What Are the Punishments for a DUI in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s DUI law provides for strict penalties upon conviction. Even your first DUI conviction mandates jail time, fines and the loss of your driver license. Refusing a breath test will also result in the suspension of your license, though it may make a DUI conviction itself more difficult for the state to obtain.
Tennessee DUI Penalties
First-time DUI conviction
- Mandatory 48-hour jail sentence, maximum of one year
- Mandatory 7-day jail sentence if BAC is .20 or more
- $350-1,500 in fines
- 1 year license suspension
- Alcohol Safety School
- Court Costs
Second DUI conviction
- 45 days-1 year in jail
- $600-3,500 in fines
- 2 year license suspension
- Alcohol Safety School
- Court Costs
Second DUI conviction (within five years)
- Ignition interlock device
- Potential seizure/forfeiture of vehicle
Third DUI conviction
- 120 days-1 year in jail
- $1,100-10,000 in fines
- 3-10 year license suspension
- Alcohol Safety School
- Court Costs
Fourth and subsequent DUI conviction
- Felony charge
- Minimum150 days in jail, no maximum on length of sentence
- $3,000-15,000 in fines
- 5 year license suspension
- Alcohol Safety School
- Court Costs
Breath Test Refusal Penalties
- First refusal: One-year driver’s license suspension
- Second refusal: Two-year driver’s license suspension
If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, it is important you contact us as soon as possible.
