US EditionNew Tennessee Law Strips Teens of Driving Privileges if They Are Found Guilty of Bullying
TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES, JUL 12 – The law allows juvenile courts to suspend or delay driving privileges for up to one year for minors adjudicated guilty of bullying or cyberbullying, with exceptions for essential travel.
- As of July 1, 2025, Tennessee enforces a law that permits courts to suspend minors' driver’s licenses for up to one year if they are determined to have committed bullying or cyberbullying.
- The legislation builds on a 2024 law that defined bullying more clearly and treats it as a delinquent act, with Rep. Lowell Russell sponsoring the new bill due to frustration over prior inaction.
- First-Time offenders may apply within 10 days for a restricted license allowing travel only to school, work, or church, while courts retain other penalties like probation or counseling.
- Studies show about 19% of students ages 12–18 report being bullied, with cyberbullying rising 13% since 2020 and linked to increased mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
- While the law has bipartisan support, critics and experts urge combining punishment with proactive behavioral interventions, noting that removing licenses may not address bullying's root causes.
55 Articles
55 Articles
Drivers at risk of losing license thanks to new 'bullying' law
DRIVERS are at risk of losing their licenses under a new law – and the punishment is not necessary linked to their behavior on the roads. The measure specifically impacts teens and they could be forced off the road for a year. GettyDrivers risk losing their licenses as part of a new crackdown (stock)[/caption] Lawmakers are cracking down on youngsters who take part in bullying – either online or in person. Teens under the age of 18 will be block…
New Tennessee law takes away driving privileges from minors guilty of bullying
KNOXVILLE Tenn. (WATE) — On July 1, many new laws went into effect, one being that bullying in Tennessee now carries a new penalty for minors: the loss of driving privileges. A new Tennessee state law is cracking down on bullying and hitting teens where it hurts: the driver's seat. Under the new legislation, driving privileges will be taken away from any minor found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in juvenile court. ‘The number one prio…
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