A guide to legal car modifications in Tennessee
Auto repair

A guide to legal car modifications in Tennessee

09.11.2022 /

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Tennessee has many laws and regulations regarding modified vehicles. If you live in the state or will be moving there soon, you must be sure that your modified car or truck is considered legal for use on state roads.

Sounds and noise

Tennessee has laws that limit the amount of noise your vehicle can make. Failure to follow these rules may result in a misdemeanor charge and a $50 fine for each offense.

Sound systems

  • Listening to your sound systems at a volume high enough to disturb, annoy, or interfere with the comfort and peace of reasonable people in the area is illegal.

  • Sound systems cannot be heard 50 feet away on public streets or 50 feet away from private property.

  • It is forbidden to play sound audible at a distance of 100 feet from 10:7 a.m. to 11:7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In residential areas, the distance decreases to the border of the neighboring plot.

Muffler

  • Silencers are required on all vehicles and should prevent unusual or excessive noise.
  • Silencers cannot be modified to create loud or explosive sounds.

FunctionsA: Always check with your local Tennessee laws to ensure you are complying with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.

Frame and suspension

Tennessee also has suspension and height restrictions on modified vehicles.

  • Vehicles cannot be taller than 13 feet 6 inches.

  • Front lifting blocks are not allowed.

  • 4×4 vehicle bumpers have a maximum height of 31 inches and a minimum height of 14 inches.

  • Passenger cars have a maximum bumper height of 22 inches (no minimum specified).

Tennessee also restricts vehicle frame height based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

  • Cars and SUVs – maximum frame height 22 inches
  • Less than 4,501 GVW – maximum frame height 24 inches
  • 4,501–7,500 GVW – maximum frame height 26 inches
  • 7,501–10,000 GVW – maximum frame height 28 inches

ENGINES

In Tennessee, there are no rules for replacing and modifying engines. Emission testing is required in several counties. Visit the Department of the Environment and Conservation website for information on station locations and schedules.

Lighting and windows

Lanterns

  • Passenger vehicles cannot display a combination of red, blue and white lights.

  • Red or blue lights, including "tinted" ones, are not allowed on vehicles other than those used by law enforcement.

  • Two auxiliary lights are allowed.

  • Non-emergency vehicles are not permitted to have flashing lights other than those fitted at the factory.

Window tinting

  • Non-reflective windshield tinting above the AC-1 line from the manufacturer is allowed.

  • Mirror and metallic/reflective shades are not allowed.

  • Front, back and rear windows must let in more than 35% of the light.

  • A decal is required on the driver's side glass between the glass and the film, indicating acceptable tint levels.

Vintage/classic car modifications

Tennessee offers vintage license plates that meet the following requirements:

  • The vehicle must be over 25 years old.

  • The vehicle may only be used for everyday or normal driving on Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Travel to exhibitions, club events, excursions, parades, shows and trips for repairs or refueling is allowed.

If you want to make sure your vehicle is Tennessee compliant, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications are best for your vehicle using our free online Ask a Mechanic Q&A system.

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