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SB 778

Driver Licenses - As enacted, limits to four the number of points that may be assessed to a person's driver record for the offense of operating a motor vehicle while the person's driving privilege is canceled, suspended, or revoked. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 50.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Tennessee limits driver record points for operating with suspended/revoked license to four, reducing penalty severity for this traffic violation.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 504
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Bill Summary · SB 778

Legislative bill overview

SB 778 reduces the point penalty for driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license from an unspecified higher amount to a maximum of four points on a person's driver record. This change applies to Tennessee's driver licensing system under state traffic law. The bill was enacted into law in May 2025.

Why is this important

Points on a driver record accumulate toward license suspension or revocation and can affect insurance rates and employment eligibility. Reducing penalties for this specific violation makes it easier for drivers with license suspensions to avoid escalated consequences, though it may reduce deterrence for operating a vehicle illegally. This directly impacts road safety considerations and the effectiveness of license suspension enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Road safety concerns: Reducing penalties could weaken incentive to comply with license suspension orders, potentially increasing dangerous driving by unlicensed drivers
  • Inconsistency with violation severity: Driving with a suspended/revoked license is a serious safety violation; critics may argue the penalty reduction doesn't match the offense's risk level
  • Equity questions: Those wealthy enough to pay fines or afford other consequences may benefit disproportionately from lower point penalties compared to lower-income drivers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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