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Speeding ticket points tennessee rules decide how one traffic stop can affect your license for the next year. Tennessee uses a point system run by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Every moving violation adds a set number of points to your driving record. The faster you were going, the more points you get.
For example, going 4 mph over adds just 1 point, while going 50 mph over adds 8. Knowing how speeding ticket points tennessee rules work helps you guess what one ticket means. It also helps you avoid a license suspension. This guide covers the point chart, the 12-point limit, and your options after a ticket.
How Speeding Ticket Points Tennessee Drivers Get Are Calculated
Tennessee sets its point values in state rule 1340-01-04-.03, the official Schedule of Points. Points are based on how far over the posted limit you were driving. They are not based on the fine amount. As a result, two tickets with similar fines can carry very different point totals.
Points go on your record when you are convicted. Paying a ticket counts as a conviction in most cases. Therefore, simply mailing in the fine adds the full points to your record. Many drivers do not realize this until they get a letter from the state.
Tennessee counts points over a rolling 12-month period. That means the state looks at convictions from the past year, not your lifetime record. However, the violation itself still shows up on your driving history. Insurance companies can see it and may raise your rates for three years or more.
Tennessee Speeding Point Chart and Suspension Thresholds
The table below shows the standard speeding ticket points tennessee assigns under the state schedule. Always check your citation for the exact speed the officer wrote down.
| Speed Over the Limit | Points Added |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 mph | 1 point |
| 6 to 15 mph | 3 points |
| 16 to 25 mph | 4 points |
| 26 to 35 mph | 5 points |
| 36 to 45 mph | 6 points |
| 46 mph or more | 8 points |
Tennessee sends warnings before it suspends a license. If you reach 6 points in 12 months, the state mails a point accumulation advisory letter. This letter is a warning only. It does not suspend your license. However, it signals that you are halfway to the limit.
If you reach 12 or more points in 12 months, the state issues a notice of proposed suspension. Under rule 1340-01-04-.04, suspension length typically grows with your point total. For example, 12 to 17 points can lead to a 6-month suspension. Higher totals can bring longer suspensions of up to one year.
Here is how speeding ticket points tennessee totals add up in real life. Say you get one ticket for 20 mph over (4 points). Then you get another for 30 mph over (5 points). You now have 9 points. One more ticket for 10 mph over (3 points) pushes you to 12. As a result, three fairly common tickets in one year could put your license at risk.
What to Do After a Tennessee Speeding Ticket
First, read your ticket closely. Check the speed, the posted limit, and your court date. The mph over the limit decides your point level. Even a small error on the citation can matter. For example, a ticket written for 16 mph over carries 4 points instead of 3.
Second, think before you pay. Paying is usually treated as a guilty plea. Instead, ask the court about your options. Many Tennessee courts may let eligible drivers take a driver improvement course. In some cases, this can lead to the ticket being dismissed. Each court sets its own rules, so call the clerk listed on your ticket.
Third, if you get a notice of proposed suspension, act fast. You have the right to request an administrative hearing with the Department of Safety. At that hearing, you can explain your situation. Typically, the hearing officer may offer probation instead of suspension. This often requires finishing an approved defensive driving course. You can learn more from the Tennessee Driver Services Division.
Finally, keep an eye on your record. You can order a copy of your Tennessee driving record online. This lets you see your current point total. As a result, you can plan ahead and avoid surprises. Keeping track of speeding ticket points tennessee totals is the easiest way to protect your license.
Other Factors That Can Affect Your Tennessee License
Points are not the only concern. Some offenses bring serious penalties on their own. For example, reckless driving adds 6 points in Tennessee. It is also a criminal misdemeanor. A DUI brings a separate license revocation that does not depend on points at all.
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Young drivers face stricter rules. Tennessee uses a graduated driver license program for teens. Drivers with a learner permit or intermediate license can face limits after fewer points. In most cases, a teen with 6 or more points may have their graduation to the next license level delayed.
Out-of-state tickets can also matter. Tennessee is part of the Driver License Compact. This agreement lets member states share conviction records. For example, a speeding ticket in Georgia or Kentucky may be reported back to Tennessee. The state can then add it to your Tennessee record. As a result, speeding ticket points tennessee totals can include violations from other states.
Commercial drivers should be extra careful. CDL holders face federal rules for “serious” traffic violations. Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit counts as serious. Two serious violations in three years can mean a 60-day CDL disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Tennessee for going 10 mph over?
Going 10 mph over falls in the 6 to 15 mph range. That adds 3 points under the speeding ticket points tennessee schedule. However, paying it without checking your options still puts those points on your record.
How long do points stay on your Tennessee driving record?
Tennessee looks at points over a rolling 12-month window for suspension decisions. However, the conviction itself stays on your driving history for longer. Insurance companies typically review the past three to five years.
Can I take a class to remove speeding ticket points tennessee adds to my record?
In some cases, yes. Many courts allow eligible drivers to take a driver improvement course to have a ticket dismissed. Typically, the Department of Safety may also require a defensive driving course at a suspension hearing. Contact your court clerk first to confirm your options.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
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Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.