Tennessee Points System Explained
Your driving record follows you everywhere in Tennessee. Every time you get a ticket, points get added to your license. Rack up too many points, and you could lose your license.
Here's how the system works and what you need to know to keep your record clean.
How Tennessee Tracks Your Driving Record
Tennessee uses something called the Driver Improvement Program (DIP). Think of it like a scorecard for your driving. Every traffic violation adds points to your record. The state uses this to spot risky drivers.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security manages the whole system. They track every conviction from traffic court and add the points to your license.
What Each Violation Is Worth
Not all tickets are equal. A minor speeding ticket adds fewer points than reckless driving. Here's the breakdown:
Speeding tickets depend on how fast you were going:
- 1 to 5 mph over the limit: 1 point
- 6 to 15 mph over: 3 points
- 16 to 25 mph over: 4 points
- 26 to 35 mph over: 5 points
- 36 to 45 mph over: 6 points
- 46+ mph over: 8 points
Common violations:
- Failure to signal: 3 points
- Driving too fast for conditions: 3 points
- Improper passing: 4 points
- Running a red light: 4 points
- Leaving an accident scene: 5 points
- Reckless driving: 6 points
- Passing a school bus: 8 points
- Driving with a suspended license: 8 points
The worst violations can add 8 points in one shot. That's two-thirds of the way to a suspension if you're an adult driver.
Note: Red light camera tickets in Tennessee typically don't add points to your license. Only citations issued by a police officer in person count toward your point total.
When Your License Gets Suspended
Tennessee has different rules for young drivers and adults.
If you're under 18: You can only get 6 points in a 12-month period before facing suspension. That could be just two medium-sized tickets.
If you're 18 or older: The state sends you a warning letter when you hit 6 to 11 points in 12 months. At 12 points or more, you get a notice of proposed suspension.
The 12-month window is a rolling period. It's not based on the calendar year. The state looks back at the past 12 months from today.
How Long Points Stay on Your Record
Points stick around for 2 years from your conviction date. Not from when you got pulled over, but from when the court finalizes the conviction.
After 2 years, the points drop off. But the conviction itself stays on your driving record for longer. Insurance companies can still see it.
Your Options to Avoid Suspension
If you hit 12 points, Tennessee gives you two choices:
Option 1: Request an administrative hearing. You can argue your case and potentially avoid suspension.
Option 2: Complete a defensive driving course within 90 days of conviction. This removes up to 5 points from your record.
But here's the catch: You can only use the defensive driving option once every 4 years per Tenn. Code § 55-8-207. Use it wisely.
If you skip both options, your license gets suspended. The length depends on your total points and history.
CDL Holders Have It Worse
Commercial drivers face tougher rules. Some violations that give regular drivers 3 or 4 points give CDL holders 6 or 7 points instead.
Speeding in a commercial vehicle: 6 points (versus 1-8 for regular vehicles depending on speed). Making an improper turn in a commercial vehicle: 5 points.
CDL holders also face federal rules on top of state points. Your employer cares about every ticket, even if it doesn't suspend your license.
Why This Matters
Points aren't just about suspension. They affect your insurance rates. More points usually mean higher premiums. Some insurance companies drop drivers who rack up too many violations.
If you drive for work, points can cost you your job. Even if you're under the suspension limit, employers often have their own stricter rules.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket
You have options. Paying the ticket means accepting the points. Fighting it in court might get the charge reduced or dismissed.
For serious violations or if you're close to suspension, talk to a traffic attorney. The cost of a lawyer is often less than what you'll pay in higher insurance rates and lost driving privileges.
Keep track of your own points. Tennessee doesn't send reminders until you're already in trouble. You can request your driving record from the Department of Safety.
The Bottom Line
The Tennessee points system is simple math. Stay under 12 points in 12 months, and you keep your license. Go over, and you're looking at suspension or mandatory classes.
Most tickets add 3 to 6 points. That gives you room for one or two mistakes. But stack up three or four violations in a year, and you're in trouble.
Drive carefully. Know what's on your record. And if you do get a ticket, understand what it's really going to cost you before you just pay it.
Need help with a Tennessee traffic ticket? We help drivers fight tickets and keep points off their record. Contact TaskForce Tickets to see if we can help with your case.
Sources: Tennessee Code § 55-8-207, Tennessee Department of Safety, Tennessee DMV Point System