2010 Tennessee Code
Title 55 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 7 - Size, Weight and Load
Part 2 - Weight and Length Specifications
55-7-201 - Maximum length of vehicles.

55-7-201. Maximum length of vehicles.

(a)  For purposes of this section, “truck tractor” means the noncargo carrying power unit that operates in combination with a semitrailer or trailer, except that a truck tractor and semitrailer engaged in the transportation of automobiles may transport motor vehicles on part of the power unit.

(b)  No motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 consisting of a straight truck whose length, including any part of its body or load, exceeds forty feet (40¢) and no straight truck with trailer attached, the total length of which combination, including any part of the body or load, exceeds sixty-five feet (65¢) shall be operated on any highway.

(c)  Motor vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and semitrailer or trailer combination shall be permitted to operate over the federal and state highway system; provided, that the towed vehicle shall not exceed fifty feet (50¢) in length from the point of attachment to the tractor, except that this length may be increased to fifty-two feet (52¢) when the load on the vehicle consists of livestock, motor vehicle parts, automobiles and/or motor vehicles. If the towed vehicle exceeds forty-eight feet (48¢) in length from the point of attachment to the tractor and the load on the vehicle does not consist of livestock, motor vehicle parts, automobiles and/or motor vehicles, the distance between the kingpin and the rearmost axle or a point midway between the two (2) rear axles, if the two (2) rear axles are a tandem axle, shall not exceed forty-one feet (41¢).

(d)  Motor vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and twin trailer combination shall be permitted to operate on the interstate system and other federal-aid highways designated by the commissioner of transportation; provided, that neither of the towed vehicles shall exceed twenty-eight feet six inches (28¢ 6²) in length.

(e)  No twin trailer truck authorized by this chapter shall be operated on any highway designated as a scenic highway under the authority of title 54, chapter 17. The interstate system and other federal-aid highways designated by the commissioner shall not be considered scenic routes for purposes of this chapter.

(f)  The limitation as to length stated in this section shall not apply to loads of poles, logs or timber in single length pieces; provided, that no motor vehicle, including any part of the body or load, transporting such material shall be in excess of seventy-five feet (75¢) in length unless a permit has first been obtained as authorized in § 55-7-205.

(g)  The length limitations described in this section shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices designated by the commissioner except that no device excluded from the limitations of this section shall have by its design or use the capability to carry cargo.

(h)  It is not a violation of the length limits set forth in this section when otherwise properly titled and registered vehicles, which are in compliance with applicable length requirements, are disabled on the highways and require a tow or other assistance in proceeding to the nearest exit or repair or terminal facility within one hundred (100) miles of the disablement, and the combined lengths of the disabled vehicle and the tow vehicle exceed the limits herein. This exemption shall only apply to vehicles disabled while operating on the highway, and only to their transport to the nearest exit or suitable repair facility.

[Acts 1933, ch. 35, § 3; 1945, ch. 132, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.1 (Williams, § 2715.3); Acts 1959, ch. 87, § 1; 1967, ch. 400, § 1; 1974, ch. 500, § 1; 1979, ch. 91, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-1107; Acts 1981, ch. 448, § 5; 1982, ch. 768, § 1; 1982, ch. 912, §§ 1, 4; 1982, ch. 953, § 3; 1983, ch. 319, § 4; 1987, ch. 116, § 1; 1988, ch. 483, § 1; T.C.A., § 55-11-201; Acts 2007, ch. 235, § 1.]