In an effort to maintain highway safety, Tennessee records the traffic violations of each license holder in order to identify drivers who have "continuous disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of other persons." Drivers who are in this category face license-related penalties.
The state keeps track of traffic violations using a point system called "Tennessee's Driver Improvement Program (DIP)." The number of points assigned to a violation depends on the severity of the offense. Drivers who reach a certain number of points may face suspension or other penalties.
The details of how everything works are discussed in detail below. But, generally, a driver faces license suspension for:
To learn more about how point suspensions work, keep reading below.
Generally, traffic violation points stay on a Tennessee driver's record for two years (24 months).
The accumulation of too many points will result in license suspension but the penalties and limits differ for minors and adults.
Warning letters. Drivers who are at least 18 years old will receive a warning letter after receiving six points in a year.
Notice of suspension. Getting 12 points in a single year will result in a notice of proposed suspension. The notice will indicate the possible length of the suspension and an administrative hearing date to contest the suspension.
Driver's options on notice of suspension. The driver then has three options after receiving a proposed suspension notice:
Although it's not "point suspension," drivers who get into three or more avoidable accidents within a year will also receive a notice of proposed suspension and be subject to the process described above.
Drivers who are under 18 years old are subject to tighter point limits as well as additional licensing penalties for accumulating points.
Warning letters. Minors who accumulate less than six points should receive a warning letter.
Notice of suspension. Minors who accumulate six or more points within a year should receive a notice of proposed suspension.
Minor driver's options on notice of suspension. After receiving a notice of proposed suspension, the minor driver has two options:
Drivers holding a learner's permit or intermediate license who accumulate points can be prohibited from obtaining the next level of driver's license for 90 to 180 days.
Juvenile probation. A minor facing suspension can request probation in lieu of suspension. The applicant must show that extreme circumstances exist, such as serious illness or military deployment. Driver Services can grant probation for juvenile first offenders for 12 months or until age 18. The minor must still complete any defensive driving course that may have been ordered.
Drivers over 18 years old are permitted to apply for a restricted work license through Driver Services. The license will have certain restrictions regarding travel but can typically be used to get to and from work or school.
After the suspension period, drivers must also pay a reinstatement fee and provide and maintain proof of insurance for three years.
A driver can reduce the points for a violation by paying the fine prior to its due date. Prompt fine payment will reduce the points for violations that are at least three points by two points and two-point violations by one point.
Traffic violations in Tennessee are assigned the following point values.
Violation |
Points assessed |
Speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit |
1 (2 if in construction zone) |
Speeding 6 to 15 miles per hour over the limit |
3 (4 if in construction zone) |
Speeding 16 to 25 miles per hour over the limit |
4 (5 if in construction zone) |
Speeding 26 to 35 miles per hour over the limit |
5 (6 if in construction zone) |
Speeding 36 to 45 miles per hour over the limit |
6 (8 if in construction zone) |
Speeding 46 or more miles per hour over the limit |
8 |
Unspecified speeding violation |
3 (4 if in construction zone) |
Speed under posted minimum |
3 |
Speed too fast for conditions |
3 |
Erratic operation or sudden lane change |
3 |
Reckless endangerment |
8 |
6 |
|
Careless or negligent driving |
4 |
4 |
|
Improper passing |
4 |
Wrong way, side, or direction |
4 |
3 |
|
Failure to yield right-of-way |
4 |
Failure to yield for emergency vehicles |
6 |
Improper turn |
3 |
Failure to signal |
3 |
Obstructing traffic |
3 |
Coasting |
3 |
Driver view obstructed |
3 |
Inability to maintain control of vehicle |
3 |
Improper operation of motorcycle |
3 |
Improper lane or location |
3 |
Use of controlled access highway |
4 |
Inattentive driving |
3 |
Unspecified traffic violation |
3 |
3 |
|
Passing stopped school bus |
8 |
License restriction violation |
6 |
Failure to stop at railroad crossing |
8 |
5 |
|
Failure to report accident |
4 |
No license in possession |
2 |
3 |
|
Driving while suspended |
8 |
Fleeing law enforcement |
8 |
Child endangerment |
8 |
Contributing to crash with property damage |
3 |
Contributing to crash with injury |
4 |
Contributing to crash with fatality |
8 |
Violations occurring in commercial vehicles are typically assigned higher point values.