Here’s What You Need to Know About Tennessee Felony Traffic Violations
April 1, 2025
What is Considered a Felony Traffic Violation in Tennessee?
Every state has traffic violations that can turn into felonies based on state laws. In Tennessee, a traffic violation can be considered a felony based on aggravating factors (or circumstances that change what is at stake in the violation). These aggravating factors include causing or posing a risk of death or serious harm on anyone other than the defendant (or person committing the traffic violation). Additionally, in Tennessee, repeated offenses for certain traffic violations can be considered felonies. If you’re caught driving operating a vehicle while impaired, your first offense is considered a misdemeanor, but your fourth offense is considered a felony.
In The Article
What are the Classes of Felony Traffic Violations in Tennessee?
There are five felony classes for driving offenses in Tennessee.
Class A felonies can result in up to $50,000 in fines and 15-60 years in prison. An example of a Class A felony is aggravated vehicular assault. This type of offense is considered the most serious felony traffic violation.
Class B felonies can result in up to $25,000 in fines and between eight and 30 years in prison. An example of a Class B felony is vehicular homicide caused by intoxication.
Class C felonies may result in up to $10,000 in fines and three to 15 years in prison. A DUI car accident that results in the death of a child is an example of a Class C felony in Tennessee.
Class D felonies are punishable with a fine up to $5,000 and two to 12 years in prison. Vehicular assault is considered a Class D felony.
Finally, a Class E felony may result in up to a $3,000 fine and between one and six years in prison. An example of a Class E felony is driving while it is prohibited by court order.
Why Are These Offenses Considered Felonies?
Felonies are higher levels of violations, and turning aggravated traffic infractions to felonies shows that there are higher stakes involved in the traffic violation. These “aggravated” incidents can include the presence of a child or preventable measures like driving while intoxicated.
In some circumstances, the act of committing a felony-level traffic violation in Tennessee means that the person is acting with a level of negligence that can be avoided or may even include some level of malice. That’s why it’s so important to create laws that separate felonies from misdemeanors and infractions. While turning right at a red light when signage says “No Turn on Red” can result in a ticket, doing so while under the influence and causing serious harm or death to a pedestrian is an act of negligence beyond the turn itself.
If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, one of the best things you can do is get a personal injury attorney on your side. The experienced team at Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers includes a group of highly trained investigators who can review the evidence of your accident to see how the circumstances and potentially felony-level traffic violations could have been avoided.
What to do if You Get a Traffic Ticket in Tennessee
Tickets are issued for all levels of traffic violations in Tennessee. If you’ve received a traffic ticket you can either pay the ticket or contest the ticket.
If you choose to pay the ticket, you are automatically admitting guilt. This could result in a conviction on your record, which means you will be responsible for any other penalties on the ticket, including points against your record or suspension of your driver’s license. You’ll also waive your right to a court hearing.
You can pay your ticket online, in person, or by mail. In some cities in Tennessee, you can pay over the phone. Visit your county or town website to learn more about paying Tennessee traffic tickets.
If you choose to contest your ticket, you have to call or visit the courthouse in your area to schedule a hearing. The ticket you received should have a deadline on it. You may have to pay a fine or court fees, but if the ticket is dismissed, the court could refund you the total amount of the fines.
It’s essential to drive safely to avoid negligent behavior. These behaviors could cause severe injuries to you, other motorists, and pedestrians. Obeying the rules of the road, driving aware and alert in adverse weather conditions, and avoiding breaking the speed limit are great ways to avoid Tennessee felony traffic violations and keep you and other safe.
