Tennessee DUI Laws (2024 Guide)
September 3, 2024
Table of Contents
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Ferri
Last Updated on:
September 3, 2024
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Tennessee is a serious offense with strict penalties. Understanding the state’s DUI laws is crucial for anyone driving in Tennessee, as even a first-time offense can lead to severe consequences. Below is a comprehensive overview of Tennessee DUI laws, penalties, and what you can expect if you’re charged with a DUI in the state.
What Constitutes A DUI In Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, the limit is 0.02%.
However, a driver can be charged with DUI even if their BAC is below these thresholds if they are impaired to the extent that it affects their ability to drive safely.
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Tennessee's Implied Consent Law
Tennessee has an implied consent law, which means that by driving on Tennessee roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing if law enforcement suspects you of DUI. Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test can result in an automatic license suspension, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of DUI.
- First Refusal: 1-year license suspension
- Second Refusal: 2-year license suspension
- Third or Subsequent Refusal: 2-year license suspension
Penalties for DUI in Tennessee
Tennessee DUI penalties become more severe with each subsequent offense. Here’s a breakdown of the penalties for first, second, third, and subsequent offenses:
First Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum of 48 hours, up to 11 months and 29 days. If BAC is 0.20% or higher, minimum jail time is 7 days.
- Fines: $350 to $1,500
- License Suspension: 1 year
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required at the discretion of the judge
Second Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum of 45 days, up to 11 months and 29 days
- Fines: $600 to $3,500
- License Suspension: 2 years
- IID: Mandatory
Third Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum of 120 days, up to 11 months and 29 days
- Fines: $1,100 to $10,000
- License Suspension: 6 years
- IID: Mandatory
Fourth and Subsequent Offenses:
- Jail Time: Minimum of 150 days, classified as a Class E felony
- Fines: $3,000 to $15,000
- License Suspension: 8 years
- IID: Mandatory
Aggravating Factors
Certain factors can lead to enhanced penalties, even for a first-time offender. These include:
- Having a passenger under 18 years old in the vehicle
- Causing an accident that results in injury or death
- Driving with a BAC of 0.20% or higher
Underage DUI
Drivers under the age of 21 face different penalties under Tennessee’s “Zero Tolerance” law. If caught with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%, they may face:
- Fines up to $250
- License suspension for 1 year
- Community service
If the BAC is 0.08% or higher, they will face the same penalties as adult offenders.
Impact of a DUI Convinction
A DUI conviction in Tennessee can have long-lasting consequences beyond the immediate legal penalties. It can affect employment opportunities, result in higher insurance premiums, and lead to a permanent criminal record. Additionally, Tennessee law requires that DUI convictions remain on your record permanently; they cannot be expunged.
DUI School
In Tennessee, attending a state-approved DUI school is often a mandatory part of the sentencing for individuals convicted of driving under the influence.
The primary goal of DUI school is to educate offenders about the dangers of impaired driving, the legal consequences of a DUI conviction, and the impact that alcohol and drugs have on driving abilities.
Completing DUI school is not just a legal requirement; it also plays a crucial role in the process of regaining your driving privileges. In most cases, you must provide proof of successful completion of the program to the court or the Tennessee Department of Safety before your driver’s license can be reinstated.
Alcohol Treatment
While DUI school focuses on education and prevention, alcohol treatment addresses the underlying issues that may have contributed to the DUI offense. For many individuals, a DUI is a sign of a deeper problem with alcohol use, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to repeated offenses and further complications in life.
Alcohol detox and alcohol rehab programs are designed to help individuals understand and manage their relationship with alcohol. These programs vary in intensity and duration, ranging from outpatient counseling to intensive inpatient rehab.
The goal of alcohol treatment is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and prevent future alcohol-related incidents, including additional DUIs.
Get Help After A DUI Today
Tennessee’s DUI laws are designed to discourage impaired driving and protect the safety of all road users. The penalties for DUI are severe, especially for repeat offenders, and can have significant personal and financial impacts.
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Tennessee, it’s essential to seek legal assistance to navigate the complex legal process.
Music City Detox offers premier rehab programs catering to those in the metro-Nashville area and across the nation. Call us today at 615-695-1009 or verify your insurance.