SB 2253 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Traffic Safety - As enacted, establishes process regarding traffic violations committed by autonomous vehicles, including mailing the notice of violation or citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 30 and Title 55, Chapter 8.

SB 2253 establishes a specific process for handling traffic violations committed by autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) in Tennessee. It requires police to mail violation notices or citations directly to the vehicle's registered owner within 20 business days, rather than issuing them to the vehicle itself. The notice must include the fine amount, allow 30 days for payment (with a possible 30-day extension if a second notice is sent), and specify separate fees for late payment or court costs. This bill directly affects owners of autonomous vehicles and law enforcement officers who must follow this mailing procedure for traffic citations.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Apr 13, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
10
Committee
5
Amendments
1
Apr 13, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0650)
lower
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 27, Nays 2
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Amended
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0704)
lower
Mar 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 86, Nays 0, PNV 2
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
upper
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Transportation and Safety Committee to 3/11/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/11/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mark Pody
Mark Pody
RRepublican
TN
17