Tennessee Speeding Ticket Points are assessed to individual drivers for exceeding the posted speed limit. The number of points assessed for each offense depends on the number of miles per hour above the posted speed limit that the driver was operating his or her vehicle. Drivers in Tennessee may also be assessed points for failure to maintain minimum speeds, but this occurs much less often.
Tennessee follows the federally mandated Problem Driver Point System (PDPS). Drivers accumulate points on their driving records for speeding, accidents, and moving traffic violations. All drivers start out with zero points and accumulate points according to the severity of traffic violations that they commit. The more a driver exceeds a speed limit, the more points the driver will receive on his or her license. Points do drop off drivers' records as time passes.
Speed Violations and Points Assessed
Here is a list of points assessed for each corresponding speed-related violation:
One Point
- Exceeding the speed limit one (1) to five (5) mph
Two Points
- Sudden reduction of speed
Three Points
- Excessive speeding where limit isn't indicated
- Driving slower than the required minimum speed
- Exceeding the speed limit six (6) to fifteen (15) mph
Four Points
- Exceeding the speed limit sixteen (16) to twenty-five (25) mph
Five Points
- Exceeding the speed limit twenty-six (26) to thirty-five (35) mph
Six Points
- Exceeding the speed limit thirty-six (36) to forty-five (45) mph
Eight Points
- Exceeding the speed limit forty-six (46) mph or more
The Tennessee Department of Safety will send a warning if a driver accumulates six (6) to eleven points (11) points in a twelve (12) month period. If a driver receives 12 or more points in a 12-month period, he or she will receive a proposed suspension notice. The driver will then have a hearing to assess future driving privileges, including suspension or revocation.
Any Tennessee driver can order a driving record report. This record will show whether your license is valid and if it has ever been suspended or revoked. This report will also show points against a driver's license. Remember, if you are a Tennessee driver who grants potential employers access to your driving records, they will see information regarding each active violation (and associated points), as well as any suspension or revocation information. Insurance companies access this information as well and adjust your rates accordingly.
