Tennessee DUI Laws – 1st Offense
First offense results in a driver’s license suspension for 1 year, fines from $350-$1,500, and jail term from 48 hours to 11 months. An Ignition Interlock device will be required if BAC test was refused, there was a passenger under 18 in the vehicle (plus child endangerment penalty), or if BAC was greater than .15%. Court may also order 24 hours of litter pick up and/or an Alcohol Safety DUI program.
Tennessee DUI Laws – 2nd Offense
Second offense results in a driver’s license suspension for 2 years, fines from $600-$3,500, and jail term from 45 days to 1 year. An Ignition Interlock device will be required if BAC test was refused, there was a passenger under 18 in the vehicle (plus child endangerment penalty), or if BAC was greater than .15%. Court may also order 24 hours of litter pick up and/or Drug and Alcohol Assessment. Vehicle may be subject to forfeiture.
Tennessee DUI Laws – 3rd Offense
Third offense results in a driver’s license suspension from 3 to 10 years, fines from $1,100-$10,000, and jail term from 120 days to 1 year. An Ignition Interlock device will be required. If a passenger under 18 was in the vehicle, Child Endangerment penalties will be imposed. Court may also order 24 hours of litter pick up and/or Drug and Alcohol Assessment, plus an Alcohol Safety DUI school program. Vehicle may be subject to forfeiture.
Tennessee DUI Laws – 4th Offense
Fourth offense is considered a Class E Felony and results in a driver’s license suspension from 5 years to life, fines from $3,000-$15,000, and jail term from 150 days to 6 years. An Ignition Interlock device will be required. If a passenger under 18 was in the vehicle, Child Endangerment penalties will be imposed. Court may also order 24 hours of litter pick up and/or Drug and Alcohol Assessment, plus an Alcohol Safety DUI school program. Vehicle may be subject to forfeiture.
Tennessee DUI Laws – Implied Consent Laws
Anyone driving a vehicle in Tennessee has given implied consent to submit to a BAC test. Refusal results in a minimum 1 year license suspension.
Tennessee DUI Laws – “Per se” BAC Level
The per se BAC level in Tennessee is .08% meaning anyone driving a vehicle with a BAC of .o8% or over can be charged with dui regardless of driving performance.
Tennessee DUI Laws – “Zero Tolerance” BAC Level
The zero tolerance BAC level in Tennessee is .o2%. Anyone under the age of 21 driving with a BAC of .02% or greater can be charged with DUI.
Tennessee DUI Laws – “Enhanced Penalty” BAC Level
There are enhanced penalties in Tennessee for a BAC greater than .15%, having a passenger under 18 in the car at time of offense, or for refusan a BAC test.
