DUI Penalties in Tennessee

Effective as of July 2017 for any recent changes consult a lawyer or the Tennessee Code

Note: The following minimum and mandatory DUI penalties only apply to DUIs where there is no death, no serious injury, and when a minor is not present. Any of these factors can increase the DUI penalty as well as lead to additional charges.

First Offense

Permanent Misdemeanor Criminal Conviction
Jail: Minimum 48 consecutive hours – Maximum 1 year.
License Suspension: 1 year.*
Fine: $350.00 – $650.00

Second Offense

Permanent Misdemeanor Criminal Conviction
Jail: Minimum 45 consecutive days – Maximum 1 year.
License Suspension: 2 years.*
Fine: $600.00 – $3,500.00

Third Offense

Permanent Misdemeanor Criminal Conviction
Jail: Minimum 120 consecutive days – Maximum 1 year.
License Suspension: 6 years.*
Fine: $1,100.00 – $10,000.00

Fourth and Fifth Offense

Permanent Class E Felony Conviction
Jail: Minimum 150 consecutive days – Maximum of 2 years (if no prior felony convictions prior felony convictions can cause the maximum time to go up to as much as 6 years depending upon the number of prior convictions).
License Suspension: 8 years.*
Fine: $3,000.00 – $15,000.00.

Sixth Offense or more

Permanent Class C Felony Conviction
Jail: Minimum 150 consecutive days – Maximum 6 years (if no prior felony convictions prior felony convictions can cause the maximum time to go up to as much as 15 years depending upon the number of prior convictions).
License Suspension: 8 years.*
Fine: $3,000.00 – $15,000.00

*Note: A judge may order that a DUI offender be allowed to have a restricted drivers license to allow for driving to work or school. However, in most cases where the restricted license is granted an ignition interlock will be required. An interlock device requires the driver to blow into that device and that the device confirms that there is no alcohol in the breath sample before the vehicle will start.