Tennessee DUI: First Offense

Last reviewed: 2026-07-17

A first DUI in Tennessee is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

• Jail: 48 hours – 11 months 29 days; mandatory min 48 consecutive hours (7 days if BAC 0.20+); litter pickup alternative available in limited cases
• Fine: $350–$1,500 (plus costs and towing/bail)
• License suspension: 1 year; hardship: restricted license available; geographic/interlock conditions
• Ignition interlock: Required — IID required for restricted license if BAC 0.08+ (effectively most convictions); 6 months post-revocation IID standard; 0.15+ makes IID mandatory conditions stricter.
• Alternative disposition: No judicial diversion for DUI; DUI school + victim impact panel standard.
• Child under 18 in vehicle: +30 days mandatory minimum (child endangerment enhancement).

Lookback period: 10 years. 10-year lookback for prior-offense counting (20-year outer window applies when there are already priors within 10 — verify at page QC). 4th offense = felony.