The Ultimate Guide to Speeding Tickets in Tennessee: Fines, Points, and Penalties Explained
If you’ve been caught speeding in Tennessee, you’re likely facing a fine, points on your license, and possibly even higher insurance rates. Tennessee takes speeding violations seriously, and the consequences can be severe. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about speeding tickets in Tennessee, including fines, points, penalties, and what you can do to fight your ticket.
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Fines for Speeding Tickets in Tennessee
Tennessee speeding fines vary depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving. The base fine for speeding is $50, but with all the additional fees and surcharges, the total amount can be much higher. For example, if you were caught going 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, your total fine could be over $200.
Tennessee also has a “Driver Improvement” program that can help reduce your fines. If you complete an approved Driver Improvement course, you may be able to have your fines reduced by up to 10%.
Points for Speeding Tickets in Tennessee
In addition to fines, Tennessee also assigns points to your license for speeding tickets. The number of points assigned depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit:
- 1 point for driving up to 5 miles per hour over the limit
- 3 points for driving 6 to 15 miles per hour over the limit
- 4 points for driving 16 to 25 miles per hour over the limit
- 6 points for driving 26 miles per hour or more over the limit
If you accumulate too many points on your license, you could face a license suspension. Here’s how many points you can accumulate before you face suspension:
- 12 points in 12 months
- 18 points in 24 months
- 24 points in 36 months
Penalties for Speeding Tickets in Tennessee
If you’re caught speeding in Tennessee, you could face a variety of penalties in addition to fines and points on your license. These penalties can include:
- License suspension or revocation
- Increased insurance rates
- Mandatory Driver Improvement course
- Community service
- Jail time (for excessive speeding or repeat offenses)
The severity of your penalties will depend on a variety of factors, including how fast you were going over the speed limit and whether you have any prior traffic violations on your record.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Tennessee
If you’ve been caught speeding in Tennessee and you don’t believe you were at fault, you have the right to fight your ticket in court. Here are some tips for fighting a speeding ticket in Tennessee:
- Request a hearing: When you receive your ticket, you’ll have the option to either pay the fine or request a hearing. If you believe you have a strong case, it’s worth requesting a hearing.
- Hire an attorney: A traffic attorney can help you build a strong case and may be able to negotiate a reduced fine or even get your ticket dismissed.
- Gather evidence: If you plan to fight your ticket, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your case. This could include photos, witness statements, and any other relevant information.
- Show up to court prepared: If you do decide to fight your ticket, make sure you show up to court prepared and ready to present your case. Dress professionally and be respectful to the judge and other court officials.
Key Takeaways
- Speeding tickets in Tennessee can be expensive, with fines ranging from $50 to over $200 depending on how fast you were going over the speed limit.
- In addition to fines, Tennessee also assigns points to your license for speeding tickets, which can lead to a license suspension if you accumulate too many