New Offenses
As of July 1, 2022 there is a new criminal offense in Tennessee: Aggravated Reckless Driving. A person commits aggravated reckless driving who 1) commits the offense of reckless driving (which is driving any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property) see https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-55/chapter-10/part-2/section-55-10-205/ AND
2) intentionally or knowingly impedes traffic upon a public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of a shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises accessible to motor vehicles that are generally frequented by the public at large.
Aggravated Reckless Driving is a Class A Misdemeanor and carries the following potential punishments:
- Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail;
- Probation for up to 11 months and 29 days;
- A fine of up to $5,000.00
- Court costs
- Points on the offender’s driver’s license.