Tennessee sets clear standards for driving under the influence of alcohol. These limits help ensure road safety and prevent impaired driving. The legal BAC limit determines if a driver is impaired. Let’s break down the specifics of the legal BAC limit in Tennessee.
Legal BAC limit for most drivers
The legal BAC limit for most drivers in Tennessee is 0.08%. When your BAC reaches or exceeds 0.08%, you face charges for being legally impaired. At this level, your ability to operate a vehicle becomes dangerously compromised. Stay below this limit to avoid facing DUI charges.
BAC limits for commercial drivers
Commercial drivers face stricter standards. The legal BAC limit for drivers of commercial vehicles is 0.04%. This lower threshold reflects the increased responsibility commercial drivers hold due to the size and weight of their vehicles. If your BAC exceeds 0.04%, you can be charged with DUI, regardless of whether the BAC level would impair a regular driver.
BAC limits for underage drivers
Tennessee maintains a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers, specifically those under 21. A BAC of 0.02% or higher in an underage driver leads directly to DUI charges. The state aims to deter underage drinking and driving, emphasizing the risks of alcohol consumption before adulthood.
Penalties for DUI in Tennessee
If your BAC reaches 0.08% or higher, Tennessee enforces tough penalties. These can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time. The severity of penalties depends on factors such as whether it’s your first offense and whether you were involved in an accident.
Tennessee law enforcement uses breathalyzers, blood tests, and urine tests to determine BAC. Refusing these tests can trigger additional penalties, including a mandatory license suspension.
Understanding the legal BAC limits is important, but so is knowing potential defense strategies. For example, challenges to BAC test accuracy or the legality of the traffic stop might work in your favor. Consulting an attorney helps you navigate these defenses.