Understanding Tennessee DUI Laws: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
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Driving under the influence in the state of Tennessee can lead to jail time, a restricted license, and even license suspension and license revocation. A DUI always stays on your record for life in Tennessee.
Safe motor vehicle operation is critical on the roads in Tennessee. This guide will help you understand Tennessee DUI laws and legal limits so that you can avoid this charge and maintain a good driving record and affordable car insurance rates.
Overview of DUI Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee takes driving while intoxicated seriously, recently tightening drunk driving laws and increasing jail sentence time for many offenders. The penalties for driving while under the influence of alcohol can be stiff, so it pays to pay attention to DUI laws for Tennessee drivers.
Understanding Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Blood alcohol content measures the amount of alcohol that is present in your bloodstream at a given time.
How BAC Is Measured
Blood alcohol concentration can be measured via breath, blood, saliva, or urine. In Tennessee, the most common method used by law enforcement when they suspect someone of drunk driving is breath via a breathalyzer test. During this test, a person breathes into a mouthpiece and the alcohol reacts with a solution for the device to determine their overall blood alcohol content.
Legal Limits in Tennessee
Under Tennessee law, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher qualifies for a DUI. Drivers under age 21, however, are considered to be driving under the influence if they have a BAC of 0.02 or above. A police officer can charge you with a DUI for exceeding these established limits.
Law Enforcement Procedures for DUI Stops
Tennessee has an “implied consent” law, which means drivers must consent to having their BAC tested if pulled over by a law enforcement officer. A police officer can pull you over if they suspect you have been driving under the influence and perform a BAC test to determine your sobriety or lack thereof.
Penalties for DUI Offenses in Tennessee
The penalties for driving while intoxicated in Tennessee are more severe than ever.
Depending on previous offenses and driving history, you can lose your driver’s license and face serious penalties such as jail time and expensive fines. Some drivers convicted of DUI in Tennessee can qualify for a restricted license, which gives them permission to drive with an ignition interlock device that measures BAC before starting the car.
First-time violators will be required to pay a fine ranging from $350 to $1,500 and spend anywhere from 8 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail, with potential license revocation. They will also be required to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment program. The state estimates that the consequences under Tennessee DUI laws for a first offense will approach $5,000, based on attorney, bail, towing, insurance, court, and reinstatement costs. First-time offenders who have a BAC of 0.15% or higher will automatically face a week in jail.
The penalties increase from there. Tennessee DUI laws for a second offense include 5 days to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a mandatory fine ranging from $600 to $3,500 as well as license revocation for two years.
Fourth-time DUI offenders face one year in jail and fines ranging from $3,000 to $15,000, plus license revocation of eight years. A DUI becomes a felony charge when it involves child endangerment, vehicular assault, or homicide.
The Process Following a DUI Arrest in Tennessee
After an arrest for a DUI offense in Tennessee, the police officer will read the driver the Miranda rights, then take them to a local jail and book them. Tennessee law allows the individual to call an attorney or a family member. For non-felony charges, many drivers will be released after posting bail or on their own recognizance if they do not meet the conditions for jail time.
In some cases, diversion may be a possibility. Diversion gives offenders the option to complete a special program to avoid having a DUI on their permanent record.
Long-Term Implications of a DUI Conviction
The implications of a DUI conviction can be both serious and consequential, which is why safe driving practices are always recommended. DUIs can impact driving records, insurance rates, and employment opportunities as well as overall community standing.
Impact on Driving Records
In Tennessee, a DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for life unless you have completed pre-trial diversion. In addition, offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device.
Effect on Car Insurance Rates
Because the conviction is on your record, a DUI can also impact the rates of your Tennessee auto insurance. Auto insurance typically gets a lot more expensive following a DUI conviction, and it will be harder to find cheap car insurance in Tennessee. On average, drivers will pay 128% more for insurance following a DUI, and it can affect car insurance rates for up to 10 years.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes To Find the Best Coverage After a DUI
It always pays to compare car insurance rates following a DUI. EverQuote makes it easy to compare rates online and find the most affordable and accessible option. When you are looking for auto insurance, visit EverQuote to determine the best insurance options following a DUI.