TCA 39-16-516
Traffic offense citation quotas – Performance standards
MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal for a public official or employee to create a plan that evaluates, promotes, fires, or pays police officers based only on a set number of traffic citations they must issue. Officials also cannot require or suggest officers issue a certain number of citations. A conviction is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500 (fine only).
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
(a) A public official or public employee shall not establish or maintain, formally or informally, a plan to evaluate, promote, compensate, or discipline a law enforcement officer solely by the issuance of a predetermined or specified number of any type or combination of types of traffic citations. (b) A public official or public employee shall not require or suggest to a law enforcement officer that the law enforcement officer is required or expected to issue a predetermined or specified number of any type or combination of types of traffic citations within a specified period. (c) Nothing in this section prohibits a municipal corporation, a political subdivision, or any agency of this state from establishing performance standards for law enforcement officers that include issuance of traffic citations but do not require issuance of a predetermined or specified number or any type or combination of types of citations as the sole means of meeting the performance standards. (d) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor, subject to fine only. (e) As used in this section: (1) “Public employee” means any person holding a position by appointment or employment in the service of a public employer; (2) “Public employer” means: (A) The state of Tennessee; or (B) A county, city, town, municipality, or any other political subdivision of the state; (3) “Public official” means a person elected to any office or entity of state or local government; and (4) “Traffic offense” means an offense under title 55.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section39-16-516
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500