DMV Point System in Tennessee

Tennessee's Point System

Point systems are used to help monitor and correct drivers, identify habitual reckless or negligent drivers, and promote safety on the road. All drivers start out with zero points on their driving records and accumulate points according to the severity of any traffic violations for which they may be convicted.

Once you accumulate a certain number of points, your license could be suspended or revoked. Plus, many insurance companies raise rates for drivers with excessive points on their driving records, and many employers require clean driving records for employment.

Examples of Violations and Points

One Point

• Exceeding the speed limit one to five mph

Two Points

• Speeding up to five mph in excess of posted limit in a construction zone.

Three Points

• Tickets and court abstractions where the speed isn't indicated.

• Exceeding the speed limit six to 15 mph

• Following other vehicles improperly

• Contributing to an accident resulting in property damage

• Others, such as improper vehicle control and failing to maintain control

Four Points

• Driving slower than the required minimum speed

• Turning improperly

• Contributing to an accident that results in bodily injury

• Failing to report an accident

• Failing to obey traffic instructions

• Passing improperly or where prohibited

• Driving in the wrong direction or on the wrong side of the road

• Failing to yield right of way

• Exceeding the speed limit 16 to 25 mph

Five Points

• Leaving an accident scene that resulted in property damage

• Exceeding the speed limit 26 to 35 mph

Six Points

• Violating driver license or certificate restrictions.

• Driving recklessly

• Exceeding the speed limit 36 to 45 mph

Eight Points

• Fleeing an officer

• Contributing to an accident resulting in death

• Causing reckless endangerment

• Driving with a canceled license

• Exceeding the speed limit 46 mph or more

License Suspension

If you receive 12 or more points in a 12-month period, you'll receive a proposed suspension notice, which means the Department of Safety (DOS) is proposing to suspend your license. The DOS will send a warning letter once you've accumulated between six and 11 points.

Before your license is suspended or revoked, you'll be granted an administrative hearing to contest the suspension or revocation and assess your future driving privileges.

Check Your Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the DOS. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

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