If you are required to file an SR22 for the state of Tennessee contact an insurance company or agent who is licensed to sell insurance in Tennessee. You will be required to carry state minimum liability limits and continue the insurance policy for the duration of your specific court requirement.
A Tennessee SR22 can be required for a total of 5 years from your date of suspension. If the SR-22 is filed for a total of 3 years (36 months) within the 5-year period, the SR-22 may be cancelled provided it is not required on any other suspension. If 5 years pass from the date of suspension before you reinstate your privileges, then the SR-22 would not be required. If the SR22 in TN is cancelled before the required time and a new form not filed, your driving privileges will be suspended.
Is SR22 Insurance required for each vehicle I own?
You only need to file an SR-22 form with Tennessee on one vehicle. If you do not own a vehicle you can get a non-owner SR22 insurance policy which will fulfill your requirement. If you have more than one vehicle the form is only attached to your auto insurance policy which may or may not include the other vehicles in your household.
TN SR22 Requirements
The state of Tennessee requires liability insurance to protect other drivers in the event of an accident. When you file an SR22 in TN the insurance company must notify the state if the policy is cancelled. This provides the state with a proof of your financial responsibility via the SR-22 form. The minimum insurance liability limits are:
- $25k Per Person Bodily Injury
- $50k Per Accident Bodily Injury
- $15k Property Damage
While these limits are minimum they are rarely recommended levels of coverage. Ask your insurance agent what they recommend based on your financial position.
Tennessee now accepts electronic proof of insurance during traffic stops.
Suspended License Information and Requirements
License suspension and revocation information is shared with all 50 states. You cannot issue a driver's license if you have an active suspension. There is no notification when the suspension has ended as that information is on the letter you receive when action is first taken. In order to reinstate your license know your eligibility date and specific reinstatement requirements. This information can be found on the letter or from the information at the court hearing.
Reinstatement Fees: $65 Reinstatement fee, $50 SR-22 fee, $75 Failure to Surrender License Fee (if applicable)
Court ordered suspensions require a clearance from the court while other suspensions may require an SR-22. You may be asked to take a written and/or road skills test. Reinstatement fees vary so be sure to ask the state office. If all requirements have been met to reinstate except paying the fees you can reinstate online.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Tennessee
It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. The state of Tennessee has different acceptable levels depending on the type of driver.
All Drivers - BAC LIMIT = 0.08%
Drivers under 21 = 0.02%
Commercial Drivers = 0.04%
Implied Consent Law in TN
If you refuse to submit a chemical test in Tennessee your license will be suspended/revoked for the following timeframe:
First Refusal - 1 year license revoked
Second Refusal - 2 years revoked
NOTE: You can still be convicted of a DUI without taking a blood, breath or urine sample.
2010 Tennessee DUI Law Update
Tennessee Senate Bill 2965 - Revises various provisions governing ignition interlock devices and persons convicted of driving under the influence, establishes the interlock assistance fund for indigent offenders, makes changes to certain penalties, restricted driver's licenses, and related matters.
When is an Ignition Interlock Device Required?
Ignition interlock devices must be installed on any vehicle operated by anyone who has been convicted of certain alcohol-related offenses. This device detects alcohol on breath and is installed on a motor vehicle. It will prevent an alcohol-impaired person from starting the vehicle and may require random tests to be completed during a drive.
Listed below are some of the offenses and relative time requirements:
- Blood Alcohol Content Above .15%
- Refusal to take chemical test
- Passenger Under 18 in Vehicle
If the offender removes the IID prior to the end of the suspension period their driving privileges will be withdrawn until the suspension period ends.
Approved Ignition Interlock Device Installers:
Locate Tennessee Interlock Providers on a Map
