Common Reasons for Denial of a Restricted Driver License

After applying for a restricted license at a Driver Service Center and being issued a 90-day interim license, your application and driving record are reviewed by the Financial Responsibility Division. A restricted driver license will be denied for the any of the following reasons:

• There is a prior conviction of Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, or Aggravated Vehicular Assault on the driver's record.
• The offense was the proximate cause of death or serious bodily injury to another person.
• The order is issued for a suspension/revocation for which we do not have the authority to issue a restricted license.
• A geographic location requested is not a location designated by law for that type of offense.
• The order does not have the violation, date of violation, conviction date, and/or disposition.
• The order is not signed by the Judge; or if Driver Improvement Program approval has not been granted.
• A check of the driver’s record shows that they have another revocation/suspension/cancellation. The driver must reinstate everything on their record except for the violation for which the restricted license is being requested. If person has a violation that cannot be reinstated, a restricted license cannot be issued.
• If the person has a revocation/suspension in another state, a check is done to determine the problem in the other state. If person has a problem other than the violation for which the restricted license is being requested, the person is denied the restricted license until the problem in the other state is cleared.
• The SR-22 insurance is not for the State of Tennessee or the company is not licensed in Tennessee.