Mobility & Curb Rules in Nashville, TN

If you live in Nashville or are thinking about moving there, mobility & curb rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Nashville has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of mobility & curb rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Bike Lane Rules

Metro Code § 12.60.135 bars driving, turning through, or parking in a bicycle lane, and requires motorists to yield to cyclists riding in one.

Key details: Section: Metropolitan Code § 12.60.135. Parking in bike lane: Prohibited unless signed exception. Motor vehicle use of lane: No turning or passing lane use. Cyclist right-of-way: Motorists must yield.

Violating Title 12 bicycle provisions, including § 12.60.135, is enforced as a traffic offense under Metro's general traffic penalty schedule (Metropolitan Code § 12.04.020), typically a citable fine plus court costs.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Metro Nashville caps shared scooter operators through a Transportation Licensing Commission RFP process: no new permits or fleet expansions may be issued until an RFP selects operators, each capped at 500 units initially.

Key details: Regulator: Metro Transportation Licensing Commission (MTLC). Permit system: RFP-selected operators only. Initial fleet cap: 500 scooters per operator. Interim fleet cut: 50% of pre-2019 permit levels. Governing code: Metro Code § 12.62.020.

Operating a shared scooter fleet without an MTLC-issued permit, or expanding a fleet beyond RFP-set limits, is unlawful; the MTLC may impose additional fees and enforce regulations adopted under this chapter.

This is one of the stricter rules in Nashville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

TNC Pickup Zones

Metro Nashville has no TNC-specific curb law. Uber and Lyft pickups fall under the general passenger curb loading zone rule, capped at the posted time limit and enforceable citywide.

Key details: Governing rule: General passenger curb loading zone law. No TNC-specific ordinance: Correct as of Aug. 2026. Time limit: Set by NDOT director, posted on sign. Zone creation authority: NDOT curb management program. Enforcement: Traffic and parking commission.

Stopping, standing, or parking beyond the posted time limit, or for a purpose other than loading/unloading passengers, in a marked passenger curb loading zone. Enforced by NDOT/Metro traffic and parking commission citation.

The Bottom Line

Nashville's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Nashville is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Nashville's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.