Traffic Citation Information

Information About Your Citation

What Options Do I Have?

A. PAY: Plead Guilty and Pay Fines and Other Fees without having to appear in court. Ensure that your payment is received by the Clerk’s Office BEFORE your court date. Points will be added to your driving record. Please contact the Tennessee Department of Safety with questions concerning points at (866) 849-3548.

B. HEARING: Plead Guilty/Not Guilty in court on your scheduled court appearance. If you wish to plead Not Guilty, the Judge will have a trial and your case will be heard the same day. Don’t pay any fines or court cost prior to your court date.  If found guilty, points will be added to your driving record.

C. If you would like the option of Defensive Driving School, you MUST appear on your scheduled court date. Plead Guilty/Not Guilty. Don’t pay any fines or court cost prior to your court date. The Judge will decide if you’re eligible for Defensive Driving School on your appearance date.

D. If you fail to appear in court and payment is not remitted the day before court by 2:00 P.M., a default judgment will be entered against you, the fine amount will increase, and the Tennessee Department of Safety will be notified to initiate suspension of your driver license.

E. If you are unable to appear on your scheduled court date, you may reschedule ONE TIME by either contacting the Court Clerk at (615) 298-1223.

**NOTE: If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued in any state, you are not eligible to attend Defensive Driving classes per T.C.A. §55-10-301. This applies regardless of the type of vehicle being operated at the time of the violation.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW (T.C.A. 55-12-139-140)
If you were cited for not having proof of insurance in your vehicle, you must provide proof that you had current valid motor vehicle insurance when the citation was issued. If proof is valid and verified by the Court Clerk, the Clerk may dismiss the offense at no cost. If you did not have valid motor vehicle insurance at the time the citation was issued, the Clerk’s office does not have the authority to dismiss the offense. A guilty verdict will be given resulting in the full payment of the fine and verification through the Tennessee Department of Safety.

If you have questions or need additional information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact your local judicial ADA coordinator: Gina Fox at (615) 862-8317.

How to Pay

Payments are accepted Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Acceptable payment methods are cash, money order, check or debit/credit card. Debit/Credit Card payment are accepted in person or online. All Debit/Credit Cards transactions will be charged an additional non-refundable service fee. Mail check or money order:

PAY TO: City of Belle Meade

Attn: Court Clerk

4705 Harding Road

Nashville, TN 37205