Tennessee Driving Records

In Tennessee, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) manages driving records for all licensed drivers. These records detail an individual’s driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions.

Driving records are important for both individuals and companies. For individuals, a driving record can impact insurance rates and job opportunities. Meanwhile, companies use these records to assess risks and verify compliance with state regulations.

Tennessee’s Uniform Classified and Commercial Driver License Act regulates how driving records are collected and maintained. Understanding the importance and legal framework of these records helps drivers use this information responsibly.

Types of Driving Records Available in Tennessee

The state offers two main types of motor vehicle records (MVRs):

3-Year Driving Record: Includes traffic violations, citations, accidents, and other details from the past three years
10-Year Driving Record: Provides the same information as the 3-year report but covers a decade of driving history

Managed by the Driver Services division of the TDOSHS, these records are available to authorized parties upon request.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Records

Certified records bear an official seal and are admissible in court. They're typically required for legal proceedings or official purposes.

Meanwhile, non-certified records are for personal use and don't carry the same legal weight.

Costs Associated With Obtaining Records

Requesting an MVR costs $5. Since costs can change, it is recommended to check the payment details on the TDOSHS website for the latest information.

How To Request a Tennessee Driving History Report?

Obtaining a Tennessee driving history report is a straightforward process, whether one chooses to request it online, by mail, or in person. Below is a guide outlining the steps and requirements for each method:

Online Request

To request a driving history report online, individuals should:

Visit the e-Services portal on the TDOSHS website.
Select "Order a Motor Vehicle Report" in the Driver Services section.
Enter the following details:
- Driver’s name
- Driver’s date of birth
- Driver’s Tennessee license number
- Driver’s Social Security Number (SSN)
Pay using a credit or debit card from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prepaid cards are not accepted.

In-Person Request

Driving history reports can also be obtained in person at any Driver Services Center. If someone other than the driver is making the request, they must present a notarized authorization statement.

Required details for an in-person request include:

Driver’s name
Driver’s date of birth
Driver’s Tennessee license number

Mail-In Request

To request a driving history report by mail:

Send a cashier's check or money order payable to TDOSHS.
Include the following information with the request:
- Driver’s name
- Driver’s date of birth
- Driver’s Tennessee license number
- The mailing address for the report

Requests should be mailed to:

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

MVR Request

P.O. BOX 945

Nashville, TN 37202

It may take up to two weeks from the mailing date to receive the report.

Uses of Tennessee Driving Records

Driving records serve several legitimate purposes, but their access and use in Tennessee are regulated to protect privacy. Here’s a breakdown of what is allowed and what is restricted:

Permissible Uses

MVRs can be requested for the following purposes:

Insurance

Insurance companies use driving records to assess risk and set premiums. Factors like traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions can impact insurance rates.

Employment

Employers in fields that involve driving may review driving records to evaluate job candidates or current employees. This practice helps employees maintain safety and compliance standards.

Legal Proceedings

Courts and law enforcement can use driving records in legal matters related to traffic violations or accidents.

Personal Review

Individuals can request their own driving records to check for accuracy, review their history, and meet legal or administrative requirements.

Government and Car Rentals

Government agencies may use driving records for official purposes, and car rental companies may review them to verify the driving history of potential renters.

Restricted Uses

Driving reports are not intended for the following uses:

Marketing

It is illegal to use driving records for unsolicited marketing or advertising.

Public Disclosure

Driving records cannot be made public without the driver’s consent.

Discrimination

Employers cannot use driving records to make employment decisions unrelated to driving duties or to discriminate based on minor infractions.

Legal Framework

Tennessee and federal laws control how employers can access and use driving record information.

Under Tennessee Code 55-25-107, businesses can request driving records for legitimate purposes, such as hiring or verifying commercial driver’s license information, but they must obtain written consent from the individual. This regulation aligns record requests with valid business practices while safeguarding privacy.

Tennessee also adheres to the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which limits the release of personal information from driving records, including addresses, to protect privacy. Unauthorized access or misuse of this information can result in legal penalties.

Understanding Tennessee Driving Laws

Tennessee has established comprehensive driving laws to promote road safety and proper vehicle operation. Here's a summary of key regulations in the state:

Speed Limits

Speed limits are set according to road type, with maximums of 70 miles per hour (mph) on interstates, 55 mph on highways, and approximately 30 mph in residential areas. Speeding violations in Tennessee can result in fines and points added to the driver’s record. The severity of penalties depends on how much the driver exceeds the speed limit.

Seat Belts

Tennessee's Seat Belt Law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is moving. Drivers must also make sure that all passengers are buckled up. Although the law does not mandate seat belt use for adults in the back seat, all passengers under 18 are required to wear seat belts regardless of their seat position.

The state enforces a Child Restraint Law mandating that children use an appropriate child restraint system, booster seat, or seat belt based on their age while in a vehicle.

Law enforcement officers can stop vehicles and issue tickets solely for seat belt violations, as the state follows a primary seat belt law.

Distracted Driving

Under the Hands-Free Law, drivers in the state are prohibited from using handheld mobile phones while operating a vehicle. Instead, they must use hands-free devices to make calls and send texts.

The Eddie Conrad Act enhances penalties for cell phone use while driving. For drivers under 18, a second or subsequent violation results in seven points being added to their driving record.

Move Over Law

Under the Move Over Law, drivers must either move to a different lane or slow down when approaching emergency or utility service vehicles stopped on the roadside.

If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is stopped, drivers should move to the nearest lane away from the vehicle if it's safe to do so. If there isn't another lane available, drivers must reduce their speed and provide as much space as possible to ensure the safety of the emergency personnel.

Open Container Law

Tennessee's Open Container Law bans both the consumption and possession of an open alcoholic beverage while driving.

An "open container" is any alcohol container with a broken seal or from which the contents can be readily consumed. If an alcoholic beverage is not in a closed glove compartment, trunk, or another non-passenger area and is not held by a passenger, the driver is considered to be in possession of it.

For the law's purposes, a vehicle is deemed "in operation" if the engine is running, even if the vehicle is not moving.

License Requirements for Residents and Foreign Nationals

Driving requirements vary depending on the individual's residency status.

Residents must be at least 16 years old to obtain a driver’s license and must pass vision, knowledge, and road tests. They must also provide proof of identity, residency, and their SSN. Additionally, new drivers under 18 must complete a Graduated Driver License program before obtaining their license.

New residents moving to Tennessee have 30 days to secure a Tennessee driver’s license. This process involves surrendering their out-of-state license and may include passing a vision test. If the out-of-state license is expired, additional tests might be required. Similarly, foreign nationals must obtain a Tennessee driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.

The Points System in Tennessee

In Tennessee, points are assigned to a driving record based on the severity of traffic violations.

Accumulating excessive points on a driving record can lead to penalties such as mandatory driver’s education courses or suspension of the driver’s license.

Various traffic violations in Tennessee are assigned points, including:

Failing to obey traffic instructions: 4 points
Texting while driving: 3 points
Passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading passengers: 8 points
Reckless driving: 6 points
Speeding 6-15 mph over the limit: 3 points

Drivers 18 and older who accumulate six points in a year will receive a warning letter. If they reach 12 points, they will receive a notice of proposed suspension, which outlines the potential suspension duration and includes a hearing date. The state might offer the driver the option to attend a driving course as an alternative to a suspension.

For drivers under 18, the point thresholds are lower, and penalties are more severe. They will receive a warning letter and a notice of proposed suspension after accumulating six points in a year. Young drivers may also face delays of 90 to 180 days in obtaining their full license if they accumulate points.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Tennessee

Driving-related offenses can be classified as either criminal or civil. The distinction is important, as the consequences and penalties can vary significantly between the two categories.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses are considered more serious and can result in significant legal repercussions.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Drivers aged 21 and older with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more face fines, suspension of their driver's license, and potential jail time.

For drivers under 21, the BAC limit is set at 0.02%, and the penalties are even more severe. Repeat offenders or those involved in aggravated DUI cases may have to face extended imprisonment and compulsory alcohol treatment programs.

TDOSHS outlines the full range of penalties associated with DUI offenses.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a blatant disregard for safety. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in a penalty of up to six months in jail and significant fines.

A reckless driving charge also adds six points to the driver’s record, which may impact insurance rates. The penalties can be more severe if reckless driving leads to property damage or personal injury.

Hit and Run

Fleeing the scene of an accident without providing assistance or contact information is a serious crime in Tennessee.

Penalties depend on the incident's severity. For minor property damage, the offense is a Class C misdemeanor. If there are injuries, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, leading to up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, fines up to $2,500, and a license suspension.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses are generally considered less serious than criminal offenses and usually result in fines or administrative penalties rather than criminal charges. Examples of civil driving violations include:

Improper turns
Failing to yield
Speeding
Running a red light
Parking violations
Failure to obey road signs

Tennessee Driving Statistics and Goals

From 2018 to 2022, Tennessee's Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN) recorded 36,870 speed-related crashes across the state. Over the past decade, traffic fatalities have increased by 35%, and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has risen by 11%.

In 2023, fatal and serious traffic crashes in Tennessee resulted in $57 billion in societal harm. This includes $14.1 billion in economic costs and $42.8 billion in quality-of-life costs.

To address these issues, Tennessee has set the following goals:

Reduce the five-year rolling average of serious injuries by 14.1%
Lower the five-year rolling average serious injury rate by 35.9%
Reduce the five-year rolling average fatality rate to 1.14
Aim to limit the rise in non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries to a five-year rolling average of 716

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Driving Records

The following are some common questions concerning drivers in the state:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

Individuals can request their own driving records, as well as employers, insurance companies, legal representatives, and government agencies.

How Can Drivers Reduce Points From Their Records?

Drivers can reduce points on their record by completing an approved defensive driving course, which may lower the point total by a certain number of points. Additionally, points may decrease naturally over time if no further violations occur, following Tennessee’s point reduction policies.

How To Remove a Violation on Tennessee Driving Records?

To remove a violation, drivers may need to request a hearing to dispute the violation or complete any court-ordered penalties and requirements associated with it. In certain cases, drivers can apply for expungement of the violation from their record if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some useful links for drivers in Tennessee and for accessing driving records:

Website for the state's main law enforcement agency overseeing driving laws: https://www.tn.gov/safety/tennessee-highway-patrol.html
Information on traffic safety programs, laws, and educational resources: https://tntrafficsafety.org/
Request To Release Personal Information (Form): https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/relspers.pdf
Request for Driver Record (MVR)-Authorized Requestor (Form): https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/recorddppa.pdf

Counties in Tennessee

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Tennessee
1. Certified vs. Non-Certified Records
2. Costs Associated With Obtaining Records
How To Request a Tennessee Driving History Report?
Uses of Tennessee Driving Records
Understanding Tennessee Driving Laws
The Points System in Tennessee
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Tennessee
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Tennessee Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources