If your BAC is above .20, your jail time could total a minimum of seven consecutive days for a first offense. By Isabella Grulln Paz Published April 22, 2022 Updated April 23, 2022 The Tennessee General Assembly on Wednesday became what is believed to be the first state legislature to pass a bill that. DUI Offenses - Tennessee State Government - TN.gov Tennessee DRUG & ALCOHOL Permit Practice Test (TN) 2023 Read MoreMemphis mom claims son's photos used in political campaign without permission, WATCH: FOX13 Investigates: Why historic storms are becoming more common Read MoreWATCH: FOX13 Investigates: Why historic storms are becoming more common, WATCH: Who is Larry Pickens? All driving and physical control over a vehicle is prohibited if. Any trace of alcohol can result in a DWI charge. But, under the influence can mean different things for different people. A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a criminal offense in Tennessee that occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. We at The Law Office of Jordan Sluder that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. 57-5-301, Driving While Impaired (Age 16 20) T.C.A 55-10-415, Aggravated Vehicular Assault While Driving Intoxicated, Fees to reinstate a driver license after alcohol-related offenses, Penalties for drug and alcohol-related offenses committed by minors, CALEA Accreditation Public Comment Portal, Revocation of Drivers License for 1 year - 1st offense, Revocation of Drivers License for 2 years - 2nd offense, Revocation of Drivers License for 2 years if crash resulted in bodily injury (Most Aggravated Drunk Driving Law), Revocation of Drivers License for 5 years if crash resulted in a death (Most Aggravated Drunk Driving Law), 48 hours up to 11 months, 29 days for offenders in violation of 55-10-401, .20 BAC or greater minimum jail time 7 consecutive days, License revocation for 1 year - Restricted License available, You will be ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug treatment program, Pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss, With towing, bail, attorney, high risk insurance, court costs, school, and reinstatement fees, your first offense average costs could add up to $4,900, Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense. Drinking alcohol and then get behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster. 2:10 A bill in Tennessee that would require drunk drivers who kill the parent of a minor to pay child support unanimously passed the state Senate on Wednesday. Tennessee's open container laws are intended to apply to the driver compartment of the vehicle. If, however, the child suffers serious bodily, the offender will be incarcerated for two to 12 years and fined up to $5,000. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. My dealership said I can pick up my car tomorrow. The fine is between $3,000 and $15,000. 1st offense crash involving injury: 2 years. Tennessee is one of the few states that don't directly limit the alcohol consumption of passengers. This usually includes having to complete a substance abuse assessment and follow any recommendations. Required fields are marked *. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is Tennessees advocate for traffic safety. We want everyone to stay as safe as possible on the road, which is why we are providing information about drunk driving laws in Tennessee. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The DUI laws in Tennessee have many components including blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for adults and minors, criminal sentences with jail time and fines, driver's license revocations, and implied consent to alcohol testing for all drivers. As additional punishment, the sentencing judge may impose community service work. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident and want to know what your next steps should be, contact one of our personal injury lawyers today. This drunk driving law in Tennessee states that if someone is under 21 and their BAC is 0.02% while driving, they can be convicted of a DUI. Top Ten Traffic Safety Laws for TN Visitors - Tennessee State Government In Tennessee, drunk driving has been the number one killer since 2012 and the State aggressively pursues these cases. Minimum first year costs could exceed $1,000.00, If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense, Drug and Alcohol Treatment may be required at the judge's discretion, License revocation for 2 years/Restricted License available, You will be ordered to attend an alcohol and drug treatment program, Ignition Interlock Device installed at your expense, Pay restitution to any person suffering personal injury or loss, License revocation for 6 years/Restricted license available, 1 Year (365) days of jail time with a minimum of 150 consecutive days served, License revocation for 8 years/Restricted license available, License revocation from 1 to 5 years according to number of prior offenses, Jail time 2 to 12 years according to range [40-35-112], No restricted driver license is available, Class D felony if child suffers serious injury [55-10-403] [40-35-112], Fatal crash caused by DUI with .08 BAC or more, License revocation for 3-10 years/NO restricted license available, If any of the following conditions are present: Two or more prior (a) DUI conviction, (b) Vehicular assault convictions or, (c) any combination, A BAC of .20 or greater at the time of the vehicular homicide has (1) one prior DUI or Vehicular Assault offense, $50 fee if filing of financial responsibility (SR-22) is required, $75 fee for failure to surrender driver license may be required, Required to apply for valid license & pay appropriate driver license fee, $3 certification fee if violation occurred in Tennessee, License suspension for 1 year or until person reaches age 17, whichever longer for 1st offense & may apply to court for early withdrawal of suspension after serving 90 days, License suspension of 2 years or until person reaches age 18, whichever longer for 2nd offense & may apply to court for early withdrawal of suspension after serving 1 year, Restricted license can be issued on 1st offense at court discretion, however, on 2nd offense must serve one year of suspension before eligible for restricted, License revocation for 1 year/No provision for restricted license. However, in Tennessee, a driver commits an open container offense only if the engine is running. These offenders will also be required to perform 100 hours of community service work. Tennessee Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties, Domestic Assault Defense Attorney in Nashville, TN, Criminal Citation Attorney in Nashville, TN. Tennessee's Open Container Law Doesn't Apply to Vehicle Passengers So the open container restrictions aren't applicable to beverages possessed by a passenger or in a closed glove compartment, trunk, or other "nonpassenger area" of the vehicle. Tennessee laws that take effect July 1, 2023 - WKRN News 2 "She talks a lot about how grandparents, their children are already raised they don't expect this expense.". The bill. This includes if the seal has been broken or if any of the alcohol has been removed from the container.. Each offender ordered to remove litter shall be required to wear a blaze orange or other distinctively colored vest with the words "I AM A DRUNK DRIVER" stenciled or otherwise written on the back of the vest, in letters no less than four inches in height. Along with risking your own life and the lives of others, you can face The fines can range from $600 to $3,500. Drunk Driving | Statistics and Resources | NHTSA Comparison Map. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. The penalties for a DUI/DWI in Tennessee are heavy. Your message has been received and a Interlock Specialist will contact you shortly. Document Download the law Brittany Dillard, 33 -- a Walker Valley High School teacher -- was in the front passenger seat, as husband Dustin Dillard, also 33, was driving. Tennessee DUI Laws Tennessee's DUI Laws and Conviction Penalties - Driving Laws Booze It & Lose Itis Tennessees statewide campaign that coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) national campaign,Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. "We want people to understand you will be held accountable for this decision, but not only that," Otte said. Jail time can range from 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days. Second-time offenders will also have their liquor licenses permanently revoked. This fact sheet provides a snapshot of alcohol-involved . Prior to joining Jerry, Macy leveraged her background in journalism, social media, and educational curriculum as a production editor for LifeWay Christian Resour. For a first offense, violators are subject to a fine of $500 to $1,000 and 30 days to six months in prison. New state law requires drunk drivers convicted of killing a parent in crash to pay child support, Memphis mom claims son's photos used in political campaign without permission, WATCH: FOX13 Investigates: Why historic storms are becoming more common, WATCH: Who is Larry Pickens? Need more information on state laws? Tennessee Rep. Mark Hall on new bill that would make drunk - NPR If anyone was hurt or killed as a result of your DUI, you can expect a lot of jail time on top of heavy fines and retribution requirements. Tennessee bill requiring drunken drivers in fatal crashes to pay child Members save $872/year. What does under the influence mean in Tennessee? New laws took effect July 1 in states across the country. What to know Please try again later. Your reinstatement requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of your DUI, but will typically involve: Other fees may apply based on your unique circumstances. The offender will also be fined between $350 and $1,500. Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Jordan Sluder, Law Office of Jordan Sluder | All Rights Reserved |, A driver has a .08% blood alcohol content (BAC), A driver is operating a commercial vehicle at a .04% (BAC), A driver is under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, controlled substance, or drug. Defining Tennessee's DUI Laws - Meade Law Group The bill, known as "Bentley's Law" after a five-year-old child who was orphaned due to a crash caused by a drunk driver . For more information about what may be required to reinstate your driver's license, please visit our Suspended License in Tennessee page. insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions. However, certain municipalities may have stricter rules., In Tennessee, an open container is any opened alcoholic beverage with 0.5% or more alcohol by volume. Tennessee will not suspend or revoke the driver's license of a violator, but an open container violation will increase the driver's license penalties related to a subsequent DUI (driving under the influence) conviction. Impactful insider coverage of Nashville politics that keeps the government in check. Read MoreOver 400 teacher positions still unfulfilled as MSCS students set to return to class in weeks, WATCH: Memphis mom claims son's photos used in political campaign without permission Read MoreWATCH: Memphis mom claims son's photos used in political campaign without permission, WATCH: Hundreds of teacher positions still unfulfilled as MSCS students set to return to class in weeks Read MoreWATCH: Hundreds of teacher positions still unfulfilled as MSCS students set to return to class in weeks, MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Larry Pickens, accused of shooting and killing Dr. Benjamin Mauck in an exam room at the Campbell Clinic in Collierville, made his first court appearance Thursday.