Tennessee DUI / DWI Laws Overview and Common DUI / DWI Questions
Overview of Tennessee DUI Law Penalties, Fines, Jail Time & Requirements
Implied Consent – Refusal to Submit to Blood Alcohol
- Revocation of Drivers License for 1 year – 1st offense
- Revocation of Drivers License for 2 years – 2nd offense
- Revocation of Drivers License for 2 years if crash resulted in bodily injury (Most Aggravated Drunk Driving Law)
- Revocation of Drivers License for 5 years if crash resulted in a death (Most Aggravated Drunk Driving Law)
Penalties & Fines For First DUI Conviction in Tennessee
- 48 hours up to 11 months, 29 days for offenders in violation of 55-10-401
- .20 BAC or greater minimum jail time 7 consecutive days
- License revocation for 1 year
- You will be ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment program
- Pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss
- $350-$1,500 fine
- With towing, bail, attorney, high risk insurance, court costs, school, and reinstatement fees, your first offense average costs could add up to $4,900
- Judge can order you to install an Ignition Interlock Device at your expense. Minimum first year costs could exceed $1,000.00
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment may be required at the judge’s discretion
Penalties & Fines For Second DUI Conviction in Tennessee
- 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- $600-$3,500 mandatory fine
- License revocation for 2 years/Restricted License available after first year
- Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- You will be ordered to attend an alcohol and drug treatment program
- The judge can order you to install an Ignition Interlock Device at your expense
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
- Pay restitution to any person suffering personal injury or loss
Penalties & Fines For Third DUI Conviction in Tennessee
- 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- $1,100 to $10,000 mandatory fines
- License revocation for 6-10 years/NO restricted license available
- Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Alcohol and drug treatment program
- Judge could order an Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
Penalties & Fines For Fourth & Subsequent DUI Conviction in Tennessee – Class E Felony
- 1 Year (365) days of jail time with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served
- $3,000 to $15,000 mandatory fine
- License revocation for 8 years/NO restricted license available
- Subject to vehicle seizure/forfeiture
- Alcohol and drug treatment program
- Judge could order an Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense
- If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense
Tennessee DUI Laws Apply To All Counties in Tennessee
- Anderson
- Bedford
- Benton
- Bledsoe
- Blount
- Bradley
- Campbell
- Cannon
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cheatham
- Chester
- Claiborne
- Clay
- Cocke
- Coffee
- Crockett
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Decatur
- DeKalb
- Dickson
- Dyer
- Fayette
- Fentress
- Franklin
- Gibson
- Giles
- Grainger
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamblen
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Loudon
- Macon
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Maury
- McMinn
- McNairy
- Meigs
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Moore
- Morgan
- Obion
- Overton
- Perry
- Pickett
- Polk
- Putnam
- Rhea
- Roane
- Robertson
- Rutherford
- Scott
- Sequatchie
- Sevier
- Shelby
- Smith
- Stewart
- Sullivan
- Sumner
- Tipton
- Trousdale
- Unicoi
- Union
- Van Buren
- Warren
- Washington
- Wayne
- Weakley
- White
- Williamson
- Wilson