What Violations Qualify for Ticket Dismissal Through the Tennessee Driver Education Course (Traffic School)?
Ticket dismissal through the Tennessee Driver Education Course is available for minor, non-criminal moving violations at the court's discretion. Not every violation qualifies, and eligibility is decided case by case by the court listed on your citation.
Violations That Typically Qualify
Courts commonly grant permission for traffic school for violations such as:
Speeding (moderate — generally not excessive)
Running a red light or stop sign
Following too closely
Improper lane change
Failure to yield
Other minor moving violations listed under T.C.A. chapters 8, 9, and parts 1–5 of Chapter 10
This list is not exhaustive. Whether your specific violation qualifies is always at the court's discretion.
Violations That Generally Do Not Qualify
Some violations are typically not eligible for ticket dismissal through traffic school:
Reckless driving — driving 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor in Tennessee, not a minor infraction. Courts generally do not offer traffic school for reckless driving charges.
DUI / DWI — alcohol and drug-related offenses are not eligible.
Criminal traffic charges — any violation classified as a misdemeanor or felony is generally excluded.
Parking violations — T.C.A. § 55-10-301 explicitly excludes parking violations from the program entirely.
CDL holders — commercial driver's license holders are excluded regardless of what vehicle they were driving at the time of the violation.
How to Know If Your Violation Qualifies
Contact the court listed on your citation before enrolling. Explain the specific charge and ask whether you are eligible to take a 4-hour driver education course for ticket dismissal. The court makes this determination — Driving Logic cannot confirm eligibility on your behalf.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Eligible violations | Minor, non-criminal moving violations |
Decision maker | The court — case by case |
Reckless driving | Generally not eligible |
DUI / DWI | Not eligible |
Parking violations | Explicitly excluded by T.C.A. § 55-10-301 |
CDL holders | Excluded regardless of vehicle driven |
What to do | Contact your court before enrolling |
Frequently Asked Questions
I was cited for speeding. Does my ticket qualify? Standard speeding tickets typically qualify, but it depends on how far over the limit you were and your court. Speeding at 30 mph or more over the posted limit may be charged as reckless driving, which generally does not qualify. Contact your court to confirm.
My citation lists multiple violations. Does each one need to qualify? Contact your court. If any charge on your citation is a criminal offense, the court may deny the traffic school option entirely.
I was not a CDL holder at the time of my violation, but I have one now. Am I still excluded? Contact your court. The CDL exclusion under T.C.A. § 55-10-301 refers to the license class held at the time of the charge. Your court can clarify how they apply this rule.