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TCA 55-8-165

Obstruction of driver’s view or interference with driver’s control – Penalties

MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Obstruction of driver’s view or interference with driver’s control – Penalties — Class C misdemeanor. Up to 30 days in jail and $50 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons, exceeding four (4), as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle. (A) For purposes of a conventionally operated vehicle, every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Operator: means :(A) For purposes of a conventionally operated vehicle, every person, other than a chauffeur, who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon a highway or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Person: means a natural person, firm, copartnership, association, corporation, or an engaged ADS. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Streetcar: means a car other than a railroad train for transporting persons or property and operated upon rails principally within a municipality. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Vehicle: means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101(b) No passenger in a vehicle or streetcar shall ride in a position that interferes with the driver’s or operator‘s view ahead or to the sides, or that interferes with the driver’s or operator’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle or streetcar. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 26, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section55-8-165
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50