Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Tennessee

If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked in Tennessee, you could be charged with a misdemeanor—which can result in jail time and significant fines. A suspended or revoked license means the state has temporarily or permanently withdrawn your driving privileges.

Your driver's license can be suspended or revoked for many reasons, including driving under the influence of an intoxicant (DUI), vehicular manslaughter, and frequent traffic offenses. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must make sure it’s properly reinstated before you drive again.

Suspended vs. Revoked License in Tennessee: What's the Difference?

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.

Suspension vs. Revocation: How Most States Define Them

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.

How Tennessee Defines Suspension and Revocation

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.

Common 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.

Reasons Your License Can Be Suspended in Tennessee

A driver can have a period of license suspension for various reasons, including if the driver:

• is incompetent to drive
• has contributed to an accident resulting in a fatality or personal injuries
• has frequent serious traffic offenses
• permitted the fraudulent use of a license
• flees from the police in a vehicle
• has habitually driven in a reckless or negligent manner
• failed to appear in court for certain traffic violations
• committed a hit and run where there are no injuries or deaths
• has underage DUI convictions, or
• dropped out of school and is under 18.

(Tenn. Code §§ 39-16-603, 55-10-102, 55-10-415, 55-50-502 (2026).)

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

Reasons Your License Can Be Revoked in Tennessee

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

• vehicular manslaughter or homicide
• DUI
• committing a felony with the use of a vehicle
• implied consent violations
• failing to stop if you were involved in an accident that killed or injured someone
• 2 convictions for reckless driving within 12 months
• possessing 5 or more grams of meth while driving a vehicle, or
• vehicle theft.

(Tenn. Code §§ 55-10-407, 55-50-501 (2026).)

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

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 First or Second Offense Driving While Suspended or Revoked Penalties

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
• a maximum $500 fine.

(Tenn. Code §§ 40-35-111, 55-50-504 (2026).)

Where a driver has one or more prior convictions for the same offense that occurred within the past 10 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
• a maximum $2,500 fine.

(Tenn. Code §§ 40-35-111, 55-50-504 (2026).)

Aggravated Driving While Suspended or Revoked (DUI and Serious Revocations) Penalties

If your suspension or revocation was for vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or DUI, 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.

(Tenn. Code § 55-50-504 (2026).)

For a second or subsequent offense of this type within 10 years of a prior offense, you'll be looking at a class A misdemeanor charge. A conviction carries:

• 45 days to 1 year in jail, and
• a maximum $3,000 fine.

(Tenn. Code § 55-50-504 (2026).)

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, the driver can be charged with a class A or class B misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. (Tenn. Code §§ 55-10-417, 55-50-504 (2026).)

A class A misdemeanor interlock conviction carries:

• First offense. Minimum of 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days of incarceration, and up to a $2,500 fine.
• Second offense. Minimum of 72 hours to 11 months, 29 days of incarceration, and up to a $2,500 fine.
• Third offense. Minimum of 7 days to 11 months, 29 days of incarceration, and up to a $2,500 fine.

(Tenn. Code §§ 40-35-111, 55-10-417 (2026).)

A class B misdemeanor interlock conviction carries:

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

(Tenn. Code § 55-50-504 (2026).)

How to Reinstate a Suspended or Revoked License in Tennessee

After your suspension or revocation period expires, you might be required to pay a reinstatement fee, pay other fees, and fulfill other conditions before your license is reinstated. The period your license is under suspension or revocation can vary.

The specific requirements depend on the circumstances that led to the suspension or revocation. Generally, you can’t drive while the suspension or revocation is still in effect, so make sure your license is fully reinstated before you drive again.

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

A conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license might come with fines and even jail time. These are serious consequences that might 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 might 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.