KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Tennessee

SB0745 • 2026

Motor Vehicles

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 55, relative to documents required when operating a motor vehicle.

Crime
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Yager, Capley
Last action
2025-03-17
Official status
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Driver License and Insurance Requirements for Unauthorized Drivers

This bill makes it a crime for people who are not legally allowed to be in the United States to drive without a valid driver's license and proof of car insurance, with fines up to $1,000.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it illegal for unauthorized immigrants to drive without a valid driver’s license.
  • Requires unauthorized drivers to have evidence of financial responsibility (car insurance).
  • Classifies the offense as a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Limits the fine for this crime to $1,000.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Unauthorized immigrants who drive in Tennessee.

Terms To Know

Class A misdemeanor
A serious criminal offense that can result in jail time and fines.
Financial responsibility
Having car insurance to pay for damages or injuries caused by a vehicle accident.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if someone is caught driving without the required documents.
  • It is unclear how this law will be enforced and who will check drivers' status.

Bill History

  1. 2025-03-18 Tennessee General Assembly

    Taken off notice for cal in s/c Transportation Subcommittee of Transportation Committee

  2. 2025-03-17 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee

  3. 2025-03-13 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  4. 2025-03-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/18/2025

  5. 2025-03-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on s/c cal Transportation Subcommittee for 3/18/2025

  6. 2025-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/18/2025

  7. 2025-02-26 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/4/2025

  8. 2025-02-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee

  9. 2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

  10. 2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  11. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to s/c Transportation Subcommittee

  12. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    P2C, ref. to Transportation Committee

  13. 2025-02-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

  14. 2025-02-03 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  15. 2025-01-29 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
HOUSE BILL 558
By Capley

SENATE BILL 745
By Yager

SB0745
002109
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39
and Title 55, relative to documents required when
operating a motor vehicle.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 10, Part 2, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
(a) It is an offense for a person who is in the United States without legal
authorization to operate a motor vehicle without possessing:
(1) A valid driver license as required under § 55-50-301; and
(2) Evidence of financial responsibility as required under § 55-12-139.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximum fine
of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
SECTION 2. This act takes effect July 1, 2025, the public welfare requiring it.