By James Kemp and Ryan C. Davis
How Does Tennessee's Driver's License Point System Work?
A conviction for a traffic violation in Tennessee, such as speeding, failure to obey traffic instructions, texting while driving, or reckless driving, can add between 1 to 8 points on your driver’s license. As a driver accumulates points, they risk suspension of their driver’s license.
Ever wondered how many points different types of infractions result in? Us to.
Tennessee's DL Point System
- Tickets and Court Abstractions where speed not indicated = 3
- Speeding 1 through 5 mph in excess of speed zone = 1
- Speeding 6 through 15 mph in excess of speed zone = 3
- Speeding 16 through 25 mph in excess of speed zone = 4
- Speeding 26 through 35 mph in excess of speed zone = 5
- Speeding 36 through 45 mph in excess of speed zone = 6
- Speeding 46 mph and above in excess of speed zone = 8
- Speed is less than posted minimum = 3
- Driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid accident = 3
- Operating at erratic or sudden changing speed = 3
- Reckless Driving = 6
- Careless or negligent driving = 4
- Failing to obey traffic instructions = 4
- Improper passing = 4
- Wrong way, side or direction = 4
- Following improperly = 3
- Following emergency vehicle unlawfully = 3
- Failing to yield the right-of-way = 4
- Making improper turn = 3
- Failure to signal direction or to reduce speed suddenly = 3
- Stopping, standing, obstructing, or blocking traffic = 3
- Coasting; operating gears disengaged = 3
- Improper backing = 3
- Improper starting, burning rubber, spinning tires, peeling out = 3
- Driver view or mechanism obstructed = 3
- Driving mountain highway-controlled/audible warning = 3
- Inability to maintain control = 3
- Improper operation of or riding on a motorcycle = 3
- Improper lane or location, driving on roadways laned for traffic = 3
- Use of controlled access roadway = 4
- Inattentive driving, due care, failure to drive in careful manner, unsafe lookout, improper driving = 3
- Cross private property to avoid stop sign or signal = 4
- Operating a vehicle while using cell phone (under 18) = 6
- Passing a stopped school bus, church or youth bus taking on or discharging passengers = 8
- Violation of driver license or certificate restrictions = 6
- Reckless endangerment by vehicle (misdemeanor) = 8
- Miscellaneous traffic violations; any offense involving the unsafe operation of a non- commercial motor vehicle not herein specified = 3
- Leaving the scene of a crash (no revocation action only) = 5
- Failure to report a crash = 4
- Failure to yield to emergency vehicles; Failure to change lanes/slow down for authorized vehicles on roadside = 6
- Failure to stop at railroad crossing = 8
- Texting while driving = 3
- Handheld device = 3
How Long Do Points Stay On Your Driver’s License in Tennessee?
Any and all points remain on a driver’s license for 2 years.
What Happens If I Accumulate Points?
The number of points on a driver’s license is monitored by the Tennessee Department of Safety. The more points a driver accumulates, the more at risk they are for their license being suspended. If a driver accumulates more than 6 points within a 12-month period, the Tennessee Department of Safety will send the driver a notice of a proposed suspension of their driver’s license.
If a driver accumulates 12 or more points in 12 months, their driving privileges may be suspended. The Tennessee Department of Safety will send the driver a notice of proposed suspension and give the driver an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing, or they can complete an 8-hour defensive driving course within 90 days to avoid suspension. However, a driver may only take a defensive driving course to avoid having their driver’s license suspended once in a 5-year period. If the driver fails to request a hearing or complete the defensive driving course, their driving privileges will be suspended for a period of 6 to 12 month.
If you are facing a traffic violation or are at risk of your driver’s license being suspended, our experienced attorneys at Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC can help. Give us a call at (615) 649-0110 to discuss your case.
