Tennessee Requires Ignition Interlock Devices for All DUI Offenders

In 2013, a drunk driver killed Tennessee Titans player Delanie Walker’s aunt and uncle. So, it’s no surprise that he was front and center at a press conference singing the praises of Tennessee’s new ignition interlock device law. The new Tennessee law that went into effect on July 1, 2013 allows DUI offenders a chance to drive — if they are sober. The law makes ignition interlock devices, which were once only an option for habitual offenders, mandatory for anyone convicted of DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. Lawmakers expect this “first offender law” to help stop drivers who receive a DUI from getting a second one.

An ignition interlock device is a device that is wired to a vehicle’s ignition and requires a breath sample before the engine will start. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the engine won’t start. Drivers are also periodically required to provide breath samples while driving to ensure the continued absence of alcohol in their system. The new law also changed the requirements on the device itself. It now has a camera on it that can detect if someone else is blowing into the device.

If the device detects alcohol at the start of the drive, the engine won’t start at all. If it detects alcohol during a periodic test while the vehicle is being operated or if the breath sample is not provided when requested, the device will log the event and send a warning to the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond appropriately, the device will start an alarm such as flashing the lights or honking the horn until the ignition is turned off or until another sample is provided that passes the test. The DUI offender is required to pay to have the device installed by a professional, and the device costs approximately $100 per month to operate. If you are charged with DUI, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable Tennessee DUI attorney to know your rights regarding changes in DUI law.