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HB 974

Motor Vehicles - As enacted, provides that a motor vehicle dealer license is not required to sell or purchase certain antique vehicles or unique motor vehicles through an auction being held at a venue with a permanent seating capacity of at least 20,000 located in Wilson County, the auction operator conducts no more than one auction in this state per year, the action offers no less than 400 vehicles and no more than 2,000 vehicles for any one auction, and the operator has a minimum net worth of $25 million. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 17 and Title 62, Chapter 19.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

Tennessee exempts certain large-scale vehicle auctions from dealer licensing if held in Wilson County with 400-2,000 vehicles and $25 million operator net worth.

Pub. Ch. 540
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Bill Summary · HB 974

Legislative bill overview

HB 974 exempts motor vehicle dealers from licensing requirements when selling antique or unique vehicles at specific large-scale auctions in Wilson County, Tennessee. The exemption applies only to auction operators meeting strict criteria: permanent venue capacity of at least 20,000 seats, no more than one auction per year in the state, 400-2,000 vehicles per auction, and a minimum net worth of $25 million.

Why is this important

This legislation creates a regulatory loophole for high-volume, high-value vehicle auctions, potentially reducing consumer protections typically afforded by dealer licensing requirements. The exemption is narrowly tailored to a specific venue and operator type, suggesting it may benefit a particular auction house or event while reducing oversight of these transactions.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protection reduction: Dealer licenses typically require bonding, record-keeping, and compliance standards; exempting large auctions eliminates these safeguards for buyers and sellers
  • Equity concerns: The specificity to Wilson County and the $25 million net worth requirement effectively limit who can operate under this exemption, raising questions about whether this benefits one operator unfairly
  • Antique/unique vehicle definition: The bill doesn't clearly define these terms, potentially creating ambiguity about which vehicles qualify for the exemption

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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