The TCA code for driving on a suspended license is Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-504
When you receive a citation for driving with a suspended license in Tennessee, the charge will reference TCA § 55-50-504. This is the statute that defines the offense and sets the penalties. The code applies whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or any other reason the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security issued a suspension.
Understanding what this code means matters because the penalties vary depending on how many times you have been convicted under it. A first offense carries different consequences than a second or third offense. The citation itself will show which violation section applies to your case, and that determines what you face in court.
The statute also distinguishes between driving with a suspended license and driving with a revoked license — revocation is a separate, more serious offense under TCA § 55-50-505. If your license was revoked rather than suspended, the code cited will be different and the penalties will be steeper.
Key Takeaways
- TCA § 55-50-504 is the Tennessee statute that covers driving on a suspended license, and the citation you receive will reference this code section.
- First-time violations carry a fine up to $500 and possible jail time up to 30 days; second and subsequent violations carry higher fines and longer jail sentences.
- The suspension reason does not change the charge, but it does affect whether you can restore your license before your court date.
- If your license was revoked instead of suspended, the charge will be TCA § 55-50-505, which carries more severe penalties.
- You can request a hearing to challenge the suspension itself, separate from the criminal charge for driving while suspended.
Penalties under TCA § 55-50-504 for a first offense
A first conviction under TCA § 55-50-504 can result in a fine of up to $500 and jail time of up to 30 days. The court has discretion to impose either or both penalties, and the judge may also order you to pay court costs. Some courts also impose probation as part of the sentence.
The actual penalty depends on the reason for the suspension and your driving record. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or failure to appear in court, the judge may be more lenient if you show you have since paid what you owed. If the suspension was for a serious violation like a DUI or reckless driving, the court typically imposes a harsher sentence.
You will also have a criminal record for this conviction, which can affect employment, housing, and insurance rates. Some employers conduct background checks and will not hire someone with a recent driving-related conviction.
What happens if you are convicted a second or third time
A second conviction under TCA § 55-50-504 within five years carries a fine of $600 to $1,500 and jail time of 30 days to 6 months. A third or subsequent conviction within five years carries a fine of $1,000 to $3,000 and jail time of 60 days to 1 year.
The five-year window means that if your first conviction was more than five years ago, a new charge will be treated as a first offense rather than a second. The court will look at the dates of your prior convictions to determine which penalty range applies.
Repeat convictions also make it harder to restore your license. After a second or third conviction, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse evaluation before the Department of Safety will consider lifting the suspension.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspended license is temporary — it can be restored once you meet the conditions that led to the suspension. You might restore it by paying outstanding fines, completing a court-ordered program, or straightforward waiting out the suspension period. The Department of Safety sets a specific date when the suspension ends, or a specific action you must take to end it.
A revoked license is permanent until you formally petition to have it reinstated, and reinstatement is not may provide. Revocation typically follows serious violations like multiple DUIs, driving with a suspended license multiple times, or causing injury while driving recklessly. The statute for revocation is TCA § 55-50-505, and the penalties are significantly higher.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check your status through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling their driver services line. Knowing which one applies to you is important because it affects both your criminal charge and your options for restoring driving privileges.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Your citation should state the reason for the suspension, but if it does not, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security directly. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. They can tell you the exact reason, when the suspension began, and what action is required to lift it.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record. Each reason has different steps to restore your license. For example, if the suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines; if it is for failure to appear, you must appear in court or resolve the underlying case.
You can also request a hearing to challenge the suspension itself. This is separate from the criminal charge for driving while suspended. If you believe the suspension was issued in error or that you have already met the conditions to lift it, you can file a request for a hearing with the Department of Safety.
What to do if you are charged under TCA § 55-50-504
If you receive a citation for driving on a suspended license, do not ignore it. Failure to appear in court will result in an additional charge and a warrant for your arrest. Contact the court listed on the citation to find out your court date and location.
Before your court date, take steps to address the underlying suspension. If you can restore your license before the hearing, inform the prosecutor and the judge. Some courts will reduce or dismiss the charge if you have already lifted the suspension. At minimum, showing that you have taken action to comply demonstrates responsibility to the court.
Consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney who handles traffic cases in your county. An attorney can review the circumstances of your stop, determine whether the officer had legal grounds to pull you over, and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. In some cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed if there are procedural problems with how the citation was issued.
Restoring your license after a conviction
After a conviction under TCA § 55-50-504, you cannot straightforward wait for the suspension to end. You must take additional steps to restore your license. The Department of Safety may require you to complete a defensive driving course, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150), and provide proof of insurance.
If you were convicted a second or third time, the requirements are stricter. You may need to complete a substance abuse evaluation or attend a victim impact panel. The Department of Safety will send you a letter explaining exactly what you must do and the important date for doing it.
Once you have completed all requirements, submit your reinstatement request to the Department of Safety along with proof that you have met each condition. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Do not drive until you receive confirmation that your license has been restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you are not permitted to drive for any reason, including work. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense regardless of where you are going or why. Some states offer restricted licenses for work purposes, but Tennessee does not have this option for most suspensions.
Will a conviction under TCA § 55-50-504 affect my car insurance?
Yes. A conviction for driving on a suspended license is a serious violation that insurers view as high-risk behavior. Your rates will increase significantly, and some insurers may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it. You may have to switch to a high-risk insurance company, which charges much higher premiums.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense to this charge. The Department of Safety is required to notify you of a suspension, typically by mail to the address on your driver's license. If you did not receive notice, you can raise this in court, but you should have checked your status before driving. The burden is on you to know the status of your license.
Can I get the charge dismissed if I restore my license before court?
Possibly, but not automatically. Restoring your license shows the court you have taken responsibility, and prosecutors sometimes agree to dismiss or reduce charges in exchange. However, the decision is up to the prosecutor and judge. Inform them that you have restored your license as soon as possible, ideally before your court date.
Is TCA § 55-50-504 a felony or a misdemeanor?
It is a misdemeanor. However, a third conviction within five years can result in up to one year in jail, which is the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor in Tennessee. Felony charges are separate and more serious; they typically involve driving with a revoked license or causing injury while driving suspended.