Tennessee uses a point system to track traffic violations on your driving record

Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security assigns points to your license when you receive a traffic conviction. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation, and accumulating too many points can result in license suspension. The state does not use a point threshold that automatically suspends your license — instead, the Tennessee courts decide suspension based on the severity and pattern of your violations, though the point total is a factor they consider.

Understanding how many points each violation carries, how long they remain on your record, and what happens when you accumulate them helps you know where you stand and what to expect if you receive a ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee assigns between 1 and 12 points per traffic violation, with more serious violations like reckless driving or DUI carrying the highest point values.
  • Points remain on your driving record for different periods: minor violations drop off after 3 years, while more serious violations stay for 5, 7, or longer.
  • Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period can trigger a license suspension, though the court has discretion in how it handles your case.
  • You can request a point reduction through a defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points from your record once every 12 months.
  • Your insurance company may also use points to adjust your rates, even if your license has not been suspended.

Common Tennessee traffic violations and their point values

Minor violations like speeding 1–5 mph over the limit carry 1 point, while speeding 6–10 mph over carries 2 points. Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit is 3 points. Running a red light or stop sign is 3 points. Improper lane change is 3 points. Failure to yield is 3 points.

More serious violations carry higher points. Reckless driving is 6 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. Hit-and-run with property damage is 6 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) is 12 points on your first offense. Vehicular assault is 12 points. Leaving the scene of an accident with injury is 12 points.

Violations in construction zones or school zones often carry double points. For example, speeding in a school zone may carry twice the points of the same violation elsewhere. If you are unsure of the point value for a specific violation on your ticket, the citation itself should list the points, or you can contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

How long points stay on your Tennessee driving record

Tennessee removes points from your record on a schedule based on the violation type. Most minor violations (1–3 points) drop off after 3 years from the conviction date. Violations worth 4–6 points remain for 5 years. Violations worth 7 or more points, including DUI and serious traffic crimes, stay on your record for 7 years or longer.

The removal date is calculated from the date of conviction, not the date of the ticket. If you were ticketed in January but convicted in March, the clock starts in March. You do not need to request removal — points fall off automatically once the time period has passed.

Even after points are removed from your official driving record, your insurance company may still have a record of the violation and may use it to set your rates. Insurance companies maintain their own records separate from the state's point system.

What happens when you accumulate 12 or more points

Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period puts you at risk of license suspension. However, Tennessee law does not automatically suspend your license at 12 points — instead, the court has discretion. The court may issue a warning, require you to attend a defensive driving course, or suspend your license for a period it determines.

If your license is suspended due to points, the suspension typically lasts 6 months for a first offense. You may be able to request a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during the suspension period. To request a restricted license, you must petition the court in the county where the suspension was ordered.

A second suspension within 5 years can result in a longer suspension period and additional penalties. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation worth 6 points and can lead to criminal charges.

Reducing points through a defensive driving course

Tennessee allows you to remove up to 3 points from your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. You can do this once every 12 months. The course must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security — not all driving schools offer approved courses, so verify before enrolling.

The course is typically 4 to 8 hours long and can often be completed online. After you finish, you will receive a certificate of completion. You must submit this certificate to the court that handled your traffic case, or to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, depending on the court's instructions. There is usually a fee for the course, which varies by provider but typically ranges from $20 to $50.

Taking a defensive driving course does not erase the violation from your record — it only removes the points. The conviction itself remains visible to insurance companies and employers who conduct background checks. However, removing the points can prevent a license suspension and may help with insurance rates over time.

How insurance companies use Tennessee driving points

Your insurance company receives notice of traffic convictions and uses them to adjust your rates. Even if you have not accumulated enough points for a license suspension, a single serious violation like a DUI or reckless driving conviction can cause your rates to increase significantly. Insurance companies do not follow the state's point system exactly — they use their own formulas to calculate rate increases based on the type and severity of violations.

A minor speeding ticket might increase your rates by 10–15 percent, while a DUI conviction can increase rates by 50 percent or more. These increases typically last 3 to 5 years, even after the points drop off your state record. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts that can offset increases if you have a clean driving record otherwise.

If your rates increase after a conviction, you can shop around with other insurance companies — not all insurers weight violations the same way, and you may find better rates elsewhere.

Checking your Tennessee driving record and point balance

You can request a copy of your driving record from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The record shows all convictions, points, and suspensions. You can order a record online through the department's website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. There is a small fee, typically $5 to $10 depending on how you order.

Your record will show the conviction date, the violation, the points assigned, and the date the points will be removed. If you believe there is an error on your record — for example, if a violation was dismissed but still appears — you can request a correction by submitting documentation of the dismissal to the department.

You should check your record periodically, especially after receiving a ticket or if you are explore for a job that requires a background check. Insurance companies also pull your record, so knowing what is on it helps you understand why your rates may have changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record without taking a defensive driving course?

Points drop off automatically after the time period set by law — 3 years for minor violations, 5 years for mid-level violations, and 7 years for serious violations. A defensive driving course is the only way to remove points before they expire naturally. You cannot petition the court to remove points early.

Does a dismissed traffic ticket still add points to my license?

No. Points are only assigned when you are convicted of a violation. If your ticket is dismissed, no points are added. If you were convicted but later had the conviction overturned on appeal, you can request that the points be removed by submitting court documentation to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

What is the difference between points and a suspension?

Points are a record of violations on your license. A suspension is a penalty that removes your legal right to drive. You can have points without a suspension, but accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months can lead to a suspension. A suspension can also result from other reasons, like unpaid child support or unpaid traffic fines, independent of points.

If I move out of Tennessee, do my points follow me?

Yes. Your Tennessee driving record is maintained by Tennessee and will be visible to other states through the Interstate Compact. If you obtain a license in another state, that state can see your Tennessee violations and may use them to make decisions about your new license. Some states may impose their own penalties based on your out-of-state record.

How much will my insurance rates increase after a traffic violation?

Rate increases vary by insurance company and violation type. A minor speeding ticket might increase rates 10–15 percent, while a DUI can increase rates 50 percent or more. The increase typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Contact your insurance company directly for an estimate, or get quotes from other companies to compare how different insurers handle your violation.