Reader’s Question:

My daughter recently got a speeding ticket in the state of Alabama. She is licensed in Clarksville, Tennessee. Can she just go to court and request for driving school to dismiss this ticket?

Moore

Clarksville, TN

According to the Jefferson County traffic court to dismiss a traffic violation that one must first apply to have your case dismissed upon completion of a defensive driving course and payment of court fees. This will permit a person to prevent the accrual of points assessed against an Alabama driver’s license and avoid a court appearance and as a result of the cited violation.

So it seems that it is possible for your daughter to request driving school for her speeding ticket in Alabama but she will need to speak to the court and perhaps the district lawyer to know for certain and get approved. If the speeding ticket is not able to be dismissed with driving school then the Alabama courts will likely tell your home state of Clarksville, Tennessee regarding her speeding violation. According to the Tennessee DPS, if they are informed of out of state moving violation convictions, such as a speeding ticket from AL, the violation will go on your daughter’s Tennessee driving history and points will be assessed.

Reader’s Question:

I received a speeding ticket in VA but I am from Johnson City, Tennessee , what will happen next to my car insurance?

Robert

Johnson City, TN

Because you are from Tennessee, this out of state traffic violation may or may not put points onto your Tennessee license.

Tennessee dropped out of the Drivers License Compact (DLC) in 1997 but the state still share tickets violations back to your home state and other states can still share moving violations to the Tennessee Department of Safety. You will have to contact this state agency to verify if the Virginia speeding ticket is on your driving record.

If the speeding ticket appears your Johnson City, Tennessee driving record, your car insurance rates could be affected depending on your insurance carrier’s rating system. You may contact your insurance company to find out about their rating system or contact your state’s insurance regulator.