reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 4 - MOBILE HOMES (§§ 55-4-401 — 55-4-413) › Section 55-4-411 - Administration by department of transportation - Required posting of placard

(a)
This part shall be administered by the department of transportation, which is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this part.
(b)
(1)
The department of transportation shall issue to all annual permit holders a placard bearing the applicable permit number and a telephone number to be used to report unsafe or erratic driving to the department of transportation. This placard shall be designed by the department of transportation in consultation with the department of safety. The transporter of a manufactured home under an annual permit shall prominently display this placard on the rear of the manufactured home being moved. Replacement placards shall be issued after a sufficient showing of loss or destruction of the original placard and payment of a fifty-dollar replacement fee.
(2)
Notwithstanding §
55-4-412
, failure to properly display a placard pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) is a Class C misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c)
From the fees collected for the issuance of permits under this part, an amount equal to the expenses incurred by the department of transportation in administering this program shall be allocated to the highway fund. The remaining balance shall be allocated to the general fund.
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 4 - MOBILE HOMES (§§ 55-4-401 — 55-4-413) › Section 55-4-412 - Penalty for violating part

(a)
Any person transporting a mobile home, manufactured house or house trailer, as defined in §
55-4-402
, into or through this state, or over any street, road or highway of this state in violation of any provision of this part, commits a Class B misdemeanor punishable as follows:
(1)
By a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the first offense in a twelve-month period;
(2)
By a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) for the second offense in a twelve-month period; and
(3)
By a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) and a ninety-day revocation of any driver's license for the third or subsequent offense in a twelve-month period.
(b)
Within thirty (30) days of conviction for a violation of this section, the clerk of the court of conviction shall give notice of this conviction to the department of transportation.
(c)
Upon receipt of notice of a third violation in a twelve-month period, the department of transportation shall suspend the subject permit and the permit holder's privilege to obtain other permits under this part for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of receipt of the notice; provided, that nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed as prohibiting multiple permit holders from either using other valid permits not subject to suspension, obtaining supplements for other valid permits not subject to suspension or renewing other valid permits not subject to suspension.
(d)
This part may be enforced by the department of safety or local law enforcement agencies. Whenever a person is arrested for any violation of this part, the arresting officer may issue a traffic citation to the person in lieu of arrest, continued custody and the taking of the arrested person before a magistrate in accordance with §
55-10-207(b)(3)
.
Acts 2002, ch. 803, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-501 - "Fleet" defined

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, "fleet" means one thousand (1,000) or more vehicles owned or long-term leased by a corporation or other legal entity and registered in the state pursuant to this part.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 64.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-502 - Annual fleet registration

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, in lieu of staggered vehicle registration, a company may register its fleet on an annual basis so that the registration of all vehicles in the fleet expires in the same month, that month to be requested by the applicant and approved by the commissioner. The commissioner shall approve an applicant's request for fleet registration if the applicant:
(1)
Provides an application containing information necessary for qualification as a fleet registrant;
(2)
Provides a list of all vehicles to be included in the fleet; and
(3)
Pays a one-time filing fee of one hundred dollars ($100) for the applicant.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-503 - Registering officer - Distribution of taxes and fees to county

(a)
The department is the registering officer for the initial application for registration and subsequent renewal applications of fleet registrants. In the application for registration, the applicant shall group vehicles by county of domicile. The commissioner shall collect and distribute to county governments and county government officials the same taxes and fees as would be applicable if the vehicles were registered in the county.
(b)
For the purpose of this section, "domicile" means the county where the vehicle is most commonly dispatched or worked.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-504 - Permanent registration card and validating sticker

On approval of the application for fleet registration, the department shall issue a permanent registration card and a permanent validating sticker for each of the qualified vehicles in the fleet. The permanent registration card shall be carried in the vehicle at all times and shall be made available to any law enforcement officer on demand. It shall include all necessary motor vehicle insurance information to properly identify fleet coverage, either self-insurance or commercial carrier. The permanent validating sticker shall be displayed in the manner prescribed by the department.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-505 - Adjusting tax valuation and classification fees to establish a uniform month of expiration

(a)
For the purposes of establishing a new fleet registrant, in order to establish a uniform month of expiration, the valuation for the vehicle license tax shall be maintained at the current valuation if it is necessary to calculate a partial year vehicle license tax.
(b)
For the purposes of establishing a new fleet registrant, in order to establish a uniform month of expiration, the classification fees and any other motor carrier fees established by law may be discounted on a monthly basis for the purposes of calculating a partial registration year.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-506 - Additional vehicles

If a vehicle is added to the fleet during the registration year, the commissioner shall discount all fees required for registration as prescribed by law. In addition to all registration fees, the registrant shall pay a five-dollar identification fee for each vehicle added to the fleet.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 7.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 5 - COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE FLEETS (§§ 55-4-501 — 55-4-507) › Section 55-4-507 - Renewal - Deletion of vehicle - Testing and inspection

(a)
On the renewal of a fleet registration, the department shall require payment of full licensing fees for every vehicle registered in the preceding year unless the vehicle has been properly deleted from the fleet.
(b)
In order to delete a vehicle from the fleet, the fleet registrant shall surrender to the department the permanent registration card and the permanent validating sticker. If the card or sticker is lost or stolen, the fleet registrant shall submit a sworn statement giving the circumstances for the inability to surrender the card or sticker.
(c)
Registered fleet vehicles will comply with existing state and county/city laws and requirements for testing and inspection. However, required documentation at annual renewal will be provided in the form of a sworn statement of compliance for the list of fleet renewal vehicles.
Acts 1993, ch. 150, § 8.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 6 - VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGAN DONOR PROGRAMS (§§ 55-4-601 — 55-4-603) › Section 55-4-601 - Voluntary contributions by motor vehicle registrants to support organ donation programs

(a)
Upon the registration or registration renewal of any motor vehicle in any county in which the county clerk participates in this program, the registrant shall have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation of one dollar ($1.00) for the purpose of promoting and supporting organ donation in the state.
(b)
The voluntary contribution shall be in addition to fees payable for the registration of a motor vehicle.
(c)
Forms for certificate of vehicle registration renewal furnished by the department shall contain an appropriate designation for the contribution.
(d)
The contribution shall be paid, in addition to fees required for motor vehicle registration, to the county clerk in the county in which the motor vehicle is registered, shall be retained by the county clerk, and shall be paid over, no less than quarterly, to a tax-exempt, not-for-profit entity created by the county clerks association for the purpose of promoting and supporting organ donation in the state.
Acts 1995, ch. 83, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 65.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 6 - VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGAN DONOR PROGRAMS (§§ 55-4-601 — 55-4-603) › Section 55-4-602 - Participation by county clerks

Each county clerk desiring to participate in this program shall notify the county legislative body of the clerk's participation in writing. A county clerk desiring to cease participation in this program shall notify the county legislative body to that effect in writing.
Acts 1995, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 6 - VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGAN DONOR PROGRAMS (§§ 55-4-601 — 55-4-603) › Section 55-4-603 - Contributions not subject to commissions

The voluntary contributions authorized in this part are not subject to any commissions including, but not limited to, those authorized by §
8-21-401(h)(2)
.
Acts 1995, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 7 - [Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle] (§§ 55-4-701 — 55-4-702) › Section 55-4-701 - Off-highway vehicle license plate

(a)
An owner or lessee of a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle, as defined in §
55-8-101
, who is a resident of this state shall be issued an off-highway vehicle license plate authorized by §
55-4-210(f)
upon:
(1)
Compliance with the applicable provisions of chapters 1-6, including applications for certificates of title, and with rules promulgated by the department; and
(2)
Payment of the fee applicable to the vehicle as provided in Class H of §
55-4-111(a)(1)
.
(b)
The fees imposed by Class H of §
55-4-111(a)(1)
and collected by the department shall be allocated pursuant to §
55-6-107(a)
in the same manner as registration fees imposed by this chapter are allocated.
(c)
As a condition precedent to operating a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle upon a county road in this state the operator shall comply with chapter 12 of this title relative to financial responsibility.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790,s 8, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 7 - [Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle] (§§ 55-4-701 — 55-4-702) › Section 55-4-702 - Off-highway vehicle temporary permit

(a)
An owner or lessee of a Class I or Class II off-highway vehicle, as defined in §
55-8-101
, who is a not a resident of this state, upon complying with rules promulgated by the department and paying both a four-dollar fee and a fee equal to the cost of designing and manufacturing the permit, shall be issued an off-highway vehicle temporary permit authorized for the off-highway vehicles enumerated in §
55-4-210(f)(1)
; provided, however, that in the event the temporary permit is issued through the offices of the county clerks of the state or a vendor selected by the department an additional fee of two dollars ($2.00) shall be imposed and retained by the clerks or by the vendor as compensation for services.
(b)
The four-dollar fee imposed by subsection (a) shall be apportioned in the same manner as provided in §
55-4-701(b)
.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790,s 8, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-102 - Theft or embezzlement and recovery of registered vehicle - Notice required - Penalty

(a)
The owner, lienholder or insurer of the owner of a registered vehicle that has been stolen or embezzled shall notify the Tennessee highway patrol or the local sheriff's office or police department of the theft or embezzlement, but in the event of an embezzlement, the person shall make the report only after having procured the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the person charged with the embezzlement.
(b)
Every owner or other person who has given any notice under subsection (a) must notify the Tennessee highway patrol or the local sheriff's office or police department of a recovery of the vehicle.
(c)
In the event the owner is notified by any law enforcement officer or by a garage or wrecker operator of the recovery of the stolen vehicle, it is the duty of the owner to immediately notify the owner's theft insurer of the vehicle's recovery and its location.
(d)
Any person, firm or corporation violating this section commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 71 (Williams, § 5538.171); Acts 1972, ch. 725, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-502; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-103 - Rules and forms for theft or embezzlement reports - Duties of commissioner and department of safety and department of revenue

(a)
(1)
The commissioner of safety is authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the submission of the reports required under §§
55-5-101
and
55-5-102
. The rules and regulations shall include time limits for the submission of the reports and shall prescribe the forms that the reports shall be submitted upon.
(2)
The commissioner of safety shall cause to be distributed to the sheriffs' offices and police departments throughout the state the requisite forms for the reporting of the theft and recovery of stolen vehicles and parts. The commissioner of safety shall further prescribe and distribute those forms required of wrecker, garage and automobile salvage operators in regard to the recovery of stolen motor vehicles and parts.
(b)
(1)
The department of safety, by and through the Tennessee highway patrol dispatchers, upon receiving reports of the theft or recovery of motor vehicles, shall cause this information to be filed with the national crime information center.
(2)
The department of safety shall further notify the department of revenue of these reports and the department of revenue, upon receiving a report of a stolen or embezzled vehicle as heretofore provided, shall file and appropriately index the same, and shall immediately suspend the certificate of title to the vehicle so reported and shall not transfer the certificate of title until such time as it is notified in writing that the vehicle has been recovered.
(c)
The department of revenue shall, at least once each week, compile and maintain in its office a list of all vehicles that have been stolen and embezzled or recovered as reported to it during the preceding week, and this list shall be made immediately available to the department of safety and shall be open to inspection by the general public.
(d)
Notwithstanding §
4-7-402
to the contrary, the police department shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the criminal investigation division to investigate theft and recovery of stolen vehicles in any county with a metropolitan form of government and having a population of more than three hundred thousand (300,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census. Nothing in this subsection (d) shall be construed to relieve the duty to report thefts and recoveries of stolen vehicles to the department of safety pursuant to this part.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 72 (Williams, § 5538.172); Acts 1972, ch. 725, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-503; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 66; 2008, ch. 775, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-104 - Temporary taking of vehicle - Joyriding - Obtaining possession fraudulently - Neglect to return - Class E felony

(a)
Any person who, with intent to defraud the owner of any motor vehicle or a person in lawful possession of the motor vehicle, obtains possession of the vehicle from the owner, or the servant, agents or employees of the owner, by agreeing in writing, to pay a rental for use of the vehicle based in whole or part on the distance the vehicle is driven, commits a Class E felony.
(b)
Obtaining possession of the vehicle by means of trick, false or fraudulent misrepresentation, or false impersonation of another, or by giving a bad or worthless check as a deposit or in payment of the rental, in obtaining possession of the vehicle, shall be prima facie evidence of intent to defraud.
(c)
Any person who, after hiring, leasing or renting a motor vehicle under an agreement in writing, which provides for return of the vehicle to a particular place, or at a particular time, abandons this vehicle, or refuses or willfully neglects to return the vehicle to the place and at the time specified in the agreement, or who secretes, converts, sells or attempts to sell the motor vehicle, or any part of the motor vehicle, commits a Class E felony.
(d)
The failure, or refusal, or neglect to return the vehicle within seventy-two (72) hours subsequent to the date or time specified in the written agreement shall be prima facie evidence of willful intent to violate this section; provided, that failure, refusal or neglect to return the vehicle within the seventy-two-hour period shall not be evidence of willful intent if the person provides written notification to the owner within the seventy-two-hour period of the person's intention to return the vehicle and returns the vehicle within twenty-four (24) hours of the notification, or when agreed upon by the owner and the person, and if the person pays the fair rental value for the vehicle.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1921, ch. 17, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 6567a4; Code 1932, § 10948; Acts 1961, ch. 108, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-504; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 5, 53; 1996, ch. 736, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-105 - Chauffeur using automobile without owner's consent - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any chauffeur or any other person in like capacity to use the automobile of another without the owner's permission or consent.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1911, ch. 28, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 6501a1, 6501a2; Code 1932, §§ 10847, 10848; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-505; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-107 - Identification numbers - Method of installation

(a)
The identification numbers required by §
55-5-106
shall be placed upon the passenger car and components required to be numbered in a permanent manner so that any attempt to remove, alter, deface, obliterate or destroy them will be ascertainable.
(b)
The permanent manner required by §§
55-5-106
- 55-5-110 may be by any suitable manufacturing process that will result in the number becoming a permanent part of the passenger car or component. They shall be of a height and width easily readable by the naked eye. They may consist of letters, numbers, digits or any combination of them.
(c)
The identification numbers required by §
55-5-106
may be in accordance with recommended practices approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers as to material, lettering, manufacturing and installation.
(d)
The identification numbers required by §
55-5-106
shall be placed upon the passenger car and required component parts by the manufacturer.
Acts 1968, ch. 603, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-507.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-109 - Penalties for sale, shipment, or manufacture of passenger cars or components not bearing identification numbers

Any person, firm or corporation who sells, offers for sale, ships or causes to be shipped into this state, or manufactures a passenger car, passenger car engine or passenger car transmission, the same being intended to be sold at retail within the state, that does not bear an identification number or numbers as set out in this part, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1968, ch. 603, § 5; T.C.A., § 59-509; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-110 - Application of Sections 55-5-106 - 55-5-109

The provisions of §§
55-5-106
- 55-5-109 requiring vehicle identification numbers on passenger cars only apply to those passenger cars manufactured after January 1, 1969, and designated by the manufacturer as a 1969 or subsequent model.
Acts 1968, ch. 603, § 6; 1972, ch. 725, § 5; T.C.A., § 59-510; Acts 1984, ch. 924, § 10; 2000, ch. 941, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-111 - Buying, disposing of or possessing motor vehicle, engine or transmission with removed or altered identification mark or number unlawful

Any person who knowingly buys, receives, disposes of, sells, offers for sale, or has in that person's possession any motor vehicle, engine or transmission removed from a motor vehicle, from which the manufacturer's serial, engine or transmission number or other distinguishing number or identification mark or number placed thereon under assignment from the division has been removed, defaced, covered, altered or destroyed commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 73 (Williams, § 5538.173); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-506; Acts 1971, ch. 122, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 11; T.C.A., § 59-511; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2000, ch. 941, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-112 - Altering or changing of distinguishing number or identification mark - Restoration of vehicle identification number

(a)
No person shall with fraudulent intent deface, destroy or alter the manufacturer's serial, engine or transmission number or other distinguishing number or identification mark of a motor vehicle or its component parts, nor shall any person place or stamp any serial, engine, transmission or other number or mark upon a motor vehicle or its component parts, except one assigned by the department. A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class E felony.
(b)
This section shall not prohibit the restoration of a vehicle identification number upon a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part by the commissioner of safety or the commissioner's designee, nor prevent any manufacturer from placing in the ordinary course of business numbers or marks upon motor vehicles or motor vehicle component parts thereof.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 74 (Williams, § 5538.174); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-507; Acts 1971, ch. 122, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-512; Acts 1990, ch. 1030, § 40; 2000, ch. 941, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 68.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-113 - Fraudulent statements in application - Penalty

Any person who fraudulently uses a false or fictitious name in any application for the registration of a vehicle or certificate of title, or knowingly conceals a material fact, or otherwise commits a fraud in the application, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 75 (Williams, § 5538.175); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-508; T.C.A., § 59-513; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-115 - Misuse of evidences of registration a misdemeanor - Penalties

(a)
No person shall lend to another any certificate of title, certificate of registration, registration plate, special plate, or permit issued to such person, if the person desiring to borrow the same would not be entitled to the use thereof, nor shall any person knowingly permit the use of any of the same by one not entitled thereto, nor shall any person display upon a vehicle any certificate of registration, registration plate, or permit not issued for that vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used thereon under chapters 1-6 of this title.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 78 (Williams, § 5538.178); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-511; T.C.A., § 59-516; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-116 - Altering, falsifying or forging evidences of title, assignments or plates a felony

It is a Class E felony for any person to:
(1)
Alter with fraudulent intent any certificate of title, certificate of registration, registration plate, or permit issued by the department or any county clerk of this state by virtue of chapters 1-6 of this title;
(2)
Alter or falsify with fraudulent intent or forge any assignment upon a certificate of title; or
(3)
Hold or use the document or plate, knowing the document or plate to have been altered, forged or falsified.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 79 (Williams, § 5538.179); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-512; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 11; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A., § 59-517; Acts 1990, ch. 1030, § 41; 2007, ch. 484, § 70.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-117 - Grounds for suspension or revocation of registrations, certificates of titles, and permits

(a)
The department is authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a vehicle or a certificate of title, certificate of registration, or registration plate, or any nonresident or other permit in any of the following events:
(1)
When the department is satisfied that the registration or that the certificate, plate, or permit was fraudulently or erroneously issued;
(2)
When a registered vehicle has been dismantled or wrecked;
(3)
When the department determines that the required fee has not been paid and the same is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand;
(4)
When a certificate of registration, registration plate or permit is knowingly displayed upon a vehicle other than the one for which it was issued; and
(5)
The commissioner shall be empowered to suspend the permit or right of any nonresident under any reciprocal agreement executed under §
55-4-121
if the nonresident is found to have violated any of the laws of this state regulating motor vehicles.
(b)
Nothing in chapters 1-6 of this title shall be construed to affect or change the power of the commissioner to revoke motor vehicle registrations under the financial responsibility law in chapter 12 of this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 80 (Williams, § 5538.180); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-513; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 12; T.C.A., § 59-518.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-118 - Grounds for suspension or revocation of certificates or special plates and temporary tags or permits of manufacturers, transporters or dealers

The department is also authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate or the special plates issued to a manufacturer, transporter or dealer and temporary tags or permits issued under chapters 1-6 of this title upon determining that the person is not lawfully entitled to the certificate or plates or has made or knowingly permitted any illegal use of the plates, or has committed fraud in the registration of vehicles, or failed to give notices of transfers when and as required by chapters 1-6 of this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 81 (Williams, § 5538.181); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 15; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-514; T.C.A., § 59-519.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-119 - Evidences of registration to be returned by owner upon cancellation, suspension or revocation

(a)
Whenever the department as authorized hereunder cancels, suspends, or revokes the registration of a vehicle, or a certificate of title, a certificate of registration or registration plate or plates, or any nonresident or other permit or the license of any dealer or wrecker, the owner or person in possession of the same shall immediately return the evidence of registration, title or license so cancelled, suspended, or revoked to the department.
(b)
In cases where the registration plate or plates are revoked by the commissioner of safety under the Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in chapter 12 of this title, the plate or plates shall be retained by the commissioner of safety, who shall notify the commissioner of revenue that the plate or plates are in the commissioner of safety's possession.
(c)
The action of the department in suspending, revoking or canceling any registration, certificate of registration, registration plate or plates, permit or special plate shall be reviewed in the manner provided for in the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3, and in §
67-1-105
; provided, that the party aggrieved by the action makes a written request for a formal hearing under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act within ten (10) days of the action complained of.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 82 (Williams, § 5538.182); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 16; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-515; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 13; T.C.A., § 59-520; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 71.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-120 - Penalty for violations

(a)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to violate any of the provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title unless such violation is by chapters 1-6 of this title or other law of this state declared to be a felony.
(b)
Unless another penalty is in chapters 1-6 of this title or by the laws of this state provided, a violation of any of the provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 93 (Williams, § 5538.193); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-516; T.C.A., § 59-521; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-121 - Violation - Class E felony

Any person who is convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title declared to constitute a felony shall be punished for a Class E felony.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 94 (Williams, § 5538.194); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-517; T.C.A., § 59-522; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 54.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-122 - Moving any motor vehicle located on private property unlawful - Exceptions

(a)
It is unlawful for any person, or the person's agent, to move or cause to be moved, any motor vehicle located on private property, from the property, if the owner of the motor vehicle has acquired any interest in the private property by virtue of a lease or any contract, without the express consent of the owner of the motor vehicle; or upon request by the owner or tenant of the property on which the vehicle is located; or unless the person so moving the motor vehicle has acquired an interest in the vehicle by operation of law, a security interest agreement, or is acting pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, including a municipal court.
(b)
Subsection (a) shall not be construed in any manner to impair or restrict the authority or ability of a municipal or metropolitan government, acting by ordinance, to regulate the parking or towing of any motor vehicle located within the boundaries of the municipality.
Acts 1972, ch. 573, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-523; Acts 2001, ch. 247, § 1; 2007, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-123 - Penalties for violations

A violation of §
55-5-122
is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1972, ch. 573, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-524; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-124 - Treble damages

In addition to the criminal penalties prescribed by §§
55-5-122
- 55-5-125, any person who violates §
55-5-122
is civilly liable to the owner of the motor vehicle in a sum treble the amount of the costs incurred by the owner in recovering the motor vehicle so moved.
Acts 1972, ch. 573, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-525.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-125 - Abandoned and junked vehicle laws unaffected

Sections
55-5-122
- 55-5-124 shall not affect nor prevent the operation of any state law relative to the removal of abandoned and junked motor vehicles.
Acts 1972, ch. 573, § 4; T.C.A., § 59-526.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-126 - Use of stolen plates - Penalty

(a)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to display upon a vehicle, for the purpose of indicating its registration, any license plate known by the user to have been stolen, or reported as lost or stolen in an application made to the department for a replacement plate, or issued as the replacement for a plate falsely reported to have been lost or stolen.
(b)
When any person is apprehended while operating an unregistered vehicle on which there is displayed a plate known to the owner or user as having been stolen, reported as lost or stolen, or issued as the replacement for a plate falsely reported to have been stolen, the registration fee for the vehicle shall be in a sum treble the amount of the annual registration fee provided in chapter 4 of this title.
Acts 1976, ch. 460, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-527; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2007, ch. 484, § 72.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-127 - Junked or salvaged motor vehicles - Sale or transfer of certificates of title, identification plates or license plates - Penalties

(a)
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell or exchange, offer to sell or exchange, or to give away any certificate of title or manufacturer's identification number plates, serial plates or motor vehicle license plates of any motor vehicle that has been sold as junk or salvage or as a total loss. Every officer, agent or employee of any person, firm or corporation, and every person who authorizes, directs, aids in or consents to the sale or exchange, or offers to sell, exchange or give away the certificate of title or manufacturer's identification number plate, serial plates or motor vehicle license plates, commits a Class E felony.
(b)
It is lawful to sell, exchange or give away any motor vehicle license plate that is no longer legally effective and is not used or usable for an illegal purpose.
Acts 1980, ch. 495, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 55.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-128 - Seized or repossessed motor vehicles - Notice to sheriff

(a)
(1)
If a motor vehicle is seized or repossessed in Tennessee, the sheriff of the county in which the seizure or repossession occurred shall be notified immediately of the action taken; provided, that if the seizure or repossession occurred in a county having a metropolitan form of government, notification shall be made to the metropolitan police department. The notice shall contain the name and address of the owner and a description of the vehicle, including the make, model and serial number.
(2)
Failure to notify as provided in this section, errors of fact in notification or notification to an incorrect jurisdiction shall not be construed to be grounds to defeat and/or cancel an otherwise permissible seizure and/or repossession.
(b)
The notice requirements of this section shall not apply if the owner voluntarily surrenders the vehicle for repossession.
Acts 1989, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-129 - Impounded vehicles - Entry onto private property

(a)
As used in this section, "impound" means removing a vehicle from a private parking lot adjacent to a street, alley, highway, or thoroughfare by a uniformed police officer, to the nearest garage or other place of safety or to a garage designated or maintained by a law enforcement agency.
(b)
Authorized personnel of the appropriate law enforcement agency in any county or municipality of this state have the authority to impound any vehicle after determining the existence of any one (1) or more of the following factors:
(1)
The registration plate displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle; or
(2)
The renewal decal displayed on the vehicle is stolen or is otherwise not registered to the vehicle.
(c)
Sections
31-302
and
31-303
shall govern the disposition of any vehicle impounded pursuant to this section.
(d)
Law enforcement personnel must secure permission of the owner of any private property before entering onto the property for the purposes of this section.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 8, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1993, ch. 261, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 1 - VIOLATIONS OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION LAW (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-130) › Section 55-5-130 - Reporting theft of motor vehicle from bailee

Whenever a motor vehicle under a bailee's care has been stolen, the bailee shall report the theft to the appropriate law enforcement agency and to the bailor if the bailor's address is known. Thereafter, the law enforcement agency shall investigate the theft in the same manner as any other stolen motor vehicle investigation.
Acts 1999, ch. 515, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 2 - MOTOR VEHICLE CHOP SHOP ACT OF 2000 (§§ 55-5-201 — 55-5-206) › Section 55-5-201 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Motor Vehicle Chop Shop Act of 2000."
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 2 - MOTOR VEHICLE CHOP SHOP ACT OF 2000 (§§ 55-5-201 — 55-5-206) › Section 55-5-203 - Violations and penalties

(a)
It is an offense to:
(1)
Knowingly own, operate or conduct a chop shop;
(2)
Transport any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part to or from a location, knowing the location to be a chop shop;
(3)
Purchase or receive any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part from a location knowing the location to be a chop shop; or
(4)
Sell or transfer any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part to a location knowing the location to be a chop shop.
(b)
A violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) is a Class D felony. In addition to the authorized term of imprisonment for a Class D felony, the violation shall also be punished by a minimum mandatory fine of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500).
(c)
A violation of subdivision (a)(3) shall be punished as theft pursuant to §
39-14-103
and graded pursuant to §
39-14-105
depending upon the value of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part purchased or received.
(d)
The penalty for a violation of subdivision (a)(4) shall be graded pursuant to §
39-14-105
depending upon the value of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part sold or transferred.
(e)
(1)
In addition to any other punishment, a person convicted of a violation of this section shall be ordered to make restitution to the lawful owner or owners of the stolen motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part, or to the owner's insurer, and to any other person for financial loss sustained as a result of a violation of this section.
(2)
"Financial loss" includes, but is not limited to, loss of earnings, out-of-pocket and other expenses, repair and replacement costs and claims payments.
(3)
"Lawful owner" includes an innocent bona fide purchaser of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part who does not know the motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part to be stolen.
(f)
The court shall determine the extent and method of restitution.
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 5 - ANTI-THEFT PROVISIONS (§§ 55-5-101 — 55-5-206) › Part 2 - MOTOR VEHICLE CHOP SHOP ACT OF 2000 (§§ 55-5-201 — 55-5-206) › Section 55-5-204 - Seizure of property

(a)
Any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part with identification numbers or distinguishing numbers or marks that have been altered, counterfeited, defaced, destroyed, disguised, falsified, forged, obliterated, or removed shall be seized, forfeited, and disposed of in accordance with §
55-5-108
.
(b)
Any tool, implement, or instrumentality used:
(1)
To alter, destroy, disassemble, dismantle, or reassemble a stolen motor vehicle or stolen motor vehicle component part;
(2)
To alter, counterfeit, deface, forge, obliterate, or remove the motor vehicle identification number; or
(3)
In transportation, disposal, or sale of stolen motor vehicles or stolen motor vehicle component parts, is declared to be contraband and may be seized by a member of a state or local law enforcement agency and subject to forfeiture in accordance with this part.
(c)
When property is seized pursuant to this section, the seizing agency shall remove the property to a place designated by that agency for safe storage pending disposition.
(d)
No civil liability shall be attached to any law enforcement officer acting in good faith in regard to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles, motor vehicle component parts, or tools, implements, or instrumentalities pursuant to this section.
(e)
For purposes of clarifying this section and consistent with the overall remedial purpose of asset forfeitures, property is subject to seizure and forfeiture upon the arrest of a person who owns, operates or conducts a chop shop, or transports any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part to or from a chop shop, or sells, transfers, purchases or receives any motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part to or from a chop shop.
Acts 2000, ch. 941, § 1.