It is important as a teen driver to understand the rules of the road. This includes traditional driving laws and the consequences that can occur for not obeying those laws. Drivers can incur points for traffic violations. Incurring points on your license can lead to a suspended license including getting your Graduated Driving Licensing law privileges revoked.
Here are some common moving violations and the points that you can incur against your license:
- Operating a vehicle while using a cell phone (under 18) = 6 points
- Speeding 6 through 15 mph in excess of the speed zone = 3 points
- Speeding 16 through 25 mph in excess of the speed zone =4 points
- Reckless Driving = 6 points
- Passing a stopped school bus, church or youth bus taking on or discharging passengers = 8 points
- Failing to yield the right-of-way = 4 points
- Texting while driving = 3 points
- Failure to stop at railroad crossing = 8 points
As a teen driver, you will not be able to obtain the first level of your driver license (Intermediate Restricted License) if you’ve received driving violations that add up to more than six points on your driving record. It is important to understand that you also cannot receive the next level Intermediate Unrestricted License if you have accumulated more than six points on your driving record and the driver cannot have been involved a traffic accident that was deemed their fault.
Operating your vehicle while using your cell phone under the age of 18 automatically places 6 points on your newly obtained license. It is important to familiarize yourself with the new TN Hands Free Law. It is illegal for a driver under the age of 18, to hold a cell phone with any part of their body which includes using any hands-free or Bluetooth device. It would be a good idea to review this information with your parent or guardian to avoid the mentioned consequences.