Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Violation

Q: What type of evidence is obtained when one of the red light cameras takes my picture for running a red light?
A: Two types of evidence are obtained. First, a series of still shots are taken which show the license plates of the car and the occupants of the vehicle. Second, a 12 second video is taken, showing approximately 6 seconds before and 6 seconds after running the red light. Click here to see an example of the video. You may view your red light video prior to going to court. Your original notice will have a phone number to call to arrange an appointment.

Q: Speeding is a major problem on my street. How can I get assistance from the Traffic Division?
A: Speeding is a major cause of accidents and one the primary areas of concern for all traffic personnel. Whenever possible, streets that receive a notable number of complaints receive immediate attention. This may be through simple radar enforcement, use of the Radar Trailer or by teams of officers working together to reduce a particular problem. All of this takes a significant number of man-hours per day and is dependant on staffing and the specific problem being addressed. A chart is maintained that logs in specific complaints. Each area is given attention, depending availability of officers and the number of hours needed to address the problem.

Q: What is the difference between a Motorcycle Officer and a Traffic Officer who drives a car?
A: Motorcycle Officers normally specialize in traffic enforcement via radar as well as target specific problem areas of the city where collisions occur. Their ability to maneuver easily makes them ideal for this purpose. They also work special events, where space and rapid response is critical.

A Traffic Officer assigned to a car also works traffic enforcement, but spends the majority of his time as an investigator of collisions. Such officers also work Hit & Run collisions, as well as more serious accident scenes.

Q: I received a Parking Ticket, yet my neighbors car did not for the same violation. Why did this occur?
A: Parking enforcement is a major task for the Traffic Division and can be overwhelming in the sheer number of violators. The reason a particular vehicle is cited and another by-passed can be due to a number of factors. These include: Number of complaints on a selected vehicle, limitation of time on behalf of the citing officer, previous markings by an officer on a particular problem vehicle, vehicles selected by priority in terms of the seriousness of the violation and finally, the officer was called away prior to completing all of the tasks on that specific street.

It is always best that, if you have a concern or question as to citation, call the officer in question and ask them your question. This insures you have the proper answer as to why a particular action was taken.

Q: My vehicle was impounded for 30 days. In the past, I had a vehicle impounded for only 24 hours. Why the difference?
A: The most common reason a vehicle is impounded for 30 days is a Driver's License violation.

Additional reasons for 30 day impounds include Reckless Driving or Drag Racing.

Examples of a 24 Hour Impounds are: Expired registration tags over {6} months, select parking violations, expired drivers license over {30} days, as well as drivers arrested for a criminal offense while in possession of the vehicle.

Examples of 30 Day Impounds are: Suspended or Revoked drivers license with prior offenses, engaging in a Speed Contest {Drag Racing}, no Driver's License issued with prior contacts for same offense {Never had a driver's license issued during lifetime} as well as vehicles impounded as evidence during a criminal investigation {Hit & Run, for example}.

There are many other reasons for impounding a vehicle, but these are among the most common. If you have questions, it is always best to ask the officer at the time of impound as to the reason for the seizure.

What is a "continuance" and how do I request one?
A continuance is the moving of a trial date to a later date. The prosecution or the defense may request a continuance for any of several reasons. Work conflicts, school schedules, health problems, vacations and the need for more preparation time are all acceptable reasons for requesting a continuance.

Contact our Tennessee Traffic Violation Lawyer Now!

	Did You Know?
	A driver can be disqualified for one year for a first time conviction of the following offenses while operating a commercial vehicle. Penalties can include: Driving under the influence of alcohol or any drugs; Driving with an alcohol concentration of .04 or more; Leaving the scene of an accident; Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony; or Refusing to take a blood alcohol test. If convicted of any of the above while operating a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials, the disqualification increases to three years.