State comparison · Updated October 2026
Tennessee vs. Virginia Driving Laws (2026)
Tennessee and Virginia differ on 3 of 9 topics we track: car insurance, car sales tax and car inspection.
On a trip from Nashville to Virginia Beach crosses the border, and 3 of the nine laws differ once you cross. Main routes include I-40 on the Tennessee side and I-95 on the side of Virginia; the capitals, Nashville and Richmond, set the rules for their side.
The biggest gap: required liability limits differ: 25/50/25 against 50/100/25. Residents of Memphis heading to Chesapeake, and back, deal with both sets of laws: Tennessee's on I-24 and Virginia's across the border on I-81. Read the Tennessee vs Virginia guide if you shop for a car between Nashville to Virginia Beach.
For a quick visit from Nashville to Richmond, pack your documents and proof of insurance, plan the route ahead of time, and expect the same 70 mph top limit at the border.
| Topic | Tennessee | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 50/100/25 |
| Car sales tax | 7% | 4.15% |
| Car inspection | No regular inspection | Safety + emissions |
| New resident deadline | 30 days | 30 days |
| Helmet law | All riders | All riders |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws compared: Tennessee vs Virginia
Tennessee vs Virginia: Tennessee and Virginia agree on 70 mph for max speed limit, phone law (Hands-free law) and Permit at 15 for learner's permit age.
Owning a car compared: Tennessee vs Virginia
Tennessee vs Virginia: Tennessee and Virginia have the same rule for new resident deadline: 30 days.
Car insurance: Tennessee vs Virginia
The rule is higher in Virginia on car insurance: Tennessee at 25/50/25 and Virginia with 50/100/25. Tennessee is at-fault while Virginia is at-fault. An insurance policy from Nashville must be updated when you settle in Virginia Beach.
Car sales tax: Tennessee vs Virginia
Tennessee is higher on car sales tax: Tennessee with 7% and Virginia with 4.15%. On a $30,000 car, state tax is about $2,100 in Tennessee versus $1,245 in Virginia. Buyers from Memphis and Chesapeake pay the tax based on their registration address, not the dealer's.
Vehicle inspection and emissions testing: Tennessee vs Virginia
Virginia is stricter on car inspection, with Tennessee with no regular inspection and Virginia with safety + emissions. A car based in Memphis follows Tennessee rules, even on trips to Chesapeake.
Motorcycle: Tennessee vs Virginia
Tennessee vs Virginia: Virginia and Tennessee match on helmet law (All riders) and lane splitting (Not permitted).
Moving or buying across the border
- Tennessee vs Virginia: relocating from Tennessee to Virginia gives you 30 days for the car registration and 60 days for the license switch.
- The other way: 30 days to register and 30 days to switch licenses.
Tennessee vs Virginia: FAQ
Which has the higher speed limit, Tennessee or Virginia?
Virginia and Tennessee each allow up to 70 mph.
Where is the car tax smaller, Tennessee or Virginia?
Virginia costs less at the state level (7% vs. 4.15%).
Is a motorcycle helmet required in both Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee: All motorcyclists; Virginia: All motorcyclists.