Tennessee Speeding Ticket Costs
State Citation Reference & Guidelines|Verified: 2026-06-30
Quick Reference Summary
Tennessee Citation Profile
How to Handle Your Tennessee Speeding Ticket
Estimate your total expenses (including the estimated 19% insurance premium increase over 3 years) using our interactive fine estimator. Respond to the ticket within 30 days to avoid a $50 late fee or suspension.
Fines by Speed Exceeded
Ticket fine amounts in Tennessee scale incrementally based on how fast you were driving above the posted speed limit.
Speeding Ticket Cost Breakdown by MPH Over
Select common speeding increments to view exact point assessments, typical insurance cost impacts, and criminal misdemeanor thresholds in Tennessee.
| Speed Exceeded | Est. Fine Amount | Points Assessed | Est. 3-Year Insurance Increase | Misdemeanor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +5 MPH Over | $120 | 1 Point | +$1026 | No |
| +10 MPH Over | $150 | 3 Points | +$1026 | No |
| +15 MPH Over | $150 | 3 Points | +$1026 | No |
| +20 MPH Over | $185 | 4 Points | +$1026 | No |
| +25 MPH Over | $185 | 4 Points | +$1026 | No |
| +30 MPH Over | $220 | 5 Points | +$1026 | Yes |
§ Criminal & Misdemeanor Risk
Speeding over 30 mph over the limit can be prosecuted as Reckless Driving, a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail.
§ License Points & Record Duration
Accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period triggers an administrative hearing and potential license suspension.
§ Traffic School Eligibility
A defensive driving course once every 12 months can dismiss a minor ticket, preventing points and keeping it off the public record.
§ Deadlines & Late Fees
You must respond or pay within 30 days of citation issuance. Failure to resolve the ticket within 30 days triggers driver's license suspension.
§ Out-of-State Drivers & Compact Rules
Tennessee is a Non-Reporting State for minor out-of-state violations.
Under current policies, Tennessee generally does not report minor speeding convictions back to home-state licensing departments, nor does it log out-of-state citations for home drivers unless they involve excessive speeds or criminal misdemeanor charges (e.g. over 30 mph).
County Court Payment Portals
Select your local county court below to check ticket records or pay fines online directly through government portals:
Other State Speeding Fine Guides
Select another verified state guide below for fine rates and license point limits:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a speeding ticket in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, speeding tickets typically cost between $120 and $290 depending on your speed. Tennessee Constitution limits state base fines to $50. However, local county court costs and litigation taxes push the total cost to ~$150-$250.
How many points is a traffic ticket in Tennessee?
Speeding violations in Tennessee assess between 1 and 6 points on your license record. Accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period triggers an administrative hearing and potential license suspension.
Is speeding a misdemeanor in Tennessee?
Speeding over 30 mph over the limit can be prosecuted as Reckless Driving, a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. Driving at speeds over 30 mph can lead to reckless driving or excessive speed charges, which are criminal misdemeanors.
Does a speeding ticket affect your insurance in Tennessee?
Yes. Speeding tickets in Tennessee typically increase auto insurance premiums by an average of 19%. This increase is calculated on your premium for up to 3 years.
Will a speeding ticket affect my out-of-state license?
Yes. Since Tennessee is a non-reporting state, minor out-of-state infractions are generally not reported back to your home state DMV under normal conditions. However, high-speed misdemeanor offences will still be flagged.
Verified Reference Statutes
- Cited directly from: Tennessee Code 55-8-152 (State legislative or department of motor vehicles domain)