Under Tennessee Code sections 55-9-401 and 55-9-406, any motor vehicle traveling on a state highway, state aid road, or any street or road under the control of the state government, federal government, or local government (city, town, county) must use headlights at the times required by the statutes. Drivers are required to use headlights from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise in normal conditions. They are also required to use headlights when visibility is low because of fog, smoke, and rain. Rain is defined in the statutes to include rain, mist, snow, and other forms of precipitation.

Failure to use headlights during rain or other precipitation is a Class C misdemeanor under section 55-9-406. A highway patrol officer is authorized to stop motorists to check for glare and dazzling lights. Failure of the driver to submit to this inspection is a Class C misdemeanor under section 55-9-410. Under section 55-9-409, if a driver is found to be driving with headlights or anti-glare devices not approved by the state, the patrol officer will give the driver 24 hours to replace the faulty equipment. The driver may be required to appear in court and prove compliance. If the equipment is state-approved but out of adjustment, the driver has 48 hours to correct it. Sections 55-9-411 and 55-9-412 provide for inspection stations were a driver can have headlights properly adjusted and get compliance certificates.