Tennessee Senate Bill SB0395

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 9, relative to vehicle equipment.

Summary

SB0395 regulates the installation of oversized tires on passenger motor vehicles and trucks under 10,000 pounds. It requires anyone who installs larger-than-original-equipment tires to properly adjust the vehicle’s headlights according to the manufacturer’s specifications and tolerances. If the installer is in the tire-installation business, the bill also requires that the installer charge for the headlight adjustment service. The bill also adds a separate restriction to Tennessee’s vehicle equipment laws: tires may not be installed in a way that causes the vehicle’s bumper or frame to violate existing height-related equipment standards. Both the improper tire installation and the failure to adjust headlights as required are made Class B misdemeanors, but the penalty is limited to a $250 fine. The act is set to take effect July 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, Chapter 9 by creating a new section governing tire installation and by adding a new subsection to the existing vehicle equipment standards for bumper and frame height. It expands legal obligations for tire installers, including repair shops and businesses that install tires incidentally, and creates enforceable penalties for noncompliance. Vehicle owners, installers, and enforcement authorities would be affected, particularly in cases involving lifted or modified vehicles with oversized tires.

Sentiment

There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so the bill’s sentiment must be inferred from its text alone. The measure appears to reflect a safety-oriented approach to vehicle modification, aiming to preserve proper headlight aim and compliance with equipment-height rules. Because no debate or vote data is available, there is no documented support or opposition in the provided record.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are the added compliance burden on tire installers and the restriction on installing oversized tires that alter bumper or frame height. Supporters would likely view the bill as a roadway safety measure, while opponents might argue it imposes costs on businesses and limits vehicle customization. The requirement that installers charge for headlight adjustment could also raise questions about business practices and enforcement.