Violating Tennessee driving and traffic laws can result the suspension of your driving privileges. The Tennessee Department of Safety uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record. For instance, moving violations like reckless driving, violation of driver license restrictions, and failure to stop at a railroad crossing each carry six points. Four-point offenses include improper passing, making improper turns and failing to yield the right of way. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 1-5 mph:1 point

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 6-15 mph:3 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 16-25 mph: 4 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 26-35 mph: 5 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 36-45 mph: 6 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 46 mph or more: 8 points

View the complete Point Schedule to learn about the number of points associated with each type of moving violation.

PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license:

1. You will have your license suspended if you accumulate 12 points or more on your current driving record within a period of 12 months and fail to request a hearing. A notice of proposed suspension will be mailed to you by the Department of Safety once you have accumulated 6 to 11 points.
2. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Tennessee Department of Safety maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to reduce the suspension time or avoid suspension and reduce your violation points.
2. A Driver Improvement Program can be taken by drivers under 18 years of age to improve their driving record.

HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information on Tennessee traffic laws refer to the Driver License Handbook.
• Also see Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.