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 55-8-162 - Unattended motor vehicles - Unattended vehicles containing medical or hazardous waste - Penalty and liability - Application to utility - Inapplicability to ADS - operated vehicle

(a)
No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.
(b)
(1)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no person shall leave unsecured and unattended any truck, tractor-trailer or tractor-semitrailer combination, with a rated capacity of more than one (1) ton, containing "medical waste," as defined in rules promulgated under §§
68-211-101
- 68-211-122, or "hazardous waste," as defined in §
68-212-104
, in any residential area, or within one thousand feet (1,000') of any church, school or park.
(2)
(A)
Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2)(B), a violation of subdivision (b)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000). The fine imposed by this subdivision (b)(2)(A) shall be upon the owner of the truck, tractor-trailer or tractor-semitrailer combination. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate violation.
(B)
In addition to any fine imposed upon the owner pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(A), the driver's license to drive shall be suspended for six (6) months.
(C)
Suspension of the driver's commercial driver license pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(B) shall not alter the driver's eligibility to maintain a Class D driver license.
(3)
Nothing in this chapter shall alter the liability imposed by any other provision of law for unlawful disposal of medical waste.
(4)
This section shall only apply to persons operating any truck, tractor-trailer or tractor-semitrailer combination and transporting materials found to be hazardous under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, which requires the motor vehicle to be placarded.
(c)
(1)
Subsection (b) shall not apply to any utility.
(2)
As used in subdivision (c)(1), "utility" means any person, municipality, county, metropolitan government, electric cooperative, telephone cooperative, board, commission, district or any entity created or authorized by public act, private act, or general law to provide electricity, natural gas, water, waste water services, telephone services, or any combination thereof, for sale to consumers in any particular service area.
(d)
Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to an ADS-operated vehicle.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 474,s 4, eff. 6/6/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 62; T.C.A., § 59-863; Acts 2000, ch. 776, § 1; 2001, ch. 308, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-163 - Limitations on backing

The driver of a vehicle shall not back the vehicle unless that movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 63; T.C.A., § 59-864.
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 55-8-164 - Riding on motorcycles

(a)
A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person, nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle, unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one (1) person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two (2) persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.
(b)
A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, headlamp illuminated, facing forward, with one (1) leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(c)
No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article which prevents the person from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
(d)
No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
(e)
(1)
An operator commits an offense who, on the streets of any municipality, roads of any county, or the highways of this state, carries a child as a passenger on a motorcycle whose feet are not on footpegs; provided, that this subsection (e) shall not apply to persons riding in a motorcycle sidecar.
(2)
(A)
A violation of this subsection (e) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(B)
A person charged with a violation of this subsection (e) may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed.
(C)
No litigation tax levied pursuant to title 67, chapter 4, part 6 shall be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e), nor shall any clerk's fee or court costs, including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers, be imposed or assessed against anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection (e).
(D)
(i)
The revenue generated by ten dollars ($10.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e), shall be deposited in the state general fund without being designated for any specific purpose. The remaining forty dollars ($40.00) of the fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine for a person's first conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in §
55-9-602(f)
.
(ii)
The revenue generated from a person's second or subsequent conviction under this subsection (e) shall be deposited to the child safety fund as provided in §
55-9-602(f)
.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 64; 1976, ch. 758, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-865; Acts 2012, ch. 907, § 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 55-8-165 - Obstruction of driver's view or interference with driver's control - Penalties

(a)
No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons, exceeding four (4), as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(b)
No passenger in a vehicle or streetcar shall ride in a position that interferes with the driver's or operator's view ahead or to the sides, or that interferes with the driver's or operator's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle or streetcar.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 65; T.C.A., § 59-866; 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 55-8-166 - Driving on mountain highways

The driver of a motor vehicle traveling on mountain highways shall hold that motor vehicle under control and as near the right-hand edge of the highway as reasonably possible and, upon approaching any curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of two hundred feet (200') along the highway, shall give audible warning with the horn of the motor vehicle.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 66; T.C.A., § 59-867.
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 55-8-167 - Coasting prohibited - Penalties

(a)
The driver of any motor vehicle, when traveling upon a down grade, shall not coast with the gears of the vehicle in neutral.
(b)
The driver of a commercial motor vehicle, when traveling upon a down grade, shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 67; T.C.A., § 59-868; 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 55-8-168 - Following fire apparatus prohibited - Penalty

(a)
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred feet (500') or park the vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 68; T.C.A., § 59-869; 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 55-8-169 - Crossing fire hose - Penalty

(a)
No streetcar or vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private driveway or streetcar track, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 69; T.C.A., § 59-870; 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 55-8-170 - Putting glass, nails and other substances on highway prohibited - Penalty

(a)
No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon the highway.
(b)
Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed.
(c)
Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from the vehicle.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 70; T.C.A., § 59-871; 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 55-8-171 - Operation of bicycles and play vehicles - Penalty - Effect of regulations

(a)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in §§
55-8-171
- 55-8-177.
(b)
The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit that child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title.
(c)
The regulations applicable to bicycles and electric bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle or electric bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles subject to those exceptions stated herein.
(d)
This section and §§
55-8-172
- 55-8-177 are applicable to electric bicycles as defined in §
55-8-301
.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823, s 11, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823, s 10, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 71; T.C.A., § 59-872; 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 55-8-172 - Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles - Penalty

(a)
Every person riding a bicycle or electric bicycle, as defined in §
55-8-301
, upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except as to those provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title that by their nature can have no application.
(b)
Every person riding a bicycle or electric bicycle, as defined in §
55-8-301
, is subject to the special regulations in §§
55-8-171
- 55-8-177 applicable to bicycles or electric bicycles.
(c)
Every person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in §
55-8-301
, is subject to the special regulations in part 3 of this chapter applicable to electric bicycles.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 823,s 12, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 72; T.C.A., § 59-873; 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 55-8-173 - Riding on bicycles - Playing and use of play vehicles - Penalties

(a)
A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto, except for a certified police cyclist who is performing duties that require riding in a side dismounting position.
(b)
No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one (1) time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.
(c)
No person shall play on a highway other than upon the sidewalk thereof, within a city or town, or in any part of a highway outside the limits of a city or town, or use thereon roller skates, coasters or any similar vehicle or toy or article on wheels or a runner, except in those areas as may be specially designated for that purpose by local authorities.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 73; T.C.A., § 59-874; Acts 1985, ch. 138, § 3; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1995, ch. 140, § 4.
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 55-8-174 - Clinging to vehicles - Penalty

(a)
No person riding upon any bicycle, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the bicycle, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle, or that person's own body, to any streetcar or vehicle upon a roadway.
(b)
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the attachment of a bicycle trailer or bicycle semitrailer to a bicycle if the trailer or semitrailer is designed specifically for that purpose.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 74; T.C.A., § 59-875; Acts 1985, ch. 138, § 4; 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 55-8-175 - Riding on roadways and bicycle paths - Penalty

(a)
(1)
Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:
(A)
When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(B)
When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
(C)
When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(2)
This subsection (a) does not apply to a certified police cyclist engaged in the lawful performance of duty relating to traffic control.
(b)
(1)
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
(2)
Subdivision (b)(1) does not apply to a certified police cyclist engaged in the lawful performance of duty relating to traffic control or in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
(c)
(1)
This subsection (c) shall be known and may be cited as the "Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007."
(2)
The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3') and shall maintain the clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 75; T.C.A., § 59-876; Acts 1985, ch. 138, § 5; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1995, ch. 140, §§ 5, 6; 2007, ch. 81, § 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 55-8-176 - Carrying articles on bicycles - Penalty

(a)
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one (1) hand upon the handlebars.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 76; T.C.A., § 59-877; 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 55-8-177 - Bicycle lamps and brakes - Penalties

(a)
Every bicycle, when in use at nighttime, shall be equipped with a lamp on the front, which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front, and either a red reflector or a lamp emitting a red light, which shall be visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the rear, when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
(b)
Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within twenty-five feet (25') from a speed of ten miles per hour (10 mph) on dry, level, clean pavement.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 77; T.C.A., § 59-878; Acts 1985, ch. 138, § 6; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2009, ch. 397, § 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 55-8-178 - Regulations governing nonmotor vehicles and animals - Penalty

(a)
Every driver or person having charge of any nonmotor vehicle, on any of the public roads in or of this state, on meeting and passing another vehicle, shall give one-half (1/2) of the road by turning to the right, so as not to interfere in passing.
(b)
When nonmotor vehicles on public roads are traveling in the same direction, and the driver of the hindmost desires to pass the foremost, each driver shall give one-half (1/2) of the road, the foremost by turning to the right, and the hindmost to the left.
(c)
(1)
No driver shall stop a nonmotor vehicle on any of the public roads, for any cause or pretense whatever, without turning so far to the right as to leave at least one-half (1/2) of the road free, open, and unobstructed for other travelers and vehicles.
(2)
Subdivision (c)(1) does not apply to a certified police cyclist engaged in the lawful performance of duty relating to traffic control.
(d)
Drivers of nonmotor vehicles on public roads shall pass each other in a quiet, orderly, and peaceable manner, and shall not make any noise intended to disturb or frighten the driver or the animals drawing nonmotor vehicles.
(e)
No person shall willfully, by noise, gesture or by other means, on or near public roads, disturb or frighten the driver or rider or the animals ridden or drawing vehicles thereon.
(f)
(1)
An intentional or careless violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(2)
A willful or malicious violation of this section, whereby the death of any person is occasioned, is a Class E felony.
(g)
(1)
All horse-drawn vehicles and/or equipment, whether farm or passenger, shall be equipped with a self-luminous white lamp which shall be visible from the front from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') and with a self-luminous red lamp on the rear which shall be visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the rear.
(2)
This subsection (g) applies only if the horse-drawn vehicle is used as the owner's primary mode of personal or farm transportation and is regularly driven upon public roads or highways or the rights-of-way thereof.
(3)
This subsection (g) does not apply in any county having a population of not less than three hundred nineteen thousand six hundred twenty-five (319,625) nor more than three hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred twenty-five (319,725) or of not less than eighty-eight thousand seven hundred (88,700) nor more than eighty-eight thousand eight hundred (88,800), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
Code 1858, §§ 1172-1177, 4649 (deriv. Acts 1837-1838, ch. 114, §§ 1-6); Acts 1911, ch. 33; Shan., §§ 1600-1605, 6491; mod. Code 1932, §§ 2671-2677; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-879; Acts 1988, ch. 947, §§ 1-4; 1989, ch. 452, §§ 1-3; 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6, 113; 1995, ch. 140, § 7.
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 55-8-179 - Use of raised identifying cane or blaze orange dog leash restricted to blind or deaf persons - Penalty

(a)
No person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or thoroughfare shall carry in any raised or extended position any cane or similar walking stick colored white or white tipped with red.
(b)
No person, unless totally or partially deaf, shall carry, hold, or use on any street, highway, or in any other public place, a leash blaze orange in color on any dog accompanying that person.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 72, § 1 (Williams, § 2670.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-880; Acts 1980, ch. 488, § 1; 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 55-8-180 - Pedestrians led by guide dog or carrying identifying cane given right-of-way - Penalty

(a)
Whenever any pedestrian guided by a guide dog or dog on a blaze orange leash, or carrying in any raised or extended position a cane or similar stick white in color or white tipped with red, shall undertake to cross any public street or thoroughfare in this state, the driver of each and every vehicle approaching that pedestrian carrying the cane or stick or conducted by such dog shall bring such vehicle to a complete stop and before proceeding shall take all precautions necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian; provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed as making any person totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated guilty of contributory negligence in undertaking to cross any street or thoroughfare without being guided by a trained dog or carrying a cane or stick of the type specified in subsection (a).
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 72, § 2 (Williams, §§ 2670.11, 2670.12); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-881; Acts 1980, ch. 488, § 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
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 55-8-181 - Rights and duties of motorcycle or autocycle operator

Every person operating a motorcycle or autocycle is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter and chapter 9 of this title, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of this chapter and chapter 9 of this title that by their nature can have no application.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1015,s 5, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1976, ch. 758, § 4; T.C.A., § 59-882.
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 55-8-182 - Operation of motorcycles on laned roadways

(a)
All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in a manner that deprives any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection (a) shall not apply to motorcycles operated two (2) abreast in a single lane.
(b)
The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
(c)
No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
(d)
Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two (2) abreast in a single lane.
(e)
Motorcycles that are autocycles shall not be operated more than two (2) abreast in a single lane.
(f)
Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1015,s 7, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1976, ch. 758, § 5; T.C.A., § 59-883.
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 55-8-184 - Indication of ownership on traffic control signs, signals, markers or devices - Unlawful possession - Penalty

(a)
The department of transportation or any agency of local government responsible for erection or maintenance of any traffic-control sign, signal, marker or device is authorized to indicate the ownership of the sign, signal, marker and device in letters on the back of those items in letters not less than one-fourth inch (1/4") nor more than three-fourths inch (3/4") in height by use of a metal stamp, etching, or other permanent marking.
(b)
Unlawful possession of any such sign, signal, marker or device is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1978, ch. 778, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-885; 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 55-8-186 - Responsibility for illegal parking

(a)
The responsibility for illegally parking on any road, highway, or street in this state in any restricted zone or space to include, but not limited to:
(1)
An unauthorized parking space designated for persons with disabilities as provided for in §§
55-21-106
and
55-21-108
;
(2)
Specifically prohibited places, as provided for in §
55-8-160
;
(3)
No parking zones;
(4)
Overtime zones or metered parking spaces; or
(5)
Fire lanes;
shall not apply to the registered owner of a rented or leased vehicle parked in violation of law when that owner can furnish sworn evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the parking violation, leased or rented to another person.
(b)
In such instances, the owner of the vehicle shall, within thirty (30) days after notification of the parking violation, furnish to the appropriate court or law enforcement agency, the name, address, and driver license number of the person or company who leased or rented the vehicle. If the owner fails to provide the information within the thirty-day period, then the owner shall become personally liable for the violation.
Acts 1985, ch. 248, § 1; 2011 , ch. 47, § 57.
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 55-8-187 - Obscene or patently offensive bumper stickers, window signs, or other markings prohibited

To avoid distracting other drivers and thereby reduce the likelihood of accidents arising from lack of attention or concentration, the display of obscene and patently offensive movies, bumper stickers, window signs or other markings on or in a motor vehicle that are visible to other drivers is prohibited and display of such materials shall subject the owner of the vehicle on which they are displayed, upon conviction, to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). "Obscene" or "patently offensive" has the meaning specified in §
39-17-901
.
Acts 1988, ch. 764, § 1; 1996, ch. 675, § 64; 2004, ch. 796, § 1; 2011 , ch. 58, § 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 55-8-188 - High occupancy vehicles - Lanes

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Emergency vehicle" means a vehicle of a governmental department or public service corporation when responding to an emergency, a vehicle of a police or fire department, or an ambulance;
(2)
"High occupancy vehicle" means a public transportation vehicle; privately owned bus; motorcycle; private passenger motor vehicle, including vans and pick-up trucks, carrying no fewer than two (2) passengers; or as otherwise determined by the commissioner of transportation; and
(3)
"HOV lane" means a lane or set of lanes on a highway facility of any class, so designated by signing, pavement delineation or markings, or other means of positive guidance, that is reserved for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles during specified hours of specified days of the week, in order to provide preferential service over traditional, mixed vehicles on that remaining part of the same highway facility.
(b)
Drivers shall obey the directions of every official traffic control device that is erected or placed to restrict usage of a lane designated for high occupancy vehicles.
(c)
Operation of a vehicle other than a high occupancy vehicle in an HOV lane is an offense. Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from this subsection (c).
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, subject only to imposition of a fine, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), and court costs, not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00), including, but not limited to, any statutory fees of officers. State or local litigation taxes are not applicable to a case prosecuted under this section.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 159,s 34, eff. 4/17/2023.
Acts 1993, ch. 35, § 1; 1999, ch. 321, § 1; 2000, ch. 770, § 2; 2008 , ch. 1121, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-189 - Transporting child in truck bed

(a)
A person commits an offense who, on the streets of any municipality, roads of any county, or the highways of this state, transports a child under six (6) years of age in the bed of a truck with a manufacturer's ton rating not exceeding three-quarter (3/4) ton and having a pickup body style.
(b)
(1)
A person commits an offense who, on any interstate defense highway or state highway, transports a child between six (6) years of age and under twelve (12) years of age in the bed of a truck with a manufacturer's ton rating not exceeding three-quarter (3/4) ton and having a pickup body style.
(2)
A city or county may prohibit, by ordinance or resolution, a person from transporting a child between six (6) years of age and under twelve (12) years of age in the bed of a truck with a manufacturer's ton rating not exceeding three-quarter (3/4) ton and having a pickup body style on city or county roads or highways.
(c)
This section does not apply to a person transporting a child in the bed of such vehicle when that vehicle is being used as part of an organized parade, procession, or other ceremonial event, and when that vehicle is not exceeding the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph).
(d)
This section does not apply when the child being transported is involved in agricultural activities.
(e)
A violation of subsection (a) or subdivision (b)(1) is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1996, ch. 635, § 1; 1999, ch. 325, § 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 55-8-190 - Street sweeper operation - Liability

(a)
For the purpose of this section, "street sweeper" means a vacuum or broom-type vehicle used for routine mechanized street, road, interstate highway, and/or bridge sweeping to clean and remove sand, dirt, soil, paper, glass, cans, and other debris.
(b)
If operated in compliance with the national highway traffic safety administration standards, including the National Highway Safety Manual, a street sweeper may make intermittent stops as necessary to collect tree limbs, debris, and other objects the street sweeper cannot automatically collect and travel at a speed below the lawful minimum speed:
(1)
On any particular roadway in all nonresidential areas at any time except six thirty a.m. (6:30 a.m.) to eight thirty a.m. (8:30 a.m.) and three thirty p.m. (3:30 p.m.) to six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.) on weekdays;
(2)
On any particular roadway in all residential areas at any time; or
(3)
Notwithstanding subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), at any time on any roadway after an emergency or an event that makes street sweeping necessary or desirable.
(c)
Absent noncompliance with this section, operator negligence or an intentional tort by an operator, operation of a street sweeper in compliance with this section shall not be a violation of law, and shall not subject the street sweeper to liability for claims for personal injury, property damage or death.
Acts 1999, ch. 337, § 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 55-8-191 - Operation of low speed and medium speed vehicles - Prohibitions - License

(a)
(1)
A low speed vehicle as defined in §
55-8-101
may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) or less. This subdivision (a)(1) does not prohibit a low speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph).
(2)
A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(3)
The department of transportation may prohibit the operation of low speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(b)
(1)
A medium speed vehicle as defined in §
55-8-101
may be operated at a rate not to exceed thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) only on streets where the posted speed limit is forty miles per hour (40 mph) or less. This subsection (b) does not prohibit a medium speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than forty miles per hour (40 mph).
(2)
A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of medium speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(3)
The department of transportation may prohibit the operation of medium speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(c)
Any person operating a low speed vehicle or medium speed vehicle must have in possession a valid Class D driver license.
Acts 2002, ch. 747, § 7; 2008 , ch. 959, § 6.
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 55-8-192 - Use of portable electronic device by school bus drivers

(a)
No driver shall operate a school bus as defined by §
55-8-101
anywhere in this state while using a portable electronic device:
(1)
While the vehicle is in motion and while the vehicle is transporting one (1) or more children; or
(2)
When the vehicle is stopped for the purposes of loading or unloading one (1) or more children from the vehicle.
(b)
As used in this section, "portable electronic device" means any:
(1)
Mobile, cellular, analog, wireless, or digital telephone;
(2)
Personal digital assistant;
(3)
Hand-held device with mobile data access;
(4)
Laptop computer;
(5)
Pager;
(6)
Broadband personal communication device;
(7)
Two-way messaging device;
(8)
Electronic game;
(9)
Camera;
(10)
Portable computing device;
(11)
Global positioning system, if the driver is using at least one (1) hand to hold the device or to enter data into the device while the school bus is in motion; or
(12)
Electronic device used to input, write, send, receive, read, or view text or media for present or future communication.
(c)
This section shall not apply to:
(1)
Two-way radio communications, or any device used in a similar manner as two-way radio communications, made to and from a central dispatch, school transportation department, or its equivalent;
(2)
The use of a device capable of voice communication to report an emergency to the 911 system, a law enforcement agency, fire department, or emergency medical provider; or
(3)
The use of a portable electronic device for navigation of the school bus and for accurately accounting for students at bus pick-up and drop-off locations through use of the device's global positioning system if:
(A)
Neither of the driver's hands are used to hold the device or to enter data into the device while the school bus is in motion;
(B)
The device is mounted on the school bus's windshield, dashboard, or center console area in a manner that does not hinder the driver's view of the road; and
(C)
The driver views only data related to the navigation of the school bus and student information related to bus pick-up and drop-off locations.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a minimum period of confinement of not less than thirty (30) days; a minimum fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and the court shall order that a person convicted of violating this section is permanently prohibited from operating a school bus as defined by §
55-8-101
in this state.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 210,s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1036, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2003 , ch. 180, § 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 55-8-193 - Excessive noise from motor vehicles

(a)
No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system including, but not limited to, any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker, or any other electrical device used for the amplification of sound from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet (50') or more from the vehicle. For the purpose of this section, "plainly audible" means any sound that clearly can be heard, by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of fifty feet (50') or more; however, words or phrases need not be discernible and the sound shall include bass reverberation.
(b)
This section shall not be applicable to emergency or public safety vehicles, vehicles owned and operated by a municipal or county government or any utility company, for sound emitted unavoidably during a job-related operation, school or community sponsored activities, auctioneers or auctioning activities, boats or other watercraft operated on waters or any motor vehicle used in an authorized public activity for which a permit has been granted by the appropriate agency of a municipal or county government.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only of up to fifty dollars ($50.00).
Acts 2004, ch. 515, § 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 55-8-194 - Required training for emergency vehicle drivers

(a)
(1)
It is the intent of the general assembly that each person who drives an emergency vehicle in an official capacity shall be adequately trained to drive the emergency vehicle. Documentation by the agency providing training shall include:
(A)
Training in the operation of the vehicle in emergency and non-emergency situations;
(B)
A review of all applicable laws pertaining to emergency vehicles; and
(C)
Training to respond to actions of nonemergency vehicles.
(2)
Each emergency vehicle driver shall take not less than two (2) hours of training annually, and each emergency vehicle driver shall take and pass a comprehensive examination pertaining to subdivisions (a)(1)(A)-(C) every year.
(b)
This section shall apply to all law enforcement personnel, firefighters, including volunteer firefighters, rescue personnel, including volunteer rescue personnel, and emergency services personnel.
Acts 2005, ch. 243, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 8 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-307) › Part 1 - OPERATION OF VEHICLES - RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 55-8-101 — 55-8-199) › Section 55-8-195 - Rules and regulations directing truck tractors and semitrailers to specific lanes on certain highways

(a)
The department of transportation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations directing truck tractors and semitrailers, as defined in §
55-8-101
, to specific lanes, as indicated by appropriate highway signage on interstate and multilane divided highways that are three (3) or more lanes in each direction. Rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall not apply when truck tractors and semi trailers are passing other motor vehicles.
(b)
A violation of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
Acts 2005, ch. 288, § 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 55-8-196 - Attendance at driver education course in county of residence

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, whenever a person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 9 of this title or parts 1-5 of chapter 10 of this title is required, at the discretion of the court, to attend a driver education course approved by the department of safety, in addition to, or in lieu of any portion of, any other penalty imposed, the court has the discretion to allow the violator to attend a driver education course in the person's county of residence, instead of attending a course in the county where the citation was issued. The driver education course shall be approved by the department of safety and operated and conducted in accordance with the requirements of §
55-10-301
.
Acts 2006, ch. 726, § 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 55-8-197 - Failure to yield right-of-way

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