(a) Except as may be provided by general law, it is unlawful for the governing body of any county, municipality or metropolitan government to require any person who is not a resident of such county, or of the county in which such municipality is located, or of the area governed by such metropolitan government, to pay to such county, municipality or metropolitan government any license fee or tax or any regulatory license fee or tax of whatever nature for the privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the roads, streets or highways in such county, municipality or metropolitan government or for the maintenance or operation of any traffic control device or the regulation and control of motor vehicle traffic on the roads, streets, or highways in any county, municipality or metropolitan government.(b) This section shall apply and shall be controlling, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary of any private act or of any resolution or ordinance of any local governing body and regardless of the legal description or designation of any such fee or tax.(c) This section shall not prohibit the collection of fees authorized for county clerks in connection with the registration and licensing

f the legal description or designation of any such fee or tax.(c) This section shall not prohibit the collection of fees authorized for county clerks in connection with the registration and licensing of motor vehicles under title 55.Acts 1969, ch. 240, §§ 1-3; 1971, ch. 17, §§ 1, 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A., § 6-742.