Tennessee DUI/DWI Law Explained

Driving Under the Influence

If a driver is either under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating drug or else has a BAC of at least 0.08, he or she is guilty of Driving Under the Influence.

Source: Tennessee Code Title 55 (Motor and Other Vehicles) 55-10-401

Vehicular Assault

If a driver either recklessly causes serious injury to another person as a result of driving under the influence or causes serious injury to a child under 18 in his or her own vehicle as a result of driving under the influence, the driver is guilty of Vehicular Assault.

Source: Tennessee Code Title 39 (Criminal Offenses) 39-13-106

Vehicular Homicide

If a driver either recklessly causes the death of another person as a result of extremely dangerous conduct, or causes it as a result of driving under the influence, the driver is guilty of Vehicular Homicide. The driver can also be charged with Vehicular Homicide if he or she causes the death of a child under 18 in his or her own vehicle as a result of driving under the influence.

Source: Tennessee Code Title 39 (Criminal Offenses) 39-13-213

Underage Driving While Impaired

If a driver between 16 and 21 drives with a BAC of 0.02 or is under the influence of alcohol, another intoxicating substance, or both, he or she is guilty of Underage Driving While Impaired.

Source: Tennessee Code Title 55 (Motor and Other Vehicles) 55-10-415