State comparison · Updated October 2026
Georgia vs. Tennessee Driving Laws (2026)
Georgia and Tennessee differ on 1 of 9 topics we track: car inspection.
On a trip from Atlanta to Nashville crosses the border, and 1 of the rules change on the way. Key roads include I-75 on the Georgia side and I-40 on the side of Tennessee; the capitals, Atlanta and Nashville, set the rules for each side.
The figures are nearly identical: Georgia and Tennessee agree on tax, speed, insurance and deadlines. People who live in Columbus who travel to Memphis, or vice versa, obey both rulebooks: Georgia's on I-85 and Tennessee's once they cross on I-24. Read the Georgia vs Tennessee guide before driving from Atlanta or Nashville.
For a weekend trip from Atlanta to Nashville, keep a helmet if you ride, set navigation before leaving, and expect the same 70 mph top limit at the border.
| Topic | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 70 mph | 70 mph |
| Phone law | Hands-free law | Hands-free law |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 15 | Permit at 15 |
| Car insurance | 25/50/25 | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 7% | 7% |
| Car inspection | Emissions only | No regular inspection |
| New resident deadline | 30 days | 30 days |
| Helmet law | All riders | All riders |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws compared: Georgia vs Tennessee
Georgia vs Tennessee: Tennessee and Georgia have the same rule for 70 mph for max speed limit, Hands-free law for phone law and learner's permit age: Permit at 15.
Owning a car side by side: Georgia vs Tennessee
Georgia vs Tennessee: Georgia and Tennessee have the same rule for 25/50/25 for car insurance, car sales tax (7%) and new resident deadline (30 days).
Vehicle inspection and emissions testing: Georgia vs Tennessee
Tennessee is lighter on car inspection: Georgia at emissions only and Tennessee with no regular inspection. A vehicle based in Columbus follows Georgia rules, even if it often goes to Memphis.
Motorcycle side by side: Georgia vs Tennessee
Georgia vs Tennessee: Georgia and Tennessee agree on All motorcyclists for helmet law and lane splitting: Not permitted.
Crossing the line for good
- Georgia vs Tennessee: relocating from Georgia to Tennessee means 30 days to register the car and 30 days for a license.
- Moving from Tennessee to Georgia: 30 days for registration and 30 days to switch licenses.
Georgia vs Tennessee: common questions
Which has the higher speed limit, Georgia or Tennessee?
Both Georgia and Tennessee top out at 70 mph.
Is it cheaper to buy a car — Georgia or Tennessee?
The state-level tax is the same in Georgia and Tennessee.
Is a motorcycle helmet required in both Georgia and Tennessee?
Georgia: All riders; Tennessee: All riders.