Drinking and Driving Laws in Tennessee
In the State of Tennessee, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. The .08 BAC limit is the standard measure for the "impaired" driver throughout the United States. In Tennessee, the .08 limit is lower for commercial drivers (.04) and drivers under the age of 21 (.02). Tennessee's DUI law also includes driving under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, amphetamines, inhalants and other intoxicants.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Tennessee?
This question is often asked by drivers that want to know how many drinks they can have before they reach the .08 BAC limit. There isn't one single formula that can predict with certainty each individuals BAC score based on number of drinks consumed, however there are charts and calculators that can serve as a reference. These tools do not consider all variables in the DUI calculation and should only be used as a reference.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Tennessee has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Tennessee, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in Tennessee
State of Tennessee BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Tennessee Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested and convicted of drunk driving in the State of Tennessee you will be sentenced to jail from 24 hours to 11 months. Your drivers license will be revoked for 1 year and you will be fined $350-$1,500. You will be ordered by the court to attend a DUI school and you may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle at your own expense. Other costs for your first DUI are towing, bail, lawyer, court costs, DUI school and reinstatement fees that all add up to about $4,900.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second DUI you are convicted of in Tennessee will result in a fine from $600-$3,500. You will also be sentenced to jail for 45 days up to 11 months. Your drivers license will be revoked for 2 years, however the court may allow you to drive with a restricted license after 1 year of your sentence has been served if you have completed a court ordered DUI school. You vehicle will become subject to seizure or forfeiture by the State of Tennessee or the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock system at your own expense.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
For your 3rd arrest in the State of Tennessee you will be ordered to serve from 120 days to 11 months in jail. You will also pay a mandatory fine of $1,100-$10,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for 3-10 years and there will be no allowance for a restricted drivers license. You vehicle will become subject to seizure or forfeiture by the State of Tennessee or the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock system at your own expense.
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
The 4th time you are arrested for drunk driving in the State of Tennessee is a Class "E" Felony. you will be ordered to serve 1 year in jail with 150 of the days served consecutively. You will also pay a mandatory fine of $3,000-$15,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for 5 years and there will be no allowance for a restricted drivers license. You vehicle will become subject to seizure or forfeiture by the State of Tennessee or the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock system at your own expense.
The Implied Consent Law in Tennessee
Tennessee's implied consent law means that by driving in the State of Tennessee you have given your consent to be tested to determine the amount of alcohol or drug content in your blood. You do have the right to refuse the test, however doing so brings penalties that are equal or greater than a DUI conviction. On your first refusal to submit to such a test your drivers license will be revoked for a period of 1 year, and for your 2nd refusal your license will be revoked for 2 years. You may still be convicted of a DUI without a blood, breath or urine sample.
More on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Tennessee
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