Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream. It is used to measure your level of intoxication.
BAC is typically measured as a percentage of the weight of alcohol in the blood. For example, a BAC of 0.08% means there are 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
Driving impaired comes with severe penalties like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. It’s crucial to understand your limits and find safe transportation if you’ve been drinking.
How Is BAC Measured in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, your blood alcohol content (BAC) is typically measured through either a blood or breath test. These provide an estimate of the alcohol concentration in your system.
Breath tests use a breathalyzer device that measures alcohol in your deep lung air. It’s a convenient way for law enforcement to test drivers. However, blood tests drawing a sample directly are considered more accurate.
Tennessee has “implied consent” laws. This means that by driving on public roads, you’re automatically consenting to BAC testing if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect impairment.
Tennessee’s DUI Laws and BAC Limits
Tennessee has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for most drivers aged 21 and over. Go over that line, and you’re legally impaired—simple as that. For commercial drivers, the limit drops to 0.04%, while drivers under 21 can’t have any alcohol at all.
Don’t mess around—DUI penalties in Tennessee are no joke. Your first offense could land you up to almost $1,500 in fines, jail time, and a license revocation of one year. And it only gets worse from there with additional offenses.
Blow over the limit, and you may have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle after a DUI conviction. It requires a breath sample under the legal limit to start the car—your key to ensuring sober driving.
Consequences of a DUI in Tennessee by BAC Level
You could face misdemeanor DUI charges if caught driving with a 0.08% – 0.17% BAC. Potential penalties include 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail, fines from $350 – $1,500, and a 1-year license revocation.
With this elevated BAC range, you’re looking at harsher consequences. Expect 7 days minimum jail time, $350 – $1,500 in fines, mandatory alcohol and drug treatment, and a 2-year license revocation.
At 0.20% BAC or more, you’ll face felony DUI charges in Tennessee. This means a minimum of 120 days in jail, fines from $3,000 – $15,000, and losing your license for 3-10 years upon conviction. You’ll also have a permanent criminal record.
Aggravating Factors That Can Increase DUI Penalties
You may think a DUI is just a DUI, but there are certain aggravating factors that can turn a routine traffic stop into a much more serious situation.
Prior DUI Convictions
Having prior DUI convictions on your record is a huge red flag. Judges take a hard-line stance against repeat offenders. The more priors you have, the stiffer the penalties become.
High BAC Level
The higher your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit of 0.08%, the worse it looks. A BAC of 0.15% or higher is considered an “extreme” DUI in some states and carries enhanced penalties.
Child Endangerment
If you had a child under 18 in the vehicle when pulled over for DUI, you’d face additional child endangerment charges on top of the DUI. This can substantially increase fines and potential jail time.
Reckless Driving
Were you speeding excessively, running red lights, or driving erratically? The prosecution will likely tack on reckless driving charges which compounds the penalties.
For a Better Understanding On Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and Its Legal Implications in Tennessee
Facing a DUI charge in Tennessee? Don’t take chances. Call Byron Pugh, an experienced DUI attorney who deeply understands Tennessee’s complex blood alcohol content (BAC) laws. Don’t face a DUI charge alone. Byron Pugh offers free, confidential case evaluations to anyone arrested for drunk driving in Tennessee. Get his legal expertise on your side. Call Byron Pugh at 615-255-9595 today for a better understanding of BAC laws and how to defend your case.
