Will I Have to Get An Ignition Interlock Device Installed for a DUI in Tennessee?

two alcohol glasses

Tennessee has strict laws and severe penalties for driving while under the influence (DUI). Depending on if this is your first offense, the penalties for a DUI vary from paying fines, jail time, a suspended license, or the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). If you had a breath alcohol concentration of .08% or higher, you are over the legal limit and will therefore be convicted of a DUI. If you are convicted of a DUI in Tennessee, contact a trusted Memphis DUI Defense Lawyer who can help you regain driving privileges through the use of an IID.

What Happens If I Blow a BAC Above the Legal Limit With the Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

When an individual enters a vehicle with an IID, they must provide a breath sample to start the vehicle. Under Tennessee law, an IID must be programmed to fail if an individual’s BAC reaches 0.02%. If the individual’s breath sample fails, the vehicle will not turn on. While you are operating the vehicle, randomized breath exams will occur to ensure continued sobriety. The IID will alert the driver and they will have to submit another breath sample to continue driving. If you ignore the IID, an alarm will go off. The alarms will not stop until you either give an acceptable breath sample or pull the vehicle over. The vehicle will not operate unless clean breath samples are submitted. The vehicle will not turn off while driving but will set off an alarm that can only be stopped if you pull over or give an acceptable breath sample.

Will my IID Video Record Me While I am Driving?

In Tennessee, all IIDs are required to have built-in cameras. This way providers can record any evidence of violations. Although an IID can capture photos, it is unable to record video. The built-in camera is merely an extra measure of precaution to ensure a motorist is driving sober. The camera snaps photos of the driver when they submit a breath sample to ensure they are the ones actually exhaling into the breathalyzer. Oftentimes, people will try to have a friend illegally blow into their IID for them to provide a clean breath sample. This is a direct violation and will be recorded through the built-in camera as evidence you were not adhering to the IIDs rules. If you need help with your DUI conviction, reach out to an experienced Memphis Criminal Defense Attorney.

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