Motor Vehicle

Notice of Effective Date for New Rules of the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission
Posted: May 28, 2026

The Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission (“Commission”) approved proposed rules at a rulemaking hearing conducted on October 28, 2025. These rules were filed with the Secretary of State on March 3, 2026, and will become effective June 1, 2026

The proposed rules make several amendments as a result of the Retrospective Rule Review completed by the Department as required by the General Assembly’s enactment of Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-5-213.

First, the motor vehicle or recreational vehicle show fee will be deleted and two (2) license fees will increase. Specifically, the following license fees will be increased: (1) application for endorsement of change of employer of a motor vehicle salesperson by an employer and (2) each name change, including additional line-make.

Next, a dealer who is relocating will be required to submit a new application and notify the Commission within thirty (30) days of its anticipated relocation date. Requirements previously governing motor vehicle shows will be removed to more accurately depict existing shows and displays.

Finally, three (3) new rules will be added to ensure that automotive dismantlers and recyclers are held to the same standards as outlined in the general rules. View a full copy of these rules online here.

Motor Vehicle Dealerships:
Promotional Contests Using Scratch Off Games and/or Lottery-Style Game Mailers
Posted: April 14, 2026

The Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission continues to receive complaints from consumers who received certain advertisements from Tennessee-licensed dealerships. These types of complaints have increased in the last 2 years. Most advertisements alleged to be violations are sent by mail and look like scratch-off lottery tickets, Monopoly or pull-tab games, or variations with codes or symbols that must match for the consumer to win a prize. Most of these promotions and games have been found to violate the Commission’s advertising rules and the Consumer Protection Act. As a result, the Commission has assessed civil penalties against dealers engaging in this type of advertisement.

Licensed dealerships are solely responsible for any violations arising from the sending of promotional mailers and from any violations that occur during the promotional event at their dealership. Any dealership using salespeople on a limited basis during these events must ensure that each salesperson holds a valid salesperson license issued by the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission.

All Tennessee-licensed dealers must comply with relevant state and federal laws, including the following rules issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission. Please review Tenn. Comp. R. & Reg. 0960-01-.12 and discuss your business plans with an attorney to be sure you are in compliance.