How Does Tennessee's Driver's License Point System Work? A conviction for a traffic violation in Tennessee, such as speeding, failure to obey traffic instructions, texting while driving, or reckless driving, can add between 1 to 8 points on your driver’s license. As a driver accumulates points, they risk suspension of their driver’s license. Ever wondered how many points different types of infractions result in? Us to. Tennessee's DL Point System Tickets and Court Abstractions where speed not indicated = 3 Speeding 1 through 5 mph in excess of speed zone = 1 Speeding 6 through 15 mph in excess of speed zone = 3 Speeding 16 through 25 mph in excess of speed zone = 4 Speeding 26 through 35 mph in excess of speed zone = 5 Speeding 36 through 45 mph in excess of speed zone = 6 Speeding 46 mph and above in excess of speed zone = 8 Speed is less than posted minimum = 3 Driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid accident = 3 Operating at erratic or sudden changing speed = 3 Reckless Driving = 6 Careless or negligent driving = 4 Failing to obey traffic instructions = 4 Improper passing = 4 Wrong way, side or direction = 4 Following improperly = 3 Following emergency vehicle unlawfully = 3 Failing to yield the right-of-way = 4 Making improper turn = 3 Failure to signal direction or to reduce speed suddenly = 3 Stopping, standing, obstructing, or blocking traffic = 3 Coasting; operating gears disengaged = 3 Improper backing = 3 Improper starting, burning rubber, spinning tires, peeling out = 3 Driver view or mechanism obstructed = 3 Driving mountain highway-controlled/audible warning = 3 Inability to maintain control = 3 Improper operation of or riding on a motorcycle = 3 Improper lane or location, driving on roadways laned for traffic = 3 Use of controlled access roadway = 4 Inattentive driving, due care, failure to drive in careful manner, unsafe lookout, improper driving = 3 Cross private property to avoid stop sign or signal = 4 Operating a vehicle while using cell phone (under 18) = 6 Passing a stopped school bus, church or youth bus taking on or discharging passengers = 8 Violation of driver license or certificate restrictions = 6 Reckless endangerment by vehicle (misdemeanor) = 8 Miscellaneous traffic violations; any offense involving the unsafe operation of a non- commercial motor vehicle not herein specified = 3 Leaving the scene of a crash (no revocation action only) = 5 Failure to report a crash = 4 Failure to yield to emergency vehicles; Failure to change lanes/slow down for authorized vehicles on roadside = 6 Failure to stop at railroad crossing = 8 Texting while driving = 3 Handheld device = 3 How Long Do Points Stay On Your Driver’s License in Tennessee? Any and all points remain on a driver’s license for 2 years. What Happens If I Accumulate Points? The number of points on a driver’s license is monitored by the Tennessee Department of Safety. The more points a driver accumulates, the more at risk they are for their license being suspended. If a driver accumulates more than 6 points within a 12-month period, the Tennessee Department of Safety will send the driver a notice of a proposed suspension of their driver’s license. If a driver accumulates 12 or more points in 12 months, their driving privileges may be suspended. The Tennessee Department of Safety will send the driver a notice of proposed suspension and give the driver an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing, or they can complete an 8-hour defensive driving course within 90 days to avoid suspension. However, a driver may only take a defensive driving course to avoid having their driver’s license suspended once in a 5-year period. If the driver fails to request a hearing or complete the defensive driving course, their driving privileges will be suspended for a period of 6 to 12 month. If you are facing a traffic violation or are at risk of your driver’s license being suspended, our experienced attorneys at Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC can help. Give us a call at (615) 649-0110 to discuss your case.
Can a Police Officer Pull Me Over for a Window Tint Violation? Police officers regularly conduct traffic stops when they believe that a vehicle has window tint that is too dark. However, did you know that police officer must conduct a field comparison test if they are pulling you over for an alleged window tint violation? First, in order to initiate a traffic stop, a police officer must have probable cause. Probable cause refers to a reasonable suspicion for believing that a crime may have been committed or that evidence of a crime is present in the place to be searched. Tennessee Code § 55-9-107 states that a police officer can detain a vehicle if they have a reasonable belief that the car has windows tinted in violation of state law. The statute specifies that the police officer can pull over a car for the purpose of conducting a field comparison test. If a police officer pulls you over because of their reasonable belief that your windows are tinted in violation of the statute and they do not conduct a field comparison test, we may be able to prove that the underlying stop was improper. Since the statute is clear that the officer pulling you over for a window tint violation is doing so for the purpose of conducting a field comparison test, not conducting the field comparison test is in violation of T.C.A. § 55-9-107. As a result, any evidence obtained as a result may be able to be suppressed. If you are you facing charges following a traffic stop for a window tint violation, our experienced attorneys at Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC can help. Give us a call at (615) 649-0110 to discuss your case.