Special Vehicles in Tennessee

Tennessee has plenty of terrain perfect for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles and, if you're such an enthusiast, you'll probably want a utility trailer to help you haul them to your recreation destination.

Of course, you'll also need to know how to title and register these vehicles and trailers.

All-Terrain Vehicles

Since you can't operate your ATV on public roads and highways, you don't have to register it. You do have to title it, though.

To obtain the ATV title in your name, take the original title and the $10.50 fee to your local County Clerk's office. You may also need to pay additional "clerk's fees," so it's best to call ahead.

After you get all the technical stuff taken care of, it's time to enjoy your ATV! Check out our special section on Fun with ATVs.

Snowmobiles

You'll be pleased to find out you don't have to register or title a snowmobile in Tennessee. However, if you ever plan to sell your snowmobile, it's always nice to have proof that it's yours, i.e., you'll need a title.

If you purchase your snowmobile from a dealership, you'll most likely receive a title in your name. If you purchase it from an individual, you may want to contact your local County Clerk's office to ask if they'll work out a way to issue the snowmobile a title in your name.

Utility Trailers

Tennessee doesn't require you to title or register your utility trailer unless you plan to take it to another state.

If that's the case, you'll need to take the original title (if you have one), your driver's license, and the $10.50 fee to your local County Clerk's office.

The fee to register your utility trailer is $80. That may seem a bit steep, but the license plate you receive is permanent.

As with titling an ATV, you may have to pay additional clerk's fees. Call ahead.

Before you head out on the road, check out DMV.org's article on How To Pull A Trailer.

Low-Speed Vehicles

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a vehicle with four wheels that has a capacity to run between 20 and 25 mph―for instance, an electric vehicle you can drive around in your neighborhood. The vehicle is allowed to be driven only on roads with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Low-speed vehicles must be titled and registered. You'll need to complete a Low Speed Vehicle Affidavit and submit it, along with the required registration application and your ID, to your local County Clerk's office.

Golf carts do not qualify as low-speed vehicles, and do not need to be titled or registered in Tennessee.

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