Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Tennessee traffic citation attorneys handle traffic related problems from people of all ages. In 2001, Tennessee initiated a graduated driver license program for those under the age of 18. Motor vehicle crashes are a major cause of death for people aged 15 to 18. The purpose of this program was to incrementally teach young drivers how to drive by guiding their progression toward unrestricted driving.

The way that this program works is that there are 4 stages involved in obtaining the unrestricted Class D license. First, the young driver must obtain a learner permit by passing a standard exam and visual tests. In order to qualify for the learner permit, the applicant must be at least 15 years old. Someone at least 21 years old with a valid driver license must always sit in the front seat. The learner permit may only be used between the hours of 6 A.M. and 10 P.M., and all passengers between ages 4-17 are required to wear a seat belt. The applicant must have the learner permit for 180 days before applying for an intermediate restricted license, the next stage of this program.

There are two intermediate license levels. First, is the intermediate restricted license. In order to qualify, the applicant must be 16 years old and pass another driving test. The driver can not have 6 points on his or her driving record during the immediate 180 days preceding the application. The applicant must have verification from a parent, legal guardian, or driving instructor stating that the applicant has undergone 50 hours of driving experience including ten hours of night time driving. Once the intermediate restricted license is issued, all passenger between the ages of 4-17 are required to wear a seat belt. Those with an intermediate license can only have one other passenger in the vehicle, but there are exceptions to this rule. Those with an intermediate license are prohibited from driving between the hours of 11 P.M and 6 A.M., but there are exceptions here as well.

The intermediate unrestricted license is the next step in the graduated program. To qualify for this license, the applicant must be at least 17 years old and have held an intermediate restricted license for one year. The applicant must not have accumulated more than 6 points on the driving record; had a traffic accident that was his or her fault; or have two seatbelt violations.

The final level of the graduated program is the regular driver license. An applicant may obtain a Class D license when he or she is 18 years old, or upon graduating from high-school or obtaining the GED. Speeding tickets, moving violations, certain non-moving violations, and accidents will reduce the time in obtaining a Class D license for minors. If you receive a traffic citation, contact a Tennessee traffic attorney. Tennessee traffic attorneys can help you hold or obtain your license. Our office handles speeding tickets and other traffic citations in Cocke County, Newport, Sevierville, Knoxville, Maryville, Morristown, and Dandridge.