6/24/03-A bill that would allow prosecution of such offenses as tailgating and making obscene gestures while driving is dead for the year.
Under HB1959, it would be an offense for a driver to do a variety of things “with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Nathan Vaughn, D-Kingsport, wrote.
The bill was in the House Calendar and Rules Committee when the session ended May 29.

5/7/03- Tennessee drivers caught “flipping the bird” or getting too close to another vehicle could be dealt with harshly under a proposal in the state House of Representatives.
Rep. Nathan Vaughn, D-Kingsport, is pushing legislation that would allow prosecution of such offenses as tailgating and making obscene gestures while driving.
Under HB1959, it would be an offense for a driver to do a variety of things “with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person,” Vaughn wrote.
Aggressive driving would be a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $500 fine. If the driver intended to injure another person, the offense would be a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 11 months, 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The bill is in the House Ways and Means Committee. A similar bill – SB1871 – is in the Senate Transportation Committee.
For House bill status, call (615) 741-2901.