DUI laws in Tennessee are very similar to the DUI laws in any other state throughout the country. In the state of Tennessee, you can be charged with a DUI offense if the officer determines that your ability to drive your car has been impaired by alcohol or if your blood alcohol concentration, also known as your BAC is .08% or higher.
When you have been pulled over, the police officer can determine if you are impaired by observation, your general driving pattern, field sobriety tests, and your overall appearance. Regardless of the reason for the officer charging you with a DUI, the state will be required to prove if you were under the influence whiles driving on public roads or that your BAC was at least .08% while driving.
Penalties For Breaking DUI Laws In Tennessee:
First Offense Penalties For Drinking While Driving
In addition to serving a minimum of 48 hours of jail time, individuals who are charged with a first time DUI offense will be put on probation for 11 months and 30 days minus any jail time that is served. Also, under the Tennessee DUI laws, if the driver’s BAC is .20% or high they will be required to serve seven days of jail time. The fines for the first time offender can be anywhere from $350 to $1500 and all driving privileges will be revoked for one year. Those who are charged with a first offense DUI are able to apply for a restricted license that gives driving privileges to and from work and school, probation meetings, or alcohol safety classes that have been ordered by the court.
Second Offense Penalties For Drinking While Driving
The DUI laws in Tennessee for a second offense are pretty severe. Individuals who are charged with a DUI for the second time will have their license taken for two years and will not be considered for the restricted license for a year. Also, individuals will be required to spend 11 months and 30 days in jail, pay up to $3,500 in fines, and will be required to install the Ignition Interlock device in their vehicle once they are able to drive again and pay for monthly upkeep and monitoring. An ignition interlock device will connect the ignition of the car to a breath analyzer which will keep the vehicle from starting when the driver’s register at .02% or higher.
In addition to the penalties that are mentioned above, DUI convictions will leave you with a criminal record that wills remain on file forever. This is often thought of as being the most severe consequence for breaking the DUI laws in Tennessee and CAN affect you employment prospects in the future.