Traffic Enforcement Penalties
- 1/20Points added for reckless driving offense
Reckless driving in Tennessee is a serious moving violation. The offense results in six points added to your license and may lead to suspension if your total exceeds legal limits.
Point threshold that may trigger a suspension hearing
Drivers accumulating 12 or more points within a 12 month period may be required to attend a hearing. If found negligent, their license could be suspended.
Consequence of failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket
If a driver ignores a required court appearance, the Tennessee Department of Safety may suspend their license until the issue is resolved and penalties are paid.
Speeding through a school zone during active hours
Violations in school zones carry enhanced penalties, including steeper fines and license points. Tennessee enforces these strictly to protect students and staff.
Classification of driving with a suspended license
Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Tennessee. It may result in jail time, fines, or additional license penalties.
License consequence for street racing conviction
Street racing is classified as a serious offense. Conviction may lead to full license revocation, fines, and even criminal charges depending on severity.
Penalty applied for second moving violation by a driver under 18
Teenage drivers with multiple moving violations face longer suspension periods. This is part of the Driver Improvement Program for youth under Tennessee law.
Penalty for drag racing on Tennessee roads
Drag racing is illegal and dangerous. Convictions lead to criminal charges, loss of driving privileges, fines, and in some cases, vehicle seizure.
Result of accumulating too many points in a short period
Tennessee may require violators with multiple points to attend a driver improvement course or face suspension. These programs aim to educate repeat offenders.
Penalty for DUI conviction regardless of point system
DUI convictions result in mandatory license suspension even if your record has no prior points. Penalties increase with each offense.
Penalty for fleeing from law enforcement during a traffic stop
Evading arrest with a vehicle is a felony. It carries severe consequences including jail time, criminal record, and potential vehicle seizure.
Insurance effect of accumulating license points
Points on your license make you a higher risk for insurers. This can result in significant increases in your monthly insurance costs or even loss of coverage.
Offense severity for illegally passing a stopped school bus
Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a misdemeanor in Tennessee. The offense may lead to large fines, points, and possible loss of driving privileges.
Penalty for failure to show proof of insurance during a stop
Failing to provide proof of insurance can result in citations, fines, and court appearances. Repeat offenses can escalate to license suspension.
Use of cell phone while driving in restricted zones
Using a handheld phone in school or work zones is a punishable traffic offense. It may add points and fines, and is part of distracted driving enforcement laws.
Classification of a first time hit and run offense
Leaving the scene of a crash is taken seriously. If injury or damage is involved, the offense may be upgraded from misdemeanor to felony with license suspension.
Penalty for refusal to sign a traffic ticket in presence of an officer
Refusing to sign a citation can be treated as resisting compliance. Although not an admission of guilt, your signature confirms receipt, and refusal could escalate the situation.
Legal action taken when a minor drops out of school while holding a learners permit
Tennessee can revoke a minors driving privileges if they are no longer in school or fail to meet educational requirements. This is part of the states youth accountability system.
Violation classification for following too closely behind another vehicle
Tailgating is a common cause of rear end collisions. It is considered a moving violation and carries a 3 point penalty in the drivers record.
Consequence of failing to update address on a Tennessee license
Not updating your address could result in missed suspension notices or court summons. It is a legal requirement to keep your license information current.