Traffic Safety - As introduced, authorizes the seizure and impoundment of a motor vehicle used in drag racing, based on probable cause, for a maximum of 72 hours; authorizes owner of motor vehicle to contest seizure in administrative or judicial hearing. - Amends TCA Title 6; Title 7; Title 16; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10, Part 5.
HB 1689 allows police officers to seize and hold vehicles used in drag racing for up to 72 hours if they have probable cause to believe the vehicle was used illegally. The bill requires law enforcement to notify the vehicle owner in writing within that timeframe, explaining the reason for the seizure and informing them of their right to request a hearing. Owners can challenge the seizure at an administrative hearing or in court within five business days, and if the seizure isn't justified, they may get their vehicle back or be reimbursed for fees. This law applies specifically to vehicles used in drag racing and does not change existing rules for vehicle forfeiture after a conviction.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2026
Last action Mar 18, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
10
Key actions
6
Committee
8
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/18/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/11/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/11/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/4/2026
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Bob Freeman
DDemocratic
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