Teenagers in Tennessee can now lose their driver’s license for bullying or cyberbullying
Published on Jul 13, 2025 at 1:24 PM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Jul 09, 2025 at 2:31 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A newly introduced Tennessee law will see teenage motorists lose their driver’s license if they’re caught bullying or cyberbullying.
The bold new rule came into effect on July 1, 2025, with lawmakers set to keep a close eye on ‘how it works’.
This new statute was introduced by East Tennessee State Representative Lowell Russell and is an attempt to stamp out bullying.
The legislation can also prevent teen bullies from getting their licenses.
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Teen bullies could lose their driver’s license for up to a year
Getting your driving license is a big step towards independence for teens, so much so that this school in the UK starts lessons from a very young age.
But now, teenage drivers in Tennessee could lose their driver’s license for up to a year if they’re caught bullying or cyberbullying others.
The new legislation will see bullies lose their driving privileges or their ability to gain a license for up to one whole year, in a bid to crack down on harmful behavior.
“Bullying can cause long-term harm that results in mental health problems later in a person’s life,” State Rep Russell told CNN.
“Most acts of violence and suicides are noted as the result of being bullied. I simply got tired of nothing being done to stop bullying.”
The move has been praised by Contact Care Line, a specialist organization that offers free emotional support.
“I think it’s great that the state is stepping up to try to do something about bullying,” Contact Care Line’s Scott Payne told Fox.
But he hopes that officials can then work with bullies to change their behavior.
“I would like to see movement going forward towards working with the bullies,” he added.
“Bullies aren’t just born. They just don’t pop up. They’re products of their environment. So, we need to be talking with them and finding out what’s going on in their lives that’s bringing about this type of behavior from them.”
How would the driving ban for bullies work?
Those convicted of either bullying or cyberbullying in Tennessee juvenile court could lose their driver’s license for up to a year.
First-time offenders may be able to apply for a restricted license that would allow some exceptions, like going to school or church.
But to get one, teens must file an application, pay a $20 fee, meet certain age requirements, pass any necessary driving tests, and then obtain judicial approval.
If the restricted license is granted, it will come with conditions surrounding when and where driving is permitted. And it will exclude social events and extracurricular activities.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
