Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Laws in Tennessee

There are times when a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Tennessee prompts the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car. If you have been charged with a DUI, seek legal help. By partnering with a Franklin DUI lawyer, they could help you avoid a driving under the influence conviction.

There are serious legal ramifications of a criminal conviction. Your DUI attorney can prepare an argument that pokes holes into the prosecution’s case. If your lawyer succeeds, you could have the case against you dropped — and you may not have to install an IID in your car or face other legal consequences.

What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock device is designed to deter motorists from driving while drunk. The device is typically installed near a car’s driver’s seat. It keeps you from starting your vehicle if it detects alcohol on your breath.

Use an ignition interlock DUI device by blowing into the mouthpiece. From here, the device assesses your blood alcohol content (BAC). If your BAC exceeds a designated limit, your car’s engine will not start.

When is an ignition interlock device required in Tennessee?

An ignition interlock device is required if you are convicted of driving under the influence with a BAC of .08% or higher. At this point, your BAC measurement is at or above the level of a criminal offense, and you can be convicted of impaired driving. Here is what you need to know about IID requirements based on the number of times someone has been convicted of a DUI.

First DUI conviction

Per Tennessee Code § 55-10-404(a)(1)(A), those convicted of driving under the influence for the first time are subject to having their driver’s license suspended for one year. However, if you are convicted of this crime, you may have the opportunity to drive your car with a restricted license as long as an IID has been installed.

If you obtain a restricted license after a first-time DUI conviction, you will have to keep the IID in your car for one year, i.e., the length of your license suspension. The device may be a condition of bail for offenders who are convicted of a DUI involving any of the following circumstances:

• A minor was present when you committed the crime.
• You previously had your driver’s license suspended for a similar offense.
• You caused property damage at the time of the crime.

With a DUI conviction that warrants an IID, you pay to install the device. At a minimum, the first-year cost associated with this device can exceed $1,000.

Second DUI conviction

If you have been convicted of a DUI for a second time, your driver’s license can be suspended for two years. You can request a restricted license following a second DUI conviction. This license allows you to drive a car legally with an ignition interlock device in place for two years. You will have to keep this device in your car for six months after your license has been reinstated if you have been convicted of a DUI twice in five years.

Third DUI conviction

With a third DUI conviction, your driver’s license is suspended for six years. You maintain the right to request a restricted license. If you receive one, you will have to drive with an IID in your car for six years. Like a second DUI conviction, if you have two driving under the influence convictions in five years, you will have to keep the device in your vehicle following your license reinstatement if you have two DUI convictions in five years.

Fourth DUI conviction and later

A fourth and all future DUI convictions can lead to an eight-year driver’s license suspension. Again, you could qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive your car if you install an IID. This license gives you the ability to drive your car legally with an IID in your vehicle for eight years. The device can be required for six months after your license has been reinstated if you have received two DUI convictions in five years.

Tennessee interlock laws can be confusing. Legal services and support are available if you have concerns or questions about an interlock device in Tennessee and if you will be required to get one if you have been convicted of a DUI.

Your Franklin DUI attorney can help you understand the relationship between IIDs and driving under the influence convictions. Plus, they can share your legal options and their implications, including plea deals or challenging the evidence against you.

How long is an ignition interlock required?

The length of time an ignition interlock device is required depends on the number of times you have been convicted of driving under the influence.

Generally, you should expect an ignition interlock device to be installed in your car the first time you are convicted of this crime. For a second and all future DUI convictions, the device may be required for the length of time in which you have a restricted driver’s license. In instances where you have been convicted of a DUI twice in five years, an IID may be required for six months beyond the period in which you maintain a restricted license.

Can you be required to install a driving while intoxicated (DWI) interlock?

In Tennessee, there is no legal distinction between driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated. Thus, you can be ordered to have a DWI interlock if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated. In this situation, the court treats your offense as a DUI. Therefore, you are subject to Tennessee’s DUI penalties, including having an interlock device installed in your car.

What can you do to avoid having an ignition interlock device installed in your car?

One of the best things you can do is hire a DUI attorney in Franklin as your legal representation. Your lawyer can look for ways to get your DUI charge reduced or dismissed. That way, you could avoid a conviction that otherwise forces you to have to install an IID in your vehicle.

In addition, there are scenarios in which you can request an IID waiver. These include:

• In the five years prior to your DUI conviction, you have not been convicted of charges involving violations of Tennessee’s open container law or reckless driving law.
• You were convicted of driving under the influence based on a violation involving only alcohol and with a BAC of under .08%.
• You were not involved in a reportable traffic accident at the time of your DUI.

Ultimately, what you do now can dictate if you will be convicted of a DUI and be required to have an IID placed in your car. Your actions today can also determine if you will get a DUI conviction that can impact your ability to work, go to school, and live your life the way you want.

At the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates, we understand what a DUI conviction entails. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, we are here to help. Our DUI attorneys will give your case the attention it deserves. We will protect your legal rights and look out for your best interests throughout your litigation.

We are available to discuss your DUI case. To request a free consultation with our legal team, contact us today.