Tennessee § 55-9-205 - Performance ability of brakes — Penalty.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-205 — Performance ability of brakes — Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55-9-205. Performance ability of brakes — Penalty.
The service brakes upon any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be adequate to stop the vehicle or vehicles when traveling twenty miles per hour (20 mph) within a distance of thirty feet (30') when upon dry asphalt or concrete pavement surface free from loose material where the grade does not exceed one percent (1%). Under the conditions in subsection (a), the hand brake shall be adequate to stop the vehicle or vehicles within a distance of fifty-five feet (55') and the hand brake shall be adequate to hold the vehicle or vehicles stationary on any grade upon which operated. Under the conditions in subsection (a), the service brakes upon a motor vehicle equipped with two (2) wheel brakes only, and when permitted, shall be adequate to stop the vehicle within a distance of forty feet (40') and the hand brake adequate to stop the vehicle within a distance of fifty-five feet (55'). All braking distances specified in this section shall apply to all vehicles mentioned, whether the vehicles are not loaded or are loaded to the maximum capacity permitted under this chapter. All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1937, ch. 245, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 2700.16 (Williams, § 2695); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-917; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113. Cross-References. Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Law Reviews. Rear-End Collisions — When Is the Following Driver Negligent as a Matter of Law? (Felix B. Laughlin), 34 Tenn. L. Rev. 251.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 55-9-205
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-205 cover?
Section 55-9-205 ("Performance ability of brakes — Penalty.") 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 § 55-9-205?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-205" (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 § 55-9-205 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.