reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 2 - MOTOR VEHICLE CHOP SHOP ACT OF 2000 (§§ 55-5-201 — 55-5-206) › Section 55-5-205 - Forfeiture of property

(a)
If the state meets its burden of proof, any tool, implement, or instrumentality used:
(1)
To alter, destroy, disassemble, dismantle, or reassemble a stolen motor vehicle or stolen motor vehicle component parts;
(2)
To alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, forge, obliterate, or remove the motor vehicle identification number; or
(3)
In the transportation, disposal, or sale of stolen motor vehicles or stolen motor vehicle component parts,
shall be forfeited in accordance with this part.
(b)
The district attorney general in the county in which the seizure occurs shall bring an action for forfeiture in either chancery or circuit court. The forfeiture action shall be brought within sixty (60) days from the date of seizure.
(c)
The clerk of the court shall give notice of the forfeiture proceedings by mailing a certified copy of the complaint in the forfeiture proceedings and instructions on how the action for forfeiture may be contested to each person whose right, title, or interest is of record.
(d)
Notice of the proceedings shall be given to any other person as may appear from the facts and circumstances to have any right, title or interest in or to the property.
(e)
The owner of the property, or any person claiming an ownership or security interest, may within fourteen (14) days after the certified mailing of the notice, file a verified answer to the complaint and may appear at the hearing on the action for forfeiture.
(f)
The district attorney general shall prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the property was used in the commission of a violation of this part, or was possessed to facilitate the violation.
(g)
Failure to carry the burden of proof shall operate as a bar to any forfeiture, and the property shall be immediately returned to the person in possession.
(h)
If the state meets its burden of proof, the court may order that:
(1)
The property be destroyed by the agency that seized it or by some other agency designated by the court;
(2)
The property be retained for use by the seizing agency in furtherance of vehicle theft investigations; or
(3)
The property be sold and the proceeds are to be used by the seizing agency for vehicle theft investigations only.
(i)
Notwithstanding subsection (h), if property is forfeited pursuant to this section and a person claiming a security interest has filed an answer as required by subsection (e), the property shall be forfeited subject to the secured party's interest.
(j)
If the property was seized as a result of a joint operation between two (2) or more agencies, the proceeds will be divided between all agencies.
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 2 - MOTOR VEHICLE CHOP SHOP ACT OF 2000 (§§ 55-5-201 — 55-5-206) › Section 55-5-206 - Civil remedies

(a)
Any district attorney general, insurer, or other aggrieved person may institute civil proceedings against any person in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking relief from conduct constituting a violation of this part, §
55-5-111
, or §
55-5-112
, or if the plaintiff in the proceedings proves the alleged violation by a preponderance of the evidence, the court, after due provision for the rights of innocent persons, may grant relief by entering the appropriate order or judgment, to include, but not be limited to, threefold the actual damages sustained by the person.
(b)
Obtaining civil remedy under this section shall not preclude obtaining any other civil or criminal remedy under either this part or any other law. Civil remedies under this section are supplemental and not mutually exclusive.
(c)
Any civil remedies under this section are separate to any restitution ordered by the court in the criminal proceedings.
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 6 - FEES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS UNDER TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW - DISPOSITION OF FUNDS (§§ 55-6-101 — 55-6-110) › Section 55-6-102 - Fees returnable - Causes

(a)
Whenever any application to the department or any county clerk is accompanied by any fee as required by law, and the application is refused or rejected, the fee shall be returned to the applicant.
(b)
Whenever the department, or any county clerk of the state, through error, collects any fee not required to be paid hereunder, the fee shall be refunded to the person paying the fee upon application made within six (6) months after the date of the payment.
(c)
Whenever the department declines to issue a certificate of title to any purchaser of a motor vehicle required to be registered hereunder, the applicant may, if the applicant has already applied for and received a registration of the motor vehicle, at any time within five (5) days from receipt of formal notice that the applicant's application for a certificate of title has been rejected, surrender the applicant's certificate of registration and registration plate or plates issued for the motor vehicle to the county clerk from whom they were purchased and be thereby entitled to an immediate refund of all the fees paid by the applicant for the registration of the motor vehicle, except, however, that the applicant shall not be entitled to any part of fees paid to the county clerk by virtue of §
55-4-208
.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 91 (Williams, § 5538.191); impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §59-602; Acts 2007 , ch. 484, § 75.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 6 - FEES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS UNDER TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW - DISPOSITION OF FUNDS (§§ 55-6-101 — 55-6-110) › Section 55-6-103 - Disposition of fees

(a)
All fees collected by the department by the terms of this chapter and chapter 2 of this title shall be for the benefit of the state and the same when so collected shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.
(b)
All fees required to be paid to the clerks of the various counties shall, unless otherwise specifically provided, be retained by the clerk and handled in the same manner as all other fees collected by the clerk for the clerk's benefit.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 92 (Williams, § 5538.192); Acts 1963, ch. 270, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-603; Acts 1993, ch. 327, § 11; 1995, ch. 305, § 112; 1999, ch. 98, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 6 - FEES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS UNDER TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW - DISPOSITION OF FUNDS (§§ 55-6-101 — 55-6-110) › Section 55-6-106 - Reports by department to state treasurer - Remission of moneys

The department on or before the tenth day of each month, shall report and remit to the state treasurer all moneys so received during the preceding month by the department from the county clerks without any deduction on account of salaries, fees, costs, expenses, or claims, of any description whatsoever.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 65 (Williams, § 5538.165); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-606.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 6 - FEES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS UNDER TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW - DISPOSITION OF FUNDS (§§ 55-6-101 — 55-6-110) › Section 55-6-108 - Fines and penalties - Transmittal and expenditure - Enforcement of collection

(a)
All fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds imposed or collected under chapters 1-6 of this title shall be paid over immediately after receipt thereof to the commissioner, with an accompanying statement setting forth the action or proceedings in which these moneys were collected, the name and residence of the defendant, the nature of the offense and fines, penalty, forfeiture or sentence, if any, imposed.
(b)
The commissioner is empowered, in the name of the state, to take all steps necessary to enforce the collection and prompt return of all fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds, and the fines, penalties and forfeitures of bonds, when so collected, shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 67 (Williams, § 5538.167); Acts 1957, ch. 348, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1963, ch. 195, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-608.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 6 - FEES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS UNDER TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW - DISPOSITION OF FUNDS (§§ 55-6-101 — 55-6-110) › Section 55-6-109 - Transfer of registration of title acquired as a result of death of spouse

Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding in chapters 1-6 of this title, no fee, charge, or other cost shall be charged or assessed against any person who acquires title to a motor vehicle as a result of the death of the spouse of this person, if application to transfer ownership and registration is made within one (1) year from the date of the spouse's death.
Acts 1972, ch. 627, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-609.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 6 - FEES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS UNDER TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW - DISPOSITION OF FUNDS (§§ 55-6-101 — 55-6-110) › Section 55-6-110 - No fee, charge or other cost to be charged or assessed against OEM headquarters company vehicle titling or registration

Notwithstanding chapters 1-6 of this title to the contrary, no fee, charge or other cost otherwise applicable under chapters 1-6 of this title shall be charged or assessed against any OEM headquarters company in connection with the titling or registration of any OEM headquarters company vehicle.
Acts 2009, ch. 530, § 125.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-101 - Operation of vehicles injurious to highways must conform to regulations

No vehicle, truck, engine, or tractor of any kind, whether the vehicle be propelled by steam, gasoline, or otherwise, shall be permitted to operate upon any street, road, highway, or other public thoroughfare that, either by reason of its weight or the character of its wheels, will materially injure the surface or foundation of the street, road, highway, public thoroughfare, including the bridges thereon, unless and until the owner or operator of the vehicle of any kind has complied with the rules and regulations that may be prescribed by the departments of transportation and safety relating to the use of the highways by those vehicles.
Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 1; 1925, ch. 130, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 1616a2; Code 1932, § 2703; Acts 1945, ch. 165, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2703; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1101, 55-11-101.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-102 - Regulations governing equipment of wheels to protect surface and foundation of roadways

The department of transportation is empowered to prescribe by regulations the manner in which the wheels of vehicles shall be equipped in order to protect the surface and foundation of streets, roads and highways, including bridges, on the roadways.
Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a3; Code 1932, § 2704; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2704; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1102, 55-11-102.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-103 - Reduction of maximum weight - Notice

(a)
From January 15 to April 15 of each year, and at any other time when, by reason of repairs, weather conditions, or recent construction of the road, the maximum weight permitted would damage the road, the department of transportation may specify any lower maximum weight that, in the discretion of the department, is necessary in order to protect the streets, roads, highways, or other public thoroughfares from unnecessary injury or damage.
(b)
Notice of a reduction in weight of load shall be given by the department by posters posted at the termini of the road and all detours for one (1) week before the reduction of load becomes effective.
Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 1616a4; Code 1932, § 2705; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2705; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1103, 55-11-103.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-104 - Penalty for violation of preceding sections

Anyone who drives or causes to be driven any vehicle upon any public thoroughfare in violation of §§
55-7-101
- 55-7-103, or in violation of regulations duly issued thereunder, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 3; 1925, ch. 130, § 3; Shan. Supp., § 1616a5; Code 1932, § 2706; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2706; Acts 1953, ch. 3, § 4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1104, 55-11-104; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-105 - Arrest of violators - Trial - Reduction of overload before moving vehicle - Penalty

(a)
It is the duty of any officer authorized by law to make arrests, when that officer detects any person engaged in the violation of any of the provisions of §§
55-7-101
- 55-7-103, or regulations issued thereunder, immediately to place in custody and take the person at once before the nearest judge of the court of general sessions for trial, and it is not lawful for any person to move the vehicle overloaded in violation of §§
55-7-101
- 55-7-103 until the load has been reduced so as to comply with the provisions or a special permit has been obtained.
(b)
The failure of the driver or the owner of the vehicle promptly to comply with these provisions is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 1616a6; Code 1932, § 2707; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2707; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1105, 55-11-105; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-106 - Liability for damages to highways - Suit by district attorney general

The owner of any vehicle driven upon the public thoroughfare, in violation of any of §§
55-7-101
- 55-7-105, or regulations issued thereunder, shall also be liable in an action for damages caused to these public thoroughfares, the action to be prosecuted in the name of the state by the district attorney general of the district in which the violation occurs.
Acts 1921, ch. 177, § 4; Acts 1925, ch. 130, § 5; Shan. Supp., § 1616a7; Code 1932, § 2708; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2708; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1106, 59-11-106.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-107 - Vehicles hauling timber, pulpwood or logs - Securing of loads

(a)
When timber, pulpwood, or logs are hauled upon a truck, tractor-trailer, or tractor-semitrailer combination, with a rated capacity of more than three-fourths (3/4) of a ton, every length of timber, pulpwood, or logs shall be securely fastened with either two (2) chains rated not less than three-eighths inch (3/8") proof coil, or two (2) wire rope cables of not less than three-eighths inch (3/8") diameter or any combination of the minimum size chain or cable, or two (2) nylon straps equivalent in tensile strength to the minimum size chain or cable.
(b)
If the length of the timber, pulpwood, or logs hauled exceeds thirty-five feet (35'), every length shall be securely fastened with three (3) chains or cables, as described in subsection (a), or a combination of chains and cables, or three (3) nylon straps equivalent in tensile strength to the minimum size chain or cable.
Acts 1957, ch. 356, § 1; 1974, ch. 745, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1118; Acts 1985, ch. 45, § 1; T.C.A., § 55-11-107; Acts 1995, ch. 253, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-108 - Log trucks - Improper fastening of load - Penalty

Any owner, operator, or other person having control over the loading of log trucks, who hauls logs or permits the hauling of logs in violation of §
55-7-107
commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1957, ch. 356, § 2; T.C.A., §§ 59-1119, 55-11-108; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-109 - Loose material hauled in open truck bed - Restrictions - Penalties for violations - Exceptions

(a)
Any truck, or other motor vehicle, with an open bed, that is operated on any highway, road, or street open for public use in this state, shall be loaded so that any loose material transported in truck or other motor vehicle remains at least four inches (4") below the walls of the open bed, measured at the front, back and sidewalls; but the load may be piled higher in the center of the open bed. "Loose material" includes any substance that could spill, drop off, or blow away from the open bed when the vehicle is operated. "Loose material" does not include materials such as sand or salt that are purposely discharged from truck beds to clear roadways or improve traction, and does not include water sprayed on streets for purposes of sanitation.
(b)
(1)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(2)
A charge for violation of this section shall be brought against the hauler whose vehicle is found in violation; however, the hauler may recoup one-half (1/2) of the fine from the producer or loader of the material hauled in violation of this section.
(c)
As used in this section, "hauler" includes both the owner and the driver of a vehicle, and both parties shall be jointly liable. Only one (1) fine shall be imposed on a hauler, regardless of a difference between ownership and operation, and the party or parties paying the fine shall have a right of recoupment against the producer or loader either in whole or in accordance with the producer's or loader's share of payment.
(d)
(1)
This section shall not include farm produce going to market.
(2)
This section shall not apply to motor vehicles which transport crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, forest products, unfinished lumber, agricultural lime and agricultural products and that are loaded in compliance with the four-inch requirement of this section. The exemption shall not apply to any load if any law enforcement officer sees any part of this material blowing off the vehicle.
Acts 1977, ch. 54, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1120; Acts 1986, ch. 852, § 2; T.C.A., § 55-11-109; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-110 - Front axle weight

Whenever a vehicle is weighed by the state, a weight measurement shall also be made under just the front axle.
Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 9; T.C.A., § 55-11-110.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-111 - Varying locations for portable scales

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the portable scales and those permanent scales not on interstate highways operated by the state shall be used at varying times and at varying locations, for the portable scales, in order to avoid the establishment of any pattern of enforcement that would encourage avoidance of the legal obligations imposed by this title.
Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 12; T.C.A., § 55-11-111.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-112 - Rules concerning equipment and routes

The commissioner of transportation is authorized to promulgate rules not inconsistent with federal law:
(1)
Regulating the equipment required for vehicles as a condition to using the system of state highways to assure safety of motorists; and
(2)
Establishing particular highways upon which commercial motor vehicles may operate.
Acts 1983, ch. 319, § 9; T.C.A., § 55-11-112.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-113 - Identification of vehicles hauling loose material required - Exception

Any vehicle hauling loose material, except farm produce, as defined in §
55-7-109
, shall have affixed, stenciled, or painted on the rear of the vehicle a sign or placard bearing the name of the owner of the vehicle in letters at least six inches (6") in height, clearly visible to a motorist following the vehicle, and an additional identifying number if the owner has more than one (1) such vehicle.
Acts 1988, ch. 712, § 1; T.C.A., § 55-11-113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-114 - Safety chains for trailers - Penalty - Exceptions

(a)
In addition to any other attachment, any trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer operated on the highways of Tennessee shall be attached to the towing vehicle by a chain, securely attached to both vehicles, and reasonably capable of maintaining the attachment in the event of failure by any other attachment device.
(b)
The responsibility for providing safety chains for trailers rented, leased, or loaned to farmers by persons customarily doing so for the haulage of farm supplies or crops shall be with the person so renting, leasing, or loaning the trailer.
(c)
Failure to comply with this section shall subject the offender to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) on a first offense, that may be submitted by the offender to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense in the county in which the offense charged was alleged to have been committed, in lieu of appearance in court by the offender. On second and subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
(d)
(1)
This section does not apply to farm implements used in tillage, harvesting, or seeding, if the implements were not equipped at the time of manufacture with safety chains, and if the implements are being towed on state or local roads at a speed of less than twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph), except this exemption shall not apply to farm trailers.
(2)
This section also does not apply to any motor vehicle with an attached gooseneck type trailer or semitrailer with a fifth wheel.
Acts 1988, ch. 668, § 1; T.C.A., § 55-11-114.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-115 - Vehicles exclusively transporting seed cotton modules

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (d), a single motor vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules shall not exceed a width of one hundred eight inches (108") when operated on any highway designated by the department of transportation, and shall not exceed a width of one hundred two inches (102") when operated on any highway not so designated.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (d), a single motor vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules may exceed the limitation on length provided for a single vehicle by §
55-7-201
, but may not exceed a length of fifty-three feet (53').
(c)
Except as provided by subsection (d), a single motor vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules may exceed the limitation on weight provided for a single vehicle, but the load on any one (1) axle may not exceed twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.), the tandem axle load may not exceed thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.) without van-type cover, thirty-nine thousand four hundred pounds (39,400 lbs.) with van-type cover, and the overall gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles may not exceed fifty-nine thousand four hundred pounds (59,400 lbs.).
(d)
A vehicle may not be operated on the national system of interstate and defense highways if it exceeds the maximum size or weight authorized by
23 U.S.C. § 127
.
Acts 1989, ch. 330, § 1; 1991, ch. 226, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-116 - Criteria for selecting truck weigh-inspection station sites

The department of transportation shall use the following criteria to select the site of truck weigh-inspection stations:
(1)
Ability to intercept maximum number of trucks;
(2)
Resistance to being bypassed by trucks;
(3)
Proximity of services;
(4)
Cost of construction of and right-of-way to the station;
(5)
Avoidance of adverse alignment of the through lanes;
(6)
Adequate spacing from interchanges and bridges;
(7)
Effect on environment; and
(8)
Facilitation of enforcement.
Acts 1992, ch. 756, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-117 - Use of engine compression braking devices

(a)
Truck tractors and semitrailers, as defined in §
55-8-101
, shall not use an engine compression braking device, unless the engine compression braking device is equipped with an operational, approved muffler.
(b)
As used in this section, "approved muffler" means any muffler that complies with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on noise emissions, compiled in
49 CFR 325.1
et seq.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)
Any local or municipal government may request that the department of transportation place signage within the local or municipal government's jurisdiction, to effectuate the purposes of this section within its jurisdiction. The erection of these signs shall be within the guidelines prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The department of transportation shall have the authority to develop appropriate signage, sign usage, and manufacture and installation guidelines regarding the signs. The local or municipal government shall remit to the department of transportation the cost of the manufacture and installation of the signs. The payment shall be made prior to any expenditure by the state for the manufacture or installation of the signs. The department shall return any unused portion of the estimated cost to the local or municipal government paying for the signs within thirty (30) days of the erection of the signs. If the local cost exceeds the estimated cost, an amount equal to the difference in such costs shall be remitted to the department within thirty (30) days of the local or municipal government receiving an itemized invoice of the actual cost from the department.
(e)
The commissioner of transportation 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.
Acts 2005, ch. 405, § 1 - 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-118 - Use of state funds to enforce electronic logging regulations prohibited

No state funds shall be expended to enforce electronic logging regulations against any motor vehicle transporting nonhazardous materials for farm purposes that does not travel outside the boundaries of the state.
Acts 2018, ch. 733, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-119) › Section 55-7-119 - Sergeant Chris Jenkins Law - Safe transport of ladders on public roadways

(a)
This section is known and may be cited as the "Sergeant Chris Jenkins Law."
(b)
A person who operates a motor vehicle upon a public roadway while transporting a ladder on the motor vehicle or in an open bed or trailer commits an offense if the ladder falls onto the roadway and causes or contributes to a motor vehicle accident.
(c)
This section does not alter or amend any requirements in §
65-15-111
pertaining to additional requirements for commercial motor vehicles.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, except, that if death or bodily injury results from the motor vehicle accident, then a violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 2 - WEIGHT AND LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS (§§ 55-7-201 — 55-7-209) › Section 55-7-204 - Buses - Length limitations - Trailers on school buses prohibited

(a)
A bus with a length of not more than forty-five feet (45') may be operated on a highway of this state.
(b)
(1)
No bus with a trailer attached, the total length of which combination, including any part of the body or load, exceeds sixty-five feet (65') shall be operated on any highway.
(2)
No school bus as defined in §
55-8-101
transporting children to or from school or for extracurricular activities shall be operated on any highway with a trailer attached.
Acts 1953, ch. 32, § 1 (Williams, § 2710.5); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 59-1110, 55-11-204; Acts 1992, ch. 534, § 1; 2010, ch. 991, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 2 - WEIGHT AND LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS (§§ 55-7-201 — 55-7-209) › Section 55-7-207 - Exception from length and weight requirements for public transit systems

(a)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "publicly owned transit system" means a system of vehicles, designed to carry all persons who desire to use the system, over designated routes within a designated area, which is owned or operated by a county or municipality, incorporated or existing under the laws of Tennessee, or any combination thereof, with any other county or counties, municipality or municipalities, intrastate or interstate, or its or their agencies or instrumentalities, including a transit authority created pursuant to title 7, chapter 56 or other operating or management organization created by any such county, municipality or combination for the purpose of managing a public transportation system.
(b)
(1)
Section
55-7-202
, other than the limitation on height, and §
55-7-204
, shall not be applicable to buses owned or operated by publicly owned transit systems as defined above; provided, that the width and weight limitations of
23 U.S.C. § 127
, as amended, shall not be exceeded.
(2)
Subdivision (b)(1) shall apply on all public roads in any county in which is provided by the publicly-owned transit system regularly scheduled public mass transportation service.
(c)
This section shall apply only to buses owned and/or operated by a publicly owned transit system that itself is an agency of a metropolitan government or county or municipality whose population according to the 1970 census exceeds four hundred thousand (400,000) but is less than eight hundred thousand (800,000).
Acts 1980, ch. 808, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 55-11-207.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 7 - SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD (§§ 55-7-101 — 55-7-209) › Part 2 - WEIGHT AND LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS (§§ 55-7-201 — 55-7-209) › Section 55-7-208 - Twin trailer trucks

(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, twin trailer trucks conforming to §
55-7-201
shall be permitted to operate on the interstate system and other federal-aid highways designated by the commissioner of transportation. Within the limitations as provided in this chapter, any such twin trailer truck may use and must confine itself to the shortest reasonable route to and from the interstate system, other designated highways, and terminals; or in the case of household goods carriers, to and from points of loading and unloading; or, where these twin trailers are manufactured or assembled within the state, from the place of manufacture or assembly, to the highways upon which the truck is permitted to operate by this chapter. Access to facilities in interchange areas adjoining these highways for food, fuel, repairs and rest shall not be denied.
(b)
The state department, county or municipal agency or department having present authority to designate uses of roads and highways within its jurisdiction has the authority to establish certain reasonable routes over which twin trailer trucks subject to the restrictions in subsection (a) must travel on the highways within the jurisdictional boundaries and control of that county or municipality in the interest of public safety, bearing in mind the need for safe, efficient interstate transportation. The state department, county or municipal agency or department having the authority to designate reasonable routes shall also consider maintenance cost of the routes and safety of the motoring public before designating the routes.
Acts 1982, ch. 912, § 2; 1983, ch. 319, § 8; T.C.A., § 55-11-208.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-102 - Provisions refer to vehicles upon highways - Exceptions

(a)
The provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, relating to the operation of vehicles, refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways, except where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section.
(b)
(1)
This chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title apply to the operation of motor vehicles upon streets, roads, and highways within federal reservations or under federal ownership and control if the following conditions exist:
(A)
The streets, roads or highways are generally open to public travel; and
(B)
The federal agency owning or controlling the streets, roads, or highways enters into an agreement with the county and/or municipality in which the same are located.
(2)
(A)
Whenever an agreement is entered into pursuant to subdivision (b)(1)(B), the agreement shall describe the streets, roads and highways affected.
(B)
The agreement shall be filed with the clerk of court having original jurisdiction to hear and decide violations of the traffic safety laws. Upon filing, the judge of the court may take judicial notice of the agreement.
(C)
The streets, roads, and highways covered by the agreement shall be considered public streets, roads, and highways of the state for purposes of enforcement of this chapter or chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-802; Acts 1988, ch. 631, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-103 - Required obedience to traffic laws - Penalty

It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title with respect to particular offenses, it is a Class C misdemeanor, for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter and chapter 10 of this title.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-803; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-104 - Obedience to police officers

(a)
No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 4; T.C.A., § 59-804; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-105 - Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles

Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except those provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title that by their very nature can have no application.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 5; T.C.A., § 59-805.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-106 - Public officers and employees - Exceptions

The provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title applicable to drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state or any county, city, town, district or any other political subdivision of the state, subject to specific exceptions as are set forth in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 95; T.C.A., § 59-806.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-107 - Persons working on highways - Exceptions

Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except those contained in §
55-10-205
, shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway or the adjacent right-of-way, but shall apply to these persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. This section shall not relieve the driver of a motor vehicle or equipment covered by this section from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, all as provided by law.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 6; T.C.A., § 59-807; Acts 2002, ch. 740, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-109 - Obedience to any required traffic-control device

(a)
The driver of any vehicle and the operator of any streetcar shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter.
(b)
(1)
No provision of this chapter for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official sign is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person.
(2)
Whenever a particular section does not state that signs are required, that section shall be effective even though no signs are erected or in place.
(c)
For purposes of this section, "traffic or police officer" means every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations or a person licensed under title 62, chapter 35, or authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to §
38-8-116(b)
, who is retired in good standing from being a commissioned, POST-certified law enforcement officer and who has notified the chief law enforcement officer in the jurisdiction where the retired officer will be directing or regulating traffic at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, or as soon as possible in the event of an emergency, prior to performing traffic control functions in such jurisdiction.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 679, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 8; T.C.A., § 59-809; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2012 , ch. 859, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-111 - Pedestrian-control signals

Whenever special pedestrian-control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Wait" or "Don't Walk" are in place, these signals shall indicate as follows:
(1)
Walk.
Pedestrians facing the signals may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles; and
(2)
Wait or Don't Walk.
No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed crossing on the walk signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the wait signal is showing.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 10; T.C.A., § 59-811.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-112 - Flashing signals

(a)
Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:
(1)
Flashing red (stop signal).
When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, and the light is clearly visible for a sufficient distance ahead to permit stopping, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign; and
(2)
Flashing yellow (caution signal).
When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
(b)
This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by the rules as set forth in §
55-8-145
.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 11; T.C.A., § 59-812.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-113 - Display or sale of unauthorized signs, signals or markings

(a)
No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device that purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or that attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or that hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal.
(b)
No person shall sell or offer for sale any traffic control signal or device for use on any street, road, or highway in this state unless the device conforms to the requirements of this chapter.
(c)
No person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing any commercial advertising.
(d)
This section shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.
(e)
Every prohibited sign, signal or marking is declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway is empowered to remove the sign, signal or marking or cause it to be removed without notice.
(f)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 12; 1978, ch. 671, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-813; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-114 - Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals

(a)
No person shall, without lawful authority, attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield or insignia or other part of the device, sign or signal.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 13; T.C.A., § 59-814; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-115 - Driving on right side of roadway - Exceptions

(a)
Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1)
When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;
(2)
When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
(3)
Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under the applicable rules thereon; or
(4)
Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
(b)
Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 14; T.C.A., § 59-815.