Recently ticketed for speeding in Tennessee? You have many speeding ticket resolution options to handle payment of the ticket, allowing you to cover the expense without suffering from the fees and driving bans caused by failing to pay a speeding ticket.

In this article from Tennessee Title Loans, Inc., we explain the process for paying traffic fines in Tennessee, including what options you have and the steps you must take. We also explain how a Tennessee title loan can help you pay for a traffic ticket you cannot afford.

What Is The Process For Paying Traffic Fines In Tennessee?

It’s vital to pay your Tennessee traffic ticket to avoid the negative consequences, such as heavy fines, getting a driving ban, or receiving criminal charges. You must come up with a plan to resolve your speeding ticket to avoid further complications. You have three options for paying for your speeding ticket: online, by mail, or in person.

The following are the steps involved in paying a speeding ticket in Tennessee:

1. Gather Information On The Court

Before paying your Tennessee speeding ticket, you will have to find the court that issued your speeding ticket. Once you find the Tennessee traffic court that issued your speeding ticket, you can prepare to start the process of repaying your traffic fines.

If you wish to pay online, you can look at their payment option instructions to learn how this court wishes to receive an online payment. When paying via mail, you can look at their website or the traffic citation to find their mailing address. For in-person payment, you can find the address of the courthouse and the hours they are open to plan a visit to make your payment.

2. Prepare Your Payment

You must come up with the funds needed to pay your speeding ticket. If you are struggling to come up with the money, you can consult our section below about alternative options for speeding ticket payment. If you do have the money, how you prepare your payment will depend on how you wish to pay.

The following are the ways you can prepare your speeding ticket payment:

• Online: The court’s website will have a section dedicated to paying traffic fines. Follow the instructions to process your payment, which can likely be handled with a credit/debit card or electronic check. You will also likely need to have your citation number to process the payment.
• Mail: When paying via mail, you must make a check or money order to the court issuing the traffic fine. Make sure you enclose a check with your citation number in an envelope to mail.
• In-person: Visit the court during visiting hours to pay your traffic fine. You can pay via cash, check, money order, or credit card. Bring your citation with you so the clerk can properly process your payment.

3. Make Your Speeding Ticket Payment

Once you have your payment ready, you can pay the speeding fine to clear the citation. Make sure to check the speeding ticket to see what the due date is for your fine. Paying after the fine can lead to fines and other negative consequences. Make sure to pay for your speeding ticket on time to avoid further complications. You can receive a receipt for your personal financial records when paying online or in person.

What Are Six Alternative Options For Paying A Speeding Ticket In Tennessee?

Not everyone will have the money available to pay for their speeding ticket right away. If your tight on cash and have a lot of expenses, you may not have the money to pay off your Tennessee speeding ticket before the deadline. However, you may have alternative options for a traffic violation payment that you can pursue to avoid further punishments for your speeding violation.

The following are some options you may want to consider to pay a speeding ticket in Tennessee while you’re short on cash:

1. Request A Reduction

You have the option of asking the judge to lower the cost of your fine if you have evidence that demonstrates that you are unable to pay the amount on the ticket. This requires proof of your earnings showing that you are unable to do so. Bring a paystub along with evidence of your expenses to show why you’re unable to afford your speeding ticket.

If you give the judge an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the violation, they may reduce the fine amount. You are more likely to succeed with this option if you have a clean driving record. Those who haven’t been driving very long or who have multiple previous traffic violations may not be able to use this method.

2. Obtain An Extension

Another option to consider when paying for a speeding ticket in Tennessee is getting an extension. You may want to ask for more time to pay the fine on your ticket if you expect that you won't have the necessary funds to pay the speeding fines by the deadline.

You can call the court to request an extension. Much like mentioned above, those with a significant history of traffic violations likely will not be successful. However, those with a clean driving record that can prove why they cannot pay the cost of fines right away could get a short extension.

3. Payment Plans

Alternatively, payment plans are an option. A traffic citation can become rather costly when all fees and legal expenses are accounted for. Some individuals cannot pay the full sum at once but can make monthly installments. 

In general, payment plans are quite flexible. Therefore, even if you cannot make a payment on time, inform the clerk; you can likely change your payment schedule later. Reach out to the court that issued the citation to see if they have any flexible payment plans available for paying a speeding ticket.

4. Attend Traffic School

Ticketed drivers in Tennessee may also attend traffic school instead of paying a traffic ticket. This option is only available if you committed a noncriminal moving violation. The judge may allow you to attend traffic school instead of paying the whole or a portion of your fine.

Typically, a traffic school is far less expensive than paying a traffic fine. In addition, completing traffic school will typically prevent demerit points from appearing on your driving record and prevent insurance premium hikes.

5. Contesting Your Traffic Ticket

Even if you are convicted of a traffic violation, you may be able to use some defenses to contest the ticket. This may result in the dismissal of the ticket or its reduction to a lesser offense with a penalty you can afford. It may also result in less severe long-term penalties, such as a permanent felony conviction, points on your driving record, and increased vehicle insurance premiums.

You can argue against evidence that shows you were speeding and build a case to show you did not commit the traffic violation you are convicted of. However, this could be difficult if there is definitive proof of traveling above the speed limit.

6. Get A Tennessee Car Title Loan To Pay For Your Traffic Citation

If you cannot afford your ticket and want to avoid further punishment, you can use the value of your car to get a Tennessee title loan. A car title loan allows drivers who own their cars outright to use their lien-free car title to earn between $300 and $2,500 to pay for their speeding ticket.

At Tennessee Title Loans, Inc., we allow borrowers with all credit types to get approved for car title loans. You will need a driver’s license or other state-issued ID, a lien-free car title in your name, and your vehicle for inspection to get approved.

We keep the process simple and easy to allow you to receive fast cash as soon as possible. Start the process online and receive your cash as soon as the same day or the next business day.

Contact Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. For A Car Title Loan Today!

Leaving your speeding ticket unpaid can lead to fines and further infractions. If you don’t have the wiggle room in your monthly budget to pay off a ticket, you should consider some of the options listed above.

Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. is here to help if you need fast cash with our quick car title loan process. Submit your information through our online inquiry form and hear from one of our friendly loan associates over the phone soon to start the title loan process.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.