Tennessee has street legal laws that limit a vehicle’s frame height and bumper height and prohibit the use of front lift blocks. That in mind, the installation of suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards is allowed.
 Code |
The Tennessee Code (TC) defines the street legal laws for the state. |
TC Title 55 | ||||||||||||||||
 Dimensions |
Vehicle dimensions in Tennessee are limited to an overall width of 96 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 40 feet. |
TC 55-7-201 TC 55-7-202 |
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 Tires |
Tennessee requires that all tires be in safe condition and free from any exposed cords and bulges. There is no minimum tire tread depth in Tennessee’s laws. It is unknown if tires are allowed to be grooved . |
TC 55-9-106 | ||||||||||||||||
 Wheels |
There are no laws specifically related to wheels found in Tennessee’s laws. |
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 Brakes |
Vehicles driven in Tennessee are required to have brakes on all 4 wheels. The brakes must be capable of stopping the vehicle from a speed of 20 mph within 30 feet. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
TC 55-9-204 TC 55-9-205 |
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 Steering |
It is unlawful to modify a vehicle’s original steering system in Tennessee. The minimum steering wheel diameter is 12 inches. |
TC 55-9-215 TC 55-9-216 |
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 Suspension |
Tennessee prohibits the use of front lift blocks. |
TC 55-9-215 | ||||||||||||||||
 Frame |
The maximum vehicle frame height in Tennessee depends on the vehicle’s GVWR. The body floor of the vehicle must not be more than 4 inches above the top of the frame.
( Measured to the bottom of the frame. ) |
TC 55-9-215 | ||||||||||||||||
 Bumpers |
Four wheel drive vehicles in Tennessee are required to have bumpers that are no lower than 14 inches above the roadway and no higher than 31 inches. Passenger vehicle bumpers must be 22 inches or lower. Bumpers must be at least 4.5 inches tall. ( Measured to the bottom of the bumper. ) |
TC 55-9-215 | ||||||||||||||||
 Fenders |
Fenders and mud flaps are only required on commercial vehicles in Tennessee. |
TC 55-9-212 | ||||||||||||||||
 Lights |
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Tennessee are allowed to have 2 auxiliary lights. When a vehicle is equipped with extra lighting, no more than 4 front lights can be on at one time while driving.
( Measured to the center of the light. ) |
TC 55-9-402 | ||||||||||||||||
 Windows |
Tennessee’s code does not specifically state that windshields are required. All vehicles that are equipped with windshields are required to have windshield wipers. |
TC 55-9-203 | ||||||||||||||||
 Exhaust |
Mufflers are required on all vehicles in Tennessee. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited. |
TC 55-9-202 | ||||||||||||||||
 Engine |
It is unclear whether or not Tennessee has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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 Emissions |
Tennessee started requiring emissions testing in April, 2005. As of 7/1/2014 only Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson Counties require emissions testing. |