Agricultural UTV Highway Restriction Exemption
Summary
Tennessee enacted SB2596, amending TCA Section 55-8-185 to exempt utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) operated for agricultural purposes from highway speed limit restrictions. The bill, signed by Governor on April 1, 2026 and effective April 6, 2026, passed both chambers unanimously. Agricultural UTV operators may now use these vehicles on state highways and county roads regardless of speed limit.
What changed
Tennessee Senate Bill 2596 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-8-185 to create a new exemption for utility terrain vehicles when operated for agricultural purposes. The existing restriction limited UTVs to roads with a speed limit of 45 mph or less; this amendment removes that limitation for farm-related operations. The bill passed the Senate 32-0 and the House 94-0 before receiving gubernatorial signature.
Agricultural firms and farmers using UTVs should review their operational practices to take advantage of the expanded road access. The amendment became effective April 1, 2026. No compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with this exemption; it provides relief from existing restrictions rather than imposing new obligations.
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / Tennessee / SB2596 Effective Date SB2596 Senate Bill Effective Date 2026-04-06
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-185, relative to utility terrain vehicles.
As introduced, exempts utility terrain vehicles being operated for agricultural purposes from the restriction that such vehicles are authorized to operate only on certain state highways and county roads with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less. - Amends TCA Section 55-8-185.
Bill Details
State Tennessee
Session 114th General Assembly
Chamber Senate
Official Source wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?...
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Sponsors
Steve Southerland (Sen - R) Jessie Seal (Sen - R)
Action History
2026-04-06 Effective date(s) 04/01/2026 2026-04-06 Pub. Ch. 663 2026-04-01 S Signed by Governor. 2026-03-20 S Transmitted to Governor for action. 2026-03-19 H Signed by H. Speaker 2026-03-18 S Signed by Senate Speaker 2026-03-17 S Enrolled and ready for signatures 2026-03-16 H Passed H., Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 0 2026-03-16 H Subst. for comp. HB. 2026-03-12 H Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk. 2026-03-09 S Engrossed; ready for transmission to House 2026-03-09 S Sponsor(s) Added. 2026-03-09 S Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0 2026-03-06 S Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/9/2026 2026-03-04 S Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee 2026-02-25 S Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/4/2026 2026-02-05 S Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee 2026-02-02 S Introduced, Passed on First Consideration 2026-02-02 S Sponsor change. 2026-02-02 S Filed for introduction
Votes
2026-03-04 TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Yea: 8 Nay: 0 2026-03-09 FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt Yea: 32 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-02-05 S Transportation and Safety 2026-03-04 S Calendar
Bill Text Versions
2026-02-02 Draft 2026-04-06 Chaptered
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Traffic Safety Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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