How to Fight a Distracted Driving Ticket in Tennessee
If you got a distracted driving ticket in Tennessee, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Fine schedule under TCA §55-8-199 (confirmed from handsfreetn.com): First offense — $50.
How to fight a distracted driving ticket in Tennessee, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the distracted driving charge in Tennessee and review the evidence against you.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your distracted driving citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Fine schedule under TCA §55-8-199 (confirmed from handsfreetn.com): First offense — $50.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Tennessee court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Tennessee Distracted Driving ticket — frequently asked questions
Is Tennessee a hands-free state?
Yes. Tennessee enacted the 'Hands-Free Tennessee' law (TCA §55-8-199), effective July 1, 2019. Drivers are prohibited from holding a cellphone or mobile device with any part of the body while driving. Source: handsfreetn.com.
What is prohibited under Tennessee's hands-free law?
Yes. Tennessee enacted the 'Hands-Free Tennessee' law (TCA §55-8-199), effective July 1, 2019. Drivers are prohibited from holding a cellphone or mobile device with any part of the body while driving. Source: handsfreetn.com.
What are the fines for distracted driving in Tennessee?
Fine schedule under TCA §55-8-199 (confirmed from handsfreetn.com): First offense — $50. Third or subsequent offense (or if a crash results) — $100. In an active work zone with workers present or in a marked school zone with flashers operating — $200.
Can I use GPS while driving in Tennessee?
Hands-free navigation is broadly understood to be permitted under the Hands-Free Tennessee law. You may not hold the device; it should be mounted or voice-activated. Manually typing while driving is prohibited. GPS exemption is not explicitly listed in confirmed sources — verify at TCA §55-8-199.
Are there higher fines in school zones for distracted driving?
Using a handheld device in a marked school zone when school zone flashers are operating results in a $200 fine under TCA §55-8-199. Source: handsfreetn.com.
Do distracted driving tickets add points in Tennessee?
Distracted driving under TCA §55-8-199 is a Class C misdemeanor and counts as a moving violation on driving records. For drivers under 18, a second or subsequent violation results in 7 points under the Eddie Conrad Act (effective January 1, 2024). Source: handsfreetn.com.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.