Tennessee ignition interlock & DUI requirements
Tennessee requires an ignition interlock after a first DUI.
Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Tennessee, cited to the statute and Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- IID on first offense
- Required
- Minimum IID period (first)
- 365 consecutive days
- SR-22 filing
- Required
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- Required
- Minimum period
- 365 consecutive days
What the source says (3)
- First offense
“upon application by a person who is not otherwise prohibited from having a restricted license, the court must order the installation and use of a functioning ignition interlock device for the ignition interlock usage period.”
- Minimum period
““Ignition interlock usage period” means a three-hundred-sixty-five-consecutive-day period or the entire period of the person's driver license revocation, whichever is longer”
- firstOffenseIid_reinstate
“regardless of whether the person had an ignition interlock device installed, until the person shows the department proof of a current ignition interlock installation.”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $103
- Restricted-license fee
- $65 license fee and $2 application fee
- State fee cap
- Installation not to exceed $75/hour (3-hour maximum)…
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (3)
- State reinstatement fee
“Reinstatement fees : $103 Reinstatement fee, $50 SR-22 Fee, $75 Failure to Surrender License Fee (if applicable)”
- Restricted-license fee
“Step 2: Obtain SR-22 liability insurance showing the policy is currently in effect. A standard insurance policy or other documentation is not acceptable in place of an SR-22.”
- State fee cap
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Available after a first offense · Restricted Driver License
- Driving after a DUI in Tennessee: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in Tennessee
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (1)
- Restricted license
“Authority: T.C.A. 55-10-401 Mandatory revocation? Yes. Revocation Length: 1-8 years Restricted license available during mandatory revocation period? Yes.”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the Tennessee licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Detection Systems | Alcohol Detection Systems website | Find a location |
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| RoadGuard Interlock | RoadGuard Interlock website | Find a location |
| Simple Interlock | Simple Interlock website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What Tennessee law requires
Tennessee's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | Tennessee rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | Required |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | 365 consecutive days or the entire license revocation period, whichever is longer (first-offense DUI revocation: 1 year), with a violation-free final 120 days |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | 365 consecutive days or the entire license revocation period, whichever is longer (second-offense DUI revocation: 2 years), with a violation-free final 120 days |
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425(b)(1), upon application by a person not otherwise prohibited from a restricted license, the court must order installation and use of a functioning ignition interlock for the 'ignition interlock usage period'; under § 55-10-425(b)(2)(B) the Department shall not reinstate the license of a person who did not apply for a restricted license until the person shows proof of a current interlock installation. The only exception is where the court makes specific findings on a Department form that none of the § 55-10-409(b)(2)(B) factors exist (BAC of 0.08% or higher or alcohol combined with drugs, a passenger under 18, an accident, or an implied-consent charge with a qualifying prior). TDOSHS lists 'Ignition interlock installation for 365-day minimum period' as a reinstatement requirement for every DUI conviction.
What the source says (6)
- IID on first offense
“upon application by a person who is not otherwise prohibited from having a restricted license, the court must order the installation and use of a functioning ignition interlock device for the ignition interlock usage period.”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
““Ignition interlock usage period” means a three-hundred-sixty-five-consecutive-day period or the entire period of the person's driver license revocation, whichever is longer”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“Failure to comply with subdivisions (d)(1)(A)-(C) must result in the extension of the ignition interlock usage period by one hundred twenty (120) days during which the person must remain in compliance with subdivisions (d)(1)(A)-(C) in order to avoid additional extension.”
- Ignition interlock statute
“Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425 [...] 55-10-425. Compliance-based removal of ignition interlock device. [Effective on January 1, 2023. See version effective until January 1, 2023, and see Compiler's Notes.]”
- IID on first offense
“If the court determines that installation and use of a functioning ignition interlock device is not required by § 55-10-409(b)(2)(B), the court shall make specific findings of fact on a form provided by the department that the factors listed in § 55-10-409(b)(2)(B) do not exist in the instant case.”
- firstOffenseIidNote_dept
“Serve Mandatory Revocation Period Ignition interlock installation for 365 - day minimum period Ignition interlock installation for 6 months after driver license reinstatement (if applicable) Court Certification SR-22 Insurance”
Removal: Compliance-based removal under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425 (offenses on or after Jan. 1, 2023). Full rule and source
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Tennessee does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Filing period | See note below |
SR-22 (Tennessee uses the SR-22 form). The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Financial Responsibility Laws page lists 'SR-22 Insurance' and a $50 SR-22 fee among the DUI reinstatement requirements, and its Restricted License page requires SR-22 liability insurance for a DUI restricted license. The Department does not set a fixed number of years: both the Financial Responsibility Laws page and the Department's 'Do I need SR-22 Insurance?' article state that SR-22 insurance must be maintained for the length of the suspension or revocation period, after which it may be cancelled if not required on another suspension; sr22Years is therefore null. Cancelling the SR-22 before the requirement is complete can result in suspension for Failure to Maintain Future Proof of Financial Responsibility (T.C.A. 55-12-126).
What the source says (4)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“Reinstatement fees : $103 Reinstatement fee, $50 SR-22 Fee, $75 Failure to Surrender License Fee (if applicable)”
- Filing period
“SR22 insurance must be maintained for the length of the suspension or revocation period. Once the SR22 has been maintained for the length of the suspension or revocation period it may be cancelled provided it is not required on any other suspension.”
- SR-22 requirement
“If a person has a violation that requires SR22 insurance to be maintained with the department, that proof must be maintained for the length of their suspension or revocation period. The SR22 insurance can be maintained with a restricted license or upon reinstatement.”
- sr22Note_dui
“Here is list of potential reasons you will need SR22 Insurance: DUI”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $103 | 2026-08-29 |
| SR-22 fee at DUI reinstatement(TDOSHS) | $50 | 2026-08 |
| Failure to Surrender License fee, if applicable(TDOSHS) | $75 | 2026-08 |
| IID installation fee cap(Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-03-06-.15(3)) | $75 per hour, 3-hour maximum | 2026-08 |
| IID leasing, monitoring and maintenance capduring a non-compliance extension, the lesser of $5/day or $125/month(1340-03-06-.15(4)) | $125 per month | 2026-08 |
| IID removal fee cap(1340-03-06-.15(5)) | $75 | 2026-08 |
| Permanent-lockout reset cap / temporary lockout code cap(1340-03-06-.15(6)-(7)) | $50 / $25 | 2026-08 |
| Annual administrative fee collected by the manufacturer from each new device user(1340-03-06-.15(8)) | $12.50 per year | 2026-08 |
| Indigency:a participant declared indigent by the court under T.C.A. § 55-10-419(d) may not be refused service while Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund (EMIF) funds are available(1340-03-06-.15(1)) | device costs paid from EMIF for court-declared indigent participants | 2026-08 |
What the source says (7)
- License reinstatement fee
“Reinstatement fees : $103 Reinstatement fee, $50 SR-22 Fee, $75 Failure to Surrender License Fee (if applicable)”
- IID installation fee cap (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-03-06-.15(3))
“The fee for installation of a BAIID shall not exceed an hourly rate of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per hour with a three (3) hour maximum.”
- IID leasing, monitoring and maintenance cap (1340-03-06-.15(4)); during a non-compliance extension, the lesser of $5/day or $125/month
“not to exceed a total of one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125.00) per month for leasing, monitoring, and maintenance of BAIIDs.”
- IID removal fee cap (1340-03-06-.15(5))
“($75.00), for the removal of the BAIID.”
- Permanent-lockout reset cap / temporary lockout code cap (1340-03-06-.15(6)-(7))
“($50.00), for resetting a BAIID that is in permanent lockout mode [...] ($25.00), for a temporary lockout code.”
- Annual administrative fee collected by the manufacturer from each new device user (1340-03-06-.15(8))
“A manufacturer shall charge an annual administrative fee of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) to each new BAIID user.”
- Indigency: a participant declared indigent by the court under T.C.A. § 55-10-419(d) may not be refused service while Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund (EMIF) funds are available (1340-03-06-.15(1))
“shall not be refused service by a manufacturer as long as funds are available in the Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund (EMIF).”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as Tennessee's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | Tennessee rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | A device may be installed on a motorcycle TDOSHS states that current state law allows no exception for motorcycles (or commercial vehicles): every vehicle the restricted driver operates must have an interlock device installed. The page does not identify a motorcycle-specific device; Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425 does not mention motorcycles. What the source says“No exceptions are allowed under current state law for commercial vehicles and motorcycles. All vehicles you drive must have an interlock device installed to be in compliance of your restricted license.” |
| Employer-owned vehicle | No exemption No employer-vehicle exemption. TDOSHS states that all vehicles driven must have a device; with the employer's permission the device may be installed on a non-commercial company vehicle, and anyone who then uses that vehicle must use the device. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425 contains no employer exemption. What the source says“If your employer allows it, you can have the device installed on a non-commercial company vehicle. Anyone who uses that vehicle would be required to use the ignition interlock device, and the vehicle would be required to follow all requirements as if the vehicle belonged to you.” |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Available Two mechanisms as stated. (1) Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425(i): a person unable to produce enough breath volume may apply to the Department for a waiver of the interlock requirement, filing a provider statement that the device cannot be adjusted for the person and statements from two licensed physicians (both dated within 60 days); the Department decides within 60 days and a waiver form limits driving to listed times and places (work, probation officer, alcohol safety program, school, treatment, worship, medical care) and must be carried while driving. (2) Program rule 1340-03-06-.06(13) and the TDOSHS FAQ: a medical breath reduction from 1.5 L to not less than 1.2 L on a physician's or pulmonary specialist's statement, requested through safety.interlock@tn.gov after a device has been installed and tried at the standard setting. What the source says“If a person is unable to produce enough breath volume to operate an ignition interlock device, then the person may apply to the department for a waiver of the ignition interlock requirement.” |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Available — Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund (EMIF) A participant who tells the sentencing court they cannot afford the device gets a financial hearing; if the court finds the person indigent it issues a signed Proof of Indigency Form (Uniform Affidavit of Indigency). Presented to the manufacturer, the form obliges the manufacturer to provide service as long as EMIF money is available; reimbursable services are installation, lease, maintenance and removal. The fund is administered by the Tennessee Department of Treasury, Division of Claims and Risk Management (EMIF@tn.gov), not by the Ignition Interlock Program. The completed affidavit is submitted to the interlock manufacturer. What the source says“If that form is presented to a BAIID manufacturer, the manufacturer must provide the service as long as there is money available in the Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund (EMIF).” |
| In-state interlock waiver (court order) | Completed by the court on the Order for Restricted Driver License; possible where the conviction was a non-alcohol DUI, a DUI with BAC below 0.08%, or a chemical-test refusal, and only if there was no accident, no passenger under 18, and no prior DUI within 10 years of the offense date. Waivers are not automatic and must be approved by the Department. What the source says“You may qualify for an Ignition Interlock Waiver if your conviction was for one of the following: 1. A DUI offense that did not involve alcohol; 2. A DUI offense where your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was less than 0.08%; 3. Refusal to submit to a chemical test.” |
| Out-of-state resident waiver | A driver residing outside Tennessee may apply for an out-of-state waiver, completed jointly with the home state's licensing authority; once approved the Tennessee interlock requirement is not required while the person remains a resident of another state. If the home state will not honor the waiver, Tennessee's interlock requirement still applies before reinstatement. What the source says“Drivers who reside outside of Tennessee may be eligible for an out-of-state waiver of the ignition interlock requirement.” |
| Military deployment toll | An active service member deployed outside the state of residence for more than 30 days may request a toll; if deployment exceeds 90 days the device may be removed to stop the monthly lease, with 30 days after deployment ends to reinstall, after which the usage period resumes. Proof of deployment goes to the interlock provider. What the source says“A military deployment toll can be requested for a participant who is an active service member of the United States Armed Forces and is ordered to be deployed outside their state of residence for more than thirty (30) days.” |
| Commercial vehicles | No exception for commercial vehicles; the device may be installed only on a non-commercial company vehicle. What the source says“No exceptions are allowed under current state law for commercial vehicles and motorcycles.” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- Is an ignition interlock required after a first DUI in Tennessee?
- Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425(b)(1), when a person eligible for a restricted license applies for one, the court must order a functioning ignition interlock for the ignition interlock usage period; under § 55-10-425(b)(2)(B) the Department will not reinstate a license without proof of a current installation. TDOSHS lists 'Ignition interlock installation for 365-day minimum period' as a DUI reinstatement requirement.
- How long must the ignition interlock stay installed in Tennessee?
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425(a)(2)(B) defines the ignition interlock usage period as 365 consecutive days or the entire period of the driver license revocation, whichever is longer. TDOSHS states DUI revocations are 1 year for a first offense, 2 years for a second, 6 years for a third and 8 years for a fourth. Violations during the final 120 days extend the period by 120 days (§ 55-10-425(d)).
- What does it cost to reinstate a Tennessee license after a DUI?
- TDOSHS's Financial Responsibility Laws page lists DUI reinstatement fees of $103 (reinstatement fee), $50 (SR-22 fee) and, if applicable, $75 (failure to surrender license fee), along with serving the revocation period, court certification, SR-22 insurance, surrender of the Tennessee license and, if applicable, drug/alcohol certification.
- Does Tennessee cap ignition interlock device fees?
- Yes. Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-03-06-.15, installation may not exceed $75 per hour with a three-hour maximum, leasing/monitoring/maintenance may not exceed $125 per month, removal may not exceed $75, a permanent-lockout reset may not exceed $50, and a temporary lockout code may not exceed $25. Manufacturers charge each new user a $12.50 annual administrative fee.
- How long is SR-22 insurance required after a Tennessee DUI?
- TDOSHS states that when a violation requires SR-22 insurance, the proof must be maintained with the Department for the length of the suspension or revocation period, and may be maintained with a restricted license or upon reinstatement. If the SR-22 policy is cancelled before the requirement is completed, driving privileges may be suspended for failure to maintain future proof of financial responsibility (T.C.A. 55-12-126).
Sources
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425 (effective Jan. 1, 2023) – PDF hosted on the TDOSHS Safety Support site (Lexis printout, current through 2022 Regular Session)
- TDOSHS Safety Support – T.C.A. 55-10-425 Effective January 1, 2023 (article linking the statute PDF)
- TDOSHS Safety Support – Which Law do I Fall Under? (55-10-417 vs. 55-10-425 versions)
- TDOSHS – Ignition Interlock (Breath Alcohol Device) program page with provider list
- TDOSHS – Ignition Interlock Program Approved Service Centers (PDF, updated 06/24/2025)
- TDOSHS – Financial Responsibility Laws (suspensions, revocations, reinstatement requirements and fees)
- TDOSHS – Restricted License Information
- TDOSHS Safety Support – Do I need SR-22 Insurance?
- Rules of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Chapter 1340-03-06 – Ignition Interlock Device Program (May 2020)
Record history
- — Record verified against primary sources.