authorized by chapter 876 of the Public Acts of 2002.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of East Tennessee Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital, in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used exclusively in furtherance of such organization's activities in this state.
(c) (1) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon complying with state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and paying the regular fee applicable to the motor vehicle and the fee provided for in § 55-4-204 , shall be issued a Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The purpose of the new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) is to recognize, commemorate, and celebrate the many healthcare contributions made by Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. The plates must bear an appropriate design or logo that depicts through words or pictures the many healthcare contributions made by Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors for Methodist Health Systems of Memphis and West Tennessee. (3) The funds produced from the sale of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, in accordance with § 55-4-301 .
(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 Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center new specialty earmarked license plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The purpose of the new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (c) is to recognize, commemorate, and celebrate the many healthcare contributions made by Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. The plates must bear an appropriate design or logo that depicts through words or pictures the many healthcare contributions made by Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. The plates must be designed in consultation with the board of directors for Methodist Health Systems of Memphis and West Tennessee.
(3) The funds produced from the sale of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center new specialty earmarked license plates must be allocated to the Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, in accordance with § 55-4-301 .
(d) (1) Owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are residents 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 Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) . (2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (d) must contain a logo or other design representative of the mission of Niswonger Children's Hospital. The plates must be designed in consultation with the administration and governing body of Niswonger Children's Hospital. (3) Funds produced from the sale of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates must be allocated to the Mountain States Health Foundation in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used for the sole purpose of developing and expanding Niswonger Children's Hospital, the Tri-Cities region's only children's hospital. (4) (A) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate authorized and issued prior to July 1, 2009, is entitled to retain the license plate for vehicular use upon compliance with all motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and payment of all required fees. (B) Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates must be included in any calculations for issuance and continuation of issuance of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates authorized pursuant to this subsection (d). (C) A Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate is not required to be replaced with a redesigned license plate issued pursuant to this subsection (d) until such time as the next regular replacement of the previously issued plate is scheduled; provided, that a person previously issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate may request a redesigned Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate, if issued, at the time of their next regular renewal. (D) If Niswonger Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates are subsequently deemed obsolete pursuant to § 55-4-202(g)(1) , then the determination also applies to all Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates previously issued. (5) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(g)(1) , the Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (d) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(g)(1) .
(1) Owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are residents 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 Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate for a motor vehicle authorized by § 55-4-210(c) .
(2) The new specialty earmarked plates provided for in this subsection (d) must contain a logo or other design representative of the mission of Niswonger Children's Hospital. The plates must be designed in consultation with the administration and governing body of Niswonger Children's Hospital.
(3) Funds produced from the sale of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates must be allocated to the Mountain States Health Foundation in accordance with § 55-4-301 . The funds must be used for the sole purpose of developing and expanding Niswonger Children's Hospital, the Tri-Cities region's only children's hospital.
(4) (A) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate authorized and issued prior to July 1, 2009, is entitled to retain the license plate for vehicular use upon compliance with all motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and payment of all required fees. (B) Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates must be included in any calculations for issuance and continuation of issuance of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates authorized pursuant to this subsection (d). (C) A Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate is not required to be replaced with a redesigned license plate issued pursuant to this subsection (d) until such time as the next regular replacement of the previously issued plate is scheduled; provided, that a person previously issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate may request a redesigned Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate, if issued, at the time of their next regular renewal. (D) If Niswonger Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates are subsequently deemed obsolete pursuant to § 55-4-202(g)(1) , then the determination also applies to all Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates previously issued.
(A) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate authorized and issued prior to July 1, 2009, is entitled to retain the license plate for vehicular use upon compliance with all motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and payment of all required fees.
(B) Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates must be included in any calculations for issuance and continuation of issuance of Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plates authorized pursuant to this subsection (d).
(C) A Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate is not required to be replaced with a redesigned license plate issued pursuant to this subsection (d) until such time as the next regular replacement of the previously issued plate is scheduled; provided, that a person previously issued a Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plate may request a redesigned Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked plate, if issued, at the time of their next regular renewal.
(D) If Niswonger Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates are subsequently deemed obsolete pursuant to § 55-4-202(g)(1) , then the determination also applies to all Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center new specialty earmarked plates previously issued.
(5) Notwithstanding § 55-4-202(g)(1) , the Niswonger Children's Hospital new specialty earmarked license plate authorized pursuant to this subsection (d) has until July 1, 2025, to meet the applicable minimum issuance requirements of § 55-4-202(g)(1) .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 804,s 43, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-404 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 50 / Section 55-50-404
Commercial driver license required
Status: in_force

(a) Except when operating under an instruction permit and accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver license valid for the vehicle being operated, no person may operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the person has been issued, and is in immediate possession of, a valid commercial driver license. (b) No person may be issued a commercial driver license before passing a written and driving test for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that complies with the minimum federal standards in 49 CFR Part 383, and has satisfied all other federal requirements, as well as any other requirements imposed by state law. The tests shall be prescribed and conducted by the department. (c) A commercial driver license may be issued only to a person who operates or will operate commercial motor vehicles and who is domiciled in this state; provided, that a commercial driver certificate may be issued to a person who operates or will operate a commercial motor vehicle and is not domiciled in a state that issues a commercial driver license in accordance with 49 CFR Part 383. (d) A commercial driver license may not be issued to a person during a period in which the person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or while the person's driver license is suspended, revoked or cancelled in any state; nor may a commercial driver license be issued to a person unless the person first surrenders all previously issued driver licenses, either commercial or noncommercial, issued by any state. The department shall electronically notify the state of issuance that the license has been turned into the department and should be cancelled. (e) (1) The department shall waive the knowledge test required by subsection (b) to obtain a temporary commercial learner's permit upon application for a permit by an applicant who certifies on the application, and submits supporting documentation as required in subdivision (e)(3), that the applicant: (A) Is or was regularly employed and designated as one (1) of the following positions or military occupational specialties during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application: (i) A motor transport operator - 88M (Army); (ii) A PATRIOT launching station operator - 14T (Army); (iii) A fueler - 92F (Army); (iv) A vehicle operator - 2T1 (Air Force); (v) A fueler - 2F0 (Air Force); (vi) A pavement and construction equipment operator - 3E2 (Air Force); (vii) A motor vehicle operator - 3531 (Marine Corps); or (viii) An equipment operator - E.O. (Navy); and (B) Was or is operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least one (1) year immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of application, in the case of an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves. (2) The applicant shall also certify that during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (A) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (B) Has not had a driver license suspended, revoked, or canceled in this state or another state; (C) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or another state; (D) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR 383.51(c) ; (E) Has not had a conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or another state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with a traffic accident; and (F) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault. (3) The application must be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (e)(1): (A) Military orders or other documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and current duty station assignment and a valid military identification card, if the applicant is an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves; or (B) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service, the applicant's certificate of release or discharge, including, but not limited to, a department of defense form 214 (DD 214), that shows dates of service and that the applicant received an honorable discharge or release. (4) An applicant who obtains the knowledge test waiver under this subsection (e) must successfully complete any applicable vision and skills tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 422, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.13 (Williams, § 2715.18); Acts 1973, ch. 224, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-706; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-106 , 55-7-404; Acts 1994, ch. 905, § 3; 1997 , ch. 179, § 3; 2005, ch. 235, § 4; 2009 , ch. 321, § 20.
(a) Except when operating under an instruction permit and accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver license valid for the vehicle being operated, no person may operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the person has been issued, and is in immediate possession of, a valid commercial driver license.
(b) No person may be issued a commercial driver license before passing a written and driving test for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that complies with the minimum federal standards in 49 CFR Part 383, and has satisfied all other federal requirements, as well as any other requirements imposed by state law. The tests shall be prescribed and conducted by the department.
(c) A commercial driver license may be issued only to a person who operates or will operate commercial motor vehicles and who is domiciled in this state; provided, that a commercial driver certificate may be issued to a person who operates or will operate a commercial motor vehicle and is not domiciled in a state that issues a commercial driver license in accordance with 49 CFR Part 383.
(d) A commercial driver license may not be issued to a person during a period in which the person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or while the person's driver license is suspended, revoked or cancelled in any state; nor may a commercial driver license be issued to a person unless the person first surrenders all previously issued driver licenses, either commercial or noncommercial, issued by any state. The department shall electronically notify the state of issuance that the license has been turned into the department and should be cancelled.
(e) (1) The department shall waive the knowledge test required by subsection (b) to obtain a temporary commercial learner's permit upon application for a permit by an applicant who certifies on the application, and submits supporting documentation as required in subdivision (e)(3), that the applicant: (A) Is or was regularly employed and designated as one (1) of the following positions or military occupational specialties during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application: (i) A motor transport operator - 88M (Army); (ii) A PATRIOT launching station operator - 14T (Army); (iii) A fueler - 92F (Army); (iv) A vehicle operator - 2T1 (Air Force); (v) A fueler - 2F0 (Air Force); (vi) A pavement and construction equipment operator - 3E2 (Air Force); (vii) A motor vehicle operator - 3531 (Marine Corps); or (viii) An equipment operator - E.O. (Navy); and (B) Was or is operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least one (1) year immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of application, in the case of an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves. (2) The applicant shall also certify that during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (A) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (B) Has not had a driver license suspended, revoked, or canceled in this state or another state; (C) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or another state; (D) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR 383.51(c) ; (E) Has not had a conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or another state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with a traffic accident; and (F) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault. (3) The application must be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (e)(1): (A) Military orders or other documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and current duty station assignment and a valid military identification card, if the applicant is an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves; or (B) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service, the applicant's certificate of release or discharge, including, but not limited to, a department of defense form 214 (DD 214), that shows dates of service and that the applicant received an honorable discharge or release. (4) An applicant who obtains the knowledge test waiver under this subsection (e) must successfully complete any applicable vision and skills tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee.
(1) The department shall waive the knowledge test required by subsection (b) to obtain a temporary commercial learner's permit upon application for a permit by an applicant who certifies on the application, and submits supporting documentation as required in subdivision (e)(3), that the applicant: (A) Is or was regularly employed and designated as one (1) of the following positions or military occupational specialties during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application: (i) A motor transport operator - 88M (Army); (ii) A PATRIOT launching station operator - 14T (Army); (iii) A fueler - 92F (Army); (iv) A vehicle operator - 2T1 (Air Force); (v) A fueler - 2F0 (Air Force); (vi) A pavement and construction equipment operator - 3E2 (Air Force); (vii) A motor vehicle operator - 3531 (Marine Corps); or (viii) An equipment operator - E.O. (Navy); and (B) Was or is operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least one (1) year immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of application, in the case of an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves.
(A) Is or was regularly employed and designated as one (1) of the following positions or military occupational specialties during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application: (i) A motor transport operator - 88M (Army); (ii) A PATRIOT launching station operator - 14T (Army); (iii) A fueler - 92F (Army); (iv) A vehicle operator - 2T1 (Air Force); (v) A fueler - 2F0 (Air Force); (vi) A pavement and construction equipment operator - 3E2 (Air Force); (vii) A motor vehicle operator - 3531 (Marine Corps); or (viii) An equipment operator - E.O. (Navy); and
(i) A motor transport operator - 88M (Army);
(ii) A PATRIOT launching station operator - 14T (Army);
(iii) A fueler - 92F (Army);
(iv) A vehicle operator - 2T1 (Air Force);
(v) A fueler - 2F0 (Air Force);
(vi) A pavement and construction equipment operator - 3E2 (Air Force);
(vii) A motor vehicle operator - 3531 (Marine Corps); or
(viii) An equipment operator - E.O. (Navy); and
(B) Was or is operating a commercial motor vehicle in the United States armed forces that is representative of the license class and endorsement for which the person is applying, for at least one (1) year immediately preceding separation or discharge from the armed forces, in the case of an honorably discharged member, or for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of application, in the case of an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves.
(2) The applicant shall also certify that during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant: (A) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license; (B) Has not had a driver license suspended, revoked, or canceled in this state or another state; (C) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or another state; (D) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR 383.51(c) ; (E) Has not had a conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or another state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with a traffic accident; and (F) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault.
(A) Has not had more than one (1) driver license, except for a valid military commercial driver license;
(B) Has not had a driver license suspended, revoked, or canceled in this state or another state;
(C) Has not had any convictions while operating any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in 49 CFR 383.51(b) , and has not lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, or been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, in this state or another state;
(D) Has not had more than one (1) conviction while operating any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations as defined in § 55-50-102 or contained in 49 CFR 383.51(c) ;
(E) Has not had a conviction for a violation of any military or state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control in this or another state, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with a traffic accident; and
(F) Has no record of an accident in which the applicant was at fault.
(3) The application must be accompanied by the following documentation establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and driving experience as indicated in subdivision (e)(1): (A) Military orders or other documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and current duty station assignment and a valid military identification card, if the applicant is an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves; or (B) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service, the applicant's certificate of release or discharge, including, but not limited to, a department of defense form 214 (DD 214), that shows dates of service and that the applicant received an honorable discharge or release.
(A) Military orders or other documentation acceptable to the department establishing the applicant's military occupational specialty and current duty station assignment and a valid military identification card, if the applicant is an active duty service member or a member of the national guard or the armed forces reserves; or
(B) If the applicant is honorably discharged from military service, the applicant's certificate of release or discharge, including, but not limited to, a department of defense form 214 (DD 214), that shows dates of service and that the applicant received an honorable discharge or release.
(4) An applicant who obtains the knowledge test waiver under this subsection (e) must successfully complete any applicable vision and skills tests, and pay the appropriate fees, other than the skills testing fee.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 422, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1939, ch. 205, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.13 (Williams, § 2715.18); Acts 1973, ch. 224, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-706; Acts 1988, ch. 584, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-106 , 55-7-404; Acts 1994, ch. 905, § 3; 1997 , ch. 179, § 3; 2005, ch. 235, § 4; 2009 , ch. 321, § 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-110 — TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 16 / Section 55-16-110
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Acts 2018, ch. 850, § 3; 2019, ch. 209, §§6, 7; repealed by its own terms, effective 7/1/2020.