(A) Every vehicle operated within the corporate limits must be in compliance with the financial responsibility law.
(B) At the time the driver of a motor vehicle is charged with any moving violation under Tenn. Code Ann. Title 55, Chapters 8 and 10, Parts 1 through 5 and Chapter 50; any provision in this title of this municipal code; or at the time of an accident for which notice is required under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-106, the officer shall request evidence of financial responsibility as required by this section. In case of an accident for which notice is required under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-106, the officer shall request such evidence from all drivers involved in the accident, without regard to apparent or actual fault.
(C) For the purposes of this section, FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY means:
(1) Documentation, such as the declaration page of an insurance policy, an insurance binder, or an insurance card from an insurance company authorized to do business in Tennessee, stating that a policy of insurance meeting the requirements of the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in Tenn. Code Ann. Title 55, Chapter 12, has been issued;
(2) A certificate, valid for one year, issued by the commissioner of safety, stating that a cash deposit or bond in the amount required by the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977, compiled in Tenn. Code Ann. Title 55, Chapter 12, has been paid or filed with the commissioner, or has qualified as a self-insurer under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-111; or
(3) The motor vehicle being operated at the time of the violation was owned by a carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Safety or the Interstate Commerce Commission or was owned by the United States, the State of Tennessee, or any political subdivision thereof, and that such motor vehicle was being operated with the owner's consent.
(D) It is a civil offense to fail to provide evidence of financial responsibility pursuant to this section. Any violation of this section is punishable by a civil penalty of up to $50. The civil penalty prescribed by this section shall be in addition to any other penalty prescribed by the laws of this state or by the Town's municipal code of ordinances.
(E) On or before the court date, the person charged with a violation of this section may submit evidence of compliance with this section in effect at the time of the violation. If the court is satisfied that compliance was in effect at the time of the violation, the charge of failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility may be dismissed.
(Ord. 2021-21, passed 1-10-22)