--- title: "Tennessee Will Punish Teen Bullies With License Suspensions" date: "2025-07-07" modified: "2025-07-07" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tennessee-will-punish-teen-bullies-with-license-suspensions" categories: - "News" --- # Tennessee Will Punish Teen Bullies With License Suspensions ![Tennessee Teen Driver's License]() *\TN.gov/The Drive\* Teen trolls in Tennessee may want to think twice before taking potshots at their peers (whether in person or online). Changes to a law that went into effect this month in Tennessee allow teen bullies' driving privileges to be suspended for a year if they are found guilty of bullying or cyber-bullying. According to the *The New York Times*, critics [aren't entirely convinced]() that the potential consequences will deter adolescent misbehavior, but supporters of the new statute are calling it a potential win for both mental health and public safety. Last year, Tennessee joined the overwhelming majority of states that legally define bullying and cyber-bullying, making both Class A misdemeanors. When that measure passed, some expressed concerns that the penalties were at times vague and inconsistent, and in their opinion, [often inadequate](). A year later, state lawmakers are still finding ways to give it more teeth—hence the newly added suspensions. As of July 1, any minor found guilty of bullying or cyber-bullying in juvenile court will have their license pulled for a year, [ABC News]() reports. An appeals process was baked in, allowing first-time offenders to apply instead for a restricted license that can be used only to travel to and from essential functions (work, legal proceedings, etc.). Those busted repeatedly need not apply. But if the critics are correct (and they just may be), the young minds these laws are intended to influence may either ignore the potential consequences or simply not care about them. With kids demonstrating increased reluctance to get their licenses when they become eligible, the window for potential impact here is pretty narrow. Losing your license for a year at 16 or 17 isn't the equivalent of social exile these days. *Got a tip? Send it our way at tips@thedrive.com.* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()