Tenn. Code Ann. » Tenn. Code / Title 55 / Chapter 17 / Part 1
Tennessee Code Annotated

Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-101 (2026)

Legislative findings and declaration

✓ current as of May 2026
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The general assembly finds and declares that the distribution and/or sale of motor vehicles in the state vitally affects the general economy of the state and the public interest and the public welfare, and in the exercise of its police power, it is necessary to regulate and to license motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, salespersons, and their representatives doing business in Tennessee in order to prevent frauds, impositions and other abuses upon its citizens.

Acts 1955, ch. 79, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1701; Acts 1991, ch. 359, § 4.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases, 1983–2016 · leading case: Skinner v. Steele, 730 S.W.2d 335 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1987).
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Skinner v. Steele, 730 S.W.2d 335 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1987). · cites it 2× “, Motor Vehicle Sales Licenses Act, T.C.A. § 55-17-101 et seq.) Real Estate Broker License Act, T.”
Gen. Motors Corp. v. Capitol Chevrolet Co., 645 S.W.2d 230 (Tenn. 1983). · cites it 2× “§ 55-17-101, states: “The legislature finds and declares that the distribution and sale of motor vehicles in the state of Tennessee vitally affects the general economy of the state and the public interest and the public welfare, and in the exercise of its police power, it is…”
Pryor Oldsmobile/GMC Co. v. Tennessee Motor Veh. Comm'n, 803 S.W.2d 227 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1990). · cites it 2× “Section 55-17-101 declares that licensing the distribution and sale of motor vehicles is necessary “to prevent frauds, impositions and other abuses upon its citizens”.”
Freightliner of Knoxville, Inc. v. Daimlerchrysler Vans, LLC, 438 F. Supp. 2d 869 (E.D. Tenn. 2006). · cites it 2× “” Tenn.Code Ann. § 55-17-101. DC Vans points out that this statute does not provide a private cause of action but rather requires dealers to follow *889 an administrative grievance procedure before the Tennessee Motor Vehicles Commission.”
Am. Honda Motor Co., Inc. v. The Tennessee Motor Veh. Comm'n (Tenn. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 2× “” Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-17-107 . The Commission is specifically authorized “to regulate and to license motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, [and] dealers .”
Hyundai Motor Am. v. Tennessee Motor Veh. Comm'n (Tenn. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 2× “The remaining portions assert: that the consuming public and Hyundai will be irreparably harmed; that the Commission has exceeded its jurisdictional authority in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 55-17-101 et seq.; and that Hyundai will be forced to incur substantial…”
Freightliner v. DaimlerChrysler Vans (6th Cir. 2007). “DC Vans vigorously counters that the Sprinter is quite simply a motor vehicle, distinguishable from the common understanding of “industrial equipment,” and that the presence of another Tennessee statutory scheme which provides for the licensing and regulation of motor vehicle…”
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