TN HB2302: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 30 and Title 55, Chapter 8, relative to autonomous vehicles.

In one paragraph

Tennessee's HB 2302 was enacted as its Senate companion, SB 2253 (Public Chapter 726), which the House substituted for it on March 23, 2026. The law amends Tenn. Code § 55-8-202 so a state or local law enforcement agency may adopt a policy for enforcing traffic offenses committed by an automated driving system (ADS). Under such a policy, when a POST-certified or state-commissioned officer finds an ADS committed an offense, the notice or citation goes by first-class mail to the vehicle's registered owner within 20 business days, allows 30 days to pay, and no added costs may be charged without a second notice. Signed April 13, 2026 (Public Chapter 726); effective on signing.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Registered owners of ADS-operated vehicles can receive mailed citations for traffic offenses an officer finds the automated driving system committed, where the police agency has adopted an ADS enforcement policy, with 30 days to pay and a second notice before added costs.

Key provisions

1. 1"Automated driving system" (ADS) and "ADS-operated vehicle" have the meanings in Tenn. Code § 55-30-102
2. 2A state or local law enforcement agency may establish a policy on enforcing traffic offenses committed by an ADS, including notices of violation or citations; any such policy must follow the rules below
3. 3If a POST-certified or state-commissioned officer determines an ADS committed a traffic offense under Title 55, chapter 8, 9 or 10, the notice or citation is sent by first-class mail to the registered owner; mailing to the last known address is valid service
4. 4Notices must go out within 20 business days of the violation (absent exigent circumstances from registration irregularities), carry a Tennessee return address with payments to a Tennessee address, and allow 30 days to pay
5. 5No additional penalty or costs for nonpayment unless a second notice by first-class mail gives another 30 days; notices must state the fine and, separately, any added fees or court costs
6. 6The owner may pay by mail instead of appearing in court; added fees or court costs may be assessed if the citation is not paid on time, or if the owner contests it in court and the ADS is found to have committed the offense
7. 7Passed the Senate 27-2 as amended and the House 86-0 on March 23, 2026 (SB 2253 substituted for HB 2302)
8. 8Enacted as Senate Bill 2253: signed by the Governor April 13, 2026 and effective on becoming law (Public Chapter 726, recorded on the HB 2302 page as 'Comp. became Pub. Ch. 726' May 4, 2026)

Latest legislative action

May 4, 2026. Comp. became Pub. Ch. 726

Sponsors (showing 5 of 8)

Roll call votes

Amendments (2)

• SA0650 Not adopted 2026-03-11
• HA0704 Not adopted 2026-03-18