Points, tickets and licence suspension in Tennessee

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how the Tennessee points system works.
• You can give example point values for common violations.
• You can state the suspension thresholds for adults and for drivers under 18.
• You can explain how traffic school can remove speeding points.
• You can name offenses that may require SR-22 insurance.

What you need to know and understand

• Adults face a proposed suspension at 12 or more points within any 12-month period.
• Drivers under 18 who reach 6 points within 12 months face an administrative hearing with a parent or guardian and possible suspension.
• Speeding 1 to 5 mph over is 1 point; 6 to 15 mph over is 3 points; reckless driving is 6 points.
• Passing a stopped school bus and failing to stop at a railroad crossing are 8 points each.
• A Department-approved 4-hour traffic school, completed within 90 days of a speeding conviction, can remove that offense's points, up to 5, once in a 5-year period.
• Reinstating a suspended license means meeting every requirement and paying reinstatement fees.
• Offenses such as DUI, leaving the scene of a crash and two reckless driving violations in 12 months can require SR-22 insurance.

Sample point values

Point values can change, so check the current Schedule of Points Values from the Department of Safety.

• Speeding 1 to 5 mph over: 1 point.
• Speeding 6 to 15 mph over: 3 points.
• Failing to yield right of way: 4 points.
• Reckless driving: 6 points.
• Failing to yield to, or move over for, emergency vehicles: 6 points.
• Phone use by a driver under 18: 6 points.
• Passing a stopped school, church or youth bus: 8 points.
• Contributing to a crash: 3 points (property damage), 4 (injury) or 8 (death).

What happens as points build up

Under 18, fewer than 6 points brings a warning letter. At 6 or more, you and a parent or guardian are called to a hearing, and suspension of several months is possible. Points also add 90 days before a teen can move from Intermediate Restricted to Unrestricted.

At 18 and over, 12 or more points in 12 months leads to a notice of proposed suspension and the chance of a hearing. If you do not ask for a hearing, the suspension lasts six to 12 months. At a hearing, an 8-hour defensive driving course may be offered to avoid or shorten a suspension.

Getting back on track

Our Tennessee hands free law and driver points guide has more detail on fees and reinstatement.

1. If you get a speeding ticket, ask about an approved 4-hour traffic school and finish it within 90 days of the conviction.
2. If you are suspended, check your reinstatement requirements through the Department's e-Services.
3. Pay reinstatement fees and file any required SR-22 insurance.
4. Keep SR-22 coverage in place for the whole required period, or you can be suspended again.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring a ticket. A failure to appear in court can lead to suspension and a reinstatement fee.
• Assuming points only matter at 12. For teens the line is 6.
• Missing the 90-day window for traffic school.
• Letting SR-22 insurance lapse during a required period.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Tennessee

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Tennessee Hands Free Law and Driver Points
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Tennessee
• Moving to Tennessee