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Rules to suspend registrations of habitual choice‑lane violators move forward
Summary
The Department of Revenue told the committee it will implement a TDOT‑authorized process to suspend vehicle registrations for habitual choice‑lane violators after notices and a 60‑day cure period; the committee advanced the rule with a positive recommendation.
The Department of Revenue presented rules required by Public Chapter 159 (2023) to create a process for suspending registrations of habitual violators of choice‑lane rules.
"The rules define a habitual violator as someone who operates in a choice lane 3 or more times within the same 12 month period... Those must occur 3 separate dates. The instances must remain unpaid for a period of 30 days or more, and the balance due must total a $100 or more exceeding administrative fees," Autumn Cole, legislative director for the Department of Revenue, told the committee. Cole said TDOT will notify the department to suspend registration after the registrant fails to pay within the 60‑day cure period; once paid, TDOT will notify Revenue to reinstate registration.
A member asked about out‑of‑state violators. Cole deferred to TDOT and said the department does not directly track non‑Tennessee registrants; she said TDOT plans to pursue agreements with other states to obtain registrant data but could not confirm whether partner states would suspend registrations.
The committee moved a positive recommendation; the senate roll call recorded eight ayes and the house voice vote carried.
Why it matters: the rule provides a statutory enforcement pathway to suspend vehicle registrations for repeat and unpaid choice‑lane violations and sets specific thresholds and notice timelines.
What’s next: the rule was advanced with a positive recommendation in committee and will move through legislative review.
