Tennessee § 55-20-204 - Hours of service.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-20-204 — Hours of service., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 55-20-204. Hours of service.

A passenger contract carrier shall not permit, or require, any driver to remain on duty, and the driver shall not drive: More than twelve (12) hours following eight (8) consecutive hours off; If the driver's combined on-duty and drive time hours equal fifteen (15) hours since last obtaining eight (8) consecutive hours off-duty time; or If the total number of hours of on-duty time and drive time exceed seventy (70) hours in any period of eight (8) consecutive days. However, in the event of an emergency or unforeseeable delay, a driver may drive for up to two (2) additional hours to complete an assignment or to deliver passengers to a safe location. Each driver shall maintain, and keep current, a daily log book detailing the hours worked. The log book for the past thirty (30) working days must be in the driver's possession at all times when on duty. The log book shall be made available for inspection upon the request of any law enforcement officer or passenger. For purposes of this section: Time spent driving a transport vehicle is considered time on duty even if no passengers are aboard the vehicle; Time spent performing any other service for the passenger contract carrier, or an associated business, during a twenty-four-hour period in which the transport vehicle driver is engaged in, or connected with, the movement of a transport vehicle is considered time on-duty. The passenger contract carrier shall maintain, and retain, for a period of six (6) months, accurate time records showing: The time the driver reports for duty each day; The total number of hours the driver is on-duty each day; and The time the driver is released from duty each day. Acts 2002, ch. 750, § 1; 2003, ch. 17, § 2.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 55-20-204

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-20-204 cover?

Section 55-20-204 ("Hours of service.") 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 § 55-20-204?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-20-204" (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 § 55-20-204 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.