Tennessee · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Tennessee: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Tennessee: What Are the Rules?
How Tennessee suspends your license after a DUI arrest, and how to get driving privileges back.
- Refused test
- Imposed by the court, not by an administrative process. First refusal with no prior DUI conviction: 1 year, or 1 year 6 months for refusing a blood test when suspected of a misdemeanor DUI (from January 1, 2026); from January 1, 2027, 1 year 6 months for any first refusal. With a prior DUI conviction: 2 years. After a crash causing serious bodily injury: 2 years. After a crash causing a death: 5 years
- Hardship license
- Restricted driver license
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Tennessee
Imposed by the court, not by an administrative process. First refusal with no prior DUI conviction: 1 year, or 1 year 6 months for refusing a blood test when suspected of a misdemeanor DUI (from January 1, 2026); from January 1, 2027, 1 year 6 months for any first refusal. With a prior DUI conviction: 2 years. After a crash causing serious bodily injury: 2 years. After a crash causing a death: 5 years.Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-407(a) (2013 Pub. Acts ch. 154; (a)(1) as amended by 2025 Pub. Acts ch. 403 and 2026 Pub. Acts ch. 1046)
Official source: suspension if you refuse a test (Tennessee)
Getting a Restricted Driver License in Tennessee
Ordered by the judge on an Order for Restricted Driver License (ORDL). You must clear any other suspensions, then bring the court order, proof of SR-22 insurance and proof of ignition interlock installation (if required) to a Driver Services Center, which may issue a 90-day temporary restricted license while Central Office reviews the case. The restricted license lasts only for the revocation period. After a second offense a restricted license is available only after 1 year of the 2-year revocation. No restricted license is allowed during the revocation if someone was seriously injured or killed.
Official source: getting a restricted driver license (Tennessee)
More on DUI Law in Tennessee
See the full overview of DUI laws in Tennessee and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Tennessee law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Tennessee can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get a Hardship License in Tennessee?
Ordered by the judge on an Order for Restricted Driver License (ORDL). You must clear any other suspensions, then bring the court order, proof of SR-22 insurance and proof of ignition interlock installation (if required) to a Driver Services Center, which may issue a 90-day temporary restricted license while Central Office reviews the case. The restricted license lasts only for the revocation period. After a second offense a restricted license is available only after 1 year of the 2-year revocation. No restricted license is allowed during the revocation if someone was seriously injured or killed.