You Just Got a Speeding Ticket in Memphis — Now What?
You saw the blue lights in your mirror. Now you're holding a piece of paper that could cost you money — and possibly more if you're not careful.
Here's the good news: you have options. Most people don't know that fighting a speeding ticket in Memphis is easier than you think — and often worth it.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why Fighting a Ticket Is Usually Worth It
Let's break down what's actually at stake.
A speeding ticket in Memphis costs $50 to $200+ depending on how fast you were going. But that's just the fine. The other costs depend on your situation:
Insurance: A speeding ticket can raise your insurance rates — some studies show increases of 20-30% for drivers whose insurers catch the violation. But here's the thing: not all insurers check your record at every renewal, and many only look at the past 3 years. Whether your rates go up depends on your insurer, your history, and sometimes just luck.
Points on your license: Tennessee uses a point system to track violations. A speeding ticket adds 1 to 8 points depending on your speed. But here's the key: you need to accumulate 12 points within 12 months before your license gets suspended. A single ticket usually won't get you there. It's when violations stack up that points become a real problem.
Tennessee Speeding Points Breakdown
| Speed Over Limit | Points |
|---|---|
| 1-5 mph | 1 point |
| 6-15 mph | 3 points |
| 16-25 mph | 4 points |
| 26-35 mph | 5 points |
| 36-45 mph | 6 points |
| 46+ mph | 8 points |
The real calculation: If you have a clean record and get a single moderate speeding ticket, paying it might not be the end of the world. But if you already have points, if you're a CDL holder, or if you want to keep your record completely clean — fighting it makes a lot more sense.
Your Three Options After Getting a Speeding Ticket
Option 1: Pay the Fine
This is what the court hopes you'll do. Go online, enter your citation number, pay, done.
But paying the fine is the same as pleading guilty. You get the points on your record. Whether your insurance company notices depends on them — but the conviction is there if they look.
Option 2: Go to Court Yourself
You can show up at Shelby County Traffic Court and fight it yourself. Here's what that looks like:
- Take time off work (court starts at 9 AM)
- Wait in line at 201 Poplar
- Wait for your case to be called (could be hours)
- Present your defense to the judge
- Hope for the best
If you know what you're doing, this can work. But most people don't, and the experience is frustrating enough that they never want to do it again.
Option 3: Hire an Attorney
An attorney can appear in court for you. You don't miss work. You don't wait in line. They know the prosecutors, they know the judges, and they know what arguments actually work.
For a standard speeding ticket in Memphis, most attorneys charge $100 to $250 flat fee. If you value your time and want the best shot at a clean outcome, this is usually the way to go.
How Traffic Court Actually Works in Memphis
Shelby County Traffic Court is at 201 Poplar Avenue in downtown Memphis. Court sessions happen Monday through Friday.
Here's what happens:
- Check-in: You arrive, go through security, find the right courtroom
- Wait: Cases are called in order. You might wait 30 minutes or 3 hours.
- Negotiation: Many cases get resolved before seeing the judge. Prosecutors may offer reduced charges.
- Hearing: If you don't take a deal, you present your case to the judge
- Verdict: The judge decides — dismissed, reduced, or guilty as charged
The key insight: prosecutors are busy. They have hundreds of cases. They often prefer a quick negotiated resolution over a contested hearing. This is where having an attorney helps.
What Actually Gets Tickets Dismissed
Not every defense works. Here's what actually makes a difference:
Defenses That Work
Calibration issues: Speed detection equipment must be calibrated regularly. If the officer can't prove the radar or LIDAR was properly calibrated, the evidence is questionable.
Clear driving record: First-time offenders often get more leniency. Judges and prosecutors consider your history.
Speed differential questions: How much over the limit? 5 mph over is treated very differently than 25 over.
Procedural errors: Was the ticket filled out correctly? Did the officer follow proper protocol? Small mistakes can matter.
Circumstances: Construction zones, unclear speed limit signs, speedometer issues — context matters.
Defenses That Don't Work
- "Everyone else was speeding too"
- "I didn't see the speed limit sign"
- "I was late for work"
- "The cop was rude"
Judges have heard it all. Stick to factual defenses.
The Safe Task Force Factor
If you got your ticket from the Memphis Safe Task Force operation, you're not alone. They're conducting 700 to 800 traffic stops per day across Shelby County.
Task force stops work the same as regular traffic stops legally. But the volume means the court system is flooded with cases. This can work in your favor — overloaded prosecutors are more likely to negotiate.
Common Outcomes
Dismissal: The best result. No fine, no points, no record.
Reduced to non-moving violation: Still a fine, but no points on your license. Insurance companies typically don't care about non-moving violations. This is often the negotiated outcome.
Traffic school: Some judges offer this option. Complete a defensive driving course, and the ticket gets dismissed. Not available for all violations.
Guilty as charged: You pay the full fine and get the points. This is what you're trying to avoid.
Cost Comparison
| Approach | Direct Cost | Time Cost | Points | Insurance Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay the ticket | $50-200 | 5 minutes | Yes | May increase |
| Go yourself | $0 | Half day or more | Maybe | Depends on outcome |
| Hire attorney | $100-250 | None | Usually none | Usually none |
When You Absolutely Need an Attorney
Some situations require professional help:
- CDL holders: A single ticket can affect your career
- Multiple violations: Already have points on your record
- Reckless driving charge: This is a misdemeanor, not just a ticket
- Accident involved: Higher stakes, more complex
- Suspended license: You need legal representation
The Bottom Line
A speeding ticket is annoying, but it's not the end of the world — especially if it's your first one. Tennessee's point system is designed to flag repeat offenders, not punish every minor violation harshly.
That said, fighting the ticket gives you the chance to keep your record clean. And a clean record means one less thing to worry about down the road — whether that's your next traffic stop, your insurance renewal, or a job that checks your driving history.
Don't just pay it without considering your options.
How TaskForce Tickets Can Help
At TaskForce Tickets, we handle Memphis and Shelby County traffic tickets for a flat $100 fee. We go to court so you don't have to. If we can't get it dismissed or reduced, you get your money back.
Ready to fight your Memphis speeding ticket? Submit your ticket now and let us handle the rest.
TaskForce Tickets is not a law firm. We connect you with licensed Tennessee attorneys who specialize in traffic defense. Results may vary. Court costs and fines are not included in our service fee.