Yes,
Laser jammers are legal in Tennessee for off-road vehicles but strictly prohibited on public roads under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-108. Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30122) also bans their use on public highways. Tennessee’s 2024 legislative session introduced no new restrictions, but local jurisdictions may enforce additional penalties. Violations may result in fines up to $500 or misdemeanor charges.
Key Regulations for Laser Jammers in Tennessee
- Public Road Prohibition: Use on any public roadway constitutes a Class C misdemeanor under state traffic laws, enforceable by local law enforcement and the Tennessee Department of Safety.
- Off-Road Exemption: Permitted solely for non-highway vehicles (e.g., ATVs, off-road motorcycles) operated on private property or designated off-road trails, provided no public right-of-way is crossed.
- Federal Compliance: Aligns with NHTSA regulations, which classify laser jammers as “obstruction devices” under 49 U.S.C. § 30122, barring their sale or use on interstate highways.
Local municipalities, such as Nashville and Memphis, may impose additional ordinances, including vehicle impoundment for repeat offenses. The Tennessee Highway Patrol monitors compliance via traffic stops and roadside inspections. Out-of-state drivers are subject to the same restrictions, with potential reciprocity for violations in their home jurisdictions.