House Bill 1689 amends Tennessee law regarding the impoundment of vehicles involved in drag racing. The bill introduces a new subsection (d) to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-10-502, which allows POST-certified or state-commissioned law enforcement officers to seize and impound vehicles suspected of being used in drag racing for a maximum of seventy-two hours. During this period, the impounding authority is required to notify the vehicle's owner or any known lienholder in writing, detailing the reasons for the impoundment. The owner has the right to request an administrative hearing or petition the general sessions court for a judicial hearing within this timeframe.

If a hearing is requested, it must occur within five business days, allowing the owner to contest the seizure. Should probable cause not be substantiated during the hearing, any impoundment fees paid must be reimbursed, or the vehicle must be released at no cost if still impounded. The bill clarifies that this new provision does not affect existing state seizure and forfeiture laws, meaning that vehicles can still be seized and forfeited upon conviction for drag racing. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-10-502