Changes in Tennessee DUI Laws

Testing for blood alcohol content will be required for certain cases of drunk driving in Tennessee.

A new law will allow law enforcement officers to demand alcohol testing in certain cases of suspected driving under the influence in Tennessee. Starting July 1, 2009, when a motorist suspected drunk driving in TN causes injury or death to another party, police are allowed to conduct tests to determine blood alcohol content (BAC).

Motorists who decline to be tested will have their driver’s licenses suspended for one year. Police must have probable cause to suspect alcohol contributed to the accident.

The new Tennessee DUI law applies only to those who caused an accident with injury or death to someone other than themselves. Other motorists stopped for suspected TN DUI will still have the constitutional right to refuse a blood, breath or urine test to check BAC.

Have you been charged with DUI in TN?