Reckless driving in Tennessee is worth 6 points on your driving record.

TN Code section 55-10-205 defines reckless driving. Here it states:

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.

(b) A person commits an offense of reckless driving who drives a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large; provided, that the offense of reckless driving for driving a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground shall not be applicable to persons riding in a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty miles per hour (30 mph), if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older.

(c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

A class B misdemeanor in TN comes with penalties of not greater than six (6) months in jail or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or both, unless otherwise provided by statute.

We contacted the TN Department of Safety and Department of Insurance to find out how long the offense of reckless driving would stay on your driving record and also how long it could affect your insurance rates.

The DPS stated that a reckless driving ticket will stay on your record for 5 years. The TN DOI noted that some insurance companies will charge points for a moving violation such as this for 3 years and others for 5 years. You will need to check with your specific insurance company to find out about their rating system since they vary from one carrier to another.

If your friend's rates continue to stay high with his or her current insurer due to this 2005 traffic offense then have him or her shop around for auto insurance. We offer low cost car insurance rates for Tennessee.