What Happens If You Run From Police in Tennessee? (You Could Be Charged With a Felony)

Introduction

You see blue lights.

Instead of stopping… you keep going.

Maybe you panic. Maybe you think you can avoid trouble.

But what happens if you run from police in Tennessee?

The answer: it can turn a minor situation into a serious criminal case very quickly.

The Short Answer

Running from police can lead to a charge of evading arrest.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-16-603, it is illegal to intentionally flee from law enforcement after being ordered to stop.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Evading Arrest

The charge depends on how you flee.

🚶 On Foot

If you run on foot:

👉 typically charged as a misdemeanor

🚗 In a Vehicle

If you flee in a vehicle:

👉 it can become a felony

Especially if:

• your driving puts others at risk
• you cross into traffic
• speeds increase
• an accident occurs

Why This Escalates So Quickly

A situation that might have started as:

• a traffic stop
• a minor violation
• even a misunderstanding

can quickly turn into:

• felony charges
• jail time exposure
• long-term consequences

Additional Charges That Can Follow

Running from police often leads to more than just evading arrest.

You could also face:

• reckless driving
• reckless endangerment
• resisting arrest
• DUI (if applicable)

Each charge adds to the potential penalties.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

Panic.

People think:

• “If I get away, it goes away”
• “I’ll deal with it later”

That’s not how it works.

Running usually makes things worse — not better.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are being stopped:

1. Pull over safely
2. Stay calm
3. Provide required documents
4. Say:

“I don’t answer questions.”

Why This Matters in Nashville

In Nashville and throughout Davidson County, Tennessee, law enforcement takes evading arrest — especially in vehicles — very seriously.

These cases are often:

• aggressively prosecuted
• supported by video evidence (dashcam/bodycam)
• combined with additional charges

The Reality

Running doesn’t eliminate the original problem.

It multiplies it.

The Bottom Line

• Running from police is a crime in Tennessee
• Vehicle flight can result in felony charges
• Additional charges are common

Your safest move:

👉 Stop. Stay calm. Don’t talk.

About the Author

David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.

He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.

Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”

Call to Action

If you are facing evading arrest or related charges:

👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE

What you do next can make a major difference in your case.