The Tennessee Driver Education Course is available for ticket dismissal if you have a minor, non-criminal moving violation, but final eligibility is always determined by the court listed on your citation.
If you received a traffic citation in Tennessee, you may be able to use the Tennessee Driver Education Course for ticket dismissal. However, not every violation is eligible. The court decides if your specific violation qualifies, so checking with them is essential.
Violations That Commonly Qualify for the Tennessee Driver Education Course
Courts in Tennessee often allow ticket dismissal through the Tennessee Driver Education Course for minor, non-criminal moving violations. Examples include:
- Moderate speeding (not excessive)
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Following too closely
- Improper lane change
- Failure to yield
- Other minor moving violations listed under Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) chapters 8, 9, and parts 1–5 of Chapter 10
Eligibility is always at the court’s discretion. Always confirm with your court before enrolling.
Violations That Do Not Qualify
Certain violations are generally not eligible for ticket dismissal through the Tennessee Driver Education Course:
- Reckless driving (such as driving 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit)
- DUI or DWI (alcohol or drug-related offenses)
- Criminal traffic charges (misdemeanors or felonies)
- Parking violations (explicitly excluded by T.C.A. § 55-10-301)
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, regardless of vehicle type
For more details on eligibility rules, see the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s traffic school information page: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security traffic school page.
How to Confirm If Your Violation Qualifies
You must contact the court listed on your citation to confirm if your violation qualifies for ticket dismissal through the Tennessee Driver Education Course. Provide the specific charge when you call or visit the court. Only the court can decide if you are eligible to use traffic school for your case.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligible violations | Minor, non-criminal moving violations |
| Decision maker | The court listed on your citation |
| Reckless driving | Generally not eligible |
| DUI / DWI | Not eligible |
| Parking violations | Explicitly excluded by T.C.A. § 55-10-301 |
| CDL holders | Excluded for all violations |
| What to do | Contact your court before enrolling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a speeding ticket be dismissed by taking the Tennessee Driver Education Course?
Standard speeding tickets often qualify, but eligibility depends on how far over the speed limit you were and your court’s policy. Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit is usually considered reckless driving and does not qualify.
If I have multiple violations, can I use the Tennessee Driver Education Course for all of them?
Yes, if any charge on your citation is a criminal offense, the court may deny the option to use the Tennessee Driver Education Course for ticket dismissal. Always check with your court.
Can CDL holders use the Tennessee Driver Education Course to dismiss a ticket?
No, commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are excluded from using the Tennessee Driver Education Course for ticket dismissal, regardless of the vehicle driven during the violation.
Can I dismiss a parking ticket by taking the Tennessee Driver Education Course?
No, parking violations are explicitly excluded from eligibility by Tennessee law and cannot be dismissed through the Tennessee Driver Education Course.
Who decides if my violation qualifies for ticket dismissal?
The court listed on your citation makes the final decision about your eligibility for ticket dismissal through the Tennessee Driver Education Course.
What should I do before enrolling in the Tennessee Driver Education Course?
Contact the court listed on your citation to confirm your eligibility before enrolling in the Tennessee Driver Education Course.
If I was not a CDL holder at the time of my violation but have one now, am I excluded?
The exclusion applies to the license class you held at the time of the violation. Contact your court for clarification on how they apply this rule.