Tennessee DUI Laws & Penalties

Tennessee Drunk Driving Laws Explained in Easy to Understand Simple Terms

Tennessee DUI law defines drunk driving or driving under the influence as the operation of a motor vehicle on any freeway, public road, street alley, etc… while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal prescription drugs or illegal substances) and/or operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.

By operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or greater you are violating what’s referred to as the Tennessee per se law

The state of Tennessee will ’look back’ on prior DUI convictions for a period of up to 10 years when determining which number offense you are being charged with. So any additional offenses within a 10 year period will result in a multiple offense. 

Tennessee First Offense DUI Penalties

  • Jail:  48 hours
  • Fines:  $350 – $1,500
  • Drivers License Suspension:  1 year (eligible for restricted driving privileges)
  • DUI education class

Tennessee Second Offense DUI Penalties

  • Jail:  Minimum jail sentence 45 days up to 11 months 29 days.
  • Fines:  $600 – $3,500
  • Drivers License Suspension:  suspended for 1 year (no restricted driving privileges)
  • DUI School:  Alcohol assessment /evaluation and treatment

Tennessee Third Offense DUI

  • Jail:  Minimum jail sentence of 120 days up to 11 months 29 days.
  • Fines:  $600 – $10,000
  • Drivers License Suspension:  minimum 3 year suspension, max 10 years (no restricted driving privileges)
  • DUI School:  Alcohol assessment /evaluation and treatment
  • Ignition interlock system

Insurance Considerations for a Tennessee DUI

SR-22 insurance is required in the state of Tennessee after a DUI conviction.  This type of insurance is classified as ‘high risk’ meaning you are a higher risk to the insurance companies so consequently they will charge more for taking on more risk.  This can get very expensive if you sign up for one of these policies with the wrong company.

DUI Arrest Help.com has partnered with the largest and most trusted SR22 insurance provider in the state of Tennessee and has worked out a special discount only available here for our website visitors.

You won’t be able to find a cheaper SR22 insurance policy in Tennessee for any less.

Additional Tennessee DUI Resources
  • Tennessee DUI First Offense – Detailed first offense information including punishments after a first offense DUI in Tennessee.
  • Tennessee DUI Classes – Get signed up to complete your required DUI class online today.
  • Tennessee SR22 Insurance – Learn everything you need to know about Tennessee SR22 filing requirements with the DMV and find out how you can save hundreds of dollars each year on your Tennessee SR22 insurance.
  • Tennessee DUI Lawyers – Contact one of our Tennessee DUI lawyers today to discuss your pending DUI case.
  • Tennessee Bail Bond Agents – Contact an Tennessee bail bond agent to get out of jail now.
  • Tennessee Non-owner Insurance – If you need an SR-22 filing, but don’t own a vehicle, you need to get a non-owner policy.