Tennessee BANS use of out-of-state driver's licenses for illegal immigrants

Tennessee has implemented a new law that prohibits the recognition of out-of-state driver's licenses issued exclusively to illegal immigrants, exposing such individuals to criminal charges if caught driving in the state. The law took immediate effect on Thursday, January 1.

The measure, House Bill 749 and Senate Bill 1086, aims to tighten restrictions on driving privileges for those without legal status in the United States, aligning with broader efforts to address immigration-related concerns at the state level. It specifically targets licenses from other states that are marked or designed to indicate they were issued to non-US citizens, making them invalid for operating vehicles in Tennessee. Certain states, like Connecticut and Delaware, have special markings on driver's licenses distributed to illegal immigrants, while other Democrat-run states, such as California, Washington, and Oregon, do not.

Under the new rules, illegal immigrants found driving with these invalidated out-of-state licenses could face a Class B misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines. Currently, 19 US states and Puerto Rico allow illegal immigrants to obtain some form of driving privileges, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, but Tennessee joins a small group—including Florida, Wyoming, and New Hampshire—in invalidating certain out-of-state versions.

State Rep. William Lamberth, a Republican and strong supporter of the bill, said during a debate on the House floor: "The sign says, 'Welcome to Tennessee, illegal immigrants are not welcome,'" per the AP. Law enforcement officials have been advised to verify licenses against the department's published list, and state troopers are expected to enforce the rule during routine patrols.

Recently, the Trump administration cracked down on states distributing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants following a significant number of fatal car crashes, which continue to occur, according to recent reports.