Tennessee Driving Records

A driving record is an official document that may be considered a tally of past offenses and a record of responsible driving behavior. While they reflect driving history, their impact often reaches well beyond the road. These records may influence insurance rates, job opportunities, and even legal proceedings.

Every state keeps its own driving records, and Tennessee is among them. Because each state sets its own rules, the process and policies for obtaining a driving record in Tennessee may be different from those elsewhere. Knowing how Tennessee handles this information is an important step for any driver who wants to stay informed and in control.

What Is a Tennessee Driving Record?

A Tennessee driving record, also known as a motor vehicle record (MVR), summarizes a person's history as a licensed driver, including key details such as traffic citations, accidents, and license suspensions, all of which reflect a driver's behavior and compliance with traffic laws.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is responsible for keeping these records up to date.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

Official Tennessee MVRs are issued and maintained by the state government. These records are the most accurate and authoritative source of a driver's history. They are often required for legal, insurance, or employment purposes, especially when certified documentation is needed.

In comparison, third-party services like RecordsFinder offer convenient access to public driving records compiled from various sources. While not certified for official use, RecordsFinder reports are fast, easy to obtain, and useful for personal reference or informal background checks, providing a practical solution when you do not need a state-certified document.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

There are many practical and legal reasons why someone might need to access an MVR. These include:

• Job Applications and Employment Screening: Employers often request driving records when hiring for roles that involve operating a vehicle.
• Insurance Quotes and Policy Reviews: Insurance providers regularly check MVRs when calculating premiums.
• Legal Situations and Court Requirements: A driver record may be requested as part of a legal case. Courts may also require drivers on probation or repeat offenders to submit an updated MVR as part of their case review or sentencing process.
• License Reinstatement: Information on the MVR helps determine the steps needed toward reinstatement.
• Out-of-State Transfers: Drivers moving to Tennessee from select states may be required to show a recent MVR when applying for a driver's license. The state is a part of the State-to-State Verification Service, which makes this process easier.
• Personal Monitoring and Error Disputes: Some people request their own driving reports simply to stay informed. If an issue is found, drivers may request a correction.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A Tennessee MVR or driver report typically includes the following details:

• The driver's identifying information
• License class and status, including any special endorsements
• List of traffic violations, including the date and violation code
• Out-of-state violations
• Any reportable accidents, along with the date and fault determination
• License suspensions or revocations
• Driver improvement actions

Types of Driver Records Available in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security provides two main types of driver records:

• 3-Year Driving Record: This record provides a summary of the driver's history over the last three years. It includes information on moving violations, traffic tickets, accidents, and any license suspensions or points added to the driver's record during that period.
• 10-Year Driving Record: This option offers a more extensive look at a driver's history, including violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points for the past ten years. This option is useful for situations where a longer history is needed for background checks or verification purposes.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Tennessee

Tennessee enforces its traffic laws under Title 55 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. It outlines both the rules of the road and the consequences for violating them, which may include fines, points added to your driving record, license suspension, or even criminal charges.

In this state, tickets and citations may be issued in person by law enforcement or by automated systems such as red-light cameras. The penalties will depend on the nature and severity of the infraction.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Tennessee are generally classified as moving violations, which involve unsafe driving behavior, or non-moving violations, which usually involve administrative or mechanical issues.

Here are some of the most frequently cited offenses:

• Speeding (T.C.A. § 55-8-152)
• Disregarding Traffic Signals or Stop Signs (T.C.A. § 55-8-109)
• Improper or Illegal U-Turns (T.C.A. § 55-8-140)
• Reckless Driving (T.C.A. § 55-10-205)
• Tailgating (T.C.A. § 55-8-132)
• Improper Lane Usage (T.C.A. § 55-8-123)
• Driving Under the Influence or DUI (T.C.A. § 55-10-401)
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident (T.C.A. § 55-10-101)
• Expired Registration or License Plates (T.C.A. § 55-4-203)
• Parking in Prohibited Areas (T.C.A. § 55-8-160)
• Texting While Driving (T.C.A. § 55-8-199)
• Seatbelt and Child Restraint Violations (T.C.A. § 55-9-603)
• Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles (T.C.A. § 55-8-132)

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Dealing with traffic tickets should not be postponed. In Tennessee, traffic citations are handled by local courts, and your next steps will be based on the specific instructions printed directly on the ticket.

Generally, there are two ways to handle the citation: pay the fine or appear in court.

Pay the Fine

If you choose not to contest the citation, you may resolve it by paying the fine. This option is typically seen as a guilty plea and may result in points being added to your driving record.

There are three ways to pay:

• Online: Most county court websites, like Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, offer an online payment option. You will need your citation number or driver's license information.
• By Mail: You may send a check or money order along with any required forms to the court address listed on your citation.
• In Person: Visit the clerk's office in the county where the ticket was issued. Payment methods vary but often include cash, card, or money order.

Late payments may lead to extra fees or a license suspension, so be sure to pay by the deadline.

Appear in Court

If you want to dispute the citation, you'll need to appear in court. The ticket will list the date and location of your scheduled appearance or instructions for requesting one.

At your court date:

• Be prepared to enter a plea.
• If pleading not guilty, you may present evidence or schedule a trial.
• In some cases, the court may offer traffic school to reduce points or dismiss the ticket.

Failure to appear may result in a default judgment or further penalties, including a warrant for arrest in some jurisdictions.

Recover a Lost Ticket

If you have misplaced your ticket, do not wait. Contact the court in the city or county where you were cited. Provide your full name and driver's license number to enable them to locate your record.

Some cities and counties offer online ticket lookup tools where you may find your citation using your name or driver's license. The City Court of Knoxville allows drivers to retrieve information by entering the citation number and date of birth or driver's license.

How Does the Tennessee Point System Work?

Tennessee operates a point-based system to monitor driver behavior and determine when corrective or disciplinary action is needed. This system assigns a specific number of points to each traffic violation based on the seriousness of the offense. For instance:

• Minor speeding (1–5 mph over the limit): 1 point
• Leaving the scene of an accident: 5 points
• Reckless driving: 6 points

Accumulating too many points within a set period may lead to warnings, mandatory driving courses, or suspension of your driver's license.

Drivers 18 and over who accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months will receive a formal notice stating that their license is at risk of suspension. Those under 18 are held to a stricter standard, which is 6 or more points in the same time frame, and this may trigger a similar notice.

After receiving this notice, drivers have the option to request a hearing, where they may explain their situation or seek alternatives, such as attending a traffic school or defensive driving course to reduce points or avoid suspension. If no hearing is requested by the deadline stated in the notice, the license may be automatically suspended, typically for six to 12 months.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History

How long a traffic violation stays on your Tennessee record depends on the type of offense and which version of your driving history is being reviewed. While some entries expire over time, others may remain for life.

If you receive a ticket for a moving violation, the points assigned remain active for two years from the date of the offense. After that, they expire and no longer count toward license suspension or insurance decisions. However, the violation itself may still appear on your record, depending on the type of report pulled.

Meanwhile, a DUI conviction in Tennessee does not go away. It stays on your driving record permanently and may be accessed by employers, insurance providers, and the courts indefinitely. It is one of the most serious violations in the state, both in legal impact and duration.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Some traffic-related offenses, particularly those classified as misdemeanors, may be eligible for expungement in Tennessee under certain conditions. To qualify, you typically must:

• Complete all court-ordered penalties.
• Wait a specified number of years after the conviction.
• Have no other disqualifying criminal history.

However, convictions for DUI cannot be expunged in Tennessee unless the charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty in court.

For offenses committed before the age of 18, Tennessee law allows for expungement once you've turned 18 and have had your driver's license reinstated, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Tennessee drivers may access their official MVR through three state-approved channels: online, in person, and by mail.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security offers a convenient online service through its e-Services portal. You will need to provide personal details including your name, birth date, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You may also request your MVR at any full-service Driver Services Center. Bring your current driver's license or another accepted form of identification.

If you prefer a paper request, you may submit a written application by mail. This should include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the address where you would like the record sent. Mail your request to the MVR at:

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Tennessee?

The fee for obtaining a Tennessee driving record is $5. The fee applies to online orders, in-person visits, and mailed applications.

Online and in-person requests typically allow you to view the record almost instantly. For mail-in requests, you should allow approximately two weeks from the mailing date for processing and delivery.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

Tennessee does not offer a certified driving record free of charge. However, you may contact a Driver Services Center to inquire about your current license status or ask whether you have any active points on your record. These informal status checks do not involve ordering a full driving history report.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A poor Tennessee driving record typically reflects a pattern of serious offenses, repeated traffic violations, or an accumulation of points under the state's point system.

Moving violations, such as DUI, running a red light, or causing an accident, are among the most serious, as they add points to your record and remain visible for several years.

By contrast, non-moving violations like parking tickets or expired tags are administrative in nature and typically do not appear on the records. Similarly, warnings are generally not recorded in your driving history.

Beyond the risk of license suspension or revocation, a bad driving record in Tennessee may lead to additional consequences, such as mandatory SR-22 insurance filings and challenges when renewing or reinstating a license.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A poor driving history may significantly impact your auto insurance premiums and job opportunities.

Insurance companies consider your driving record a key indicator of risk. Even a single speeding ticket may raise your rates. Tennessee drivers with a clean record may pay around $2,090 annually for full coverage, but one speeding ticket may raise that to $2,571 or more, a jump of over 20%.

Employment-wise, many companies, especially those in transportation, delivery, or commercial driving, run checks when hiring. Trucking companies, for instance, may disqualify applicants with major violations. Even non-commercial employers might view a history of traffic offenses as a red flag, particularly if the position involves operating a company vehicle or traveling.

Who Can Access Your Tennessee Driving History?

Access to your Tennessee driving history is restricted to specific individuals and organizations under both federal and state law.

The Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Tennessee's Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act (UMVRDA) protect personal details such as your name, address, and driving status from being released without a legally approved reason.

You may request your own driving record with proper identification. Law enforcement agencies and courts are also permitted to access these records for official duties like investigations or legal enforcement.

Insurance companies may view your driving history report to assess risk, while employers may request it when hiring for employment purposes. In such cases, written consent is often required.

Other authorized entities, including safety researchers, towing companies, and recall service providers, may access records for specific, regulated purposes. Misuse or unauthorized disclosure of your information may result in legal penalties.

FAQs About Tennessee Driving Records

Explore the answers to common questions about Tennessee driving records below.

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