Traffic Tickets Search and lookup in Tennessee: Tennessee Traffic Violations, Traffic Tickets in Tennessee
Traffic tickets always seem to provide shallow options leaving one with the choice of paying. A solution comes with several consequences, such as increased insurance rate premiums, bad records, and license suspensions. However, when you receive a traffic ticket in Tennessee, you should take immediate action. The state provides 15 days, and once over, you will be guilty by default. These will cause extra charges and penalties, which will negatively impact your driving records or license.
First, the driver needs to read and understand the violation he/she is facing. They can respond either by contesting or paying the tickets. The tickets, however, vary by court, county, and severity. Some violations don’t require any court appearance and payable by fine. You can mail the fine by mail; this mostly applies to non-moving violations or minor violations. For major violations or moving violations, one might need to appear in court. Ensure to check the date from the tickets and appear for a hearing. You can hire a traffic lawyer to help fight the case.
Tennessee Traffic Violations
There are two classes of violations:
- Non-Moving Violations
- Moving Violations
Non-Moving Violations
The violations in these categories are minor and punishable by a fine. The motorist doesn’t require a court appearance and can pay by fine. Non-moving violations can occur while the vehicle is in motion or not. Examples of non-moving offenses are wrong parking, inattentive driving, faulty equipment, driving without a seat belt, parking in front of the fire apparatus. The non-moving violations are treated differently by law and court. They are not reported to DOL, where the rules prohibit some non-moving from reaching the DOL or insurance companies.
Moving Violations
Moving violations are the major violations and sometimes severe offenses. They are punishable by fines, penalties such as license suspension, revocation, and, if severe, you can receive a jail term. Moving violations occur when the car is in motion. They include reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, speeding, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, and many more. The court and DOL settle the moving violations. These violations are also recorded on the driving records and show for some time (2 years).
Tennessee Driver’s Point System
The State point system works differently for both adult drivers and young drivers. Some violations have more points, which could lead to suspension or a driver improvement program. For speeding tickets with 1-8 points, a juvenile driver can get a 6 point, which they need to attend the program.
How to Respond to Traffic Tickets in Tennessee
Requesting for Mitigation
The request is from a guilty defendant who wishes to plead his case and request more flexible terms. The motorist accepts the violations but would fight to get the records cleared. They plead with the court to get a monthly payment plan, drive improvement school, community service, or reduce the fine.
Pay the Ticket
The motorist can also decide to pay the ticket and not fight at all. They can either pay via an online platform, by mail, phone, or in person. However, paying without a fight might damage your records and influence the insurance rates.
Requesting for a Contested Hearing
You have the right to plead not guilty and open the floor for a court hearing. You can either send a request or appear in court on the date provided. For a motorist without a date, select the option from the ticket and send it by mail. The court will give a hearing date. Present your case either in person or hire a qualified attorney.