Bill > SB0228

This bill, known as the "Law Enforcement's Safer Tennessee Electronic Registration (LESTER) Act", updates Tennessee's vehicle registration laws to formally allow digital registration proof during law enforcement interactions. Specifically, the bill clarifies that law enforcement must accept electronic vehicle registration as valid proof, with some important qualifications: the digital image must be clear and not appear fraudulent, officers can request additional verification if needed, and if they cannot confirm the registration's validity, they are not required to accept it. The bill also protects individual privacy by stipulating that displaying an electronic registration does not grant law enforcement automatic access to other contents of the electronic device. Additionally, the bill makes a technical amendment to standardize language in the vehicle code by replacing the terms "motor-propelled vehicle" with "motor vehicle" in certain sections. The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing ample time for law enforcement and vehicle owners to adapt to the updated regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0228&ga=114