East Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Millions of people travel each year to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and the surrounding areas to enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation. But many visitors are surprised to learn that citations issued inside the park are not handled like those in nearby cities or counties.
If you receive a speeding ticket, DUI charge, or other citation from a National Park Ranger, your case will likely be handled in federal court, not Sevier County or the local city court. At Champagne Law Firm, we represent both visitors and locals who find themselves facing federal citations from their time in the park.
How Park Citations Differ from Local Citations
When you’re driving through Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, a traffic stop typically results in a ticket that is handled in the municipal or county court system. However, once you cross into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are on federal land. That means:
- Citations are Federal Offenses – Issued under the Code of Federal Regulations or other federal law.
- Court is in Federal Jurisdiction – Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, not in a local traffic court.
- Federal Penalties May Apply – Fines, probation, or even jail time can result depending on the offense.
- Federal Prosecutors Handle the Case – Assistant U.S. Attorneys, not local district attorneys, represent the government.
Common Federal Citations in the Smokies
Park Rangers have authority to stop vehicles, investigate violations, and issue citations. Some of the most common include:
- Speeding Citations – With winding roads like Newfound Gap Road, The Spur and Little River Road, speeding tickets are common. Even minor violations are treated as federal offenses inside the park.
- DUI Charges – Operating a vehicle under the influence in the park carries serious consequences. A federal DUI can result in jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges.
- Reckless Driving & Unsafe Operation – Driving too fast for conditions, weaving through traffic, or creating hazards for wildlife or pedestrians.
- Alcohol & Drug Violations – Open container violations or possession of controlled substances are handled under federal law.
- Other Infractions – Disorderly conduct, illegal camping, and wildlife violations can also lead to citations or arrests.
Why This Matters for Visitors
Many visitors assume that a ticket in the Smokies is like a ticket in downtown Gatlinburg. The truth is, federal citations can carry much greater consequences and must be handled carefully. Ignoring a citation can result in additional fines, a warrant, and complications if you live out of state.
If you’re visiting the area on vacation, your case may still require a court appearance in the federal courthouse in Knoxville or Greeneville.
How Champagne Law Firm Can Help
At Champagne Law Firm, we assist locals and visitors alike who have received citations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our legal team can:
- Explain the federal court process and what to expect.
- Negotiate with federal prosecutors to minimize fines and penalties.
- Represent you in court, often without requiring you to travel back to Tennessee for minor infractions.
- Defend against serious charges like DUI that carry lasting consequences.
Attorney Kelly Champagne-Deutekom brings litigation experience and a deep knowledge of East Tennessee courts, including the unique federal rules that apply inside the national park.
Final Thoughts
While Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville may feel like vacation towns with local police and city courts, the moment you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re under federal jurisdiction. Citations from Park Rangers are handled very differently than those issued by local police—and the stakes can be higher.
Contact Champagne Law Firm today if you’ve received a federal citation while visiting the Smokies. We proudly serve clients across Middle and East Tennessee with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville. We represent both residents and visitors facing charges. Call us at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
