Commission approves Nashville Bronco OPVH permit and waives vehicle-age limit
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Summary
The commission granted an OPVH permit and age-waiver for a 1975 Ford Bronco to operate as a point-to-point vehicle, with the condition it not be used for sightseeing or tours and that markings referencing tours be removed.
The Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission approved an OPVH (prearranged point-to-point) permit and a vehicle-age waiver for an applicant operating a 1975 Ford Bronco, subject to conditions that the vehicle not be used for sightseeing tours and that tour markings be removed.
Why it matters: the waiver allows a distinctive, older vehicle to operate legally as a prearranged passenger vehicle despite rules that typically limit vehicle age, and commissioners stressed the approval does not change the licensing categories for sightseeing or entertainment transportation.
Applicant Jamie Holland (counsel) and owner Bruce Beatty described a rebrand to “Nashville Bronco” and said the vehicle would operate as a point-to-point transport rather than a tour vehicle. Holland told the commission the owner submitted an inspection report from a qualified auto shop showing the vehicle was roadworthy; the commission asked staff to ensure striping and “tour” labels are removed from the vehicle if approved.
Commissioners discussed safety and durability considerations for a 50-year-old vehicle and asked whether passengers would be seated in the open bed; owner Beatty explained seatbelts and welded seating had been installed and said maximum speeds would remain low (typically 5–25 mph in practice). Commissioner Penley and others emphasized the permit was limited to OPVH point-to-point service; Commissioner Clay and staff made clear that live narration or other entertainment would require an entertainment-transportation permit.
The commission approved the OPVH permit and waived the age requirement on the basis that the vehicle is historic/classic and met inspection requirements. The vote carried after a motion and second; commissioners said they would monitor compliance and reiterated that operating the vehicle as a tour or sightseeing vehicle would not be permitted under the OPVH authorization.
Next steps: owner must remove any tour signage and comply with inspection and safety conditions. Staff will document the vehicle and monitor operations for any unauthorized sightseeing activity.
