Nashville, TN — Starting July 1, teens found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in Tennessee may lose their driving privileges for up to a year.
A new law now in effect across Tennessee is making headlines for its tough stance on teen bullying.
Sponsored by State Representative Lowell Russell (R.), the legislation allows courts to revoke the driver’s licenses of minors convicted of bullying or cyberbullying, sending a strong message about the seriousness of such behavior.
“I simply got tired of nothing being done to stop bullying,” said Rep. Russell. Citing the lasting emotional and psychological damage bullying can cause, he emphasized the law as a preventive step meant to deter harmful behavior among teens.
What the Law Says
Under the law:
- Teens convicted of bullying can lose their driving privileges for up to one year.
- The court will notify the Tennessee Department of Safety, blocking new licenses or suspending existing ones.
- Driving with a suspended license may result in further legal penalties.
However, the law does leave some room for first-time offenders. Teens can apply for a restricted license, allowing them to travel to school or work—but not to social events or extracurriculars.
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This application must be made within 10 days of the court ruling and comes with a $20 fee.
A Bigger Push to Stop Bullying
The law reflects growing bipartisan support in Tennessee for tackling the ongoing issues of teen violence, suicide, and mental health struggles tied to bullying. Community advocates like Scott Payne, a manager at Knoxville-based Contact Care Line, welcomed the law but stressed the importance of understanding the root causes.
“Bullies aren’t just born… They’re products of their environment,” Payne said. “We need to be talking with them.”
Do you agree with Tennessee’s decision to suspend driving privileges for bullying? Tell us what you think in the comments — your voice matters!
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