reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-108 - Registration certificate to be carried in vehicle or on driver's person - Display - Exception

(a)
Every certificate of registration shall at all times be carried in the vehicle to which it refers or shall be carried by the person driving, or in control of the vehicle, who shall display the certificate upon demand of any officer or employee of the department. The owner may, in order to ensure its safekeeping, provide a duplicate or facsimile of the certificate of registration to be kept in the vehicle for display by any person who may legally operate the vehicle under the owner's registration.
(b)
The provision of subsection (a) requiring that a certificate of registration be carried in the vehicle to which it refers, or by the person driving the vehicle, shall not apply when the certificate of registration is used for the purpose of making application for renewal of registration or upon a transfer of the vehicle.
(c)
For purposes of any vehicle operating as part of a platoon, as defined by §
55-8-101
, the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the certificate of registration is at all times carried in the first or lead vehicle in the platoon.
(d)
For purposes of an ADS-operated vehicle, as defined by §
55-30-102
, the requirements of subsection (a) are satisfied if the certificate of registration is at all times carried in or available electronically through, the vehicle to which it refers.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474,s 1, eff. 6/6/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 171,s 1, eff. 4/24/2017.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 44 (Williams, § 5538.144); Acts 1961, ch. 292, § 1; 1972, ch. 540, § 10; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-408; Acts 2003, ch. 2, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-109 - Number of plates - Issuance

In registering any motor vehicle, the county clerk shall cause to be issued one (1) registration plate.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 45 (Williams, § 5538.145); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 6; 1955, ch. 52, § 4; 1959, ch. 26, § 1; 1975, ch. 128, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-409.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-114 - Maximum gross weight and ownership displayed on certain vehicles

(a)
The declared maximum gross weight, including motor vehicle and load, shall be painted with durable paint in letters and figures.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall be construed as a grant of authority for the use on the public highways of the state of any motor vehicle that now is or may hereafter by law be prohibited from such use.
(c)
(1)
There shall be displayed on both sides of the power unit of each freight motor vehicle the name or trade name and address of the motor carrier under whose authority the vehicle is being operated, and an identifying company number of the vehicle; provided, the requirement for an identifying number shall not apply to a carrier owning and operating one (1) vehicle.
(2)
The display of name and number shall be in letters and figures in sharp color contrast to the background and be of a size, color, and shape that is readily legible during daylight hours, from a distance of fifty feet (50') while the vehicle is not in motion, and the display shall be kept and maintained in a manner as to remain so legible.
(3)
If desired, displays may be accomplished through use of a removable device so prepared and displayed as otherwise to meet the identification, legibility, and display location requirements of this subsection (c).
(4)
Nothing in this subsection (c) shall prohibit the display of any additional information that is not inconsistent with this subsection (c).
(5)
This subsection (c) shall not be applicable to vehicles having a licensed or actual weight of thirty-five thousand pounds (35,000 lbs.) or less and operating not for hire solely intrastate.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 85 (Williams, § 5538.185); Acts 1955, ch. 52, §§ 9, 13; 1955, ch. 109, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 9; 1973, ch. 326, § 8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-424; Acts 1999, ch. 289, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-118 - Transfer of registered vehicle by owner - Death of owner

(a)
Whenever the owner of a registered vehicle transfers or assigns the owner's title or interest to the vehicle, the registration of the vehicle shall expire.
(b)
The owner shall remove the registration plate or plates from the vehicle and may have the plates assigned to another vehicle, as provided in §
55-4-101
, except upon the death of the owner of a registered vehicle, the registration shall remain in effect until the end of the license year unless the ownership passes or is transferred to a person other than the surviving spouse before the end of that year.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 47 (Williams, § 5538.147); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 8; 1955, ch. 52, § 12; 1963, ch. 328, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-433.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-121 - Reciprocal agreements concerning nonresidents

(a)
The commissioner is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with proper officials of other states under which agreements motor vehicles of nonresident owners properly licensed and bearing license tags or plates of those states may be operated over the highways of this state, and without being registered or licensed in the state; provided, that this section shall not warrant the commissioner in entering into any agreement with the officials of any other state that does not grant like privileges to citizens of Tennessee operating motor vehicles in that state or states.
(b)
(1)
The commissioner may likewise enter into agreements or arrangements with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions relating to the proportional registration of commercial vehicles in interstate or combined interstate and intrastate commerce. The apportionment may be made on a basis commensurate with and determined on the miles traveled on and use made of the highways of this state as compared with the miles traveled on and use made of other jurisdictions' highways or any other equitable basis of apportionment. The commissioner may require that any remittance for proportional registration of commercial vehicles, pursuant to the agreements, be in the form of cash, cashier's check, certified check, or money order, and that any other remittance will be rejected and returned. The commissioner may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations as shall be necessary to effectuate and administer the provisions contained in this section.
(2)
The commissioner is further authorized to establish a system of registration renewals for these vehicles at alternative intervals during the calendar year that will allow for the distribution of the registration workload as uniformly as practicable throughout the year. This registration renewal system shall be established by rules promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 1937, ch. 242, § 1; 1943, ch. 58, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2680.48 (Williams, §§ 1152.7a, 5501.14a); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 504, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-436; Acts 1983, ch. 206, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1995, ch. 305, § 30; Acts 1996, ch. 649, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-122 - Interstate carriers - Registration costs - Regulations - Special handling fee

(a)
The commissioner is authorized and directed to apportion the costs of registration plates, as provided in §§
55-4-111
and
55-4-112
, to interstate motor carriers of passengers operating a fleet of two (2) or more vehicles under the authority of the interstate commerce commission, so that the total cost of such registration bears the same proportion to the registration costs provided in §§
55-4-111
and
55-4-112
as the total number of miles operated in Tennessee by the fleet of the carrier registered in Tennessee during the preceding year bears to the total number of miles operated by the fleet during that year.
(b)
The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this apportionment.
(c)
In addition to the costs of registration plates provided for in subsection (a), there shall be levied a special handling fee of four dollars ($4.00) on each vehicle registered within the state which is principally operated outside of this state and which is owned by a business entity, commercial enterprise or corporation which has its principal place of business outside of this state. All funds derived from the proceeds of this subsection (c) are directed to the county general fund and credited as fees collected by the county clerk.
Acts 1955, ch. 77, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; T.C.A., § 59-437; Acts 1989, ch. 300, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-123 - Rental trucks and truck tractors - Registration - Special handling fee

(a)
As used in this section, "rental" means the delivery of possession within this state for a unit for consideration for a period of less than thirty (30) days.
(b)
Owners of fleets of rental trucks and truck tractors may designate to the commissioner for allocation their respective rental fleets. Each such designation shall disclose the number of units in the owner's rental fleet. Each owner of a fleet of rental trucks and truck tractors so designated to the commissioner shall register in this state a proportional part of the owner's rental fleet, which proportional part shall be determined by dividing the mileage of all units in the designated fleet driven in this state during the year ending on the preceding August 31, by the total mileage of all units in the designated fleet during the same period.
(c)
No such fleet of trucks shall include less than five (5) units, and these fleets shall include only units maintained solely for rental purposes.
(d)
The commissioner may promulgate reasonable rules for the furnishing of data by owners of rental fleets respecting the units which constitute each rental fleet, the number of miles traveled in this state by units of each fleet, and the total mileage of all units in each designated fleet, in order to determine proper allocation of each rental fleet for registration in this state.
(e)
After the owner of a fleet of rental trucks has registered in this state, the number of units in the fleet that the commissioner has allocated for registration in this state according to this chapter, all units properly identified as belonging to the owner, and that shall be part of the owner's designated rental fleet, licensed in any state, territory, province, county, or the District of Columbia, shall be permitted to operate in this state on an interstate or an intrastate basis.
(f)
In addition to the costs of registration plates provided for in this section, there shall be levied a special handling fee of four dollars ($4.00) on each unit in the owner's rental fleet registered within the state that is principally operated outside of this state and that is owned by a business entity, commercial enterprise or corporation that has its principal place of business outside of this state. All funds derived from the proceeds of this subsection (f) are directed to the county general fund and credited as fees collected by the county clerk.
Acts 1972, ch. 698, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-465; Acts 1989, ch. 300, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-124 - Registration of vehicles hauling certain materials

(a)
Any vehicle, freight motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer or semitrailer or combinations of these vehicles that transports crushed stone, fill dirt and rock, soil, bulk sand, coal, clay, shale, phosphate muck, asphalt, concrete, other building materials, forest products, unfinished lumber, ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal, agricultural lime, liquid fertilizer, solid waste, coal ash and agricultural products shall be permitted to register as follows:
(1)
The vehicles hauling such products in a single unit motor vehicle having four (4) axles and designed to unload itself, with a gross weight not exceeding seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.) including the load thereon, shall be permitted to register as a Class 10 vehicle, or purchase the appropriate special zone tag; and
(2)
The vehicles hauling such products in a single unit motor vehicle having three (3) axles and designed to unload itself, with a gross weight not exceeding sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.) including the load thereon, shall be permitted to register as a Class 9 vehicle, or purchase the appropriate special zone tag.
(b)
If the commissioner of transportation is formally notified by an appropriate federal official that, as a result of any provision of this section, the state will lose federal funds, then the provision shall be void and inoperative.
(c)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as authorizing these vehicles to use that portion of the state highway system designated as the interstate system.
Acts 1982, ch. 953, § 1; 1983, ch. 319, § 2; 1987, ch. 152, § 1; 1987, ch. 153, §§ 1, 2; 1988, ch. 514, § 1; 1992, ch. 566, § 1; 1994, ch. 680, § 1; 1995, ch. 20, § 1; 1996, ch. 882, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-125 - Implementation of passenger motor vehicle registration or wheel tax incentive for participation in college savings plans

(a)
The department shall assist the board of trustees of the college savings trust fund program in the implementation of a passenger motor vehicle registration or wheel tax incentive established under §
49-7-805(4)
that shall include, but not be limited to, college savings plan incentive inserts in the department's motor vehicle registration notifications, providing college savings plan incentives information with any website renewal, sending other notifications about college savings incentives by electronic means, and providing information about college savings incentives through any other web-based means.
(b)
For any insert included in the mailing of renewal notices that causes the total postal weight to be over one ounce (1 oz.) as permitted by the United States postal service, the board of trustees of the college savings trust fund program shall pay the increased cost of mailing.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 400,s 10, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 27, eff. 5/13/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-126 - Permit fees designated for highway maintenance - Effect of loss of federal funds

(a)
All revenue received as a result of any permit fee provided for by §
55-7-205(h)(5)
shall be earmarked for highway maintenance.
(b)
A loss of federal funds as a result of any provision of chapter 953 of the Public Acts of 1982 shall render the provision void and inoperative.
Acts 1982, ch. 953, §§ 9, 10.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-127 - Exemptions for volunteer first aid or rescue squad vehicles

(a)
No person shall be required to obtain an annual registration certificate and license plates or to pay the fee prescribed therefor pursuant to this chapter for vehicles owned or used exclusively by volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crews or rescue squads; provided, that:
(1)
The vehicle is used exclusively as a lifesaving, rescue, or first-aid vehicle and is not rented, leased or loaned to any private individual, firm or corporation;
(2)
No charges are made by the organization for the use of the vehicles; and
(3)
The organization is chartered by the state as a volunteer, nonprofit organization.
(b)
The equipment must be painted a distinguishing color and conspicuously display in letters and figures, not less than three inches (3") in height, the identity of the volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crew or rescue squad having control of its operation; provided, that the equipment be used exclusively for lifesaving, first-aid, or rescue activities.
(c)
Before the equipment may be operated upon the highways of this state without license plates, there must be filed with the department a certification by the county clerk of the county in which the equipment is based, certifying a description of the equipment and the name of the lifesaving or first-aid crew, or rescue squad.
(d)
"Rescue squad," as used in this section, means only those persons or organizations who are members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, except that in counties having a population of six hundred thousand (600,000) or more, according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, "rescue squad" includes persons and organizations which meet the requirements of this section but who are not members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.
Acts 1984, ch. 966, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 39.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-128 - Emissions test grace period - Waiver

(a)
The owner of any motor vehicle who resides in any county in which the issuance or renewal of the certificate of registration, or any registration plates issued pursuant to chapters 1-6 of this title, or a city or county vehicle inspection sticker, for a motor vehicle depends upon the successful completion of a motor vehicle emissions test, shall be:
(1)
Given a grace period of thirty (30) days from the date fixed for issuance or renewal in which to effect necessary repairs and successfully complete the emissions test for any motor vehicle that does not successfully complete an emissions test administered prior to the date fixed for issuance or renewal, and repairs necessary to pass the test cannot be effected prior to that date;
(2)
Issued an inspection certificate by the motor vehicle emissions testing authority which shall state on its face the date the emissions test was administered and failed, and that a thirty-day grace period shall apply to that motor vehicle; and
(3)
The air pollution control board, created by §
68-201-104
, shall promulgate rules providing conditions under which owners of motor vehicles that do not successfully complete an emissions test may apply for waivers or variances. The rules may set appropriate conditions for waivers that are consistent with federal as well as state law and consider the expenditures made by the owner in order to come into compliance.
(b)
Possession of a duly authorized inspection certificate issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall be deemed possession of a valid certificate of registration, registration plate, and inspection sticker for the duration of the authorized grace period provided by subsection (a).
Acts 1985, ch. 339, § 1; 1995, ch. 153, § 1; 2004, ch. 926, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-129 - Unlawful removal of registration decal or plate

(a)
Unless lawfully transferred in accordance with this chapter, it is unlawful to willfully cut, clip or otherwise remove the registration decal from a registration plate, or to remove a registration plate from a motor vehicle if either are removed for the purpose of selling the decal or plate, attaching the decal or plate to another registration plate or motor vehicle, or otherwise using the decal or plate to circumvent or avoid the vehicle registration laws of this chapter.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1987, ch. 224, § 1; 1990, ch. 1030, § 39.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-131 - Notice of change of address

(a)
Whenever any person, after applying for or receiving a title or registration, moves from the address named in the application or title or registration, or when the name of an applicant is changed for any reason, the person shall within ten (10) days thereafter, notify the department of the change or changes.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, ch. 98, § 14.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-132 - Funding for computerized titling and registration system

(a)
In addition to all other fees provided for in this part, there is imposed an additional fee of one dollar ($1.00) on the registration of motor vehicles and the renewal of the registrations.
(b)
All revenues received from the fees shall be earmarked and used for the operation, maintenance, modernization, improvement, enhancement, or replacement of the titling and registration system. These revenues shall not be used to replace, displace, reduce or otherwise supplant any moneys budgeted for the titling and registration of motor vehicles.
(c)
All funds generated pursuant to this section shall be deposited in a special account earmarked solely for the purposes set forth in this section and any unused funds shall not revert to the general fund but shall be held in the account for these purposes. Such purposes shall also include the acquisition, maintenance, modernization, enhancement, or replacement of software or equipment and related necessary supplies used in the operation of the titling and registration system by the county clerks. All fees or payments under §
55-6-104(b)-(d)
shall be paid to the county clerks out of such funds.
(d)
The department shall submit reports on its progress to the transportation and safety committee of the senate and transportation committee of the house of representatives between July 1, 1999, and until the completion of the updated computerized titling and registration system. These reports shall be submitted quarterly to the transportation committees unless the department is otherwise directed by the committees.
(e)
The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall appear before the transportation committee of the house of representatives and the transportation and safety committee of the senate no later than March 1 annually to report the status of the computerized titling and registration system.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 718,s 4, eff. 4/16/2014.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236,Secs.s88, s90 eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 1999, ch. 459, § 1; 2004, ch. 660, §§ 4, 6; 2004, ch. 943, § 3; 2007, ch. 484, § 40; 2008, ch. 924, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-133 - Used oil and other automotive fluids collection and recycling - Definitions

(a)
To increase public knowledge of the availability of collection facilities for used oil and other automotive fluids and the benefits of recycling used oil and other automotive fluids, the department shall conduct a promotional campaign, including, but not limited to, the inclusion of information concerning the Used Oil Collection Act, pursuant to title 68, chapter 211, part 10, with motor vehicle registration renewal notices. This information shall include automotive fluid collection center locations and the toll-free telephone information number established by the department of environment and conservation pursuant to §
68-211-1005
. The department may include additional information as deemed appropriate by the department.
(b)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Automotive fluid collection center" has the same meaning as defined in §
68-211-1002
;
(2)
"Other automotive fluid" has the same meaning as defined in §
68-211-1002
; and
(3)
"Used oil" has the same meaning as defined in §
68-211-1002
.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 771,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2001, ch. 258, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 41.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-134 - Replica license plates

(a)
Any replica license plate manufactured or sold in this state purporting to be an official license plate previously issued by the state shall include the language "REPLICA" in at least twenty-four (24) point type on the face of the replica license plate.
(b)
A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 2005, ch. 84, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-135 - Registration of vehicles by owners performing full-time service in the military

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the owner of any motor vehicle who is performing full-time service in the military and who is stationed outside of the continental United States shall be given a grace period of thirty (30) days from the date of the owner's return to this state to renew the registration for any motor vehicle registered to the owner.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 183,s 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2005, ch. 401, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-136 - Registration of medium speed vehicles

(a)
Any vehicle that is not equipped with a windshield and that otherwise qualifies as a medium speed vehicle as defined in §
55-1-125
may be registered as a medium speed vehicle; provided, that while the vehicle is in operation upon any public road of this state, the operator and each passenger shall wear a helmet in accordance with §
55-9-302
and eye protection, including glasses containing impact resistant lenses, safety goggles, or a face shield.
(b)
Any vehicle described in subsection (a) shall be registered as a medium speed vehicle if the operator provides an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, on a form prescribed by the department certifying that the vehicle meets applicable safety standards and that the operator will otherwise comply with subsection (a).
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 871,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-137 - Exemption from registration fee for certain veteran or active-duty service members

Notwithstanding §
55-4-256
, §
55-4-257
, or any other provision of this chapter, a veteran or active-duty service member of the armed services is exempt from the regular registration fee prescribed under §
55-4-111
and any fee provided for in §
55-4-204(c)(1)
for a motor vehicle sold, given, or donated to the veteran or service member if:
(1)
The veteran or service member has a service-connected disability as described in
38 U.S.C. § 3901
;
(2)
The veteran or service member receives a grant from the United States department of veterans affairs, pursuant to
38 U.S.C. §§ 3901-3904
; and
(3)
The grant is used to provide or assist in providing the vehicle to the veteran or service member.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 606, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-138 - Evidence of vehicle registration in electronic format - Acceptable electronic formats

In addition to the provisions of §
55-12-139
authorizing a person to display evidence of financial responsibility through the use of electronic devices, a person may also display evidence of vehicle registration in electronic format. The electronic images shall state that the vehicle is properly registered and that a certificate of registration has been issued to the owner or operator of the vehicle. For purposes of this section, acceptable electronic formats include display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device. If a person displays the evidence in an electronic format pursuant to this section, the person is not consenting for law enforcement to access any other contents of the electronic device.
Acts 2018, ch. 606, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-139 - Designation of owner or lessee of motor vehicle as deaf or hard of hearing

(a)
At the time of initial application for the registration of a motor vehicle under this part, or upon renewal, an owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is deaf or hard of hearing may request that the department include such designation in the Tennessee Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS) database. The registrant's request must be accompanied by a physician's statement supporting the registrant's request for a deaf or hard of hearing designation. Upon receipt of such a request accompanied by a valid physician's statement, the department shall cause the registrant's deaf or hard of hearing status to be entered into the VTRS database, and ensure such designation is associated with the applicant's motor vehicle and registration.
(b)
Information submitted to the department under this section shall be supplied to law enforcement to assist in identifying the operator of the vehicle as possibly being deaf or hard of hearing. Information collected pursuant to this section shall only be available to law enforcement for the purpose of ensuring safe and efficient interactions between law enforcement and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and shall not be used for any other purpose.
(c)
All law enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of this title and emergency call takers and public safety dispatchers, as described in §
7-86-205
, shall receive instruction in the identification of deaf or hard of hearing designation included in the VTRS database as provided for in this section.
(d)
The commissioner is authorized to adopt policies and procedures as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section.
Acts 2018, ch. 735, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-140 - Exemption for member of volunteer fire department or volunteer local rescue squad

(a)
Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, is an active member of a volunteer fire department, and has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the regular registration fee imposed pursuant to §
55-4-111
, for only one (1) vehicle owned or used by the firefighter, upon the certification or sworn statement from the chief of the fire department to which the person is attached confirming the applicant is an active volunteer member, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (a), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (a) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under §
5-8-102
.
(b)
Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, is an active member of a volunteer local rescue squad, and has at least one (1) year of service shall be exempt, at the time of renewal, from the regular registration fee imposed pursuant to §
55-4-111
, for only one (1) vehicle owned or used by the member, upon certification or sworn statement from the captain of the local rescue squad to which the person is attached confirming the applicant is an active volunteer member, and upon compliance with state motor vehicle registration and licensing laws. In addition to the exemption provided by this subsection (b), the legislative body of a county is authorized to waive the motor vehicle tax for motor vehicles receiving an exemption under this subsection (b) from the registration fee if the waiver is approved in the same manner as the adoption of the motor vehicle tax under §
5-8-102
.
Acts 2018, ch. 923, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-141 - Authority of department of revenue to issue, suspend, or revoke a registration, permit, plate, or certificate of certain motor carriers

(a)
(1)
The department or its agent is authorized to refuse to issue or transfer a registration, license plate, permit, or a certificate of title on a vehicle that has been assigned to a motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating by the federal motor carrier safety administration; provided, that the department or its agent may allow a motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating by the federal motor carrier safety administration to transfer a title if the motor carrier does not retain an interest, either directly or indirectly, in the vehicle.
(2)
The department or its agent is authorized to suspend or revoke the registration, license plate, permit, or certificate of title issued to any vehicle assigned to a motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating by the federal motor carrier safety administration.
(b)
The department shall deny registration for a vehicle assigned to a motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating by the federal motor carrier safety administration for safety reasons or a carrier whose business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled by or affiliated with a person who is ineligible for registration, including an applicant, owner, corporate officer, or shareholder of the carrier or a relative of any such persons. For purposes of this section, "relative" means husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, father, mother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.
(c)
If a prohibition from operating by the federal motor carrier safety administration is rescinded, the department or its agent may issue a registration, license plate, permit, or certificate of title to the motor carrier; provided, that all other taxes and fees have been paid to the department.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 70,s 1, eff. 10/1/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-142 - Waiver of registration fee for Class A or Class B motor vehicle upon renewal

Notwithstanding §
55-4-111(a)
or another law to the contrary, the registration fee for a Class A or Class B motor vehicle under §
55-4-111(a)(1)
is waived upon the renewal of the motor vehicle's registration if the renewal occurs during the period of time beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1143, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-205 - Seven characters maximum

Registration plates issued under this part may bear up to seven (7) characters or positions for a passenger motor vehicle, recreational vehicle or truck of one-half or three-quarter-ton rating, or, if authorized, up to six (6) characters or positions for a motorcycle.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-206 - Rules and regulations - Compliance with state license laws - Location for making application for plates - Waiver of county name requirement

(a)
The commissioner, or any other department commissioner designated with responsibility in this section, shall make rules and regulations as are necessary to require compliance with all state license laws relating to the use and operation of a motor vehicle before issuing cultural, specialty earmarked or new specialty earmarked plates, memorial plates or special purpose plates in lieu of the regular Tennessee license plates, and all applications for the plates shall be made to the county clerk of the county wherein the applicant resides, unless provided for otherwise.
(b)
The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(c)
Notwithstanding §
55-4-103(b)(4)
, if additional space is needed on any cultural, specialty earmarked or new specialty earmarked plate, memorial plate or special purpose plate issued pursuant to this part for a logo or other identifying message, the commissioner shall be authorized to waive the requirement that the plates specify the name of the county of issue.
(d)
The commissioner is authorized to facilitate delivery of any new specialty earmarked, emergency, firefighter, national guard, memorial or military plate authorized for a motorcycle in this part in a manner that maximizes efficiency and costs, and is not unduly burdensome to either the department or county clerks.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, §§ 1, 6; 1999, ch. 400, § 2; T.C.A. §§
55-4-298
,
55-4-299
; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 44; 2009, ch. 589, § 34.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-207 - Expiration and renewal

(a)
Notwithstanding §
55-4-104
or other provisions of part 1 of this chapter, all license plates issued under this part and certificates of registration shall not expire on March 31 of each year, but rather shall expire pursuant to subsection (b).
(b)
With respect to motor vehicles using plates issued pursuant to this part, the commissioner shall establish a system of registration renewals at alternate intervals which will allow for the distribution of the registration workload as uniformly as is practicable throughout the calendar year. Registrations issued under the alternate method are valid for twelve (12) months, and expire on the last day of the last month of the registration period. However, during a transition period, or at any time thereafter when the commissioner shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either registrations or renewals, or both of them, may be issued for terms of not less than six (6) months nor more than eighteen (18) months. The fee imposed for registration of any vehicle under the alternate interval method for a period of other than twelve (12) months shall be proportionate to the annual fee fixed for the vehicle and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar ($0.25).
(c)
Notwithstanding this section, dealer plates shall be issued and renewed pursuant to §
55-4-226
.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-208 - Reimbursement of cost

The cost of any registration plate that is provided without cost to an individual on account of employment, membership, or participation in any agency, department, organization, or governmental entity shall be reimbursed to the department by the agency, department, organization, or governmental entity of which the person is an employee, member, or participant.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-209 - Disabled drivers

(a)
Registration plates for disabled drivers shall be issued in accordance with this chapter and chapter 21 of this title.
(b)
(1)
Persons who are eligible to purchase or receive a license plate or plates of distinctive design for disabled drivers pursuant to chapter 21 of this title may elect to personalize the plate or plates pursuant to §§
55-4-214
and
55-21-103
.
(2)
Personalized plates for disabled drivers must bear the stylized wheelchair symbol or symbol of access in accordance with §
55-21-104
.
(3)
The issuance and renewal of plates for disabled drivers shall otherwise comply with §§
55-4-214
and
55-4-218
, including annual payment by the applicant of a twenty-five-dollar ($25.00) fee for each personalized plate in addition to the regular registration fee, if the regular registration fee is applicable.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 112,s 4, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-211 - Computerization of applications and records

The commissioner is urged to take the necessary steps to computerize applications for and records of the cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates, memorial plates and special purpose plates authorized by this part.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023,s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 45.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 2 - SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (§§ 55-4-201 — 55-4-299) › Section 55-4-212 - Miscellaneous provisions

(a)
This subsection (a) shall apply to the issuance and renewal of the cultural, specialty earmarked and new specialty earmarked plates authorized by this part, unless the section authorizing the issuance of an individual plate specifically provides otherwise:
(1)
The plates enumerated in this subsection (a) shall be issued in conformity with §
55-4-203
;
(2)
The plates shall contain the logo, emblem, insignia, or other distinctive design of the agency, organization, purpose or other entity which is being honored or recognized by the issuance of that specific plate;
(3)
The plates shall be designed in consultation with the commissioner and the department's vehicle services director, in addition to any other person or entity designated to be consulted relative to the design of the plate in the section authorizing an individual plate;
(4)
The plates shall include:
(A)
A unique identifying number not to exceed seven (7) characters or positions for a motor vehicle authorized by §
55-4-210(c)(1)
; or
(B)
If authorized, a unique identifying number not to exceed six (6) positions or characters for a motorcycle;
(5)
No two (2) applicants shall be assigned identical registration numbers or identical license plates;
(6)
Any eligible person may elect to exchange a regular registration plate for a plate enumerated in subsection (a); provided, that the fees prescribed under §
55-4-204
are paid;
(7)
The whole or parts of the additional fee prescribed by §
55-4-204
for a cultural, specialty earmarked or new specialty earmarked plate shall not be refunded for the exchange of a regular plate;
(8)
Additional such plates may be obtained by any eligible person upon payment of the regular license fee for plates, as prescribed under §
55-4-111
, plus the payment of the fee prescribed in §
55-4-204
;
(9)
The plates enumerated in this subsection (a) shall be issued for the applicant's use only on the authorized motor vehicle, and in the event of a transfer of title, the transferor shall surrender the plate to the department through the county clerk;
(10)
The plates may be transferred to another vehicle of the same weight class owned or leased by the same person upon proper application being made therefor and approved by the department; and
(11)
It is unlawful for any person to whom the plates have been issued to knowingly permit them to be displayed on any motor vehicle, except as authorized by the department.
(b)
This section shall also apply to the issuance and renewal of special purpose plates and memorial plates, unless the section authorizing the issuance of an individual memorial or special purpose plate specifically provides otherwise.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 3, eff. 4/22/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1023, s 49, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1998, ch. 1063, § 1; 2007 , ch. 484, § 48.