Question 1

On a Tennessee 4-lane highway with a center turn lane, but no true median, does oncoming traffic have to stop for a stopped school bus with lights flashing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a center turn lane doesn't count as a barrier; only a true 5th lane exempts them — Tennessee's school-bus exception for oncoming traffic requires the roadways to be separated by a median or barrier not suitable for vehicular traffic. A center turn lane on an ordinary 4-lane highway does not count — it takes a real 5th lane, so oncoming traffic on a 4-lane road with only a turn lane must still stop.

Question 2

What's the penalty for passing a stopped Tennessee school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended?

Accepted Answer

A Class A misdemeanor, with a fine between $250 and $1,000 — Passing a stopped Tennessee school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine between $250 and $1,000.

Question 3

Besides emergency vehicles, what else does Tennessee's Move Over Law require drivers to move over or slow for?

Accepted Answer

Any stationary vehicle at all — even an ordinary car or truck — with its hazard flashers on — Tennessee's Move Over Law isn't limited to emergency vehicles — on a road with 4+ lanes (at least 2 running the driver's direction), it also requires drivers to change lanes away from, or slow for, any stationary vehicle at all, including an ordinary car or truck, with its hazard flashers on.

Question 4

What's the fine range for speeding in an active Tennessee highway work zone with workers present?

Accepted Answer

$250 minimum, up to a $500 maximum — Speeding in an active Tennessee highway work zone where TDOT or construction workers are present carries a fine of at least $250, up to a maximum of $500.

Question 5

What does dialing *THP (*847) on a wireless phone in Tennessee do?

Accepted Answer

Connects the caller, free of charge, to the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol dispatcher — Dialing *THP (*847) on a wireless phone connects a Tennessee driver, free of charge, to the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol dispatcher.

Tennessee: Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones Questions

1. On a Tennessee 4-lane highway with a center turn lane, but no true median, does oncoming traffic have to stop for a stopped school bus with lights flashing?

2. What's the penalty for passing a stopped Tennessee school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended?

3. Besides emergency vehicles, what else does Tennessee's Move Over Law require drivers to move over or slow for?

4. What's the fine range for speeding in an active Tennessee highway work zone with workers present?

5. What does dialing THP (847) on a wireless phone in Tennessee do?

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