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MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County tit. 12, ch. 12.68
in effect

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.010 Drivers in processions.

12.68.010 - Drivers in processions. A. Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable and safe, and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practicable and safe. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (16), 1990; prior code § 27-1-76)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.020 Funeral procession identification.

12.68.020 - Funeral procession identification. A. A funeral composed of a procession of vehicles shall be identified as such by the display upon the outside of each vehicle of a pennant or other identifying insignia, or by such other method as may be determined and designated by the traffic and parking commission. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (15), 1990; prior code § 27-1-75)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.030 Driving through funeral processions.

12.68.030 - Driving through funeral processions. A. No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while they are in motion and when such vehicles are properly designated as required in this chapter. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (17), 1990; prior code § 27-1-77)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.040 Following fire apparatus.

12.68.040 - Following fire apparatus. A. The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred feet, or drive into and park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (13), 1990; prior code § 27-1-73)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.050 Driving over fire hose.

12.68.050 - Driving over fire hose. A. No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private road or driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (14), 1990; prior code § 27-1-74)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.060 Causing unnecessary traffic congestion—Regulations in shopping center parking lots.

12.68.060 - Causing unnecessary traffic congestion—Regulations in shopping center parking lots. A. It is unlawful for any person to cause unnecessary traffic congestion by driving aimlessly through the parking lots of shopping centers or other retail stores, or not-for-profit religious or educational institutions within the area of metropolitan government when a sign has been posted prohibiting such activity. B. It shall be the duty of the owner of the property on which the signs are posted to request in writing that the metropolitan police department enforce this section on their property. The owner of the property may also post speed limit signs and other traffic-control devices regulating the use of the premises, which regulations may be enforced by the metropolitan government. The responsibility and cost for erection of all such signs shall be borne by the property owner, and all signs shall be subject to the approval of the traffic and parking commission and shall conform to standard uniform traffic sign regulations customarily used by the metropolitan government. (Ord. 90-1214 § 1, 1990; § 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (54), 1990; prior code § 27-1-119.1)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.070 Opening doors into traffic.

12.68.070 - Opening doors into traffic. A. No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic, unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (26), 1990; prior code § 27-1-91)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.080 Backing of vehicles—Restrictions.

12.68.080 - Backing of vehicles—Restrictions. A. The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic, and shall not back into a street intersection, or around a street corner, and in no event shall the distance of the backing movement exceed fifty feet, and shall in every case yield the right-of-way to moving traffic and pedestrians. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (18), 1990; prior code § 27-1-78)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.090 Coasters, roller skates and other toy vehicles.

12.68.090 - Coasters, roller skates and other toy vehicles. A. No person upon roller skates, coasters or sleds, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle or similar device, shall go upon any roadway, except while crossing a street on a crosswalk, and when so crossing such person shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians, except as otherwise permitted in this title. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (Ord. 98-1352 § 2, 1998; § 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (51), 1990; prior code § 27-1-117)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.100 Golf cart requirements.

12.68.100 - Golf cart requirements. Every golf cart, regardless of the number of wheels, shall comply with equipment requirements applicable to motorcycles under this title, except those requirements solely applicable to motor-driven cycles. (Prior code § 27-1-86)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.110 Towing of vehicles.

12.68.110 - Towing of vehicles. A. It is unlawful to tow any motor vehicle upon any street or highway if the drawbar or connection exceeds eight feet from one vehicle to the other. Any vehicle being towed upon any street during a period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise shall maintain lights on both sides and the rear thereof, visible to the rear and on both sides for a distance of not less than two hundred feet. B. It is unlawful to tow any vehicle without red stop lights meeting the requirements of Tennessee State Statute Annotated. C. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (31), 1990; prior code § 27-1-96)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.120 Detour signs—Driver obedience required.

12.68.120 - Detour signs—Driver obedience required. A. It is unlawful to tear down or deface any detour sign or to break down or drive around any barricade erected for the purpose of closing any section of a street to traffic during construction, repair, or for any purpose incident to the needs of public safety or convenience, or to drive over such section of the street until again thrown open to public traffic; however, such restriction shall not apply to the persons in charge of such construction or repair or project for public safety or convenience. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (29), 1990; prior code § 27-1-94)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.130 Driving on sidewalks.

12.68.130 - Driving on sidewalks. A. No person shall drive any vehicle upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (19), 1990; prior code § 27-1-79)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.140 Riding on portions of vehicle not intended for passengers.

12.68.140 - Riding on portions of vehicle not intended for passengers. A. No person shall ride on any portion of a vehicle not designed or intended for the use of passengers. This section shall not apply to an employee engaged in the necessary discharge of a duty or to persons riding within truck bodies in space intended for merchandise. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (27), 1990; prior code § 27-1-92)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.150 Putting glass, nails or other injurious materials on highway—Clearing accident wreckage.

12.68.150 - Putting glass, nails or other injurious materials on highway—Clearing accident wreckage. A. No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon such highway. B. Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown upon any highway any destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. C. Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from such vehicle. D. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violations of subsections A through C of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (53), 1990; prior code § 27-1-119)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.160 Boarding or alighting from moving vehicles.

12.68.160 - Boarding or alighting from moving vehicles. A. No person shall board or alight from any vehicle while such vehicle is in motion. B. Section 12.84.020 sets out the penalty for violation of this section. (§ 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (25), 1990; prior code § 27-1-90)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.170 Careless driving.

12.68.170 - Careless driving. A. Every person operating a vehicle upon the streets within the metropolitan government, or upon any private road or driveway or parking area, shall drive the same in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic and use of these streets and private areas, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. Failure to drive in such manner shall constitute careless driving and a violation of this chapter. B. Section 12.84.030 sets out the penalty for violation of subsection A of this section. (Ord. 98-1447 § 8, 1999; § 1 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 1 (12), 1990; prior code § 27-1-71)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.180 Reckless driving.

12.68.180 - Reckless driving. A. It is unlawful for any person to drive any vehicle upon the streets of the metropolitan government or upon any private road or driveway or parking area in a wilful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Any person who drives any vehicle at a speed of fifteen or more miles per hour than the posted speed limit upon any streets of metropolitan government or upon any private road or driveway or parking area in any residence district shall be presumed to be driving in a wilful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property and the burden of proof shall be upon the driver to establish that they were not driving with such disregard. B. Deleted. (Amended during 10/99 supplement; Ord. 98-1497 § 1, 1999; Ord. 95-1329 § 2 (part), 1995; Ord. 94-1237 § 1, 1994; § 3 (part) of Amdt. 2 to Ord. 90-1255, 7/17/90; Ord. 90-1255 § 3 (part), 1990; prior code § 27-1-70)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.200 Attempting to elude police officers.

12.68.200 - Attempting to elude police officers. Any driver of a motor vehicle who wilfully fails or refuses to bring his vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police vehicle, when given visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The signal given by the police officer may be by hand, voice, emergency light or siren. (Prior code § 27-1-87)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.210 Use of mobile telephones while operating a school bus or other vehicle transporting children.

12.68.210 - Use of mobile telephones while operating a school bus or other vehicle transporting children. No person shall use a mobile telephone while operating a moving school bus or other bus or van transporting children with a seating capacity of fifteen or more persons, except in the case of an emergency. For purposes of this section, an "emergency" shall mean that the operator of the bus or van needs to communicate with another to report that the vehicle is disabled, that medical attention or assistance is required for a passenger on the bus or van, that police intervention is necessary for the personal safety of a passenger or to otherwise ensure the safety of the passengers, or to report the presence of a disabled vehicle or an accident in the roadway. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to a private individual transporting his/her family. (Ord. BL2004-177 § 1, 2004)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.68.220 Regulating the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas.

12.68.220 - Regulating the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas. A. It is unlawful for any person to transport in the area of the metropolitan government any containers or cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas in excess of twenty pounds capacity, unless the cylinders or containers are securely fastened and equipped with appropriate valve guards or caps. Furthermore, no containers of liquefied petroleum gas shall be transported in any vehicle, whether private or for hire, while in use with heating equipment. This does not preclude carrying of containers for the use of liquefied petroleum gas as a motor fuel in conjunction with the operation of a vehicle of any type. B. A violation of subsection A of this section shall be punished as provided in Section 12.84.030 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws. (Ord. BL2021-678 § 1, 2021)
Source: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Metropolitan Code and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/metro_government_of_nashville_and_davidson_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_TIT12VETR_CH12.68MIDRRUFetched: 10/28/2026

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