Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Tennessee
How to pay, contest or reduce a traffic ticket in Tennessee, and what happens if you ignore it.
Short answer: A driver facing a points suspension who requests a hearing may be offered a defensive driving class instead of suspension or to reduce the suspension time. Tennessee Dept. of Safety, Driver Improvement Points Accumulation; Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-199(c)(2)
| Traffic school | A driver facing a points suspension who requests a hearing may be offered a defensive driving class instead of suspension or to reduce the suspension time. The class must be completed within 90 days of the suspension letter and counts for credit only once every five years. Separately, for a first violation of the hands-free law, a driver may complete a driver education course instead of paying the fine. |
|---|---|
| License suspension | Points suspensions run six to 12 months for adults (juveniles 3 to 12 months depending on points and record). To reinstate, all legal and departmental requirements must be met, including proof of liability insurance, completing a Defensive Driving Course, and paying reinstatement fees. Suspension rules for unpaid tickets, no insurance, and DUI were not confirmed from an official page read. |
Where to get help in Tennessee
More Tennessee traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Tennessee
- DUI Laws in Tennessee
- How Driver Points Work in Tennessee
- All Tennessee traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Tennessee?
A driver facing a points suspension who requests a hearing may be offered a defensive driving class instead of suspension or to reduce the suspension time. The class must be completed within 90 days of the suspension letter and counts for credit only once every five years. Separately, for a first violation of the hands-free law, a driver may complete a driver education course instead of paying the fine.
What gets your license suspended in Tennessee?
Points suspensions run six to 12 months for adults (juveniles 3 to 12 months depending on points and record). To reinstate, all legal and departmental requirements must be met, including proof of liability insurance, completing a Defensive Driving Course, and paying reinstatement fees.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.