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Form a Business

Driver's Permit

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County tit. 12, ch. 12.54, art. II
in effect

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.120 Permit required—Violations and term.

12.54.120 - Permit required—Violations and term. A. No person shall drive or otherwise operate a carriage engaged in the for-hire horse-drawn carriage service unless he or she has a driver's permit. To qualify for a permit, an applicant must comply with all of the requirements and stipulations of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted by the commission. B. A person commits an offense if he or she operates a horse-drawn carriage for-hire in the metropolitan government without a driver's permit issued by the commission. C. A business commits an offense if it employs or otherwise allows a person to operate a horse-drawn carriage owned, controlled, or operated by the permittee unless the person has a driver's permit issued by the commission. D. Each permit shall be valid for one year and shall be subject to renewal pursuant to the provisions set forth in this article. (Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.130 Application—Information and fees required.

12.54.130 - Application—Information and fees required. A. An application for a horse-drawn carriage driver permit shall be filed with the commission and shall comply with regulations set forth by the commission or the commission director. B. Such application shall be certified under oath and shall at a minimum contain the following information: 1. The name, residential address, telephone number and date of birth of the applicant. No applicant under twenty-one years of age will be accepted. 2. The type(s) of vehicle(s) which the applicant will drive under the certificate. 3. Any other request for information the commission director considers necessary or relevant. C. The applicant shall provide copies of the following documents in order to submit his application: 1. A valid Tennessee driver license that complies with all applicable requirements of state law as further specified in rules to be adopted by the commission. 2. A Social Security card or birth certificate. 3. If a resident alien, a current work permit or other valid United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement document. 4. On forms provided by the commission director, the applicant will provide a statement under penalty of perjury of their physical and mental fitness to act as a for-hire driver as well as provide such other information as may be reasonably required by regulation promulgated by the commission pursuant to this chapter. 5. Certification that the driver has completed the certificate holder's mandatory driver training program approved by the commission director. D. Each application shall be accompanied by an official driver record issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety, no more than thirty days previous to the date of application. All applicants are required to meet the following standards: 1. No convictions in the last five years for any of the following offenses involving bodily injury or death and no convictions in the last three years for any of the following offenses not involving injury or death: • Driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug; • Reckless driving. 2. For an initial permit, no more than three moving violations within the last three years and no more than two moving violations in the last year. 3. For a renewal permit, no more than four moving violations within the last three years and no more than two moving violations in the last year. E. The commission or commission director may place on probation, suspend, fine or revoke a driver's permit if it is determined that the permitee made a false statement on his/her application. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 13, 2019; Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.140 Criminal background investigation.

12.54.140 - Criminal background investigation. A. Upon receiving an application for a driver's permit from an applicant, the applicant must undergo an identification and background check as required by state law as more specifically provided by rules or regulations adopted by the commission. Upon receipt of the background check report, the commission director shall determine whether the applicant's background check disqualifies him or her from eligibility for a driver's permit. B. Additionally, certificate holder shall check the National Sex Offender Database to verify whether the applicant is listed on the database, and shall certify under oath to the commission that it has conducted this check and verified that the applicant does not appear on the database. Any applicant listed on the database shall be disqualified for eligibility for a driver's permit. C. Any applicant shall, in addition to any disqualifications listed elsewhere in this chapter, be disqualified if the applicant: 1. Has been convicted, pleaded guilty, nolo contendere or conditionally plead guilty pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-35-313 within a period of three years prior to the date of application for violation of any of the following criminal offenses under the laws of Tennessee, any other state, or the United States of America: • Homicide, • Rape, • Aggravated assault, • Kidnapping, • Robbery, • Burglary, • Child sexual abuse, • Any sex-related offense, • Criminal solicitation, or criminal attempt to commit any of the above, • The felony possession, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs or controlled substances. 2. If, at the time of the application, an otherwise qualified applicant has been convicted of any of the above listed offenses, the commission director shall take the application before the commission for approval. 3. If, at the time of application, the applicant is charged with any offenses in 1. above, consideration of the application shall be deferred until entry of a plea, conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or other final disposition of the charges. 4. Has been convicted for a period of two years prior to the date of application of the violation of two or more sections of this Code or other ordinances governing the operation of vehicles for hire. 5. Has failed to disclose any criminal conviction, except traffic citations, on the application for a permit. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 14, 2019; Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.141 Application approval or disapproval.

12.54.141 - Application approval or disapproval. Upon disapproval of a driver permit application by the commission director, applicants may file an appeal with the commission within thirty days of denial and request an appearance before the commission. The appeal shall be heard by the commission at the next available commission meeting with the appellant appearing in-person for consideration of the application. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 15, 2019)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.142 Issuance—Contents.

12.54.142 - Issuance—Contents. Upon approval of an application for a driver's permit, the certificate holder shall certify under oath to the commission director that the application is complete and accurate prior to issuing a permit to the applicant, in a form approved by the commission director. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 16, 2019)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.144 Expiration—Issuance and replacement fee.

12.54.144 - Expiration—Issuance and replacement fee. A. Each driver's permit shall be issued for a period of one year. All permits issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire March 1st of the year following the date on which the permit was issued. All certificates may be renewed by the MTLC director for each successive year. A renewal fee for each approved certificate and other licensing fees shall be charged at the annual renewal of the certificate. B. A permit may be issued to qualified applicants for driver permits upon the payment of an amount to be established by the commission to cover the costs of investigation and of a random sampling of the permit applications by the commission director. A fee in an amount to be established by the commission shall be charged for all replacement driver permits. Every driver shall at all times conspicuously display a permit on the clothing of the driver's upper body. A driver shall allow a customer, MTLC staff or a police officer to examine the permit upon request. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 18, 2019)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.145 Suspension, revocation, and appeal.

12.54.145 - Suspension, revocation, and appeal. A. The commission or the commission director is authorized to suspend, fine, revoke, otherwise restrict, or not renew any driver's permit issued under this article for failing or refusing to comply with the provisions of this chapter or the commission rules and regulations. Upon suspension, revocation, or other restriction of any driver's permit by the commission director, appeals can be made to the commission by filing a written request within thirty days of the action being appealed. B. If the driver commits an act in violation of the Criminal Code or the Metropolitan Code of Laws and the commission director determines that driver poses a threat to public safety or animal welfare, the commission director may enact an emergency suspension of the driver's permit to remain in effect until the driver has the opportunity to be heard by the commission at the next available commission meeting, but in no circumstance later than sixty days from the date of the emergency suspension. C. A driver whose permit is revoked by the commission or commission director may not reapply for ninety days from the date of revocation and will be treated as a new applicant. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 19, 2019)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.146 Revocation of a valid driver's license.

12.54.146 - Revocation of a valid driver's license. A driver's permit issued under this chapter shall be coterminous with the permittee's valid Tennessee driver's license. Any time that a permittee's driver's license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, the permittee shall immediately self-report said action to the commission and the driver's permit shall likewise be immediately suspended, revoked, or cancelled. The driver's permit shall immediately be surrendered to the commission until such time as their driver's license is reinstated. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 20, 2019)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.150 Fees.

12.54.150 - Fees. A. To obtain an annual horse-drawn carriage driver's permit, or renewal of the permit, a person must file with the commission director a completed written application on a form provided for the purpose and a nonrefundable application fee and a fee for a police records search. The commission is authorized to establish the fees necessary to fulfill this part. The commission director shall require each application to state such information considered necessary to determine whether an applicant is qualified. B. All licenses shall expire annually on March 1, unless otherwise revoked, canceled or suspended. C. The commission director may renew permits for each successive year before March 1 of each year. A renewal fee shall be charged for each permit issued. A fee shall also be charged for all replacement or temporary horse-drawn carriage driver permits. Such fees shall be in addition to the cost of any investigation, and the commission shall have the authority to set the fees by rule. (Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.170 Issuance—Permit to be posted.

12.54.170 - Issuance—Permit to be posted. A. Upon approval of an application for a horse-drawn carriage driver's permit, the commission director shall issue a permit to the applicant, which shall bear the name, address, age, weight and other information deemed appropriate. B. Every driver shall at all times conspicuously display a permit either on the clothing of the driver's upper body or upon the carriage. A driver shall allow the commission director, commission inspector, animal control officer or a police officer to examine the license upon request. (Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.175 Hospitality training program—Participation required.

12.54.175 - Hospitality training program—Participation required. A. Beginning July 1, 2019, every newly licensed horse-drawn carriage driver shall have attended an approved hospitality program prior to receiving a driver's permit. B. Beginning July 1, 2019, every previously licensed horse-drawn carriage driver shall attend an approved hospitality training course or refresher course prior to applying for or renewal of a driver's permit each year. This course shall include updated information on any new MTLC regulations and safety requirements. (Ord. BL2019-1490 § 4, 2019)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.190 Unpermitted drivers.

12.54.190 - Unpermitted drivers. A. If any person is found operating any horse-drawn carriage for-hire within the metropolitan government area without a valid horse-drawn carriage driver's permit on behalf of any holder of a certificate of necessity and public convenience, the commission director may immediately take action to suspend or revoke the certificate of necessity and public convenience held by the operator of the horse-drawn carriage service. B. A person whose horse-drawn carriage driver's permit is suspended shall not drive a horse-drawn carriage for-hire within the metropolitan government area during the period of suspension. (Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.200 Conduct of drivers.

12.54.200 - Conduct of drivers. A. A driver shall at all times: 1. Act in a reasonable, prudent, and courteous manner; 2. Not permit a person, other than an employee or the owner of the horse drawn carriage service to operate the carriage under the driver's control; 3. Not permit a person on the back of a carriage horse when the horse is under the driver's control; 4. Not leave a horse untethered or unattended except when confined to a stable or other enclosure; 5. Not permit a horse to drop excrement from its diaper; 6. Keep all carriage stands clean and free of animal excrement; 7. Not permit the seating capacity rated for his or her carriage to be exceeded; 8. Operate the horse drawn carriage in approved areas; 9. Not operate a carriage while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 10. Comply with all traffic laws and regulations of the metropolitan government and state. Non-compliance shall be determined by the issuance of a citation from the Metropolitan Police Department or any law enforcement body of the state. 11. Not permit a passenger to stand or ride on any part of the carriage other than the designated seating area while the carriage is in motion and advise the passengers that they must be seated except when loading or unloading; 12. Load and unload passengers solely at designated carriage stands; 13. Not permit the speed at which any horse drawn carriage is driven to exceed a trot; and, 14. Be responsible for the proper and humane care and treatment of each animal under their direct care and control. B. To protect the health and safety of the animal and the public, upon a finding that an animal is sick, injured, lame, malnourished, or in any other condition that renders it unfit for drawing a carriage, a commission inspector, animal control officer or police officer may issue an order that a horse is deemed unfit for work and order it removed from the vehicle and the city streets. C. Reserved. (Ord. BL2019-1657 § 23, 2019; Ord. BL2013-551 § 1, 2013; Ord. BL2010-793 § 15, 2010; Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.210 Alcohol in horse-drawn carriage.

12.54.210 - Alcohol in horse-drawn carriage. A. A certificate holder or driver commits an offense if he or she provides an alcoholic beverage to a passenger for a fee or as part of the passenger transport service. B. A certificate holder or carriage driver commits an offense if he or she provides or stocks any alcoholic beverage in the horse-drawn carriage. C. Reserved. (Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2021-911 § 5, 2021; Ord. BL2021-911 § 5, 2021; Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2017-645 § 1, 2017; Ord. BL2017-645 § 1, 2017; Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.220 Return of passengers' property

12.54.220 - Return of passengers' property A driver of a horse-drawn carriage shall immediately attempt to return to a passenger any property left by the passenger in the carriage. If unable to locate the passenger, the driver shall notify the certificate holder of the service, who shall notify the commission director within twenty-four hours of a description of the property and the location where the property is being stored. For property found on weekends and public holidays, the certificate holder shall notify the commission director during the next regular business day. (Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 12.54.230 Rates of fare.

12.54.230 - Rates of fare. A. Each carriage company shall be required to file with the commission a list of their basic rates thirty days prior to any change. The rate charged by each carriage shall be the same as that on file with the commission and shall be posted conspicuously within the carriage. B. The use of any type of meter or measuring device to calculate rates of fare for a horse-drawn carriage is prohibited. C. Passengers shall be informed of the rate prior to embarking. (Amdt. 1 and 2 with Ord. 2002-1075 § 1 (part), 2002)
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_CH12.54HOAWCA_ARTIIDRPEFetched: 10/28/2026

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