news.cenet.topHow strict are traffic laws in Tennessee? State ranks among toughest in the U.S., study says

[Desmond Milligan 0]

Tennessee is among the toughest states for traffic enforcement in the United States, according to a new study published by Forbes.

The report, based on research from Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, examined all U.S. states and noted the most common speeding fines, using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and NOLO, a publisher of legal information.

"Tennessee, according to the study, has small fines for speeding, the highest fatal accident rate and strict DUI laws," Forbes wrote. "A license is suspended for one year after the first DUI conviction."

Here's what we know about traffic enforcement in Tennessee.

How much could you pay in Tennessee for speeding?

Speeding tickets in Tennessee are relatively inexpensive, as they are coupled with points that go on your record when a ticket is paid.

Between one and eight points can be added to a driving record for moving traffic violations. All points remain on driving records for two years, and if 12 or more points are received, it will result in the revocation of the driver's license.

How harsh are Tennessee's DUI laws?

In Tennessee, several laws and guidelines are in place for individuals found guilty of driving under the influence. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is responsible for managing public safety and DUI offenses.

A first-time offense can result in a fine ranging from $350 to $1,500. A second offense will result in a mandatory fine of $600 to $3,500. A third offense requires a mandatory fine of $1,100 to $10,000.

Any offenses after a third require a mandatory fine of $3,000 to $15,000 and result in a Class E felony.

A license will be suspended for one year per offense. If a person has two DUI offenses, their license will be suspended for a period of two years.

All DUI offenses of vehicular assault, child endangerment, vehicular homicide, and aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated will result in either a Class D, Class B or Class A felony.

Top ten traffic safety laws in Tennessee

According to the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, these are the top driving laws to be aware of in Tennessee.

1. Open Container Law (TCA 55-10-416)

2. Texting While Driving Law (TCA 55-8-199)

3. Move Over Law (TCA 55-8-132)

4. Seat Belt Law (TCA 55-9-603)

5. Speeding in Construction Zones Law (TCA 55-8-153)

6. Handgun Carry Permit Law (TCA 39-17-1351)

7. Tennessee's DUI Law and Penalties (TCA 55-10-401 and 55-10-403)

8. Maximum Length of Recreational Vehicle Combination Law (TCA 55-7-201)

9. Child Restraint Devices Law (TCA 55-9-602)

10. Motorcycle Helmet Law (TCA 55-9-302)

What states have the strictest traffic laws?

Illinois took the top spot for strictest traffic laws, with fines reaching up to $1,500 for drivers caught going 26–34 mph over the speed limit.

Here are other rankings:

• No. 2: Georgia

• No. 3: Indiana

• No. 4: Vermont

• No. 5: Connecticut

• No. 6: Tennessee

• No. 7: New Jersey

• No. 8: West Virginia and Hawaii

Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Tennessee ranks among most strict for traffic laws, enforcement

View the full article