Tennessee Traffic Laws – Updated
Got a Traffic
Ticket in Tennessee?
Don’t pay it yet. Tennessee drivers have options — from defensive driving school to hiring an attorney. A conviction can raise your insurance rates for years.
Tennessee issues hundreds of thousands of traffic citations each year across its highways, interstates, and cities. Whether you received a speeding ticket on I-40 in Nashville, a reckless driving charge in Memphis, or a moving violation in Knoxville — paying the fine is not your only option. This guide explains Tennessee’s traffic fines, points system, and what steps to take.
How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Tennessee?
Tennessee speeding fines are set by state statute and vary based on how far over the speed limit you were traveling. Court costs and local surcharges can significantly increase the total amount owed.
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine | With Court Costs | School/Work Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–15 mph over | $50–$75 | ~$130–$175 | $100–$150+ |
| 16–25 mph over | $75–$100 | ~$175–$225 | $150–$200+ |
| 26–35 mph over | $100–$150 | ~$225–$300 | $200–$300+ |
| 36+ mph over | $150–$300+ | ~$300–$500+ | Must appear in court |
| Reckless Driving | Up to $500 | ~$700+ | Criminal misdemeanor |
| Street Racing | Up to $2,500 | ~$3,000+ | Criminal charge |
Think before you pay. In Tennessee, paying a traffic ticket is a guilty plea. It adds points to your license and can trigger insurance rate increases of 20–40% for up to 3 years. Many tickets can be reduced or dismissed with the help of an attorney.
Points on Your Tennessee License
Tennessee uses a points system to track driving behavior. Accumulating too many points within a set time period results in license suspension or revocation.
| Violation | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–15 mph over | 1 pt | Very common |
| Speeding 16–25 mph over | 3 pts | |
| Speeding 26–35 mph over | 4 pts | |
| Speeding 36–45 mph over | 5 pts | |
| Speeding 46+ mph over | 8 pts | Near-automatic suspension |
| Reckless driving | 6 pts | Criminal misdemeanor |
| DUI / DWI | 8 pts | Criminal charge, license revocation |
| Passing stopped school bus | 4 pts | $250+ fine |
When Is Your License Suspended?
How to Handle a Tennessee Traffic Ticket
After receiving a Tennessee traffic citation, you typically have a limited time to respond. You have three main options:
Attorney tip: In Tennessee, many traffic tickets — especially in smaller counties — can be negotiated with the prosecutor before trial. An experienced local attorney knows which courts and prosecutors are open to plea deals, which can mean a reduced charge with no points.
Tennessee Traffic School: What You Need to Know
Tennessee’s Defensive Driving Course (DDC) is an 8-hour state-approved program available online or in a classroom. Completing the course can reduce points on your license by up to 3 points — but only once every 5 years.
Eligibility: You must not have completed the course in the past 5 years, and the course must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety. The course does not automatically dismiss a ticket — you may still need to appear in court or pay the fine.
CDL holders: Commercial drivers cannot mask violations on their CDL record by taking traffic school, as federal law requires full reporting.
Tennessee Traffic Ticket FAQ
Tennessee does not set a single statewide deadline — your citation will include a court date. Missing your court date results in a Failure to Appear (FTA) charge, an additional fine, and potential license suspension. Always respond before the date printed on your ticket.
Yes. Tennessee participates in the Driver License Compact and shares conviction data with other member states. Your home state will likely apply its own points and penalties for Tennessee violations.
Tennessee does not have a statewide red light camera law — many cities have removed them due to legal challenges. If you received a camera ticket, it may be a civil violation with no points attached. Check with the issuing jurisdiction.
A single speeding ticket in Tennessee can raise auto insurance rates by 15–30% at renewal. The increase depends on your insurer, your driving history, and the severity of the violation. Points stay on your Tennessee record for 2 years.
Ignoring a Tennessee traffic ticket will result in a Failure to Appear charge, additional fines, and a license suspension. The court may also issue a warrant for your arrest. Your vehicle registration may be blocked at renewal.
No. CDL holders are subject to federal regulations that prohibit masking of traffic convictions. Violations committed in a commercial vehicle must appear on the commercial driving record regardless of any state diversion program.
Find a Traffic Attorney Near You in Tennessee
Traffic ticket defense is local — laws and court procedures vary by county, and an attorney who practices in your courthouse will know the judges, clerks, and local processes that matter most.