House Bill 442 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide specific allowances for the use of antique emergency vehicles. The bill introduces new provisions that permit these vehicles to participate in community and educational events, such as fairs and festivals, and clarifies that antique emergency vehicles can have emergency lights and sirens installed, provided they are representative of the era in which the vehicle was manufactured. The bill outlines the conditions under which these lights and sirens may be operated, including the requirement for written authorization from local law enforcement or fire department chiefs and stipulations regarding their use during specific events.

Additionally, the bill redefines the term "antique emergency vehicle" to include ambulances, fire department vehicles, and law enforcement vehicles that meet antique criteria. It also specifies that operating an antique emergency vehicle in compliance with the new regulations does not constitute criminal impersonation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that antique emergency vehicle owners can legally showcase their vehicles while adhering to the established guidelines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-4-111(b), 55-4-111, 55-9-402, 55-9-201, 55-9-414, 39-16-301(b), 39-16-301