DUI Penalties

DUI Penalties in Tennessee

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DUI offenses are not taken lightly in the state of Tennessee. Facing these types of charges puts you at risk of serious and long-lasting penalties.

The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in Tennessee for a driver 21 or older is .08%. If you are under age 21, the BAC limit is .02% and if found above your legal limit, you may be charged with DUI. In order to determine a driver’s BAC level, there are three types of chemical tests that can be performed. A driver is required to perform one of these chemical tests when arrested for a DUI under the implied consent law. If a driver refuses to submit a test, they may be facing penalties.

Tennessee DUI Penalties

The breakdown of penalties for DUI offenses is as follows:

First DUI Conviction in TN:

• Between 48 hours and 11 months in jail
• A fine between $350 and $1,500
• One year license suspension
• Possible ignition interlock device

Second DUI Conviction in TN:

• Between 45 days and one year in jail
• A fine between $600 and $3,500
• Two year license suspension
• Possible ignition interlock device

Third DUI Conviction in TN:

• Between 120 days and one year in jail
• A fine between $1,100 and $10,000
• Three to 10 year license suspension
• Ignition interlock device installation

Fourth DUI Conviction in TN:

• At least 150 days in jail, up to the maximum for a Class E felony
• A fine between $3,000 and $15,000
• At least a five year license suspension, could be permanent
• Ignition interlock device installation

​​​​​For the first and second offenses, an ignition interlock device could be ordered under certain circumstances. For example, if your BAC was above .15 or if you have a child passenger under age 18 in the vehicle at the time of the offense. Other penalties that you could be facing if charged with a DUI in Tennessee is litter pick-up, DUI school programs for alcohol safety, penalties for child endangerment, vehicle seizure and more.

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Need a lawyer for a DUI case in Chattanooga? Our firm has 35 Years of Experience and we can help you build a solid defense against your DUI charges.