Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Tennessee

In Tennessee, your driver's license can be suspended or revoked for many reasons. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you could be charged with a misdemeanor.

This article explains the various reasons for license suspension or revocation and the penalties you'll face if you continue to drive on a suspended or revoked license in Tennessee.

What Does It Mean to Have Your License Suspended or Revoked?

When your license is suspended or revoked, it generally means that the state has taken away your driving privileges. In other words, while the suspension or revocation is in place, you can't lawfully drive.

General Differences Between Suspension and Revocation

In many states, "revocation" and "suspension" are used synonymously, they mean the same thing. However, some states use the term "suspension" to mean a temporary loss of privileges and "revocation" to mean the permanent loss of privileges. But even in states where revocation is permanent, the driver can typically apply for reinstatement after a certain period of time.

Difference Between Suspensions and Revocations in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a suspension and revocation are the same in most respects. Each type of revocation or suspension has reinstatement requirements. But the labels "suspension" and "revocation" don't make much of a difference.

What Are the Reasons for License Suspension or Revocation in Tennessee?

Below are some of the most common reasons a driver might face a license suspension or revocation in Tennessee.

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Tennessee

A driver might be looking at a period of license suspension for any of the following reasons:

• you are incompetent to drive
• you contributed to an accident resulting in a fatality or personal injuries
• frequent serious traffic offenses
• you permitted the fraudulent use of a license
• you habitually driving in a reckless or negligent manner
• you fail to appear in court for certain traffic violations
• hit and run where there are no injuries or deaths
• implied consent violations
• underage DUI convictions, or
• you drop out of school and are under 18.

Depending on the situation, a suspension will be for a definite or indefinite period of time. With an indefinite suspension, the driver will normally need to complete some condition (such as prove competency) to lift the suspension.

Common Reasons for License Revocation in Tennessee

License revocation is normally the result of some type of criminal conviction. Here are some of the most common reasons a driver's license might be revoked:

• vehicular manslaughter or homicide
• driving under the influence of an intoxicant
• committing a felony with the use of a vehicle
• fleeing from the police in a vehicle
• failing to stop if you were involved in an accident that killed or injured someone
• two convictions for reckless driving within 12 months
• possessing five or more grams of meth while driving a vehicle, or
• vehicle theft.

But this is just a partial list—there are many other reasons your license can be revoked.

What Are the Penalties for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Tennessee?

You may be charged with a class B or class A misdemeanor if you drive while your license is suspended or revoked. The classification and penalties depend on the circumstances of the offense.

Standard 1st or 2nd Offense Driving While Suspended or Revoked

A standard first-offense conviction for driving while suspended or revoked is a class B misdemeanor. A conviction generally carries:

• up to six months in jail, and/or
• a maximum $500 fine.

Where a driver has one or more prior convictions for the same offense that occurred within the past ten years, driving while suspended or revoked is a class A misdemeanor. A conviction generally carries:

• up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and/or
• a maximum $2,500 fine.

Aggravated 1st or 2nd Offense for Driving While Suspended or Revoked (DUI and Serious Revocations)

If your suspension or revocation was for vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended or revoked as a first offense is a class B misdemeanor and carries:

• between two days and six months in jail, and
• a maximum $1,000 fine.

For a second or subsequent offense of this type within ten years of a prior, you'll be looking at a class A misdemeanor charge. A conviction carries:

• 45 days to one year in jail, and
• a maximum $3,000 fine.

Ignition Interlock Device Violations

When a suspended or revoked driver was ordered to operate a vehicle only with an ignition interlock device and violates this condition, he or she can be charged with a class B misdemeanor. A conviction carries:

• seven days to six months in jail, and/pr
• a fine of up to $1,000.

How do You Reinstate a Revoked or Suspended License in Tennessee?

The period of time your license is under suspension or revocation may vary. Generally, you can drive while the suspension or revocation is still in effect.

After your suspension or revocation period expires, you may be required to pay a reinstatement fee, pay other fees, and fulfill other conditions before your license is reinstated. The specific requirements depend on the circumstances that led to the suspension or revocation.

Legal Help for Charges of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

A conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license may come with fines and even jail time. These are serious consequences that may cause problems with work or school, with insurance, and with other areas of your life. While Tennessee law provides specific penalties for a conviction, your sentence may depend on the view that your community, prosecutors, and judges have of the crime. An attorney who is familiar with how these charges are handled in your area is best able to provide you with information about your individual case.