There are many violations in Tennessee that can result in the suspension of a driver’s license, including driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol (DUI), inability to provide proof of insurance, and excessive accumulation of negative points on a driver's record. In regard to DUI suspensions, it can be a long and costly process in order to reinstate a license before a driver can legally get back on the road. Since most people drive every day, it is important to learn the proper procedures for license reinstatement if you are a Tennessee motorist. 

Penalties that Come with DUI License Suspension

Punishments for driving under the influence can be given out to adults over the age of 21 and minors who are under the legal drinking age. Minors will have their license revoked for one year if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is over 0.02 percent, and the court system can order extra punishments as it sees fit. An offender could also pay a fine of $250 and/or be required to complete a certain number of community service hours.

Driving under the influence does not limit the “influence” to alcoholic beverages. In the state of Tennessee, a driver can be convicted of DUI if he or she has taken any type of intoxicating substance -- including marijuana -- prior to getting behind the wheel. Even those who take drugs legally for medical purposes can be charged with DUI if they cause a car accident with prescription medication in their systems. Furthermore, anyone who chooses to drive while under the influence of drugs must submit to a chemical and/or field sobriety test if pulled over. A driver is allowed to refuse these roadside tests, although this may result in being arrested on suspicion of DUI. Following an arrest, a driver will usually be asked to take a chemical blood alcohol test at the police station or through blood being drawn at a hospital, and refusal of these tests will result in a driver’s license revocation for at least one year.

Tennessee Law Against Drugged Driving

The more times a driver is convicted of a drug-related DUI, the more severe the penalties. If a driver is convicted more than three times, the subsequent offenses are charged as felonies that are punishable with fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. Sentences for a conviction include:

There are many paths for bicyclists to explore without venturing on to public roadways. However, cyclists are not forbidden from traveling on public streets in Tennessee. If a bicyclist chooses to ride on the road, their bike is considered a vehicle, the same as a car. Therefore, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to follow traffic laws, and if they are involved in a collision that was the fault of another driver, they can take steps to pursue compensation for their personal injuries.

Bicycle Safety

Tennessee law states that whoever is at fault for causing a collision on the road is responsible for paying compensation to the other party or parties. In many cases, a driver who strikes a bicyclist is at fault, either because they did not respect a bicyclist's right to share the road or because they acted negligently.

Every state has laws and rules to keep their roadways as safe as possible, but nowadays not everyone obeys the rules. Certain actions that drivers take on the road may be considered reckless driving that unfortunately can result in car accidents and serious injuries to other drivers or innocent bystanders. The state of Tennessee defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle -- car, motorcycle, or truck -- with wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road.

Examples of Reckless Driving

Since reckless driving is any action that puts others in danger, the violation can be a simple as speeding to as serious as not yielding to school buses. Other examples of reckless driving include:

Being involved in a car accident can be a scary ordeal, both for the person responsible for causing the collision and the occupants who may be injured. In some cases, a negligent motorist may think that leaving the crash site is the best way to stay out of trouble, but in fact, fleeing from the scene of a motor vehicle crash is against Tennessee law. If an at-fault driver does attempt to leave, the victim may wonder how to receive compensation for injuries and any damages done to their vehicle. That is why it is imperative to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. 

What to Do After a Car Crash

No matter what the circumstances of a collision are, both parties involved must stop immediately in order to assess damages and call the police. Both drivers should pull their cars to the side of the road and do the following:

Most of the time, first-time offenders charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol are not given as serious charges as those who are accused of subsequent offenses. A first-time DUI may result in fines, a minimum of 48 hours in jail, and the requirement to go through a treatment program. Serious cases involving injuries or death are given stiffer penalties. However, for the most part, the state of Tennessee tries to make sure that first offenders will not be convicted of another DUI offense. The more convictions on a person’s record, the harsher the punishments will be.

What Happens if a Driver Reaches Four DUI Offenses?

With each DUI conviction, a driver sees his or her license revoked for a certain amount of time: one year for first offenses, two years for second offenses, and six years for third offenses. Drivers are able to apply for a restricted license during the period of revocation.

The seasons are changing, and that means there will be more rainy days to come before winter sets in. Driving habits should change while on the road, or else serious car accidents and injuries can occur because of road conditions. Hydroplaning is the most common cause of car accidents in rainy weather. This occurs when a car is moving so fast that the moisture on the road causes the vehicle to lose traction. As a result, the car slides across the pavement, giving the driver little to no control. This can lead to cars veering off into other lanes of traffic, resulting in collisions with other vehicles and severe or fatal injuries.

Tips for Road Safety in Wet Conditions

According to a study by AAA, wet pavement leads to over one million car accidents annually nationwide. Although it is an instinct to want to drive quickly to make it to one's destination in a shorter amount of time, drivers should adhere to the following safe driving practices when traveling in the rain:

In order to avoid injuries to passengers on a motorcycle, both the driver and the passenger must know the safety measures that should be taken. It is safest for passengers to ride in a sidecar next to a motorcycle, but for those who do not have a sidecar attached to their vehicle, passengers will need to ride directly behind the driver. A passenger means the motorcycle will have to carry extra weight, which will cause the vehicle to maneuver differently. It will take longer to accelerate, and both the driver and the passenger will need to lean into every turn to make sure the motorcycle can complete it properly. In Tennessee, passengers on a motorcycle -- and all operators -- must ride the bike with one leg on each side and feet in the footpegs, and they must always remain seated on the permanent seat attached to the bike. Tennessee law also states that child passengers whose feet do not reach the footpegs are prohibited from riding on the motorcycle. If this law is violated, the driver will face a Class C misdemeanor penalty.

What to Do to Avoid Injuries

Before beginning any ride, the driver of the motorcycle should check their tire pressure and suspension to be sure the cycle is in proper working order. They should also be sure their passenger is well-equipped with protective clothing (i.e. long pants, long-sleeved coat, sturdy shoes, helmet) and that their feet can reach the footpegs.

Parents who drink and drive can expect more severe punishments if they drive with their child in the car. Tennessee’s child endangerment law covers DUI offenses with a child in the car, because the child is put in danger when he or she is in a car with an impaired driver. The broad definition of child endangerment is any act -- or neglect of an act -- that causes a child to suffer physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reported that in 2017, DUI-related accidents were the cause of 220 child fatalities (of 1,147) nationally, and 118 of these were children inside the vehicles of drunk drivers.

Tennessee Drunk Driving Punishments

Adults who are charged with a DUI without a child present can expect jail time and fines, depending on how many previous charges they have received. The following are the penalties a Tennessee motorist can face with a DUI charge:

Tennessee law requires drivers and passengers of moving vehicles to wear safety restraints (seat belts) at all times while the car is in motion. Not only do restraint systems keep the occupants from moving around inside the car, but they also can help prevent an injury that can result from a car accident. While some restraints have been shown to cause injuries such as whiplash or broken ribs, seat belts protect against worse bodily damage and even can prevent death due to a collision. Whether or not an accident happens, a person can be ticketed for not using a seat belt while operating a motor vehicle. It is important to understand what the law says about seat belt use and how it relates to receiving compensation in a vehicle crash.

What Does Tennessee Law Say?

According to the law, drivers and passengers over the age of four years old are required to wear a seat belt if they are in a moving vehicle. The only exception to this law is for vehicles that are used as public transportation or livery vehicles such as limousines, which do not have seat belts available to passengers.

Some dogs become excited by loud or fast-moving objects. If properly restrained, the most a dog might do when it spots a car or motorcycle passing by is bark loudly, strain at a leash, or paw at a window. However, if a dog is set loose in a yard, it may run into the road, which could lead to damage to vehicles and/or the death of the animal. A car is much bigger than a dog. It is unlikely that anyone in the car would be injured if the vehicle struck a dog. However, motorcycles are different, because the drivers are exposed. A dog of considerable size could cause a serious accident if it attempts to chase down a motorcycle. The state of Tennessee has certain laws that regulate when dogs can be off-leash, which can determine liability if the pet causes a motorcycle accident with injuries. 

Tennessee's Leash Law Explained

In the state of Tennessee, no dog is permitted to be off-leash--also called “at large”--whether on private or public property. This is to avoid injuries to a person who is not the dog’s owner, and it is also meant to keep dogs safe from automobiles on the road.

Most states, including Tennessee, have a required tread depth for tires on a motor vehicle. This is because the tread is what makes a car able to travel safely along the roadways. When ice coats the pavement, adequate tread depth is what can prevent cars from sliding around. Tires can wear out after several years of use and could eventually “burst” if the tread is completely worn away. When this happens, cars can spin out of control and possibly collide with another vehicle, resulting in personal injuries for any of the occupants.

Tire Tread Depth

On average, a tire can last three or four years before needing to be replaced. Tennessee law states that tire tread depth needs to be at least 4/32 inches deep for front tires and 2/32 inches deep for back tires. Other factors that can affect a tire's safety and performance include:

Truck drivers tend to carry a lot of goods on their vehicles when making deliveries. In Tennessee, trucks cannot weigh over 80,000 pounds, and drivers must make sure all cargo is secured before beginning their routes. While most trucking accidents occur due to distracted driving or other forms of driver negligence, crashes can still happen if cargo has not been properly tied down when traveling on roadways. If cargo shifts too much, the truck can become unbalanced, which may lead to a rollover accident. Truck drivers or trucking companies who do not properly secure cargo and cause an accident may be responsible for compensating any victims involved in the crash who suffer personal injuries.

The Reality of Trucking Accident Injuries

Accidents involving a truck account for 1 in 10 collisions on U.S. highways. In 2017, approximately 5,000 people were killed and many more were injured due to truck accidents, according to a report by Consumer Notice.

Some people may like to ride in the back of a pickup truck for fun, but this can lead to injuries if a person is thrown or ejected from the truck bed. Each state has its own rules when it comes to truck bed passengers. In Tennessee, no child under the age of six years old may ride in the back of a pickup truck. Tennessee law also states that no minor under 12 years old is allowed to ride in a truck bed when the vehicle is traveling on an interstate or a highway. Those passengers who are older than the age of 12 are able to legally ride in the truck bed. However, if they are ejected and injured in a car accident, they can seek compensation from the at-fault driver.

What Can Cause a Passenger to Be Ejected From a Truck Bed?

Since there are no seat belts installed in pickup truck beds, it is more dangerous to ride in this area of the truck, especially in certain road conditions. A collision does not need to happen in order for someone to be thrown from a truck bed.

The state of Tennessee has strict laws against boating under the influence (BUI). Just one offense can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to a year. Boating under the influence can also lead to consequences if one or more passengers are injured during a voyage. The driver of the boat is always responsible for the safety of the passengers and those around the boat. Since alcohol use slows a person’s reaction time, it can be difficult to stop an accident from happening, which is why someone should never operate a boat after consuming too much alcohol.

Common Injuries Resulting From BUI

Smaller boats are often overloaded, which can lead to the vessel capsizing--turning over--and dumping its passengers into the water. If someone enters the water while intoxicated, he or she is more likely to drown due to lack of mobility.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in all 50 states. Tennessee passed a bill earlier this year to make the penalties for DUI offenses within a school zone more severe. Since most pedestrians in school zones are children, the need for safe driving is more important in order to keep the young ones protected from injury. The new law, which was introduced and passed in February, states that anyone driving under the influence in a school zone will be subject to double the punishment for an ordinary DUI offense outside of the school zone. For misdemeanor offenders, this means that both fines and prison terms will be doubled.

New Tennessee Law

The new Tennessee law for DUI offenses within school zones also covers:

Motorcyclists have a lot less protection than someone in a car while they travel on the roadways. This is why they should take more precautions to avoid injuries that can occur regardless if they collide with another vehicle. Motorcycle accidents can happen as a result of several reasons, including negligence by the motorcyclist or other motorists sharing the road. The motorcyclist following too closely behind a vehicle or another driver in a vehicle following a motorcycle too closely can also result in a crash. A motorcyclist weaving in between cars at a high rate of speed is dangerous, and this "lane splitting" is illegal in Tennessee. Poor conditions of the road such as potholes or debris can also cause drivers to suddenly swerve out of the way, thus causing a collision. These types of accidents can result in a motorcyclist who is taken to the hospital with injuries such as road rash, broken bones, head or back pain, lacerations, and even death.

Tennessee Motorcycle Safety Laws

Before cruising on the open road on a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, all Tennessee drivers must earn a motorcycle (Class-M) license. Examinations are similar to earning a regular driver’s license and anyone over the age of 16 years old can work to earn their right to drive a motorcycle. Once motorcyclists complete all the necessary tests, they are expected to abide by the rules of their given state. According to Tennessee law, all motorcyclists must:

Driving a truck requires an individual to take special classes for a commercial driver's license (CDL) before he or she is allowed to get behind the wheel of a big rig. Each operator of a truck must know not only how to drive the large vehicle, but also how to stay safe on the road to avoid collisions. A truck accident can occur as a result of negligence by the truck driver on the road. Unfortunately, most truck crashes also lead to serious injuries, including, but not limited to:

• Whiplash

  ...

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular form of off-road transportation for those looking to have fun in recreational areas, especially during warm weather conditions. These vehicles are barred from sharing the roadway with cars and trucks. However, they require a driver’s license just like automobiles in order to drive them legally. Also, if someone decides to drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel of an ATV, he or she can be charged with a DUI. If the impaired driver causes an accident, it can result in serious consequences, such as jail time and fines.

What Are the Tennessee DUI Punishments?

In Tennessee, ATVs are allowed to drive in specified parks, forest areas, hiking trails that permit ATVs, and recreational areas. These are all public zones, so drivers of ATVs are expected to be mindful of the safety of everyone on the trails, including pedestrians and bicyclists.

Drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and travel safely. With so many vehicles on the highways, everyone needs to be especially mindful when they change lanes. Whatever the reason for lane changing, a driver should check their side and rearview mirrors and wait until it is clear to move over. If the motorist does not do so, a sudden lane change can cause a collision with another car. Depending on the speed at which the crash happened, the accident could result in serious injuries to the drivers and passengers involved. 

Types of Injuries That Can Result from Lane Change Collisions

Depending on the rate of speed that both vehicles are traveling, there can be severe damage and injury caused by a lane change. Damage to the vehicles includes front-end bumper dents, damage to side doors and mirrors, and rear-end bumper and frame distortions.