Transportation and Safety

SB 1748 requires Tennessee enforcement officers to issue out-of-service orders for commercial drivers who cannot read or speak English sufficiently to understand traffic signs, respond to officials, or complete required records - meeting federal 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) standards. It directly affects commercial drivers and their employers, who face a $500 fine per violation (classified as a Class C misdemeanor) if a driver fails the English proficiency requirement during a safety inspection. Drivers must pass a state-administered English test to regain their license, with employers liable for associated fines. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections 55-50-403, 55-50-405, and 65-15-111 to implement these requirements, effective January 1, 2027.

Tennessee's SB 1667 increases penalties for drivers without auto insurance. It raises the first-time coverage failure fee from $25 to $500 and imposes a $1,500 fee for a second or subsequent failure within three years, requiring registration suspension or revocation. The bill also bars uninsured drivers from claiming non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) in lawsuits arising from vehicle use. Fees collected are distributed to county clerks, the Department of Safety, and a dedicated uninsured motorist fund.

SB 1783 requires Tennessee driver license staff to ask applicants at the time of application or renewal whether they want a REAL ID-compliant license or a non-REAL ID-compliant license. Staff must provide applicants with a printed document detailing the required documents, permitted uses (such as domestic air travel or accessing federal facilities), and alternative IDs like passports for each option. The bill makes REAL ID compliance optional, clarifies that applicants must sign a document confirming they received the information, and mandates that the state website prominently states this choice is optional. This directly affects all Tennessee residents applying for or renewing driver licenses, photo IDs, or learner's permits starting July 1, 2026.

SB 2027 allows Tennessee counties or municipalities to request a state highway traffic noise study for nearby homes when trees (a "tree zone") are removed behind those homes for reasons unrelated to highway construction, and no existing noise barrier or natural shielding is present. It directly affects residents living adjacent to state or interstate highways who experience increased noise after tree removal. The bill requires a local government resolution to trigger the study, which assesses noise impact without mandating a solution. This policy change provides a formal process for communities to evaluate noise concerns after tree-clearing events.

SB 2114 allows drivers who pay the fine for a speeding ticket (instead of appearing in court) to register for an approved online driver education course. Successful completion of the course within 90 days of conviction removes up to five points from the driver's record for the speeding offense. Court clerks must make this registration available online via their websites. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.