Tennessee
Tennessee Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Tennessee classifies leaving the scene of an accident as a crime under Tenn. Code Ann. 55-10-101 and 55-10-102. Penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor for minor property damage to a Class E felony when a driver flees a fatal crash.
Hurt in a hit-and-run? If the driver who hit you fled or had no insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured-motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may pay your injury claim. Estimate what it could be worth with our free Tennessee Car Accident Settlement Calculator.
Quick Summary of Tennessee Hit and Run Laws
Updated: September 2026 to reflect Public Chapter 1072, which changed the penalty for leaving the scene of a fatal accident effective July 1, 2026. This guide covers Tennessee Code Title 55, Chapter 10, and Title 39, Chapter 13.
Tennessee law treats leaving the scene of an accident as a serious offense. The penalties depend on whether the accident caused property damage only, personal injury, or death. Tennessee Code Annotated sections 55-10-101 through 55-10-104 spell out every driver's legal obligations after a collision.
An accident by itself is not a crime in Tennessee. The crime is failing to stop, failing to provide your information, or failing to render aid to an injured person.
| Offense | Statute | Classification | Max Jail/Prison | Max Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property damage at or below $1,500 | TCA 55-10-102 | Class B misdemeanor | 6 months | $500 |
| Property damage above $1,500 | TCA 55-10-102 | Class A misdemeanor | 11 months, 29 days | $2,500 |
| Failure to report | TCA 55-10-111 | Class C misdemeanor | 30 days | $50 |
| Injury (leaving scene) | TCA 55-10-101(a) | Class A misdemeanor | 11 months, 29 days | $2,500 |
| Death (leaving scene), offense on or after July 1, 2026 | TCA 55-10-101 | Class E felony (1 year minimum, served at 100%) | 6 years | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Death (leaving scene), offense before July 1, 2026 | TCA 55-10-101 | Class E felony | 6 years | $3,000 |
| Vehicular assault (DUI) | TCA 39-13-106 | Class D felony | 12 years | $5,000 |
| Vehicular homicide | TCA 39-13-213 | Class C felony | 15 years | $10,000 |
| Aggravated vehicular homicide | TCA 39-13-218 | Class A felony | 60 years | $50,000 |
Primary Statutes:
- TCA 55-10-101: Accidents involving death or personal injury
- TCA 55-10-102: Accidents involving damage to property
- TCA 55-10-103: Duty to give information and render aid
- TCA 55-10-104: Duty upon striking unattended vehicle
Penalties for Property Damage Hit and Run (TCA 55-10-102)
Tennessee classifies property-damage-only hit and run offenses based on the dollar amount of damage.
Property Damage at or Below $1,500
If the damage to another person's vehicle or property does not exceed $1,500, or would not appear to a reasonable person to exceed $1,500, leaving the scene is a Class B misdemeanor.
- Jail time: Up to 6 months
- Fine: Up to $500
- License: Subject to suspension or revocation for up to 1 year
Property Damage Above $1,500
When the damage exceeds $1,500, or would appear to a reasonable person to exceed that amount, the charge escalates to a Class A misdemeanor.
- Jail time: Up to 11 months and 29 days
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- License: Suspension or revocation for up to 1 year or more
After any misdemeanor hit and run conviction, you must pay a $25 restoration fee to the Commissioner of Safety before your driving privileges can be reinstated.
Penalties for Injury or Death Hit and Run (TCA 55-10-101)
Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident
Under TCA 55-10-101(a), any driver involved in an accident that results in injury to another person must stop immediately, provide information, and render aid. Failure to do so is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
This applies regardless of how severe the injury is. Even a minor injury triggers the same obligation to stop and comply.
Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident
When the driver knew, or should reasonably have known, that the accident resulted in death, the charge becomes a Class E felony.
Public Chapter 1072, the "James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act," took effect July 1, 2026. It keeps the offense a Class E felony but adds a mandatory sentence for a fatal leaving-the-scene offense:
- Prison time: 1 to 6 years, with a mandatory minimum of 1 year of confinement that must be served at 100%
- Fine: Not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000
- License: Suspension or revocation
Because the new penalties took effect July 1, 2026, an offense committed before that date is sentenced under the prior Class E felony rule: 1 to 6 years and a fine of up to $3,000, with no mandatory minimum.
Consecutive Sentencing Rule
Under TCA 55-10-101(b), if you face charges for both leaving the scene and vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or aggravated vehicular homicide, the sentences must run consecutively, not concurrently. This means you serve the full sentence for each charge one after the other.
DUI-Related Hit and Run Offenses
Driving under the influence adds significant penalties on top of leaving the scene charges.
Vehicular Assault (TCA 39-13-106)
If you cause serious bodily injury while driving under the influence or driving recklessly, you face a Class D felony.
- Prison time: 2 to 12 years
- Fine: Up to $5,000
- Mandatory minimums: First offense requires 48 hours. Prior DUI convictions increase the mandatory minimum to 45 days, and multiple prior convictions raise it to 150 days.
Vehicular Homicide (TCA 39-13-213)
If impaired or reckless driving causes death, the charge is a Class C felony.
- Prison time: 3 to 15 years
- Fine: Up to $10,000
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (TCA 39-13-218)
Enhanced charges apply when the crash involves multiple deaths, extreme intoxication (BAC of 0.20 or higher), or prior DUI convictions. This is a Class A felony.
- Prison time: 15 to 60 years
- Fine: Up to $50,000
Driver Duties After an Accident in Tennessee (TCA 55-10-103)
Under Tennessee Code 55-10-103, every driver involved in an accident must take the following steps.
Stop immediately. Pull over at the scene or as close to the scene as possible, then return to it.
Provide your information. Give the other driver your name, address, and vehicle registration number.
Show your license. If the other party asks, show your driver's license.
Render aid. Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. This may include arranging transportation to a hospital if necessary.
Remain at the scene. Stay until law enforcement arrives and you have fulfilled all of your statutory obligations.
Do not block traffic more than necessary while at the scene.
What Accidents Must Be Reported?
Under TCA 55-12-104, you must report any accident in writing to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days if it involves:
- Death of any person
- Injury to any person
- Property damage exceeding $1,500
- Damage to state or local government property exceeding $400
Failing to file this report is a Class C misdemeanor under TCA 55-10-111, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine.
Hitting an Unattended Vehicle (TCA 55-10-104)
If you strike an unattended vehicle in a public space, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner. If you cannot locate the owner, leave a written note in a visible place on the vehicle with your name, address, and contact information.
These requirements apply to public spaces. They do not apply to accidents on private property.
Insurance Implications of a Hit and Run in Tennessee
Tennessee requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. When a hit and run driver flees the scene, your ability to recover compensation depends on your own insurance coverage.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage (TCA 56-7-1201)
Every auto insurance policy issued in Tennessee must include uninsured motorist coverage unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. UM coverage can apply when the at-fault driver is uninsured or unidentified, which is common in hit and run cases.
For hit and run accidents where the other driver is unknown, you must file a John Doe warrant against the unidentified driver to trigger UM coverage. This is a specific legal requirement under TCA 56-7-1201(e).
Filing an Insurance Claim
After a hit and run, take these steps to protect your claim:
- File a police report as soon as possible
- Document the scene with photos and witness contact information
- Notify your insurance company promptly
- Keep records of all medical treatment and property damage
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If your fault is below 50%, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations for Tennessee Hit and Run
Criminal Charges
The state has a limited window to bring criminal charges:
- Misdemeanor offenses: Prosecutors generally have 1 year from the date of the offense to file charges (TCA 40-2-102)
- Felony offenses: The deadline depends on the felony class under TCA 40-2-101(b): 15 years for a Class A felony, 8 years for Class B, 4 years for Class C or D, and 2 years for Class E. That means 2 years for leaving the scene of a fatal accident (Class E), 4 years for vehicular assault (Class D) and vehicular homicide (Class C), and 15 years for aggravated vehicular homicide (Class A). Only offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment, plus a short list of specifically named offenses, have no time limit.
Civil Claims
If you are the victim of a hit and run and want to file a lawsuit for damages:
- Personal injury: 1 year from the date of the accident
- Property damage: 3 years from the date of the accident
- Wrongful death: 1 year from the date of death
Tennessee has one of the shortest personal injury statutes of limitations in the country. Missing this deadline almost always bars your claim permanently. For a victim, that one-year clock starts on the day of the crash, so get a free claim review from a Tennessee car accident lawyer on the suit and any John Doe warrant for UM coverage (attorney advertising).
Tennessee Crash Statistics
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the TRIP national transportation research group:
- Tennessee recorded 1,194 traffic fatalities in 2024 and 1,045 in 2025, a 14% reduction year over year
- From 2014 to 2024, traffic fatalities in Tennessee increased 25%
- From 2021 to 2024, fatalities decreased 9% and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled dropped 12%
- Fatal and serious traffic crashes in Tennessee in 2024 caused an estimated $52.7 billion in societal harm
- Shelby County recorded the highest rate with 748 serious or fatal accident cases in 2024
Nashville has faced particular challenges with hit and run enforcement. Officials have noted the difficulty in solving these cases when witnesses and evidence are limited.
2026 Legislation: Tougher Penalties for Fatal Hit and Run
The Tennessee General Assembly passed SB1602 and its companion HB1967, the "James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act." The bill became Public Chapter 1072 and took effect July 1, 2026.
- Fatal accidents: Leaving the scene when the driver knew or should reasonably have known the accident caused a death remains a Class E felony, but now carries a mandatory minimum of 1 year of confinement served at 100% and a fine of $5,000 to $10,000
- Injury accidents: The law did not change the penalty for leaving the scene of an injury-only accident, which remains a Class A misdemeanor
A separate proposal, SB1736 and HB1521, would have raised leaving the scene of an injury accident to a Class E felony and a fatal accident to a Class D felony. HB1521 was taken off notice in the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on April 8, 2026, and has not become law.
Notable Tennessee Hit and Run Cases
Chazan Page Case (April 2025)
Chazan Page, a 20-year-old Tennessee State University football player, was killed by a hit and run driver on Gallatin Pike in Nashville. Page had pushed his girlfriend out of the path of a speeding car before being struck himself. The case drew statewide attention to the human cost of hit and run crashes.
Ulises Raigoza-Martinez Manhunt (2024)
Multiple agencies conducted a manhunt in Hamilton County for Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, wanted in connection with a fatal crash in Nashville. Federal immigration charges were added to the case after ICE confirmed the suspect was in the country illegally.
I-24 Multi-Vehicle Fatal Crash (2024)
Nashville Police investigated a four-vehicle crash on I-24 East at approximately 3:20 a.m. that killed one person. The driver of a 2001 red Lincoln Navigator fled the scene, prompting a sustained investigation.
More Tennessee Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Tennessee?
It depends on the severity. Property damage under $1,500 is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail, $500 fine). Property damage over $1,500 is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days, $2,500 fine). Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a Class A misdemeanor. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years in prison). For offenses on or after July 1, 2026, Public Chapter 1072 requires at least 1 year served at 100% and a fine of $5,000 to $10,000.
How long do I have to report a car accident in Tennessee?
You must file a written report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days if the accident involved death, injury, property damage over $1,500, or damage to government property over $400. Failing to report is a Class C misdemeanor.
Can I use my uninsured motorist coverage after a hit and run in Tennessee?
Yes, but you must take specific steps. Under TCA 56-7-1201, if the at-fault driver is unidentified, you must file a John Doe warrant against the unknown driver. Contact your insurance company promptly and file a police report to preserve your claim.
What is the statute of limitations for a hit and run in Tennessee?
For criminal charges, misdemeanors generally must be prosecuted within 1 year. Felony deadlines depend on the class: 2 years for leaving the scene of a fatal accident (Class E), 4 years for vehicular assault and vehicular homicide, and 15 years for aggravated vehicular homicide. For civil claims, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 1 year, property damage claims within 3 years, and wrongful death claims within 1 year of death. Tennessee has one of the shortest personal injury deadlines in the nation.
What defenses exist for hit and run charges in Tennessee?
Common defenses include: you were genuinely unaware an accident occurred, mistaken identity, you left the scene because you feared for your personal safety, or you left to seek emergency medical help for the victim. Each defense depends on the specific facts of your case. For serious charges, consult an attorney before making any statements to investigators.
Updates
Updated the penalty for leaving the scene of a fatal accident to reflect Public Chapter 1072 (effective July 1, 2026) and corrected the criminal statute-of-limitations periods by felony class.
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Tennessee Code Annotated
§ 55-10-101Accidents involving death or personal injury.In force
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible, but shall then return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-24 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 15 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Deborah Leigh Goins (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2000)“…lved in an accident” within the meaning of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-101 (1998) and Tenn. Code…”
- State v. David Eaton (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 1999)“…e was convicted only for leaving the scene of an accident. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-101. The trial court imposed a sentence of…”
- State v. Williams (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2001, 52 S.W.3d 109)“…the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-101(b)(2) (1993).…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 55-10-102Accidents involving damage to vehicle.In force
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene of the accident as possible or shall return to and in any event remain at the scene of the accident.…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Ronald D. Correll (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2010)“…ppellant’s conviction of leaving the scene of an accident, Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-102(a) (1998) provides: The d…”
- State of Tennessee v. Jashua Shannon Sides (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2001)“…e scene of an accident with property damage in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-102(a).1 Accordingly, they only addressed w…”
- State of Tennessee v. Rodney Lee Scott (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2017)“…cene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible.” T.C.A. § 55-10-102(a) (2013).9 The trial court instructed…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 55-10-103Duty to give information and render aid.In force
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle that is driven or attended by any person shall give the driver's name, address and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving, and shall, upon request and…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Deborah Leigh Goins (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2000)“…e of an accident without complying with the requirements of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-103(a) (1998) when she knew or should have…”
- State v. Blackhurst (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2001, 70 S.W.3d 88)“…emeanor; leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-103, a Class A misdemeanor; and three count…”
- Morris v. Snodgrass (Court of Appeals of Tennessee 1994, 886 S.W.2d 761)“…the county’s brief on appeal refers to subsection (a)(2) of T.C.A. Section 55-10-103, quoted above, whereby a portion of the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 55-10-104Duty upon striking unattended vehicles.In force
(a) The driver of any vehicle that collides with any unattended vehicle shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of that vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle, or shall leave in a…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
§ 55-10-111Accident report forms — Penalty for failure to report.In force
(a) The department shall advise all suitable agencies or individuals required to submit accident reports the appropriate method to submit such report. The reports to be made by persons involved in accidents and by investigating officers shall call for sufficiently detailed information to disclose…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2012
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Tennessee v. Deborah Davis (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2012)“…red to provide accident report forms to police departments. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-111(a). Section 55-10-111(a) also provides…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 55-12-104Report of accident required — Suspension of registration or operating privileges for failure to report — Restoration — Access to information.In force
(a)(1) The operator of a motor vehicle that is in any manner involved in an accident within this state in which any person is killed or injured, or in which damage to the property of any one (1) person, including the operator, in excess of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) is sustained,…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2005
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Purkey v. American Home Assurance Co. (Tennessee Supreme Court 2005, 173 S.W.3d 703)“…from the 1949 law. Compare 21 Tenn. L. Rev. at 342-43 with Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-12-104-05. Briefly, the Financial Res…”
- Burress v. Sanders (Court of Appeals of Tennessee 2000, 31 S.W.3d 259)“…damage in excess of four hundred dollars. See Tenn.Code Ann. § 55-12-104(a). These motorists must report the acc…”
- Vicki B. Carlton v. Sharon L. Davis (Court of Appeals of Tennessee 2003)“…lating to such accident as the commissioner shall require. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-104(a)(1998). This statute is a part of the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 56-7-1201Requirements and types of coverage — Presumptions — Limitations of liability.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Every automobile liability insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state, covering liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of any motor vehicle designed for use primarily on public roads and registered or principally garaged in this state, shall…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 122 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Jerry Garrison v. Rita Bickford (Tennessee Supreme Court 2012, 377 S.W.3d 659)“…ckford. 7 Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-7-1201(a) (2008) (emphasis added).7 This statu…”
- Alcazar v. Hayes (Tennessee Supreme Court 1998, 982 S.W.2d 845)“…in accordance with Tennessee’s uninsured motorist statute, Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 56-7-1201 et seq. (Repl. 1994 & Supp. 1998). Alc…”
- Christenberry v. Tipton (Tennessee Supreme Court 2005, 160 S.W.3d 487)“…erage is subject to statutory regulation in this state. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 56-7-1201to -1206 (2000). Further, if the terms o…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Tennessee Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim
§ 40-2-102Misdemeanors.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Except as provided in § 62-18-120(g) and subsection (b) of this section, all prosecutions for misdemeanors shall be commenced within the twelve (12) months after the offense has been committed, except gaming, which shall be commenced within six (6) months. (b) Prosecutions under § 39-16-301…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 29 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Messamore (Tennessee Supreme Court 1996, 937 S.W.2d 916)“…the applicable one year misdemeanor statute of limitations. Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-2-102 (1990 Repl.) 1 The case was tried to…”
- State of Tennessee v. Jason Gonzalez (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2016)“…pt gaming, which shall be commenced within six (6) months.” T.C.A. § 40-2-102(a). Our supreme court “has long recogni…”
- City of Johnson City v. Paduch (Court of Appeals of Tennessee 2006, 224 S.W.3d 686)“…case. Furthermore, as discussed below, we do not agree that Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-2-102, the statute of limitations cited by th…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Tennessee Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
§ 40-2-101Felonies.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) A person may be prosecuted, tried and punished for an offense punishable with death or by imprisonment in the penitentiary during life, at any time after the offense is committed. (b) Prosecution for a felony offense shall begin within: (1) Fifteen (15) years for a Class A felony; (2) Eight…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 49 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Overton v. State (Tennessee Supreme Court 1994, 874 S.W.2d 6)“…s unlimited. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-201 (1975 replacement); Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-2-101(a) (1982 replacement). Count…”
- State v. Seagraves (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 1992, 837 S.W.2d 615)“…these crimes after the expiration of the designated period. Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-2-101, et seq. See People v. McGee, 1 Cal…”
- State v. Tidwell (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 1989, 775 S.W.2d 379)“…ears next after the commission” of the respective offenses. T.C.A. § 40-2-101(b) (Supp.1988). The offense of aggravat…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 39-13-106Vehicular assault.In force
(a) A person commits vehicular assault who, as the proximate result of the person's intoxication as set forth in § 55-10-401, recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person by the operation of a motor vehicle.…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 38 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Norris (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 1993, 874 S.W.2d 590)“…(T.C.A. § 39-13-213); vehicular assault by intoxication, (T.C.A. § 39-13-106); and aggravated assault by reckless co…”
- State v. Williamson (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 1995, 919 S.W.2d 69)“…vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant. Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-13-106(a). The evidence adduced at the…”
- State v. Irick (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 1993, 861 S.W.2d 375)“…1 . T.C.A. § 39-13-213. 2 . T.C.A. § 39-13-106. 3 . Such appeals…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 39-13-213Vehicular homicide.In force
(a) Vehicular homicide is the reckless killing of another by the operation of an automobile, airplane, motorboat or other motor vehicle, as the proximate result of: (1) Conduct creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to a person; (2) The driver's intoxication, as set forth…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 119 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Moore v. State Farm Life Insurance Co. (Tennessee Supreme Court 1994, 878 S.W.2d 946)“…y. Jordan was charged with vehicular homicide pursuant to T.C.A. § 39-13-213(a) (1991). The two-count indictment cha…”
- State of Tennessee v. Marlos LeKeith Tipton (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2025)“…cted the Defendant for vehicular homicide and speeding. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-213; 55-8-152. The Defendant, though indige…”
- State of Tennessee v. Benjamin R. Franklin (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2020)“…and three counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-213(a), 55-10-401. At trial, Antho…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 39-13-218Aggravated vehicular homicide.In force
(a) Aggravated vehicular homicide is vehicular homicide, as defined in § 39-13-213(a)(2), where: (1) The defendant has two (2) or more prior convictions for: (A) Driving under the influence of an intoxicant; (B) Vehicular assault;…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2021-05-21 · Read the full text in our law library
Cited in 22 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Tennessee v. William Goldsberry, Jr. (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2025)“…udgment test in criminal proceedings in other contexts. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-218(b)(2) (in calculating the number of a d…”
- State of Tennessee v. Kevin Allen Fleming (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2018)“…(A) Driving under the influence of an intoxicant; . . . .” T.C.A. § 39-13-218(a)(1)(A). In this case, the evi…”
- State of Tennessee v. Steven Dare Steelman, Jr. (Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee 2017)“…d failure to provide proof of financial responsibility. See T.C.A. §§ 39-13-218 (2014) (aggravated vehicular homicide),…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- TCA 55-10-101: Accidents involving death or personal injury (2024 Tennessee Code)(law.justia.com)
- TCA 55-10-102: Accidents involving damage to vehicle (2024 Tennessee Code)(law.justia.com)
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security: Crash Data(tn.gov).gov
- TRIP: Tennessee Traffic Fatalities Report (July 2025)(tripnet.org)
- TCA 56-7-1201: Uninsured Motor Vehicle Coverage Requirements(law.justia.com)
- SB1736: Proposed penalty increases for leaving the scene (2025-2026 session)(legiscan.com)
- HB1521: Companion bill to SB1736 (2025-2026 session)(legiscan.com)
- TCA 40-2-102: Criminal statute of limitations for misdemeanors(law.justia.com)
- Tennessee General Assembly: SB1602 / HB1967, Public Chapter 1072 (James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act)(wapp.capitol.tn.gov)
- Tennessee General Assembly: HB1521 / SB1736 bill history(wapp.capitol.tn.gov)
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