reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 55-8-116 - Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one (1) line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half (1/2) of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 15; T.C.A. § 59-816.
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 55-8-117 - Overtaking and passing of vehicles

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:
(1)
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and
(2)
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of the overtaken vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 16; T.C.A., § 59-817.
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 55-8-119 - Limitations on overtaking and passing on the left

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless the left side is clearly visible and is free from oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100') of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 18; T.C.A., § 59-819.
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 55-8-120 - Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway

(a)
No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(1)
When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within three hundred feet (300') or such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;
(2)
When approaching within one hundred feet (100') of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing; or
(3)
When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100') of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(b)
The limitations of subsection (a) shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 19; T.C.A., § 59-820.
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 55-8-121 - No-passing zones

The department of transportation is authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of those zones. When these signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 20; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-821.
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 55-8-122 - One-way roads and rotary traffic islands

(a)
The department of transportation may designate any highway or any separate roadway under its jurisdiction for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.
(b)
Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated.
(c)
A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of the island.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 21; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-822.
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 55-8-123 - Driving on roadways laned for traffic

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent with this section, shall apply:
(1)
A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety;
(2)
Upon a roadway that is divided into three (3) lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of this allocation;
(3)
Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign; and
(4)
(A)
Where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five (5) or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn or pull off the roadway wherever sufficient area exists to do so safely, in order to permit vehicles following it to proceed. As used in this subdivision (4), a slow-moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speed that is ten miles per hour (10 mph) or more below the lawful maximum speed for that particular roadway at that time;
(B)
Any person failing to conform with subdivision (4)(A) shall receive a warning citation on first offense and be liable for a fine of twenty dollars ($20.00) on second offense, and fifty dollars ($50.00) on third and subsequent offenses;
(C)
Subdivision (4)(A) shall not apply to funeral processions, school buses, farm tractors, or implements of husbandry.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 76,s 1, eff. 3/28/2019.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 22; T.C.A., § 59-823; Acts 1983, ch. 172, §§ 1, 2; 1984, ch. 518, § 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 55-8-124 - Following too closely

(a)
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
(b)
The driver of any motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy that space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle towing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.
(c)
Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy the space without danger. This subsection (c) does not apply to funeral processions.
(d)
Except for a motor vehicle in a platoon, no motor truck of more than one and one-half ton rated capacity shall approach any other motor truck of like or greater capacity proceeding in the same direction on any of the highways of this state without the corporate limits of any municipality at a distance nearer than three hundred feet (300'), except in overtaking and passing such other trucks, or unless one (1) or both of these trucks have come to a stop or except in rendering assistance to a disabled or partly disabled truck.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 171,s 3, eff. 4/24/2017.
Acts 1951, ch. 146, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, § 2715.10a); 1955, ch. 329, § 23; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-824; 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 55-8-125 - Driving on divided highways

Whenever any highway has been divided into two (2) roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway and no vehicle shall be driven over, across, or within any dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a cross-over or intersection established by public authority.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 24; T.C.A., § 59-825.
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 55-8-126 - Restricted access

(a)
No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access roadway except at entrances and exits that are established by public authority.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 25; T.C.A., § 59-826; 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 55-8-127 - Restrictions on use of controlled-access roadway

(a)
The department of transportation and local authorities may, with respect to any controlled-access roadway under their respective jurisdictions, prohibit the use of that roadway by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motor-driven cycle.
(b)
The department or the local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled-access roadway on which the regulations are applicable, and when the signs are erected, a person who disobeys the restrictions stated on the signs commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 26; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-827; Acts 1981, ch. 264, § 12; 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 55-8-128 - Vehicle approaching or entering intersection

(a)
The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway or drive.
(b)
When two (2) vehicles enter an intersection from different highways or drives at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(c)
The right-of-way rules declared in subsections (a) and (b) are modified at through highways and otherwise as hereinafter stated in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title.
(d)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Drive" means any way that is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel and that leads into or from premises that are generally frequented by the public at large; and
(2)
"Intersection" includes the area within which vehicles traveling upon a highway and a drive that join one another at any angle may come in conflict.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 27; T.C.A., § 59-828.
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 55-8-129 - Vehicle turning left at intersection

(a)
The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver, having so yielded and having given a signal when and as required by this chapter, may make the left turn, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection from the opposite direction shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle making the left turn.
(b)
As used in this section, "drive" and "intersection" have the same meanings as defined in §
55-8-128
.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 3, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 28; T.C.A., § 59-829.
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 55-8-130 - Vehicle entering through highway or stop intersection

(a)
The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by §
55-8-149
at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through highway or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver having so yielded may proceed, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on the through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle so proceeding into or across the through highway.
(b)
The driver of a vehicle shall likewise stop in obedience to a stop sign as required herein at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances thereto although not a part of a through highway and shall proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles not so obliged to stop which are within the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, but may then proceed.
(c)
(1)
The driver of a vehicle who is faced with a yield sign at the entrance to a through highway, drive, or other public roadway is not necessarily required to stop, but is required to exercise caution in entering the highway, drive, or other roadway and to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the highway, drive, or other roadway, or which are approaching so closely on the highway, drive, or other roadway as to constitute an immediate hazard, and the driver having so yielded may proceed when the way is clear.
(2)
Where there is provided more than one (1) lane for vehicular traffic entering a through highway, drive, or other public roadway, if one (1) or more lanes at the entrance are designated a yield lane by an appropriate marker, this subsection (c) shall control the movement of traffic in any lane so marked with a yield sign, even though traffic in other lanes may be controlled by an electrical signal device or other signs, signals, markings or controls.
(d)
As used in this section, "drive" and "intersection" have the same meanings as defined in §
55-8-128
.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 4, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 29; 1969, ch. 18, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-830.
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 55-8-131 - Vehicle entering highway from drive, private road, or private driveway

The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from a drive, private road, or private driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway. As used in this section, "drive" has the same meaning as defined in §
55-8-128
.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79,s 6, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 30; T.C.A., § 59-831.
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 55-8-133 - Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations

(a)
Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic-control signals at intersections as provided in §
55-8-110
, and at all other places, pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title.
(b)
Local authorities are empowered to require by ordinances that pedestrians strictly comply with the directions of any official traffic-control signal and may by ordinance prohibit pedestrians from crossing any roadway in a business district or any designated highways except in a crosswalk.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 32; T.C.A., § 59-833.
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 55-8-134 - Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks

(a)
(1)
Unless in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, when traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
(2)
When in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver shall remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed the roadway on which the vehicle is stopped.
(b)
No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
(c)
Subsection (a) does not apply under the conditions stated in §
55-8-135(b)
.
(d)
Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 33; T.C.A., § 59-834; Acts 2008, ch. 776, § 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 55-8-135 - Crossing at other than crosswalks

(a)
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
(b)
Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
(c)
Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 34; T.C.A., § 59-835.
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 55-8-136 - Drivers to exercise due care

(a)
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary, and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.
(b)
Notwithstanding any speed limit or zone in effect at the time, or right-of-way rules that may be applicable, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care by operating the vehicle at a safe speed, by maintaining a safe lookout, by keeping the vehicle under proper control and by devoting full time and attention to operating the vehicle, under the existing circumstances as necessary in order to be able to see and to avoid endangering life, limb or property and to see and avoid colliding with any other vehicle or person, or any road sign, guard rail or any fixed object either legally using or legally parked or legally placed, upon any roadway, within or beside the roadway right-of-way including, but not limited to, any adjacent sidewalk, bicycle lane, shoulder or berm.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 35; T.C.A., § 59-836; Acts 2005, ch. 198, § 1; 2011, ch. 192, § 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 55-8-137 - Pedestrians to use right half of crosswalks

Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 36; T.C.A., § 59-837.
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 55-8-138 - Pedestrians on roadways

(a)
Except as provided in this section, where sidewalks are provided, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk or use a wheelchair along and upon an adjacent roadway.
(b)
Where sidewalks are not provided or are obstructed, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction.
(c)
Where sidewalks are not provided, are obstructed or are not wheelchair accessible, any person using a wheelchair along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, use the wheelchair on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction; provided, that a person using a wheelchair along and upon a highway may use the wheelchair on the right side of the roadway or its shoulder if it is convenient or reasonably necessary for travel by the person.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 37; T.C.A., § 59-838; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2008, ch. 1144, § 3.
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 55-8-139 - Limitations on where person may stand along roadway

(a)
No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride or employment from the occupant of any vehicle.
(b)
No person shall stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway.
(c)
No person shall loiter or conduct any commercial activity in, or in proximity to, the median of a state highway.
(d)
Subsection (c) does not apply to:
(1)
Employees of, or agents, contractors, or other persons under contract with, or acting on behalf of, the department of transportation; and
(2)
Employees of, or agents, contractors, or other persons who are under contract with, or acting on behalf of, a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state or a utility, and who are permitted by the department of transportation to stand or conduct any activity in, or in proximity to, the median of a state highway.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor; except, that a person who violates subsection (c) shall receive a warning citation for a first offense.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 184,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 38; T.C.A., § 59-839; 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 55-8-141 - Turning on curve or crest of grade prohibited - Penalty

(a)
No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet (500').
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 40; T.C.A., § 59-841; 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 55-8-142 - Turning movements - Signal for stop or decrease in speed

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

(a)
Every driver who intends to start, stop or turn, or partly turn from a direct line, shall first see that that movement can be made in safety, and whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement, shall give a signal required in this section, plainly visible to the driver of the other vehicle of the intention to make such movement.
(b)
The signal required in this section shall be given by means of the hand and arm, or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the department of safety, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate the intention to start, stop, or turn, or partly turn, by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle, in the following manner:
(1)
For left turn, or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;
(2)
For right turn, or pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward; and
(3)
For slowing down or to stop, the arm shall be extended downward.
(c)
These signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least fifty feet (50') before stopping, turning, partly turning, or materially altering the course of the vehicle.
(d)
Drivers having once given a hand, electrical or mechanical device signal, must continue the course thus indicated, unless they alter the original signal and take care that drivers of vehicles and pedestrians have seen and are aware of the change.
(e)
Drivers receiving a signal from another driver shall keep their vehicles under complete control and shall be able to avoid an accident resulting from a misunderstanding of the signal.
(f)
Drivers of vehicles, standing or stopped at the curb or edge before moving these vehicles, shall give signals of their intention to move into traffic, as provided in this section, before turning in the direction the vehicle shall proceed from the curb.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 41; T.C.A., § 59-843.
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 55-8-144 - Signals by hand and arm or signal device

(a)
Any stop or turn signal required by this chapter shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device approved by the department of safety as provided in §
55-8-143
, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b).
(b)
Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device approved by the department when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of the motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four inches (24"), or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen feet (14'). The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 43; T.C.A., § 59-844.
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 55-8-145 - Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or other on-track equipment-Penalty

(a)
Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of the vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until that driver can do so safely. These requirements shall apply when:
(1)
A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, which shall mean any self-propelled machinery or vehicle traveling on a railroad track;
(2)
A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment;
(3)
A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the railroad train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard; or
(4)
An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(b)
No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 44; T.C.A., § 59-845; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2012 , ch. 588, § 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 55-8-146 - All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings - Statutes not to affect common law right of recovery - Penalty

(a)
The department of transportation, and local authorities, with the approval of the department, are authorized to designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and to erect stop signs at those locations. When stop signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.
(b)
None of the provisions of §§
55-8-145
- 55-8-147 shall be construed as abridging or in any way affecting the common law right of recovery of litigants in damage suits that may be pending or brought against any railroad company or other common carrier.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 45; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-846; Acts 1981, ch. 261, § 12; 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 55-8-147 - Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings

(a)
The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus whether or not the school bus is carrying any school child, or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as provided in this section, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely. After stopping as required in this section and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any such vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
(b)
No stop need be made at any crossing where a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(c)
A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 46; T.C.A., § 59-847; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 134, § 1; 2001, ch. 73, § 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 55-8-148 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings

(a)
No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten (10) or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch (1/2") per foot of the distance between any two (2) adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches (9"), measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this section.
(b)
Before making any such crossing, the person operating or moving the vehicle or equipment described in subsection (a) shall first stop the same not less than fifteen feet (15') nor more than fifty feet (50') from the nearest rail of such railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(c)
No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagger or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be made under the flagger's direction.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 47; T.C.A., § 59-848.
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 55-8-149 - Requirements for stop signs - Vehicles and streetcars must stop at stop signs - Penalty

(a)
Every stop sign shall bear the word "Stop" in letters not less than eight inches (8") in height and the sign shall at nighttime be rendered luminous by steady or flashing internal illumination, or by a fixed floodlight projected on the face of the sign, or by efficient reflecting elements on the face of the sign.
(b)
Every stop sign shall be erected as near as practicable to the nearest line of the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if there is no crosswalk, then as close as practicable to the nearest line of the roadway.
(c)
Every driver of a vehicle and every operator of a streetcar approaching a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or in the event there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver or operator has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 48; T.C.A., § 59-849; 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 55-8-150 - Emerging from alley, driveway or building

The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 49; T.C.A., § 59-850.
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 55-8-154 - Minimum speed regulation - Turnouts - Passing bays - Penalties - Inapplicable to farm tractors or implements of husbandry

(a)
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(b)
Whenever the department of transportation or a local authority within its respective jurisdiction determines on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the department or local authority may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(c)
Wherever there exists, at or near the top of any hill or grade, a turnout, passing bay or parking area adjacent to and to the right of any traffic lane of any state or federal highway within the state, any person driving or operating a truck or other slow-moving vehicle upon such traffic lane shall drive the truck or other slow-moving vehicle into and stop the same upon the turnout, passing bay or parking area and permit faster-moving vehicles following the truck or other slow-moving vehicle whose progress is being retarded to pass; provided, that the turnout, passing bay or parking area is marked by a traffic sign.
(d)
This section shall not apply to farm tractors or implements of husbandry.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 76,s 2, eff. 3/28/2019.
Acts 1955, ch. 131, §§ 1, 2; 1955, ch. 329, § 53; T.C.A., § 59-854; 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 55-8-155 - Special speed limitation on motor-driven cycles - Penalty

(a)
No person shall operate any motor-driven cycle at any time at a speed greater than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) unless the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a head lamp or lamps that are adequate to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of three hundred feet (300') ahead.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 100, s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 54; T.C.A., § 59-855; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
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 55-8-156 - Special speed limitations - Penalties

(a)
No person shall drive any vehicle equipped with solid rubber or cushion tires at a speed greater than a maximum of ten miles per hour (10 mph).
(b)
No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure, when the structure is signposted as provided in this section.
(c)
The department of transportation, upon request from any local authority, shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any bridge, or other elevated structure constituting a part of the highway, and if it thereupon finds that the structure cannot with safety to itself withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this chapter, the department shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles that the structure can safely withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating the maximum speed to be erected and maintained at a distance of one hundred feet (100') before each end of the structure.
(d)
Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the department and the existence of the signs shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 55; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 59-856; Acts 1981, ch. 261, § 12; 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 55-8-157 - Charging violations

In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this chapter, the complaint and the summons or notice to appear shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, together with the speed limit applicable within the district or at the location.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 56; T.C.A., § 59-857.
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 55-8-159 - Officers authorized to remove illegally stopped vehicles

(a)
Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of §
55-8-158
, the officer is authorized to move the vehicle, or to require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it, to a position off the paved or main-traveled part of the highway.
(b)
Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any bridge or causeway or in any tunnel, or on any highway, where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, the officer is authorized to provide for the removal of that vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety, at the expense of the owner.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 59; T.C.A., § 59-860.