Are you required to pay unmanned speeding tickets? Officials clarify

JACKSON, Tenn. — A speeding citation, received via postal mail, many Tennessee residents have received them.

We spoke to experts and officials to see if they could provide clarification on the citations and what to do if you receive one in the mail.

The tickets come addressed to the registered owner of the vehicle

The document might state to pay the fine to the specific city’s police department photo speed processing center or traffic control safety program.

These are not scams, but, in the state of Tennessee, you are not required to pay these fines.

Tennessee General Assembly passed a law that banned any use of these unmanned cameras for speeding or any kind of photo enforcement because there is not an officer present.

When the law banned using the cameras to enforce citations, there were still contracts in place.

“There were still existing contracts out there and there still are today. They didn’t want to affect that type of commerce so they extended those lives for as long as those contracts are out there,” said Chris Todd, Representative for District 73.

An attorney with more than 40 years of practicing law says private companies initiate this as a way to make money.

“This is strictly an opportunity for these companies that contract with certain cities to create revenue,” said Tim Crocker, Attorney at Crocker Law Firm.

Officials say to avoid the hassle, obey the traffic laws.

“First thing I’d recommend is don’t run red lights and don’t speed. Secondly, if you do get caught in one of these, some of them are very sensitive where it’s just a few miles over the posted speed limit,” said Todd.

Other than creating anxiety, and questions to individuals who receive the tickets, experts say there are no disadvantages to not pay.

“It does not affect your credit. It doesn’t affect your driver’s license points. There are no negative impacts of getting a camera speeding ticket,” said Crocker.

With manned tickets you have a right to confront your accuser so you may be required to attend a court hearing, pay the fee, or be subject to late fees.

Experts say to read and look at the pictures on the ticket to identify if your vehicle was caught by a traffic camera or an officer.

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