Tennessee DUI Laws and Penalties
Explained
Being arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee requires detailed knowledge of the state's DUI laws and penalties to properly navigate your legal situation.
Tennessee DUI laws are tough, with significant consequences for those found guilty, including monetary fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. This resource offers a complete analysis of DUI penalties in Tennessee to keep you informed and ready.
An Overview of Tennessee DUI Laws
Tennessee DUI laws are regulated by TCA § 55-10-401, which makes it unlawful to operate or have actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The state imposes severe penalties for DUI violations, with consequences that grow significantly for repeat violators.
Under Tennessee law, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances represents one offense, established by impairment of normal abilities or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or above.
Tennessee operates under an "implied consent" law, which means that by operating a vehicle on Tennessee roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to testing leads to automatic license suspension and can be used as evidence against you in court.
An Overview of Tennessee DUI Penalties
Under Tennessee law (TCA § 55-10-401), DUI penalties can include substantial fines, potential jail time, license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device, with the severity depending on your history and specific circumstances.
These consequences can have a lasting impact on your driving privileges, employment opportunities, and financial well-being. Whether you're seeking general information or facing DUI charges, it's crucial to understand Tennessee's strict laws and the escalating penalties that accompany each offense.
Specific Penalties for a DUI in Tennessee
Tennessee DUI Fine Schedule
In Tennessee, DUI fines increase with each conviction. The penalties become more severe if your blood alcohol level is 0.20 or above or if a child was in the vehicle during the arrest. These circumstances are considered particularly hazardous.
The state uses monetary penalties to emphasize the gravity of impaired driving. Repeat offenders face substantially increased fines as a way to discourage patterns of risky behavior and protect public safety.
First Conviction
Second Conviction
Fourth+ Conviction
Tennessee Imprisonment Terms
Tennessee imposes harsher jail sentences for each DUI conviction. A first offense may result in up to 11 months and 29 days of jail time, but higher blood alcohol levels or aggravating factors can increase that penalty.
Repeat offenses lead to mandatory minimum jail stays that increase significantly. The law also requires certain jail time to be served in consecutive days to ensure the offender cannot easily circumvent the sentence.
First Conviction
- 48 hours to 11 months imprisonment
- Enhanced penalties for high BAC
Second Conviction
- 45 days to 11 months imprisonment
- Enhanced penalties for repeat offense
Third Conviction
- 120 days to 11 months imprisonment
- Felony charges possible
Fourth+ Conviction
- Felony: 150 days to 6 years imprisonment
- Habitual offender classification possible
Tennessee Vehicle Impoundment/Immobilization
Tennessee law may require the offender's vehicle to be impounded after certain DUI convictions. The duration depends on the specific circumstances and prior offenses.
This penalty serves as a deterrent by limiting the offender's immediate ability to drive again. Vehicle impoundment periods increase with repeat offenses, providing additional consequences beyond fines and jail time.
Unless the family has no other transportation:
Tennessee Driver License Revocation Periods
Losing your driver's license in Tennessee after a DUI is standard, and the duration depends on the specifics of the offense. First offenses typically result in a suspension that lasts 1 year, but that time increases significantly for repeat offenses.
Multiple offenses lead to much longer suspensions. After multiple convictions, the state can suspend your license for extended periods. In some cases, you may apply for limited driving privileges after serving a minimum period, but this requires meeting strict conditions.
First Offense
- • 1 year suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 1 year suspension
Second Offense
- • 2 years suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 2 years suspension
Third Offense
- • 6 years suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 6 years suspension
Fourth+ Offense
- • 8 years to lifetime revocation
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: Lifetime revocation
Serious DUI Offenses in Tennessee
Tennessee treats DUI-related fatalities as serious felonies. DUI causing death can carry severe prison sentences and substantial fines. If the driver flees the scene, the charge becomes even more serious.
Vehicular homicide follows a similar pattern. These cases demonstrate how Tennessee distinguishes common DUI charges from those involving loss of life. The legal consequences reflect the permanent damage caused by one reckless decision.
DUI Manslaughter
- Second degree felony
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Vehicular Homicide
- Second degree felony
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Tennessee Ignition Interlock Law and Device Guidelines
Tennessee law mandates ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions. The requirements are mandatory and cannot be waived by the court. First-time offenders must install an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 1 year after regaining driving privileges.
Repeat offenders face mandatory ignition interlock requirements that increase substantially with each conviction - from 2 years for a second offense up to 6 years for multiple convictions. The device must be installed by a state-approved provider and requires regular maintenance and monitoring.
All costs associated with the ignition interlock device, including installation, monthly monitoring fees, and removal, are the responsibility of the offender. Tampering with or circumventing the device constitutes a separate criminal offense.
For complete statutory language and the most current information, please refer to:
TCA § 55-10-401Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
About Low Cost Interlock
Low Cost Interlock is a premiere provider of ignition interlock devices in Tennessee. Our ignition interlock services are designed to make the ignition interlock program easy and convenient for you, ensuring that you complete your interlock obligations without hassle. Our system has been tested to ensure reliability in an affordable, easy-to-use design.
