Department of Safety
Dave Mitchell, Commissioner
Amendment to the Financial Responsibility Law
Tennessee's Financial Responsibility Law (T.C.A.,55-12-139) changed effective January 1, 2002. At the time the driver of a motor vehicle is charged with any moving violation under Title 55, Chapters 8 and 10, Parts 1-5, Chapter 50; any other local ordinance regulating traffic; or at the time of an accident for which notice is required under Section 55-10-106, the officer will request evidence of financial responsibility. In the case of an accident for which notice is required under Section 55-10-106, the officer will request such evidence from all drivers involved in the accident, without regard to apparent or actual fault.
Evidence of Financial Responsibility
In addition, effective July 2, 2003, T.C.A. 55-12-140 requires the court to report the dismissal of violations of failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility under 55-12-139, if the charge was dismissed because the person obtained evidence of financial responsibility prior to the court's disposition. The department will place a STOP on your vehicle file and not issue a renewal of registration for any vehicle for which evidence of financial responsibility is required under 55-12-139. This applies to drivers with cases dismissed because of obtaining the evidence of financial responsibility prior to the court's disposition and drivers suspended because of conviction. Click here for STOP removal procedures.
