Get Points Off License Tennessee Guide – If you’ve received a speeding ticket or other traffic violation in Tennessee, you may be wondering how to get points off your license before they lead to higher insurance rates or even suspension. This comprehensive guide explains the Tennessee points system, your options for removing points, and step-by-step instructions based on the latest official rules from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS). Whether you’re a Tennessee resident or driving in the state, understanding these rules can help protect your driving privileges and save you money.
What Is the Tennessee Driver’s License Points System?
Tennessee uses a points-based system to track moving violations and at-fault accidents. Each conviction or crash adds points to your driving record. The state monitors these points to identify unsafe drivers and encourage safer habits.
Points are assigned based on the severity of the offense. They accumulate over any 12-month period and can trigger warnings, hearings, or license suspension. The system applies to both adult and juvenile drivers, with stricter rules for those under 18.
Common Traffic Violations and Point Values in Tennessee
Here are point values for some of the most common violations (non-commercial licenses):
- Speeding 1–5 mph over the limit: 1 point
- Speeding 6–15 mph over the limit: 3 points
- Speeding 16–25 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Reckless driving: 6 points
- Texting while driving: 3 points
- Failure to yield right-of-way: 4 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points
- Contributing to an accident with property damage: 3 points
- Contributing to an accident with bodily injury: 4 points
Higher points apply in construction zones or for commercial drivers. The full schedule is available on the official TDOSHS website.
How Points Affect Your License: Suspension Risks?
Adults (18 and older): Accumulating 12 or more points in any 12-month period triggers a notice of proposed suspension. You’ll have the chance to request an administrative hearing. Without action, your license can be suspended for 6–12 months.
Juveniles (under 18): Only 6 or more points in any 12-month period can lead to suspension (3–12 months depending on severity and prior offenses). A parent or guardian must attend the hearing.
Points themselves do not expire immediately, but the 12-month rolling window means older violations stop counting toward suspension once 12 months pass. Most points remain visible on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for 2–3 years, affecting insurance premiums.
How to Check Your Points on Your Tennessee Driving Record?
Before taking any action, get your official driving record (MVR):
- Online (recommended for TN residents): Visit the TDOSHS e-Services portal at dl.safety.tn.gov. Cost: $5. You’ll need your driver license number, date of birth, SSN, and last five digits of your DD number.
- In person: Visit any Driver Services Center (appointment recommended). Cost: $5.
- By mail: Send a request to TDOSHS MVR Request, PO Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Cost: $5 (certified copy only).
Your MVR shows convictions, points, and crash history for the past 3 or 10 years. It’s the only official way to see your exact point total.
Ways to Remove or Reduce Points on Your Tennessee License?
Tennessee offers two primary official paths to address points. There is no general point-reduction program for all violations, but targeted options exist.
1. 4-Hour Traffic School for Speeding Convictions (Up to 5 Points Removed)
This is the most direct way for most drivers to get points off your license. If you receive a speeding conviction, you may qualify to remove up to 5 points by completing an approved 4-hour Driver Education Course (Traffic School).
Eligibility and rules:
- Must complete the course within 90 days of the conviction date.
- Only applies to one speeding conviction every 4 years.
- The conviction stays on your record; only the points are removed.
- TDOSHS will often mail you a notice confirming eligibility.
2. 8-Hour Defensive Driving Course via Driver Improvement Program
If you receive a notice for 12+ points (adults) or 6+ points (juveniles), request an administrative hearing. The hearing officer may allow you to complete an approved 8-hour Defensive Driving School instead of (or to shorten) a suspension.
- Course must be completed within 90 days of notification.
- Can only be used once every 5 years for credit.
- Does not remove points directly but helps you keep or regain your license.
- A separate list of approved 8-hour schools is published by TDOSHS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Points via 4-Hour Traffic School
- Confirm eligibility (check your ticket or wait for the TDOSHS notice).
- Choose an approved 4-hour online or in-person course from the official list.
- Complete the course and pass the final exam.
- Receive your certificate of completion.
- Submit the certificate immediately:
- Upload via e-Services: dl.safety.tn.gov/?Link=UploadDLDocuments, or
- Mail to: Financial Responsibility Division, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202-0945.
Points are typically removed within a few weeks after processing.
Approved Tennessee Traffic Schools and Defensive Driving Courses
The state maintains an up-to-date list of approved providers. Popular online 4-hour options include DriveSafeOnline, I Drive Safely, and NobodyLikesTickets.com. For the 8-hour Driver Improvement course, check the official approved 8-hour schools list on tn.gov. Always verify approval directly on the TDOSHS website before enrolling.
Additional Tips to Avoid Points and Protect Your License
- Pay tickets on time and consider pleading for reduced charges in court when possible.
- Maintain a clean record—points stop accumulating toward suspension after 12 months without new violations.
- Shop for insurance discounts: Many companies offer 5–10% off for completing a defensive driving course.
- Renew your license and insurance on time to avoid extra points for paperwork violations.
- Use apps or reminders to stay within speed limits and avoid distractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Points Off a Tennessee License
Can I remove points for any violation?
No—only speeding convictions qualify for the 4-hour course point removal.
How long do points stay on my record?
Points are evaluated in any 12-month window for suspension, but they typically remain visible for about 2 years.
Will the course dismiss my ticket?
The 4-hour course removes points only; it does not dismiss the conviction or ticket.
What if I have a CDL?
Commercial drivers face stricter rules and higher points in some cases—contact TDOSHS for specifics.
Can I take the course online?
Yes—most approved 4-hour and some 8-hour courses are available online.
Conclusion: Take Action Today to Get Points Off Your Tennessee License
Removing points from your Tennessee driver’s license is straightforward when you act quickly—especially with the 4-hour traffic school option for speeding tickets. Don’t wait until your insurance rates skyrocket or you receive a suspension notice. Check your MVR, enroll in an approved course if eligible, and drive safely moving forward.
For the most current information, always visit the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety. Safe driving!
Last updated for 2026 rules and procedures.