CAN YOU AFFORD A NEARLY $10,000 NIGHT ON THE TOWN?

El Costo de Conducir en Estado de Intoxicación (July 2006)

Click here to view the "Cost of Drinking and Driving" Brochure

A single DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction could cost you as much as $5,000 or more after all fines and fees have been paid. A first offense DUI charge could easily add up to such a staggering cost! The cost could be even higher if you don't qualify for the restricted driver license for driving to work during your suspension. This could add expense for alternate transportation (taxi, bus fare, etc.) or even worse, the complete loss of your employment.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) includes not only alcohol, but any intoxicant, narcotic drug, or other drug producing central nervous system effects -- including prescription drugs.

Offense	Fine	Jail Time	License Revocation
First Conviction	$350 - $1,500	24 hours - 11 months 29 days	One (1) Year
Second Conviction	$600 - $3,500	45 days - 11 months 29 days	Two (2) Years
**If second conviction occurs within 5 years of the first the following also apply: Mandatory enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Program for 6 months following reinstatement of driver's license Vehicle subject to seizure and/or forfeiture.
Third Conviction	$1,100 - $10,000	120 days - 11 months 29 days	Three (3) - Ten (10) Years
Fourth Offense	$3,000 - $15,000	Not Less Than 150 Consecutive Days	Five (5) Years

Potential costs of a DUI conviction include:

• Fines
• Court Costs
• Bail
• Towing and Vehicle Storage Fees
• Attorney Fees
• Alcohol Education Program Enrollment
• Driver License Reinstatement Fees
• Ignition Interlock Program Costs
• Higher Insurance Premiums and SR-22 Form.

In addition, you will need to:

• Show proof that all fines and court costs have been paid to the court for the violation.
• Proof of completion of alcohol/drug program if 2nd offense

You can obtain a restricted license if no prior DUI and no other revocations or suspensions are against your driver record. You will have to:

1. Obtain an order from the judge
2. Pay a $67.00 driver license fee
3. File SR-22 insurance
4. Show proof of liability insurance in effect on date of violation
5. Take complete driver license examination (eye, law, and road)

Related Links

• The Cost of Drinking and Driving Brochure (August 2005)
• Known Alcohol Related Fatal Crashes and Fatalities in Tennessee
• DUI Offenses Outline (Penalties)
• Driver License Handbook Chapter: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
  (To view this document in PDF format, you will need to download and configure the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. )
• Tennessee Alcohol and Drug Association (Clearinghouse)
• The Century Council: Fighting Drunk Driving and Underage Drinking