Tennessee Requirements
Tennessee uses criminal and administrative penalties to punish offenders who are convicted of DUI. This guide will explain the interlock process in Tennessee.
The TN Ignition Interlock Program
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level in Tennessee is .08 percent, so any offender found with that level or above risks a conviction and penalties that include their driver’s license being revoked for a year. Some drivers may be eligible to regain their driving privileges with a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device (IID).
Tennessee offers the option of getting a restricted license to offenders if they install an ignition interlock device. This allows offenders to drive as long as they use the device, preventing them from offending again.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in Tennessee?
First DUI Offense
- License revoked up to one year
- As a mandatory condition of bail, offenders are only allowed to drive vehicles with an IID installed if their offense caused property damage, a minor was present, they have previously had their license suspended for a similar offense, they have a prior conviction of DUI or intoxicated driving
- Offenders must submit proof of their interlock device installation within 10 days of their release on bail - if the court does not require one, the court must include a written finding on why the requirement would not be in the best interest of justice and public safety
- If the offender installs their IID within 10 days of the court order, they will receive credit from the date of installation that will count toward their 365 day requirement
- 48 hours to 11 months in jail (seven days for BAC > .20 percent)
- Up to $1,500 in fines
- May be required to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Note: nonresidents and offenders who are unable to produce enough breath for a sample can apply for a waiver in their home state. If they move to TN during the IID usage period, they will have to comply with TN law.
Second DUI Offense
- 45 days to maximum of 11 months, 29 days in jail
- Up to $3,500 fine
- License revoked for two years
- Must install IID to regain driving privileges
- If all requirements for license reinstatement are followed, including IID use during the period of license revocation, no additional IID term is required. If they are not followed, and the second offense is within five years, an IID is required for six months after license is reinstated
- Must use IID for 365 days or for the entire period of license revocation, whichever is longer. If the offender doesn’t apply for a restricted license after their revocation period, they will still need to complete a 365 day IID usage term (they cannot simply wait out the term)
Third DUI Offense
- 120 days to maximum of 11 months, 29 days in jail
- Up to $10,000 fine
- License suspended for six years
- Can regain driving privileges with an IID, which will be required for six months after reinstatement if driver was convicted twice in five years
Tennessee has recently made some changes to their interlock policy and penalties for DUI. As of January 1, 2023, the interlock policy is compliance-based, meaning that offenders found to be tampering with, circumventing, or removing their IID can have their interlock usage term extended by 120 days. If an offender operates a vehicle without an IID, fails to report a broken IID or get it repaired, or misses a calibration, monitoring or inspection appointment, their IID usage term will restart and they will be required to serve 365 days from that date.
What Happens if I Refuse a BAC Test in Tennessee?
Refusing to take a breathalyzer test does not absolve offenders from penalties. This offense carries its own penalties.
Penalties include:
- First offense: Drivers license revoked for one year
- Second offense: Drivers license revoked for two years
- Caused injury: If a crash causes bodily injury, the license is revoked for two years
- Caused death: If the crash resulted in a fatality, the license is revoked for five years
Taking the test is generally a better option for all, especially for repeat offenders. People stopped for suspicion of DUI a second time who refuse the test a second time in five years may have driving privileges revoked for three years.
How Do I Get a Restricted License in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows offenders to get back on the road as long as they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. They also must meet other criteria, including:
- Get an order certified and signed by the judge in the court where their case is heard, or a court in their county
- Obtain and show proof of SR-22 insurance coverage
- Pay the relevant fees, including a $65 license fee and $2 application fee
- Bring the original and copy of the certified Court Order to a Driver Services Center within 10 days of the order, plus any other required documentation.
- Install an IID with an approved provider, and obtain a certificate to show Driver Services Center
There may be limitations placed on the restricted license depending on the circumstances of the incident, but the court can clarify.
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The Process: What to Expect
1. Consult with Legal Counsel
2. Get an Assessment
4. Schedule interlock install
3. Obtain proof of SR-22 insurance
5. Regular monitoring
6. Device removal
Interlock Cost Tennessee
Find an Install Location Near You
Expert DUI Attorneys in Tennessee
Alan Beard & Associates
Chattanooga, TN 37411
Law Office of Aaron M. Kimsey
Sevierville, TN 37862
Law Office of Amanda Gentry
Nashville, TN 37215
Oberman & Rice
Knoxville, TN 37902
Tennessee FAQs
An ignition interlock device is a mobile breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent driving while intoxicated. It is made up a handheld unit that is attached to your vehicles ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before starting your car. For more information see our what is an interlock page.
To view Tennessee IID requirements, please visit the Tennessee state page.
For pricing information, see Tennessee pricing.
Please visit the Tennessee state page to learn what steps you need to take to get back on the road.
To learn more about the steps to regaining your license, please visit our Tennessee state page.
To find the Tennessee Intoxalock service center closest to you, please visit our Tennessee ignition installation locations.
The only way to confirm you are eligible to remove the device is to check with your monitoring authority
You will need to provide a copy of front and back of the unrestricted driver’s license.
Please visit the Tennessee state page to learn about other DUI requirements.
For pricing information, see the Tennessee pricing page.
To find a DUI attorney, please visit Intoxalock’s Tennessee DUI attorney partners page.
To find a treatment center, please visit Intoxalock’s Tennessee DUI treatment center partners page.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
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