Tennessee State Laws and Requirements
Tennessee Ignition Interlock Devices
There are strict DUI penalties in Tennessee for convicted drivers who commit alcohol-related driving offenses. First-time offenders with a blood alcohol content over the legal BAC limit of .08 percent risk 48 hours to 11 months in jail, and will have their license revoked for up to a year. Those with a BAC of more than .20 percent are given a minimum jail sentence of 7 consecutive days. In addition to these penalties, drivers are also fined up to $1,500. Some drivers may be eligible for a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device (IID).
State Interlock Regulations
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The TN Ignition Interlock Program
In Tennessee, eligible drivers may be able to regain their driving privileges during the suspension period if they install an ignition interlock device, and meet other criteria. They can get a restricted license that allows them to drive if they use the IID.
What happens if I get a DUI in Tennessee?
Tennessee has financial and administrative penalties for all offenders, and these penalties increase depending on the number of offenses, and the specifics of the incident.
Anyone caught with a BAC over .08 percent for the third time will have their license suspended for 6 years, though a restricted license is available. They will also face 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail, $1,100-$10,000 in fines, and may be required to install an IID installed. If they have been convicted twice within 5 years, the IID will be required for an additional six months after reinstatement.
As of January 1, 2023, Tennessee has changed some of the regulations relating to the state’s interlock program and to DUI penalties.
Prior to this change, offenders had their license revoked for at least a year and may need to install an IID if the judge ordered it. Now, interlocks are required for offenders with the following circumstances around their DUI offense:
- They caused property damage during their offense
- A minor was in the car at the time of the offense
- The offender has had their license suspended previously for a similar violation
- The offender has a prior conviction for DUI, reckless endangerment, vehicular assault or homicide, or reckless driving, involving alcohol
To meet interlock requirements, offenders must provide proof of interlock installation within 10 days of being released on bail. Interlock devices are now mandatory, but if the court doesn’t require one, they must include a written finding as to why this requirement is being waived.
The state’s interlock policy is now compliance-based as well. This means that offenders who are found to be circumventing, removing, or tampering with their IID can have their interlock extended by 120 days. Also, if the offender drives without their IID, does not repair or report a broken interlock, misses a calibration, or misses an inspection, the interlock term will start over, requiring the offender to serve 365 days from the new date.
1st Offense
- License revoked up to one year
- 48 hours to 11 months in jail (7 days for BAC > .20 percent)
- Up to $1,500 in fines
- Participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Must install an IID to regain driving privileges if they meet offense criteria noted above
- If they are required to install an IID, they must provide a certificate of installation or otherwise prove installation within 10 days of being released on bail
- Non-residents and offenders who are unable to take a BrAC sample for health reasons can apply for a waiver. If a non-resident moves to TN during their interlock term, they will have to comply with the law and install an IID.
2nd Offense
- 45 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- Up to $3,500 fine
- License revoked for two years
- Must install IID to regain driving privileges
- The IID must be in use for 365 days or the entire license revocation period, whichever is longer. If all requirements are followed for license reinstatement, there will be no additional interlock term. If they aren’t and there is a second offense within 5 years, an IID is required for six months after the license is reinstated. Note: The term must be served, and cannot be waited out.
3rd Offense
- 120 days to 11 months, 29 days in jail
- Up to $10,000 fine
- License suspended for 6 years
- Can regain driving privileges with an IID, which will be required for 6 months after reinstatement if driver was convicted twice in 5 years
There are also consequences for those drivers who refuse a breath alcohol content test, or breathalyzer.
Penalties include:
- First offense - driver’s license revoked for 1 year
- Second offense - driver’s license revoked for 2 years
- Caused injury - if a crash causes bodily injury, the license is revoked for two years
- Caused death - if the crash resulted in a fatality, the license is revoked for five years
How do I regain driving privileges in Tennessee?
Offenders in Tennessee who meet criteria are eligible to get a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device. This allows them to drive during the suspension period. Offenders have to meet the following criteria:
Offenders may qualify if they meet all these criteria, which include:
- Get a certified order from the court where they were convicted, or a court in their county of residence, signed by the judge.
- Obtain an SR-22 showing you have liability insurance coverage
- Pay the $65 license fee and $2 application fee
- Take the certified Court Order and a copy to a Driver Services Center within 10 days of the order, along with any other required documentation.
- Install an IID and present papers at the Driver Services Center.
- If granted, the Restricted License limits drivers to only driving to and from work, probation meetings, school, alcohol safety programs, medical treatments, and religious services
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, the offender may not qualify for regaining driving privileges, even with an IID.
ADS TN Interlock Devices
Ignition interlock devices are regulated, and offenders must have their device installed by a provider approved in your state. The court or an offender’s attorney should provide them with a list of approved devices. The ADS Determinator II device is approved in Tennessee.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
Ignition interlock, devices, or IIDs, are portable breathalyzers installed inside your vehicle and:
- Don’t allow you to start your vehicle if you have alcohol in your system
- Requests random retests of your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) while you’re driving to prevent device tampering and drunk driving
How long is a TN interlock device required?
The length of time an offender must have an IID is determined by statute. However, the length of time may change depending on specifics of the alcohol-related driving incident or other offender information.
Ignition Interlock Devices in Tennessee
Tennessee approves the ADS Determinator II device, which features bilingual prompts. The operating system is simple to use, and the installation technician will go over how it is used at the installation appointment.
Ignition Interlock Cost in Tennessee
Convicted offenders are responsible for the cost of the ignition interlock device. The devices are rented, not purchased outright, because they cost several thousand dollars. Tennessee does offer financial assistance to qualified offenders via the Tennessee DUI Monitoring Fund.
How much does an ITN cost?
The price of the device averages out to roughly $2.50 to $3.50 per day.
Ignition Interlock installation in Tennessee
ADS makes it easy to find a location. Thanks to our massive partner network, we have more than 4,000 installation locations. This makes it simple to visit a location that’s convenient.