Frequently Asked Questions

You may be eligible to keep your traffic ticket off your driving record. You must appear in court and the Judge will make this determination. If you are eligible and you plead guilty, you can attend a driving safety class and/or complete public service in addition to paying court costs in order for your traffic ticket to not go on your driving record.

If you are eligible and the Judge approves you attending the class, you will be provided documentation reflecting when and where to appear for the driving safety class. You must appear for your scheduled class on time and complete the class or your ticket will go on your driving record. If you are unsure of your class date, time, and/or location, contact the Clerk at 615-264-5354. You can also contact the Clerk if you have to reschedule your class date. Note, this must be done prior to your scheduled class date.

If you fail to pay your ticket in full or fail to appear in court on your scheduled court date, you will be found guilty by default, are subject to a fine for failure to appear, and your driver's license can be suspended by the Department of Safety. You may be required to pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Safety. Unpaid citations are subject to all collection efforts as allowed by law.

Yes, you have the right to plead not guilty to the charge(s) pending against you and have your case heard by the City Judge. You must appear on your scheduled court date to plead not guilty. Your case will then be rescheduled to another date to be heard. After a trial, the Judge will decide whether you are innocent or guilty. You have the right to appeal if you are found guilty.