That ticket in your glove box could cost you more than you think. In Memphis, even a minor traffic violation can affect your license, your wallet, and your record for years. Thinking of just paying the fine? That’s the same as pleading guilty — and it can end up costing far more than the ticket itself.
Traffic violations aren’t all created equal. Some are simple infractions that add points to your license, while others can land you in jail or result in criminal charges. The difference is crucial to protecting your future.
Most drivers who call our law office are dealing with everyday traffic violations. These might seem minor, but they can quickly add up to serious problems. The most common citations we see include:
Reckless driving charges are far more serious. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-205, reckless driving is defined as driving “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This isn’t just a traffic citation. It’s a criminal charge that can result in jail time and hefty fines.
What makes this charge particularly dangerous is how broadly it can be applied, covering everything from excessive speed to aggressive lane changes.
Some traffic violations cross the line from civil infractions into criminal territory. DUI charges represent the most serious traffic-related offense most people will face.
Under Tennessee law, you can be charged with driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content exceeds 0.08%, or if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol, regardless of your BAC level.
Commercial driver’s license holders face even stricter standards. If you drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle for a living, you can be charged with DUI with a BAC of just 0.04%.
This lower threshold reflects the increased responsibility that comes with operating large vehicles, but it also means CDL holders face career-ending consequences from violations that might result in a simple fine for other drivers.
Many drivers make the mistake of thinking traffic violations are no big deal. They pay the fine online, assume the matter is closed, and move on with their lives. However, every traffic violation conviction becomes part of their permanent driving record, and those consequences compound over time.
Tennessee operates on a point system administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety. Different violations carry different point values, and accumulating 12 points within a 12-month period triggers an automatic license suspension.
Here are some common violations and their point values:
Once you reach 12 points, your license gets suspended, and getting it back requires jumping through numerous hoops. You’ll need to attend a driver improvement course, pay reinstatement fees, and potentially face a hearing with the Department of Safety.
For commercial drivers, the consequences are even more severe—a single serious violation can result in CDL suspension or revocation.
The financial impact extends beyond the immediate fine. Traffic violations can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, sometimes doubling or tripling your premiums. These increased rates can persist for years, turning a simple traffic ticket into a financial burden that costs thousands over time.
Insurance companies view traffic violations as indicators of future risk. When you receive a traffic ticket, your insurance company will likely raise your rates at your next renewal. The increase depends on the severity of the violation and your driving history, but even a single speeding ticket can result in premium increases that far exceed the original fine.
Multiple violations compound the problem. If you accumulate several traffic citations within a short period, your insurance company might classify you as a high-risk driver or even cancel your policy entirely. Finding new coverage as a high-risk driver is expensive and sometimes impossible through traditional insurers.
Knowing how traffic court works in Memphis can help you make informed decisions about your case. When you receive a traffic ticket, you have several options, but the clock starts ticking immediately.
Every traffic citation includes a court date, and you must respond by that deadline. Your options include:
What many people don’t realize is that requesting a hearing doesn’t mean you’re admitting guilt. It simply preserves your right to challenge the citation and potentially negotiate a better outcome. Going to traffic court without representation is risky because prosecutors handle hundreds of traffic cases every week, and they’re not obligated to offer you the most favorable deal possible.
An experienced attorney in Memphis can review your citation, identify potential defenses, and negotiate with prosecutors to minimize the impact on your driving record and finances.
Every traffic case is unique, and the defense strategy depends on the specific circumstances of your citation. Common defenses include challenging the officer’s observations, questioning the calibration of speed detection equipment, or arguing that the violation occurred due to necessity or emergency circumstances.
For DUI cases, the defense strategy becomes more complex. We might challenge the legality of the traffic stop, question the administration of field sobriety tests, or examine the chain of custody for blood or breath samples. These cases require extensive knowledge of both traffic law and criminal procedure.
Not all traffic violations are created equal. Some cross the line from civil infractions into criminal charges, and these cases require a different approach entirely.
DUI charges represent some of the most serious traffic violations in Tennessee. A DUI conviction can result in:
Tennessee’s implied consent law means that by driving on Tennessee roads, you’ve already agreed to submit to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to testing can result in a judicial finding for your driver’s license suspension, regardless of whether you’re ultimately convicted of DUI. This creates a difficult situation where you may face consequences whether you submit to testing or refuse.
Certain traffic violations are classified as misdemeanors under Tennessee law. These include reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. Misdemeanor convictions result in a criminal record that can affect your ability to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or qualify for certain types of housing.
The distinction between a traffic violation and a criminal charge often depends on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can sometimes negotiate with prosecutors to reduce criminal charges to civil infractions, helping you avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.
Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers represents clients throughout the Memphis metropolitan area and beyond. We handle traffic violations in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett, as well as throughout Shelby County and the surrounding region.
Our familiarity with local traffic courts gives us significant advantages in defending our clients. We know the prosecutors, understand local court procedures, and can often negotiate favorable outcomes that out-of-town attorneys might not be able to achieve. This local knowledge is particularly valuable in traffic cases, where relationships and reputation matter.
Whether you’re facing a simple speeding ticket or serious criminal charges, Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you navigate the system and fight for the most favorable outcome possible. Our law firm offers consultations to discuss your case and explain your options.
Contact Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers today, and let us put our experience and dedication to work protecting your future. Time is very critical in traffic cases—schedule your consultation and take the first step toward resolving your traffic violation.
Some of the most common include:
While some may seem minor, certain violations carry serious legal and financial consequences—especially if they involve accidents or prior offenses.
Most minor traffic violations are civil infractions and will not appear on your criminal record. However, serious violations—like reckless driving, DUI, or driving on a suspended license—are misdemeanors or felonies and will show up on background checks unless dismissed or expunged.
Tennessee uses a point system to track driver behavior. Violations can add anywhere from 1 to 8 points to your driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months can result in a license suspension. Juvenile drivers (under 18) face suspension with as few as 6 points.
If it’s a simple speeding ticket, you might not need a lawyer. But if the violation could:
—then hiring a traffic lawyer could help reduce or dismiss the charges and save you money and hassle long-term.
Yes. You have the right to contest a traffic citation in court. A defense attorney can argue against the citation based on lack of evidence, technical errors, or mitigating circumstances. In many cases, legal representation leads to reduced penalties, fewer points, or even a full dismissal.
The prosecutors are already building their case against you. Every day you wait is another day they get stronger.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
