From time to time you may encounter a driver who thinks they can avoid trouble by refusing to take a DUI breath or blood test when they’re pulled over for a potential DUI or DWI violation. Many people don’t realize that refusal to take a DUI test can result in automatic one year license suspension under the Tennessee Implied Consent Law. In addition, they may face criminal charges and spend up to one year in jail as well as pay administrative penalties and heavy fines. Implied consent means that if you have a Tennessee driver’s license and operate a vehicle in Tennessee, you are legally required to submit to a DUI or DWI test if an officer pulls you over and asks you to do so.
Tennessee Implied Consent Law
If you’re stopped by an officer who suspects you of DWI or DUI, don’t think you can escape the situation by refusing to test. In fact, this may cause you more problems than not. The Tennessee Implied Consent Law states that when you obtain a Tennessee driver’s license, you give your implied consent, or express permission to be tested if an officer suspects you of driving impaired or intoxicated. The penalty for refusal to test is severe.
