Legislation will improve public safety, boost infrastructure funding across Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, today introduced the Safe Highways and Roads Enforcement (SHARE) Act to improve safety on Tennessee roads and boost funding for transportation infrastructure. The SHARE Act, House Bill 1519, would impose a $25 penalty for moving violations, which […]
Legislation will improve public safety, boost infrastructure funding across Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, today introduced the Safe Highways and Roads Enforcement (SHARE) Act to improve safety on Tennessee roads and boost funding for transportation infrastructure.
The SHARE Act, House Bill 1519, would impose a $25 penalty for moving violations, which include speeding and running red lights, and a $100 penalty for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (DUI). Commercial vehicles would be fined $50 for moving violations. Funds from penalties will be directed to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Highway Fund to be used for infrastructure maintenance and improvements across the state.
“Distracted, reckless and irresponsible driving threatens the health and well-being of all law-abiding Tennesseans,” said McCalmon. “The SHARE Act recognizes the severity of these offenses by adding a monetary penalty that will help improve the Volunteer State’s transportation infrastructure. This is a critical step in continued Republican efforts to reduce roadway risks, improve public safety and strengthen communities.”
Most moving traffic violations are Class C misdemeanors and carry a monetary penalty of $50 or less in Tennessee. Offenses include improper passing, failure to signal, and texting while driving, among others. A first DUI offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor carrying a monetary penalty of $350-$1,500. The SHARE Act will impose an additional penalty to improve driver safety and roadway conditions through the Highway Fund.
Tennessee Republicans continue to prioritize improving the state’s infrastructure through fiscally responsible funding mechanisms. Lawmakers in 2025 allocated $1 billion to TDOT, in addition to $3.3 billion invested in 2023, to expedite existing road projects and fund new ones across rural and urban Tennessee.
Republicans passed a new law last year that created a recurring stream of dollars to the Highway Fund from sales and use tax revenue generated from new and used tires. The measure caps the allocation at $80 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, but is expected to grow in subsequent years.
The Volunteer State utilizes a pay-as-you-go model for roads, using cash on hand.
The second session of the 114th General Assembly is scheduled to convene at noon on Jan. 13.
State Rep. Jake McCalmon represents District 63 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Williamson County.