When is an Ignition Interlock Required in Tennessee
October 11, 2023
Tennessee law requires that a person convicted of a DUI must have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle if that person is eligible for a restricted driver's license. This device allows the vehicle to start only if the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.02% percent or less. An ignition interlock device is required for any person convicted of a DUI if that person is allowed to drive for certain reasons.
Tennessee law, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. §55-10-404(a)(1)(A) mandates that a person convicted of a DUI first offense must have their license suspended for one year. The suspension penalties are longer for subsequent DUI offenses with a suspension of two years for a second DUI conviction, six years for a third offense, and eight years for a fourth or more offense.
But, a person convicted of a DUI can apply for a restricted drivers’ license under another part of Tennessee’s DUI laws. Under this law, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. §55-10-409, the person convicted of a DUI may apply for a restricted drivers’ license. The judge in most circumstances can allow the person to have a restricted drivers’ license – but only if an ignition interlock device is placed in the vehicle.
Tennessee law, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. 50-10-417, further gives judges the power to require a person convicted of a DUI to drive their vehicle – after their one-year suspension of driving privileges – to install an ignition interlock device for a period of one year after their one-year suspension.
The bottom line is that if you get a DUI conviction, you will have to place an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if you want a restricted drivers’ license during the time your drivers’ license privileges are suspended and you may have to install such a device even after that one-year suspension period.
Learn more about your specific case. Contact a Wilson county Tennessee attorney, by contact our Lebanon TN law firm for a scheduled consultation.
