Tennessee Drunk Driving Laws

In Tennessee, a conviction for driving drunk with a child under 18 in the car adds $1,000 and 30 days in jail to the offender's punishment. If the child is seriously injured or killed the offense is considered a felony.

The punishment imposed by the Drunk Driving Child Protection Act can significantly add to the consequences of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). Without a child in the car, a first-time offender is subject to a fine of $350 to $1,500 and jail time of two to seven days. In either case, driving privileges will be suspended for one year.

Conviction Includes Three Days of Litter Cleanup

In addition to fines and jail time, all DUI convictions in Tennessee include three eight-hour shifts of picking up roadside litter. If the offender applies for a state photo identification to replace a suspended driver's license, the former will indicate DUI offender status. Driving during the suspension period will result in seizure of the vehicle.

After driving privileges are restored, an ignition interlock device (IID) may be required for up to six months for a first DUI conviction, up to three years for a second conviction, and up to 10 years for subsequent convictions. The IID prevents a car from being started if the driver fails a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test administered by breathing into a tube on a device a little larger than a cell phone, wired into the car's ignition system.

IID Mandatory for Two Convictions in Five Years

The IID is mandatory in the case of two DUI convictions in a period of five years or less.

Tennessee also requires offenders to make financial restitution for property damage or personal injury to victims of a DUI incident.

If you've been arrested for DUI in Tennessee, you need the help of an experienced attorney to help you take full advantage of your rights as a defendant. If you are convicted, your attorney will fight for reasonable punishment.