The Tennessee Driver Improvement Program is a uniform system established to authorize the Tennessee Department of Safety (“TDOS”) to evaluate driver records for those who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents and/or sustained convictions for moving traffic violations. The program is governed by the Rules of Tennessee Department, Driver Control Division, Chapter 1340-01-04, which is available online at https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1340/1340-01/1340-01-04.20140829.pdf.
The current rules were last revised in August of 2014. However, Tennessee Public Chapter 504, effective July 1, 2025, effectively serves to amend the Rules in relation the number of points assigned to a person convicted of operating a motor vehicle while the person’s driving privilege is cancelled, suspended, or revoked. This new law amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-504 to limit the number of points assessed in this situation to not more than four (4), as opposed to the eight (8) points that are currently assesses under the August 2014 Rules.
Schedule of Points
Once TDOS receives notice of a motorist’s moving traffic conviction or a traffic crash report indicating the person contributed to the occurrence of the accident, TDOS will then assign points to the Tennessee motorist’s driver record. Note that both traffic offense convictions and accidents that occur outside of the State of Tennessee will also result in the assessment of points. The schedule of points is outlined in Rule 1340-01-04-.03. Increased point assessments apply to offenses committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle and commercial motor vehicles hauling hazardous materials. The driver record points range from 1 to 8 points, depending upon the traffic offense or the circumstances surrounding the motor vehicle crash. Specific point values may be viewed here: https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1340/1340-01/1340-01-04.20140829.pdf.
Revocation or Suspension of Tennessee Driver License
Once a driver (who is 18 years of age or older at the time of the violation or crash) accumulates more than 6, but fewer than 12 points within a one-year period, TDOS shall provide a notification letter that outlines the points assessed and the consequences of accumulating more points. However, a driver will only receive 1 advisory letter of caution within a 5-year period. Of course, once a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a 1-year period, TDOS shall issue a notice of proposed suspension. Such notice must include the grounds for the suspension and will outline the driver’s rights to a hearing before a Tennessee Department of Safety hearing officer.
In addition to points, a suspension action may also be initiated toward Tennessee drivers who are deemed accident prone by contributing to 3 or more “avoidable accidents” within a 1-year period. TDOS is vested with the determination of whether an accident is deemed “avoidable.”
Tennessee Driver License Revocation Proceedings-Protect Your Rights Today
A Tennessee licensee who receives notice of a proposed driver license suspension or revocation should contact an attorney immediately to review his or her rights. In certain circumstances, a driver may be able to avoid license revocation. However, to have the best chance of maintaining one’s driving privileges in the State of Tennessee, it is critical to respond to the TDOS notice in a timely manner. Failure to comply with deadlines surrounding revocation proceedings could lead to a license suspension of 6 months or longer.
Depending upon the facts surrounding the proposed suspension, Tennessee motorists may be able to avoid suspension. The attorneys at Oberman & Rice are available to help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to help you preserve your Tennessee driving privileges. If you have received a notice of revocation, call our office at (865) 249-7200
