Out of State DUI

Tennessee recently became a member of the Interstate Driver License Compact. For Tennessee residents, this means that out of state and in state Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions are now subject to the same restrictions on your Tennessee driver license. If you were convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense in another state, a Nashville dui lawyer can advise you of any repercussions that may affect your Tennessee driver license. Bernie McEvoy represents people in DUI cases throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties. He can assist with any issues arising from an out of state DUI, including license suspension or revocation, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, or reinstatement of your driving privileges.

On July 1, 2020, Tennessee joined the Interstate Driver License Compact (the “Compact”). The Compact is an agreement among more than forty states to exchange information concerning DUIs and related offenses committed in their jurisdiction by out of state drivers. The law covers convictions for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic drug, vehicular manslaughter and homicide, failing to stop in the event of an accident resulting in death or injury, and any felony offense committed with use of a motor vehicle. Under the Compact, member states are obligated to report these convictions to the state in which the driver is licensed. In turn, the home state, for purposes of suspension, revocation, or limitation of the driver’s license, is required to give the same effect to the conviction as it would had it had occurred in the home state.

For Tennessee residents, an out of state DUI is subject to any criminal penalties imposed under the laws of the state in which they were convicted. Penalties may include jail time, probation, fines and court fees, and the loss of driving privileges in that state for a period of time. With the Driver License Compact law currently in effect, the Tennessee Department of Safety will receive reports identifying Tennessee licensed drivers who have been convicted of a DUI offense in other states. An out of state DUI will affect a driver’s Tennessee license as if it had occurred in Tennessee. For a first-time DUI, the driver will lose their Tennessee license for one year, while subsequent DUI convictions carry a longer revocation period. Installation of an ignition interlock device may also be required to reinstate a Tennessee license after a DUI suspension.

It is illegal for any person to drive in Tennessee with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above, or while under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs that impairs the driver’s ability to drive safely. Out of state drivers who are charged with a Tennessee DUI are generally required to appear for court proceedings. If convicted, the penalties may include a mandatory minimum jail sentence and fine. The penalties may be enhanced if the driver has a prior, out of state DUI conviction, depending on the circumstances. An out of state driver will also lose the right to drive in Tennessee, even if they do not have a Tennessee driver license. A Tennessee DUI conviction may also be reported to the driver’s home state, which may result in further driver license restrictions. A local lawyer can provide representation to out of state drivers who have been charged with a Tennessee DUI.

If you are concerned about the impact of an out of state DUI on your license, you should seek guidance from a lawyer. Attorney Bernie McEvoy has significant experience defending DUI charges and can provide advice regarding an out of state conviction for drunk or drugged driving. He represents people located throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties, particularly Nashville and Franklin. Schedule your free consultation today by calling the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy at (615) 255-9595 during the day and (615) 804-8779 on evenings and weekends, or contact us online.