Traffic Tickets in Tennessee

Driving infractions are recorded on your driving record according to the state's point system as a way of controlling unsafe and reckless drivers in Tennessee.

Your driver's license can actually be suspended once you have accumulated a certain number of points (12 points within two years), and some driving violations go beyond just earning you a ticket and points―they could cause immediate suspension or revocation of your license.

Moving Violations and Non-moving Violations

Whether intentional or accidental, there are several mistakes drivers make that often result in costly consequences―tickets and accidents. These include both moving and non-moving traffic violations. If you need to research down to the level of the letter of the law, you can read Title 55, the section of the TN legal code that defines the laws for Motor and Other Vehicles.

Check Your Driving Record

Moving violations include those traffic infractions that occur when a vehicle is in motion, and non-moving violations include traffic infractions that occur when a vehicle is not in motion.

Moving Violation Examples

• Driving too fast or too slow

• Ignoring or failing to notice road signs and changes in traffic lights

• Not using your turn signals or failing to notice another driver's turn signals

• Driving too close to other vehicles

• Failing to correctly pass or attempting to prevent another driver from passing you

Non-moving Violation Examples

• Parking in front of a fire hydrant

• Parking in a no-parking zone

• Parking in front of an expired meter

Receiving traffic tickets can result in a big increase in your insurance premiums, even if you take care of the tickets through standard channels. The best way to avoid unnecessary rate increases is simply to be a safe driver and follow the rules of the road at all times.

Defensive Driving School

A Tennessee Defensive Driving School (DDS) can help you lower the points accumulated on your driver license and possibly satisfy a citation.
The option of attending a DDS is determined by your judge.

Non-resident Violator Compact

The Non-resident Violator Compact states that regardless of where you receive a ticket, you must meet all requirements to satisfy the ticket, including court appearances. If you do not, you risk having your license suspended or revoked until the ticket has been satisfied and all fines have been paid.

This compact applies to Tennessee residents who receive tickets other states, as well as non-residents who receive tickets in Tennessee.

For more information about the Non-Resident Violator Compact, refer to Chapter Five of the Tennessee Driver Handbook.