How Driver Points Work in Tennessee

Yes. Adult drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within any 12-month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension and may request an administrative hearing; without a hearing, driving privileges are suspended for six to 12 months. Drivers under 18 who accumulate 6 or more points in any 12-month period are placed in the Driver Improvement Program: 6-9 points may bring a 3-to-6-month suspension plus a required Defensive Driving Course within 90 days, and 10 or more points brings a six-month suspension. A parent or guardian must attend the juvenile's hearing.

Speeding over the speed zone: 1-5 mph = 1 point; 6-15 mph = 3 points; 16-25 mph = 4 points; 26-35 mph = 5 points; 36-45 mph = 6 points; 46+ mph = 8 points (3 points when the speed is not shown on the ticket). In a construction zone (non-commercial vehicles): 1-5 mph = 2; 6-15 = 4; 16-25 = 5; 26-35 = 6; 36+ = 8. Commercial vehicles have a separate schedule.

A driver facing a points suspension who requests a hearing may be offered a defensive driving class instead of suspension or to reduce the suspension time. The class must be completed within 90 days of the suspension letter and counts for credit only once every five years. Separately, for a first violation of the hands-free law, a driver may complete a driver education course instead of paying the fine.