Minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying in juvenile court can face consequences such as probation, counseling or other penalties. Starting July 1, 2025, a Tennessee law adds a new punishment: these minors will now have their driver’s license suspended — or lose the ability to obtain one — for one year.
Second chances and restricted driving permits
The law allows first-time offenders a second chance. They may apply for a restricted driver’s license that permits driving only to and from school, work, or church services.
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To qualify for a restricted license, the teen must apply within 10 days of the court ruling, pay a $20 application fee, meet age requirements and pass driving tests. A judge must approve the restricted license, which prohibits the minor from driving to social gatherings.
“Most acts of violence or suicides are results of being bullied. I sponsored this bill in hopes to prevent children from being bullied and in hopes to prevent tragic events. #BeKind,” Tennessee state Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, said in a post on Facebook.
Opposition and calls for mental health support
However, not everyone believes this law effectively addresses bullying. State Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, who voted against the bill, told WBIR News, “No child in a school should be bullied, but we have to be careful that we’re not making the problem worse with our solution.”
She said that she wanted lawmakers to include a mental health component in the bill.
Russell agrees that the issue requires more legal support. He spoke to WVLT News, suggesting adding counseling sessions as another exemption for a restricted license.
The new law builds on Tennessee’s efforts from last year, when lawmakers clarified what counts as bullying and cyberbullying to better protect young people, while helping prevent violence and suicide.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021–2022, about 19% of students ages 12–18 reported that someone bullied them, and of that, 22% said the bullying happened online or through text.
