Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Tennessee

Kylene Ross

Oct 1

4 min read

Driving while your license is suspended, revoked or cancelled is a crime in Tennessee. A first offense is usually a Class B misdemeanor, but the penalties climb fast if your license was taken because of a DUI, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504). Here is how the charge works and what you can do about it.

What the law covers

The law applies when you drive on a public road, or in a public place like a shopping center or apartment complex lot, at a time when your privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended or revoked (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(a)).

It does not matter much why the license was taken. People are charged after suspensions for unpaid tickets, missed court dates, no insurance after a wreck, or a DUI. The reason does matter for the penalty.

Penalties for a first offense

Most cases. A Class B misdemeanor (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(a)(1)). That carries up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $500, or both (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111).
License revoked for DUI, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide. The law requires at least 2 days in jail, up to 6 months, and a fine up to $1,000 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(a)(1)).

Penalties for a second or later offense

Most cases. A Class A misdemeanor (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(a)(2)). That carries up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine up to $2,500, or both (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111).
DUI-related revocation. At least 45 days in jail, up to one year, and a fine up to $3,000 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(a)(2)).

When the revocation was for DUI, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, you are not eligible for probation or pretrial diversion until you have served the minimum jail time day for day (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(e)).

Your car can be seized

If your license was suspended or revoked for DUI, the vehicle you were driving can be seized and forfeited. The statute says an arrest or citation is enough for the seizure. A conviction is not required (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(g)). If your car was taken, act quickly. Forfeiture cases have their own deadlines.

Talk to a Lawyer Today

Call (615) 997-7618 to talk with Kylene Ross or Chloe Hawes about your situation. Arrested after hours? Send us a message and we are notified right away.

Points on your record

A 2025 law limits the points that can go on your driving record for this offense to no more than four. It took effect July 1, 2025 (Public Chapter 504 of 2025, HB 816 / SB 778).

Did you know your license was suspended?

Many people find out at the traffic stop. Under the statute, a suspension or revocation takes effect 10 days after notice is given (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-504(h)). Whether and when you got notice can matter in your case. Bring any letters from the Department of Safety to your lawyer.

Get your license back

Fixing the license problem is often the most useful thing you can do, both for the case and for your life.

Check your requirements. The Tennessee Department of Safety lets you look up your reinstatement requirements online through its e-Services site, pay reinstatement fees online, and upload documents. Its reinstatement line is (866) 903-7357.
Restricted license. For some suspensions, including failure to pay a citation and DUI-related revocations, the Department of Safety says you may qualify for a restricted license. You first need a certified order signed by a judge, from the court where you were convicted or the court in your county of residence. You then apply at a Driver Services Center within 10 days of the order being signed. See our article on a restricted license after a DUI.

Where the case is heard

Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor, so it starts in General Sessions Court. In Sumner County, the General Sessions clerk is at 155 East Main Street, Gallatin, and handles criminal and traffic matters. Our General Sessions court guide explains your first court date.

What to do now

Do not drive until your license is valid. A new charge makes the next one worse.
Pull your reinstatement requirements so you know exactly what is still owed or missing.
Keep your citation and court date. Missing court can lead to a new charge and another suspension.
Talk to a lawyer before you plead guilty, especially if your suspension was DUI-related.

How we can help

Attorney Chloe Hawes defends driving charges in Sumner County General Sessions and nearby counties from our office on the Gallatin Public Square. We look at the notice you got, what it will take to reinstate, and whether a restricted license or a different outcome is possible. Learn more on our criminal defense page and our DUI defense page, or read what happens after a DUI arrest in Sumner County.

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