New Tennessee Crime: Aggravated Reckless Driving

Effective July 1, 2022, the Tennessee Legislature created the new Tennessee Crime of Aggravated Reckless Driving.  A person who “intentionally or knowingly impedes traffic upon a public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of a shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises accessible to motor vehicles that are generally frequented by the public at large” commits the offense of Aggravated Reckless Driving.

Aggravated Reckless Driving is a Class A Misdemeanor offense and carries the following penalties:

  • A sentence of up to 11 months, 29 days in jail;
  • A probationary period;
  • A fine of up to $5,000.00;
  • Court costs; and
  • Points assessed to one’s Tennessee driving history.

Source: Tennessee Code Annotated §55-10-209.