Traffic Violations & CDL Defense in Tennessee

Nashville Traffic & CDL Defense Lawyers

For many otherwise law-abiding people, a traffic stop is the first—and sometimes only—contact they ever have with law enforcement. But even a “simple ticket” can have serious consequences: higher insurance premiums, points on your license, possible suspension, and for commercial drivers, the loss of a career.

At Freeman & Fuson, attorneys Mark Freeman and Joseph Fuson defend drivers across Middle Tennessee who are facing traffic violations in General Sessions and Traffic Court. We handle everything from basic speeding tickets under T.C.A. § 55-8-152 to reckless driving charges under T.C.A. § 55-10-205, as well as CDL-related violations and serious accident-related offenses. Our work is heavily focused on commercial drivers, but non-CDL drivers can also benefit from experienced legal help. We take the time to discuss the stop, the alleged violation, how it affects your driving record and livelihood, and what defenses or options are available.

Woman in car looking surprised, gesturing with hands; person in orange vest outside car. Traffic Violations / CDL in Nashville, Tennessee

Why You Shouldn’t Just “Pay the Ticket”

Many people think the best way to deal with a ticket is to pay it and move on. That can be a costly mistake.

Pleading guilty or paying a ticket can lead to:

  • Points on your Tennessee driving record
  • License suspension if you accumulate too many points
  • Increased insurance premiums
  • CDL disqualification or serious job consequences for commercial drivers
  • Difficulty with background checks or employment that requires driving

For example, a guilty plea to reckless driving under T.C.A. § 55-10-205 or leaving the scene of an accident under T.C.A. §§ 55-10-101–102 can add substantial points and trigger serious collateral consequences. In some counties, a lawyer can appear on your behalf and handle the ticket without you ever going to court. In others, your presence is required. Either way, our goal is to protect your record, reduce the impact of the ticket, or get the violation dismissed whenever possible.

Tennessee Traffic Court: What to Expect

Most traffic violations in Tennessee are handled in General Sessions Court or a dedicated traffic docket. Each county—and sometimes each judge—handles these cases differently:

  • Some courts allow attorneys to appear without the driver, especially for non-CDL tickets.
  • Others require the driver to appear in person.
  • Some judges are willing to reduce or dismiss tickets based on driving history or proof of corrective action (repairing equipment, taking a class, etc.).

We regularly travel throughout Middle Tennessee to defend traffic cases. We prepare each case as if it might go to trial, then evaluate whether negotiation, diversion, or trial offers the best outcome. We will only recommend a settlement or plea if it is truly in your best interest.

If a violation is dismissed, it will not affect your driving record. For non-CDL drivers, even when a ticket cannot be dismissed outright, traffic school and other options may keep points off your record. For CDL drivers, the stakes are higher and the options are more limited—which is why having a lawyer is especially important.

Tennessee Traffic Violation Point System

Tennessee uses a point system through the Department of Safety to track moving violations. Each conviction for a traffic offense—whether it’s speeding under T.C.A. § 55-8-152, reckless driving under T.C.A. § 55-10-205, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle under T.C.A. § 55-8-132, or leaving the scene of an accident under T.C.A. §§ 55-10-101–102—carries a certain number of points.

If the Tennessee Department of Safety determines that you have accumulated 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your driver’s license may be suspended.

Key points about the system:

  • Minor speeding tickets (1–5 mph over the limit) can still add points.
  • Higher speeds (especially 16 mph or more over the limit) carry more points.
  • Serious violations like reckless driving, reckless endangerment by vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and failing to yield to emergency vehicles carry significantly higher point values.
  • Accidents where you are found to have contributed to property damage, bodily injury, or death can also add points to your record.

Drivers are entitled to a hearing if the Department of Safety proposes to suspend their license, and having an attorney who understands the point system—and how to challenge the underlying tickets—can be the difference between keeping and losing your license.

Traffic School & Non-CDL Drivers

For many non-CDL drivers, one of the most effective tools to protect a driving record is traffic school.

In general:

Black handcuffs.

If you have not been convicted of a traffic ticket in the previous two (2) years, you may be eligible for traffic school.

Black handcuffs icon on white background.

Completing traffic school can result in the ticket being treated in a way that keeps it from harming your driving record.

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Courts vary in how they offer or accept traffic school; some judges will require proof of completion by a certain date.

Multiple stop signs, blurred urban background. Traffic Violations / CDL in Nashville, Tennessee

Why CDL Drivers Need a Lawyer

For drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), traffic tickets are far more than a minor inconvenience. Your CDL is your livelihood, and the law treats commercial drivers differently under both Tennessee statutes and federal law.

Important differences for CDL holders:

  • CDL drivers cannot use traffic school to avoid points.
  • CDL tickets generally cannot be expunged from your record.
  • Certain violations—especially excessive speeding under T.C.A. § 55-8-152, reckless driving under T.C.A. § 55-10-205, following too closely, improper lane change, or railroad-crossing violations under T.C.A. §§ 55-8-149 and 55-8-151—can lead to serious CDL consequences, including disqualification.
  • CDL disqualification and related consequences are governed in part by T.C.A. § 55-50-405 and related CDL provisions, along with federal CDL regulations.

Because the consequences are so severe, CDL drivers should never simply pay a ticket and hope for the best.

We regularly represent commercial drivers in Tennessee courts, working to:

  • Get tickets dismissed when possible
  • Seek reductions to non-moving or less serious violations
  • Minimize points and protect the CDL
  • Challenge the basis for the stop and the officer’s observations
  • Take cases to trial when necessary to protect the driver’s career

If you drive for a living, one bad ticket can put your job at risk. Having a lawyer who understands both Tennessee traffic law and CDL consequences is critical.

Why Choose Freeman & Fuson for DUI Defense?

We defend drivers against a wide variety of traffic charges, including:

A car being stopped by a police officer holding a tablet.

Speeding (standard and construction zones) – often charged under T.C.A. § 55-8-152

A car being stopped by a police officer holding a tablet.

Reckless driving and careless driving – including T.C.A. § 55-10-205

A police officer checks a driver's ID next to a car.

Failure to obey traffic control devices or signs – T.C.A. § 55-8-109 and related rules

Car being inspected by a police officer.

Improper passing or lane changes

Police officer checking documents at a car window.

Following too closely

A police officer checking a car's documents.

Failure to yield right-of-way

A car is stopped, and a police officer is checking a device.

Failure to signal

A police officer checks a driver's ID at a car.

Leaving the scene of an accident (property damage only) – T.C.A. §§ 55-10-101–102

A police officer at a car window, holding a document.

Failure to report an accident – T.C.A. § 55-10-105

A person in a police uniform checking a driver's ID next to a car.

Failure to yield to emergency vehicles – T.C.A. § 55-8-132

Police officer examining a document from a car.

Railroad crossing violations – including T.C.A. §§ 55-8-149 and 55-8-151

A person in a police uniform checks a vehicle.

Driving while license canceled, suspended, or revoked – T.C.A. § 55-50-504

A police officer checks a driver's ID next to a car.

Violations specific to commercial vehicles, including excessive speeding, improper lane changes, improper passing, and hazardous materials / construction zone violations

Every ticket carries risk. We evaluate each case individually to determine whether to challenge the officer’s observations, question the traffic stop, contest the speed determination, or negotiate a resolution that protects your record.

Why Hire Freeman & Fuson for a Traffic or CDL Case?

  • Experience Across Middle Tennessee

    We regularly appear in General Sessions and traffic courts across the region and understand how different judges and prosecutors handle these cases.

  • CDL-Focused Defense

    We know how critical your CDL is and tailor our strategy to protect your ability to work.

  • Trial Readiness

    We prepare each case for trial. This preparation often leads to better negotiations, and we are ready to try your case when necessary.

  • Personal Attention

    We take the time to review your driving history, the facts of your stop, and the impact on your job and insurance.

Talk to a Nashville Traffic & CDL Defense Lawyer Today

Don’t let a traffic ticket—or a CDL violation—define your future. Call Freeman & Fuson at (615) 298-7272 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We’ll move quickly to analyze the stop, challenge the citation, protect your driving record, and pursue the strongest path to safeguard your license and livelihood.