| Tennessee DUI law is best described as 2 separate | | | | available after 1 year, Jail time 11 months 29 day(s), |
| offenses; the first is driving under the influence and the | | | | Fines up to $3,500, Ignition Interlock required, Possible |
| 2nd is commonly referred to as the Tennessee 'per | | | | vehicle forfeiture. |
| se' law. Tennessee DUI law defines a person as being | | | | Most people arrested in Tennessee for a 2nd offense |
| legally under the influence "per se" if their blood alcohol | | | | have a lot of questions about the ignition interlock |
| level is .08% or higher. This is true even if there is no | | | | device that they are required to have installed on their |
| evidence that the person's ability to drive is actually | | | | vehicle when they are finally allowed to drive again. |
| impaired. | | | | The ignition interlock device (IID) connects the |
| A first offense Tennessee DUI will most likely cost you | | | | automobile's ignition to a breath alcohol analyzer thus |
| your driving privileges, jail time and a mandatory alcohol | | | | preventing the vehicle from starting if the driver's |
| education program. In addition to those 2 punishments | | | | breath submission registers at or above .02%. |
| you'll also have to spend a considerable amount of | | | | In Tennessee an ignition interlock device can be |
| money on: | | | | ordered at the discretion of the court and is |
| Tennesse state fines, Court costs, Vehicle | | | | mandatory if you have had a prior DUI conviction in the |
| impoundment and towing, Lawyer fees, Possible Ignition | | | | last 5 years. You are responsible for the ongoing |
| Interlock Device, DMV fees, SR-22 insurance costs. | | | | maintenance and initial installation of the device. |
| Tennessee's DUI penalties | | | | In summary a Tennessee DUI offense is a serious |
| 1st Offense | | | | matter that can significantly impact your life. You |
| 1 year drivers license revocation, Jail time from 1 day - | | | | should do everything you can to prevent yourself from |
| 11 months 29 days, Fines up to $1,500. | | | | being convicted if possible, at the very least meet with |
| 2nd Offense | | | | a Tennessee DUI lawyer to discuss your options. |
| 2 year drivers license revocation, restricted license | | | | |