Tennessee Traffic Ticket Fines, Violations, and Penalties
Those having received a Tennessee traffic ticket have options in handling and paying them.
Yet – your options generally come down to:
- Pay it
- Contest it
You should expect to pay the ticket within 15 days of it being issued. Otherwise, you’ll need to move quickly to contest it otherwise you can face additional penalties.
You can typically pay your TN traffic tickets online, in person, by phone, or by mail.
Tennessee, like other states, uses a point system. The point system tracks your driving activities and accumulating too many can result in additional penalties. Combine the traffic ticket with the extra penalties and your total costs can skyrocket depending on your actions!
You’re welcome to check your driving records for information about the status of your license and registration. Otherwise, we recommend contacting your local DMV or talk with a traffic law professional as you move forward with handling your ticket(s) and points.
Tennessee Traffic Fines & Penalties
The fines and penalties you get depend on your actions and vary by the court’s decision. Your actions may cause higher fines and penalties depending on how many traffic points you have, too. You may also need to pay late fees if it’s not dealt with quickly.
Examples of incidents causing traffic and safety violations include:
- Reckless driving or racing
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to carry auto insurance
- Causing property damages
You may also get moving or non-moving violations like:
- Running a stop sign
- Distracted driving
- Faulty vehicle and operations
- Failing to follow traffic laws
Speeding tickets typically carry a few points whereas serious offenses, like DUI, are often set at such a level you’ll lose your license regardless. You can get points from non-moving violations, too, so be aware of your vehicle’s operations.
How to Pay Your Tennessee Traffic Ticket
The way you pay your Tennessee traffic ticket depends on its type and how you approach it. Each county is a little different and it’s up to the court as to how you’ll ultimately satisfy the violation.
That said:
You can pay your tickets online, by mail, and in person with most places. Some locations offer payment over the phone, too. You will need to refer to the citation to learn how you’ll pay for the ticket.
You should also consider calling the court if you have questions.
Don’t wait to pay a ticket or ignoring it. The ticket remains and by avoiding it you will likely face additional fines and penalties!
Hearings and When to Hire a Traffic Attorney
Failing to respond to your ticket can lead to a license suspension.
There may be ways to mitigate this through your actions. Or, if the court decides you may mitigate some of the fines/penalties.
Yet:
The process varies by your infractions, but you’ll typically have options in either reducing or dismissing the ticket. You may also appeal and contest the tickets out-right to which you’ll request the hearing, go through the discovery, show up in court, and react based on what happens during the hearing.
You’ll choose between:
- Mitigation hearing
- Contested hearing
You’ll need to make the decision before its due date.
Some drivers may be eligible to take a defensive driving course or get their ticket dismissed depending on their ticketing circumstances and how they act in court. A good driving record will help with your appeal and in reducing your ticket fines and fees.
