The Tennessee Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean
When you receive your Tennessee driver's license, you also become subject to the state's driver's license point system. This system is managed by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security to track traffic convictions and identify drivers who may pose a safety risk.
Understanding how points are assigned for different violations and the serious consequences of accumulating too many is crucial for every driver. It's the key to keeping your driving privilege, avoiding costly fines, and preventing sharp increases in your insurance rates.
How the Tennessee Point System Works
When you are convicted of a moving violation in Tennessee, the Department of Safety adds a specific number of demerit points to your driving record. The more serious the traffic offense, the more points you will receive. These points serve as an official tally of your driving infractions. If you accumulate too many points within a specific timeframe, you will be subject to penalties, including a license suspension.
Points for Common Traffic Violations
Points for violations in Tennessee typically range from 1 to 8. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common offenses and their corresponding point values:
8-Point Violations (Most Severe)
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding 46 mph or more over the posted limit
- Fleeing from a Law Enforcement Officer
6-Point Violations
- Speeding 36-45 mph over the posted limit
- Passing a stopped school bus
5-Point Violations
- Speeding 26-35 mph over the posted limit
4-Point Violations
- Speeding 16-25 mph over the posted limit
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way (resulting in an accident)
- Reckless Endangerment
- Following Improperly (tailgating)
3-Point Violations
- Speeding 6-15 mph over the posted limit
- Disobeying a Stop Sign or Traffic Light
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way (no accident)
- Making an Improper Turn
1-Point Violation
- Speeding 1-5 mph over the posted limit
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The Department of Safety takes action once your point total reaches critical thresholds.
For Adult Drivers (18 and Older):
- Advisory Letter: If you accumulate between 6 and 11 points in a 12-month period, you will receive a warning letter advising you of your point total.
- Notice of Proposed Suspension: If you accumulate 12 or more points within any 12-month period, you will be sent a notice of proposed suspension.
- Administrative Hearing: You have the right to request an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension.
- Suspension: If you do not request a hearing or if the suspension is upheld, your license will be suspended for a period of 6 to 12 months.
For Minor Drivers (Under 18):
The system is much stricter for new, young drivers.
- If you accumulate 6 or more points within any 12-month period, you will receive a notice of proposed suspension. The consequences are the same as for an adult reaching 12 points.
How to Reduce Points or Avoid Suspension
- Defensive Driving School: A judge has the discretion to allow you to attend a state-approved defensive driving course (also known as traffic school). Upon successful completion, the judge may dismiss the ticket, which would prevent the points from ever being added to your record. This is a common option for a first-time, minor violation. You must request this option from the court.
- Points Expire: Points for a conviction remain on your record but are no longer counted toward a suspension total after a certain period of time.
The best way to manage the point system is to avoid getting points in the first place. By driving safely, obeying all traffic laws, and being aware of the consequences, you can protect your driving record and enjoy your driving privilege in the state of Tennessee.
