Tennessee § 6-4-302 - Power to enforce ordinances.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-4-302 — Power to enforce ordinances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6-4-302. Power to enforce ordinances.
The city judge may impose fines, costs and forfeitures, and punish by fine for violation of city ordinances. The judge may preserve and enforce order in the court and enforce the collection of all fines, costs and forfeitures imposed. In default of payment, or good and sufficient security given for the payment of any fines or forfeitures imposed, if: The court has concurrent jurisdiction with the general sessions court, the judge is authorized to enter an order in accordance with § 40-24-104 which, in accordance with such section, may include imprisonment until the fine, or any portion of it, is paid. No such imprisonment shall exceed the period of time established in § 40-24-104, for any one (1) offense or violation; The court does not have concurrent jurisdiction with the general sessions court, the judge is authorized to enter an order for contempt of court for the payment of the fine in the amount established pursuant to § 16-18-306. Fines may be paid in installments in the manner provided by ordinance or in accordance with § 40-24-104. Any court is authorized to enforce the collection of unpaid fines or forfeitures as a judgment in a civil action in any court with competent jurisdiction in accordance with § 40-24-105. The city judge may remit, with or without condition, fines and costs imposed for violation of any ordinance provision. Acts 1991, ch. 154, § 1; 1995, ch. 13, § 5; 2011, ch. 453, § 5. Attorney General Opinions. City courts are limited to monetary penalties against a parent in enforcing curfew violations, OAG 00-158, 2000 Tenn. AG LEXIS 161 (10/17/00).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 6-4-302
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-4-302 cover?
Section 6-4-302 ("Power to enforce ordinances.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 6-4-302?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-4-302" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 6-4-302 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.