How do Tennessee driver's license points work? This question is about Points on Driver’s License

Tennessee driver’s license points work as part of a system that identifies and takes action against high-risk drivers by assigning a specific number of points for different types of traffic violations. In Tennessee, drivers accumulate one point for minor violations like speeding 1-5 miles per hour over the limit. For major violations, like reckless endangerment with a vehicle, drivers will get eight points. Driver’s License Points Per Violation in Tennessee Violation Number of Points Assigned Speeding 1-5 miles per hour over the limit 1 Speeding 6-15 miles per hour over the limit 3 Speeding 16-25 miles per hour over the limit 4 Failing to obey traffic instructions 4 Failing to yield the right-of-way 4 Making an improper turn 4 Failure to report a crash 4 Speeding 26-35 miles per hour over the limit 5 Leaving the scene of a crash 5 Speeding 36-45 miles per hour over the limit 6 Reckless driving 6 Violation of license or certificate restrictions 6 Failure to yield to emergency vehicles 6 Reckless endangerment by vehicle 8 Passing a stopped school bus, church or youth bus taking on or discharging passengers 8 Other Key Things to Know About Points in Tennessee If you are convicted of a moving violation in another state, points for that violation will not be added to your driving record in Tennessee. Driver’s license points in Tennessee expire after 24 months. However, until they expire, you may still see higher insurance premiums, especially for major violations like DUI’s and reckless driving. Knowing when your points expire will help you understand when you may see a drop in your premiums or when it may be a good time to shop for new insurance. To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to points on driver’s licenses.

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How do Tennessee driver's license points work?

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@WalletHub • 10/12/21 This answer was first published on 10/12/21. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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Tennessee driver’s license points work as part of a system that identifies and takes action against high-risk drivers by assigning a specific number of points for different types of traffic violations. In Tennessee, drivers accumulate one point for minor violations like speeding 1-5 miles per hour over the limit. For major violations, like reckless endangerment with a vehicle, drivers will get eight points.

Driver’s License Points Per Violation in Tennessee

Violation	Number of Points Assigned
Speeding 1-5 miles per hour over the limit	1
Speeding 6-15 miles per hour over the limit	3
Speeding 16-25 miles per hour over the limit	4
Failing to obey traffic instructions	4
Failing to yield the right-of-way	4
Making an improper turn	4
Failure to report a crash	4
Speeding 26-35 miles per hour over the limit	5
Leaving the scene of a crash	5
Speeding 36-45 miles per hour over the limit	6
Reckless driving	6
Violation of license or certificate restrictions	6
Failure to yield to emergency vehicles	6
Reckless endangerment by vehicle	8
Passing a stopped school bus, church or youth bus taking on or discharging passengers	8

Other Key Things to Know About Points in Tennessee

If you are convicted of a moving violation in another state, points for that violation will not be added to your driving record in Tennessee.

Driver’s license points in Tennessee expire after 24 months. However, until they expire, you may still see higher insurance premiums, especially for major violations like DUI’s and reckless driving. Knowing when your points expire will help you understand when you may see a drop in your premiums or when it may be a good time to shop for new insurance.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to points on driver’s licenses.

Answer Question

How long do points stay on your license in Tennessee?

Points stay on your license for 24 months in Tennessee. After they expire, license points will no longer affect your driving privileges, so it’s worth keeping track of how much longer your points will last.

License points are designed to penalize drivers for unsafe behavior, and different moving violations will result in a different number of points in each state. For example, in Tennessee, speeding 1-5 miles per hour over the limit will result in one point.... read full answer

Accumulating too many points too quickly can lead to serious consequences like fines and license suspensions. Drivers might also be classified as a high-risk to insure or be required to file an SR-22. In Tennessee, 12 points in 12 months will result in a license suspension.

Driving license points are also important because insurance companies check driving records to determine how much risk a driver presents. Customers with more violations on their record will be charged a higher premium since they are considered more likely to file a claim.

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How can I get points off my license in Tennessee?

You can get points off your license in Tennessee by taking an approved driving course. Tennessee allows drivers who fit certain eligibility requirements to complete a driving course in order to reduce or avoid a license suspension caused by accumulating too many points. Driving courses that reduce your license points might also be called traffic school or ... read full answer defensive driving classes.

Tennessee Point-Reduction Course Eligibility Requirements

Course can only be completed once every 5 years

Drivers must have accumulated 12 or more points within a 12 month period

Car insurance companies generally check your driving record to determine your risk as a customer. However, your premium has more to do with the violations on your record than the exact number of points on your license. As a result, you can keep your premium from increasing if you take a driving course that prevents a moving violation from going on your record.

Some insurers also give discounts for completing an approved defensive driving class even if it does not affect your license points or driving record. For more information, check out WalletHub’s guide to traffic school.

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How can I check my driving record in Tennessee?

You can check your driving record in Tennessee by going to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and requesting a copy of your driving record. It costs $5 to purchase a copy of your Tennessee driving record online. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, driver's license number and Social Security number. Some states like Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio allow residents to check their driving record for free.... read full answer

How to Check Your Driving Record in Tennessee

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Provide your personal information.

Pay any applicable fees.

Driving records are important for insurance purposes because car insurance companies charge higher premiums for customers with a history of violations or accidents. For instance, a single speeding ticket increases premiums by an average of 29% in Tennessee. Checking your driving record can help you verify that the information is correct.

It’s also a good idea to see when a violation occurred, because insurance companies generally look at the past three to five years of your driving record. Once insurance companies stop taking the violation into account, you should compare quotes again to be sure you’re still getting the best rate on the coverage you need.

For more information, check out WalletHub’s guides to driving record checks and driver’s license points.

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