The Tennessee General Assembly recently amended its statutes that limit municipalities to Class C misdemeanors when adopting and enforcing city ordinances. The town of Cumberland Gap is in the process of amending its traffic laws to adhere to the new state statutes.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) has undertaken two readings of Ordinance 3-2018, which adopts the new guidelines set forth in the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) dealing with ‘Rules of the Road.’

For example, paragraph C of T.C.A. §55-7-118 makes it clear that a violation has been made whenever a driver pulls off the pavement to go around someone pausing to make a left-hand turn.

Those caught using their hand-held mobile phones or other personal digital equipment while driving a motor vehicle will now be facing fines, court costs and, possibly, other statutory officers’ fees, according to T.C.A. §55-8-199.

Children up to the age of 12 years are strictly prohibited from riding in the bed of a pickup truck, according to T.C.A. §55-8-189. There are a couple of exceptions to this statute, however. If the child is participating in a parade or is involved in an agricultural activity, and the speed of the vehicle is no more than 20 miles per hour, the driver is exempt from prosecution.

T.C.A. §55-8-187 clearly prohibits the use of obscene or patently offensive bumper stickers or window signs. An up to $50 fine will be enforced upon conviction.

The town is in the process of gearing up for warm-weather activities. The popular Artists’ Coop Art Extravaganza will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 2. The event includes arts and crafts, food and wine tasting.

History buffs will have three fun-filled days to enjoy the Genealogy Jamboree and Pioneer Day, slated for June 7-9. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. each day.

The award-winning White Lightning Trail Festival will commence at 8 a.m. on June 30 as the legend of fast cars and moonshine stills are recounted. The corresponding White Lightning Beauty Pageant will be held at 1 p.m. on June 23, at Cumberland Gap High School.

The BMA will meet at 7 p.m. on May 7, inside the Cumberland Gap Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend these informative monthly meetings.