Tennessee DUI Laws

Drunk driving in the state of Tennessee is no laughing matter. If you get caught driving under the influence of alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana or any other drugs or intoxicants, you will have to spend anywhere from 1 day up to 11 months in jail. Penalties for first offenses do not stop here. You may also lose your driving privileges for 12 months, and you will have to install an interlock device at your own expense. Not only this, but fees could easily add up to at least $5,000.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For minors and commercial vehicle drivers the limits are much lower. Minors are considered drunk if they have a BAC of 0.02% and commercial vehicle drivers are considered legally drunk if they have a BAC of 0.04%. Sentence enhancements exist for all cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of Tennessee what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Tennessee, if you get arrested for DUI, there is no set administrative license suspension period for first offenses. If your license is suspended, it is up to the courts to determine if you are eligible to have your driving privileges restored during any given suspension period as determined by the courts.

In the state of Tennessee, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

In the state of Tennessee, first DUI offenses carry a jail term of no less than 24 hours and no more that 11 months. Fines range from $350-$1,500. In addition, your license will be suspended for at least 12 months and you will have to attend a DUI program at your own expense. Interlock is also a strong possibility – also at your own expense. Second DUI offenses will cost you anywhere from $600-$3,500 and 1 ½ to 11 months in jail. You will lose your license for 24 months, and you will have to attend a DUI program at your own expense. Second offenses are also subject to interlock and vehicle forfeiture.

If you get caught driving under the influence a third time, you can kiss your freedom goodbye for a minimum of 4 months up to 11 months. Mandatory fines range from $1,100 up to $10,000, and you will lose your license for anywhere from 36 months up to 10 whole years. The option to apply for a restricted drivers license will be rescinded and you will forfeit your vehicle. After you have paid all fines, completed your jail term, and your license has been reinstated, you will have install an interlock device on your car at your own expense where it will remain for a period of time to be determined by the courts.

In the state of Tennessee, a fourth drunk driving conviction is a Class E Felony. Jail time is mandatory in felony DUI cases as well as fines ranging from $3,000-$15,000, mandatory 5-year license suspension, vehicle forfeiture, and interlock at your own expense. In felony DUI cases, you cannot apply for a restricted drivers license under any circumstances.