New Twist In Tennessee DUI Law as of July 1
Posted on:7/6/2009
Written By: Chris Robideaux
| Tennesseeans have had to adjust themselves to a new twist in their DUI laws. As of July 1, law enforcement officers in Tennessee will be required to conduct blood alcohol level tests while responding to suspected drunk driving accidents, if someone other than the suspected impaired driver is left seriously hurt or killed. |
MEMPHIS, TN --- Tennesseeans have had to adjust themselves to a new twist in their DUI laws. As of July 1, law enforcement officers in Tennessee will be required to conduct blood alcohol level tests while responding to suspected drunk driving accidents, if someone other than the suspected impaired driver is left seriously hurt or killed. Officers will need to have probable cause to suspect the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence.
According to ABC/Channel 24 News in Memphis, suspected drunk drivers who refuse to take the test could lose their license for a year, in addition to other charges they would face.
The new law applies only to accidents in which someone other than the driver is hurt. If a driver is pulled over on suspicion of DUI or is the only person involved in a crash, he or she keeps the right to refuse a breathalyzer test.