DUI & DWI

Tennessee doesn't play around when it comes to driving while under the influence. Why should they? Statistics show that there were 268 fatal motor vehicle accidents that were alcohol-related and 297 alcohol-related fatalities in 2003 alone.

When someone drives under the influence, he's not only putting his own life at risk, he's also endangering the lives of everyone around him―not to mention the lives of the survivors that will be affected when they lose a loved one to a drunk driver.

What is DUI?

DUI is driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug that impairs your ability to drive. If you're found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, you're driving illegally.

Contrary to popular belief, cold showers and caffeine won't make you sober any quicker, so instead of ordering a strong cup of black coffee, order yourself a cab.

Penalties

If you drive under the influence in Tennessee, not only do you risk losing your life, but you'll also lose your driving privileges, spend time in jail and have to enroll in an alcohol education program. Not to mention the major amounts of money (fines, court costs, bail, vehicle storage and towing fees, attorney fees, the cost of the Ignition Interlock Program, license reinstatement fees, and higher insurance costs) that will come out of your pocket.

Tennessee provides a complete outline of DUI penalties according to the offense both online and in their brochure "The Cost of Drinking and Driving."

Areas covered include:

• Implied consent

• First-time offenders

• Second-time offenders

• Third-time offenders

• Fourth-time (or more) offenders

• Child endangerment

• Vehicular assault

• Vehicular homicide

• Aggravated vehicular homicide

Want a quick idea of just how stringent Tennessee's DUI penalties are? A first offense carries a one-year license revocation, anywhere from 24 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and fines up to $1,500.

And if you're a teen who has consumed or sold alcohol, or you have it in your possession? You'll get your license suspended for one year or until you turn 17, whichever is longer.

More information can also be found in the Tennessee Driver License Handbook chapter entitled "Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving" and at the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and other Addiction Services (TAADAS) Web site.

Restricted Licenses

Upon a judge's order, it's possible to obtain a restricted license if you have no previous DUI offenses or license suspensions or revocations on your driving record, as long as you can show proof of having liability insurance at the time of the violation.

In addition, you'll have to file an SR-22 form, take each driver license exam again, and pay a $67 fee.

More Tennessee DUI and Substance Abuse Resources

• Tennessee D.A.R.E and G.R.E.A.T Programs

• Tennessee's MADD Chapters

• You Drink & Drive, You Lose

• National Hardcore Drunk Driver Project

• The Century Council