Public urination in Knoxville is prosecuted under City Code Chapter 21 disorderly conduct provisions and Tennessee indecent exposure statute TCA 39-13-511, with citations near Old City and Cumberland Avenue bars.
Knoxville Code Chapter 21 covers misdemeanors including public indecency and disorderly conduct, used by KPD to address public urination especially in the Old City entertainment district, Market Square, Cumberland Avenue near UT, and during Vol football game days. State law TCA 39-13-511 makes intentional indecent exposure a Class B misdemeanor. Most cases are charged as municipal violations with fines, though aggravated circumstances or proximity to children can elevate to state indecent exposure charges with potential sex-offender consequences.
First offenses typically draw municipal fines around $50-$250, but charges near minors or schools can elevate to state criminal charges with registry exposure.
See how Knoxville's public urination rules stack up against other locations.
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