DUI Offenses

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details on changes to DUI penalties or restrictions beyond the use of transdermal monitoring devices instead of ignition interlock devices for eligible individuals.

Driving Under Influence (DUI) Offenses

This bill allows people convicted of DUI who are eligible for a restricted license to use a transdermal monitoring device instead of an ignition interlock device, but they must pay all costs themselves.

What This Bill Does

• Allows someone found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) and eligible for a restricted license to ask the court if they can use a transdermal monitoring device instead of an ignition interlock device in their car.
• Requires the person using a transdermal monitoring device to pay all costs related to it, without help from any fund.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who are found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee.
• Courts that handle DUI cases in Tennessee.

Terms To Know

Transdermal monitoring device

A device worn on the skin to check if someone has been drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Ignition interlock device

A machine installed in a car that stops it from starting if the driver has been drinking alcohol.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how much money people will have to pay for the transdermal monitoring device.
• It is unclear what happens if someone cannot afford the costs of the transdermal monitoring device.

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

SENATE BILL 2638
By Roberts

HOUSE BILL 1963
By Farmer
HB1963
011108
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39;
Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10, relative to driving
under the influence of an intoxicant.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-10-409, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(f) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, if a person convicted of a
violation of § 55-10-401 is eligible for a restricted license under subsection (a) and the
court determines pursuant to this section that it is appropriate to order the person to
operate only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, then the person
may request, and the court may order, the installation and use of a transdermal
monitoring device in lieu of ordering the person to only operate a motor vehicle with an
ignition interlock device. The person shall pay all costs associated with the transdermal
monitoring device and is not eligible for assistance from the electronic monitoring
indigency fund under § 55-10-419.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.