If you get a traffic ticket in Tennessee, you’ll have several options for dealing with it. You might want to just pay the ticket so you don’t have to worry about it anymore. Or, you can go to traffic court and fight the ticket. A traffic violation—assuming the motorist is convicted—typically results in a fine and demerit points being assessed to the motorist’s driving record. And for some more serious violations, jail time is possible.
Here are the fines, points, and other consequences for some of the most common traffic offenses in Tennessee. However, the specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. The amounts listed below are the fines and court costs associated with a violation.
What Are the Fines, Points, and Possible Jail Time for Tennessee Speeding Tickets?
The penalties for a speeding violation generally depend on the amount by which the driver exceeded the speed limit and where the violation occurred.
But, depending on the situation, you may be able to successfully fight a speeding ticket. If you beat the ticket, you won't have to pay a fine or worry about points on your record.
Tennessee has Two Types of Speed Limits
Tennessee has absolute speed limits and a basic speeding law. Absolute limits are just the maximum speed a person can drive on a roadway. Ordinarily, absolute limits are posted. The state’s basic speeding law doesn’t set a maximum speed. Instead, the basic speeding law requires motorists to always drive at a safe speed. So, if road conditions are hazardous, a motorist can be in violation of the basic speed law even if driving slower than the posted maximum. (Tenn. Code § 55-8-152 (2024); Tenn. Code § 55-8-153 (2024); Tenn. Code § 55-8-136 (2024).)
Points for Speeding Tickets in Tennessee
|
Type of Violation |
Points |
|
Basic speed limit violation |
3 |
|
1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit |
1 |
|
6 to 15 miles per hour over the limit |
3 |
|
16 to 25 miles per hour over the limit |
4 |
|
26 to 35 miles per hour over the limit |
5 |
|
36 to 45 miles per hour over the limit |
6 |
|
46 miles per hour or more over the limit |
8 |
Fines and Jail Time for Speeding Violations in Tennessee
Generally, speeding violations are class C misdemeanors in Tennessee. A class C misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $50 and up to 30 days in jail. Minor traffic violations like speeding don’t typically result in jail time. But the amount the driver actually pays can be quite a bit more than $50 once the fees and costs are added in. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 (2024).)
Also, the penalties can be more severe for speeding violations that occurred in a construction or school zone.
What Are the Fines, Jail, and Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the fines and possible jail time are the same for stop sign and stop light tickets. However, the point amounts can differ depending on whether you ran a stop sign or red light.
Arkansas's Stop Sign and Red Light Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. In Tennessee, making a right turn at a red light is permitted provided there’s no sign at the intersection specifically prohibiting it. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-110 (2024); Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-149 (2024).)
Points for Stop Sign and Red Light Tickets in Tennessee
|
Type of Violation |
Points |
|
Stop light |
2 |
|
Stop sign |
1 or 2 |
Fines and Jail Time for Stop Sign and Red Light Violations in Tennessee
Stop sign and stop light violations are class C misdemeanors in Tennessee. So, the maximum fine is $50 (plus costs and fees) and up to 30 days in jail is possible (though it’s unlikely any jail time will result). (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 (2024).)
Tennessee law does permit the use of automated cameras at intersections to catch red-light violators.
What Are the Fines and Points for Tennessee Distracted Driving Tickets?
The penalties for distracted driving tickets in Tennessee depend on the number of prior violations and whether the offense involved an accident.
Tennessee's Distracted Driving Laws
Tennessee’s distracted driving law generally prohibits all motorists from text messaging or using a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-199 (2024).)
Fines and Points for Distracted Driving in Tennessee
|
Type of Violation |
Maximum fine |
Points |
|
Distracted driving |
$50 |
3 |
|
Third or subsequent violation |
$100 |
3 |
|
Violations involving a collision |
$100 |
3 |
|
Violations in construction or school zones |
$200 |
3 |
First offenders can get out of having to pay the fine by completing a driver education course.