Overview

• Following its July 1 enactment, juvenile courts across Tennessee have started suspending driver’s licenses or permit eligibility for one year for minors convicted of bullying or cyberbullying.
• First-time offenders may apply within ten days for restricted licenses limited to essential travel such as school, work and church by submitting a certified court order, paying a $20 fee and passing required driving tests.
• The Tennessee Department of Safety updates records to enforce suspensions and juvenile courts are now processing restricted‐license applications statewide.
• Supporters led by sponsor Rep. Lowell Russell argue that revoking licenses will deter bullying and address its long-term mental health impacts.
• Child development experts warn that adolescents may not link delayed driving loss to their behavior and urge that suspensions be paired with counseling and psychological interventions.