Guide to Trucking Laws and Regulations in Tennessee - Do They Affect You and Your Farming Operation?

Sep 19, 2026

Annual safety inspection obligations apply to many vehicles in interstate commerce, including requirements for certified inspection, on-board documentation, and inspection scope covering brakes, coupling devices, fuel systems, lighting, steering, suspension, frames, tires, wheels, windshields, and wipers. Specific truck categories must be inspected and may require a U.S. DOT number. The document also outlines interstate driver prerequisites, definitions such as GVWR and hazardous materials, and exemptions for farmers. It further explains when a CDL is needed, farm vehicle exemption criteria, and health card requirements, with contact details for Tennessee agencies and the Farm Bureau.

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Pages2

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Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Trucks Which Must Be Inspected Annually

Trucks Subject to Inspection

Interstate Driver Must Have

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Farm Vehicle Exemption

Health Card Requirements

Vehicle Inspection Requirements All vehicles over 10,001 lbs. involved in interstate commerce (crossing state lines) must be inspected annually for safety. Either, the inspection sticker or inspection report must be in the vehicle at all times. The vehicle must be inspected by a certified mechanic. Thereport or sticker should include the date of the inspection and not the date of the next inspection. Inspection includes: brake systems, coupling device, fuel systems, lights, steering, suspension, frame, tires, wheels, windshieldsand wipers. Trucks Which Must Be Inspected Annually include: ♦ A vehicle or combination vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. , or more, that is crossing state lines. ♦ A vehicle which must be placarded for transportation of hazardous materials regardless of the GVWR. ♦ A passenger-carrying vehicle with a seating capacity of 16 passengers or more including the driver. Trucks Subject to Inspection If your truck meets any of the preceding criteria, your vehicle is subject to inspection and therefore, must meet minimum federal safety standards. U.S. DOT Number— If your truck meets any of the preceding criteria and you cross state lines, you must have a U. S. DOT number from the U. S. DOT. CONTACT: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 640 Grassmere Park, Suite 111 Nashville, TN 37211 615-781-5781 Apply on-line for a DOT number at: [https://www.mchqecom.com/mcs150v5/welcome.asp](https://www.mchqecom.com/mcs150v5/welcome.asp)[ ](https://www.mchqecom.com/mcs150v5/welcome.asp)or [http://www.safersys.org/](http://www.safersys.org/) Federal regulations enforced by Department of Safety, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Interstate Driver Must Have: ♦ State driver license; ♦ Health card certifying that the driver meets the minimum physical qualifications; ♦ Vehicle inspection sticker or report; ♦ Logs for the past 7 days; ♦ Log for the current day; ♦ Shipping papers for any hazardous materials. Farmers are exempt from several safety regulations such as certain brake , safety chain, etc. requirements. However, it is the recommendation of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement that farmers should still comply with regulations feasible to them for their personal safety and the safety of other motorists. GrossVehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle. Usually there is a tag with this information on the inside driver’s door. On trailers, it must be on the front. Otherwise, it should at least be on the registration papers. Interstate Commerce— means across state lines, including international boundaries. Hazardous Materials—those materials which have been designated by U.S. DOT to be capable of giving an unreasonable risk to health safety and property when transported. Private Motor Carrier—is a person who provides transportation of property or passengers, by commercial motor vehicle, and is not a for-hire motor carrier. For-Hire Motor Carrier— is a transporter of goods or passengers by motor vehicle for compensation. For-hire motor carriers must comply with ALL federal trucking regulations even when hauling agricultural supplies and equipment. Loose Material—includes any substance that could spill, drop off, or blow away from the open bed when the vehicle is operated. It does not include materials such as sand or salt for weather conditions. Direct questions to: TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Department of Public Affairs Rhedona Rose, Director Stefan Maupin, Associate Director P. O. Box 313 Columbia,TN 38402 931-388-7872 ext. 2220 TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY Commercial Vehicle Enforcement P. O. Box 463 Manchester, TN 37349 931-723-5062 or 1148 Foster Avenue Nashville, TN 37210 615-687-2322 08/02 | Guide to Trucking Laws and Regulations in Tennessee | | --- | | | | Do They Affect You and Your Farming Operation? | | | | | | Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation
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FAQs

Which vehicles must undergo annual safety inspections under the rules described?

Vehicles over 10,001 lbs. involved in interstate commerce must be inspected annually. The document also lists additional categories, such as certain hazardous-material vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles with 16+ seats.

What must be kept in the vehicle during inspections?

The inspection sticker or inspection report must be kept in the vehicle at all times. It should include the date of the inspection, not the date of the next inspection.

When is a health card required for the driver?

A health card signed by a doctor is required when the vehicle being driven fits specified categories, including vehicles with high GVWR, vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, or passenger-carrying vehicles with 16+ seats. The document also references farm-related exemption criteria.

Sep 19, 2026

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