In Nashville, Rep. Kevin Raper (R‑Cleveland) filed House Bill 8 on November 10 for the 115th General Assembly’s 2027‑2028 session. The legislation seeks to amend Tennessee’s motor‑vehicle and alcoholic‑beverage statutes so that drivers may legally possess and drink nonalcoholic beer while operating a vehicle.

What the bill changes

The bill would revise existing language that currently prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle. While the summary does not define “nonalcoholic beer,” it is understood to be a beverage containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, a standard definition used in federal regulations.

Under the proposed amendment, law‑enforcement officers would no longer be able to cite a driver for having a nonalcoholic beer in the car or for taking a sip while driving, provided the beverage meets the low‑alcohol threshold.

Legislative context

House Bill 8 is one of several measures filed ahead of the upcoming session. Another notable proposal aims to exempt staple foods—milk, eggs and bread—from the state grocery tax, reflecting a broader effort by some lawmakers to reduce the cost of everyday items for Tennessee families.

Both bills illustrate a trend in the legislature toward easing regulations that affect daily life, aligning with the administration’s focus on personal liberty and reducing government overreach.

Support and criticism

Proponents argue that allowing nonalcoholic beer in the car poses no safety risk, noting the beverage’s negligible alcohol content. They contend the change would eliminate unnecessary police encounters and clarify the law for drivers who already enjoy these drinks responsibly.

Critics, however, caution that any relaxation of drinking‑while‑driving rules could create confusion on the road. Some law‑enforcement groups have expressed concern that officers might find it harder to enforce existing DUI statutes if the line between nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages becomes blurred.

Next steps

The bill now moves to the House Committee on Safety and Homeland Security for review. If approved, it will proceed to the Senate for consideration and, ultimately, to the governor’s desk for signature.

Stakeholders, including driver‑safety organizations and consumer‑advocacy groups, are expected to submit testimony during the committee hearing. The outcome will determine whether Tennesseans will be able to enjoy a nonalcoholic beer without fear of a traffic citation.

Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.