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Tennessee Enforces Driving Suspensions for Teen Bullies as New Law Takes Effect

Juvenile courts have begun revoking licenses for teen bullies under the year-long suspension rule, prompting experts to call for integrated rehabilitative strategies

The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 10.
Scott Payne, outreach and support manager for the Contact Care Line.
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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.