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Tennessee (TN) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Tennessee Ignition Interlock Program

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level in Tennessee is .08 percent, so any offender found with that level or above risks a conviction and penalties that include their driver’s license being revoked for a year. Some drivers may be eligible to regain their driving privileges with a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device (IID).

Tennessee offers the option of getting a restricted license to offenders if they install an ignition interlock device. This allows offenders to drive as long as they use the device, preventing them from offending again.

What Happens if I Get a DUI in Tennessee?

Tennessee has financial and administrative penalties for drunk driving. The state also increases penalties if there are certain circumstances, including a minor in the car or a BAC more than twice the legal limit (specifically, .2 or higher). There may be additional penalties and fines depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. In addition to this change in interlock policy, the following penalties will be in effect for DUI offenders as of January 1, 2023:

First DUI Offense

  • License revoked up to one year
  • As a mandatory condition of bail, offenders are only allowed to drive vehicles with an IID installed if their offense caused property damage, a minor was present, they have previously had their license suspended for a similar offense, they have a prior conviction of DUI or intoxicated driving
  • Offenders must submit proof of their interlock device installation within 10 days of their release on bail - if the court does not require one, the court must include a written finding on why the requirement would not be in the best interest of justice and public safety
  • If the offender installs their IID within 10 days of the court order, they will receive credit from the date of installation that will count toward their 365 day requirement
  • 48 hours to 11 months in jail (seven days for BAC > .20 percent)
  • Up to $1,500 in fines
  • May be required to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program
  • Note: nonresidents and offenders who are unable to produce enough breath for a sample can apply for a waiver in their home state. If they move to Tennessee during the IID usage period, they will have to comply with Tennessee law.

Second DUI Offense

  • 45 days to maximum of 11 months, 29 days in jail
  • Up to $3,500 fine
  • License revoked for two years
  • Must install IID to regain driving privileges
  • If all requirements for license reinstatement are followed, including IID use during the period of license revocation, no additional IID term is required. If they are not followed, and the second offense is within five years, an IID is required for six months after license is reinstated
  • Must use IID for 365 days or for the entire period of license revocation, whichever is longer. If the offender doesn’t apply for a restricted license after their revocation period, they will still need to complete a 365 day IID usage term (they cannot simply wait out the term)

Third DUI Offense

  • 120 days to maximum of 11 months, 29 days in jail
  • Up to $10,000 fine
  • License suspended for six years
  • Can regain driving privileges with an IID, which will be required for six months after reinstatement if driver was convicted twice in five years
Tennessee has recently made some changes to their interlock policy and penalties for DUI. As of January 1, 2023, the interlock policy is compliance-based, meaning that offenders found to be tampering with, circumventing, or removing their IID can have their interlock usage term extended by 120 days. If an offender operates a vehicle without an IID, fails to report a broken IID or get it repaired, or misses a calibration, monitoring or inspection appointment, their IID usage term will restart and they will be required to serve 365 days from that date. 

What Happens if I Refuse a BAC Test in Tennessee?

Refusing to take a breathalyzer test does not absolve offenders from penalties. This offense carries its own penalties.

Penalties include:

  • First offense: Drivers license revoked for one year
  • Second offense: Drivers license revoked for two 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
Taking the test is generally a better option for all, especially for repeat offenders. People stopped for suspicion of DUI a second time who refuse the test a second time in five years may have driving privileges revoked for three years.


How Do I Get a Restricted License in Tennessee?

Tennessee allows offenders to get back on the road as long as they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. They also must meet other criteria, including:

  • Get an order certified and signed by the judge in the court where their case is heard, or a court in their county
  • Obtain and show proof of SR-22 insurance coverage
  • Pay the relevant fees, including a $65 license fee and $2 application fee
  • Bring the original and copy of the certified Court Order to a Driver Services Center within 10 days of the order, plus any other required documentation.
  • Install an IID with an approved provider, and obtain a certificate to show Driver Services Center
There may be limitations placed on the restricted license depending on the circumstances of the incident, but the court can clarify.