DUI Offenses - As enacted, requires an ignition interlock provider to permit a person to appear for calibration, monitoring, or inspection of the device at any time within a two-week period; authorizes a court to order reinstatement of a person’s driver license if the person has no other revocations or suspensions on the person’s driving record and the person’s only noncompliance with ignition interlock requirements has been with regard to the required calibration, monitoring, or inspection of the ignition interlock device; makes various other changes in regard to ignition interlock devices and the ignition interlock usage period. - Amends TCA Section 55-10-417 and Section 55-10-425.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Requires flexible ignition interlock scheduling and allows license reinstatement for DUI offenders whose only violation is missing calibration appointments, not alcohol tests.

Pub. Ch. 184

#duioffenses

Legislative bill overview

SB 1299 modifies Tennessee's ignition interlock device requirements for DUI offenders by requiring providers to offer calibration appointments within two-week windows and allowing courts to reinstate driving privileges for individuals whose only violation is missing required device maintenance (not alcohol-related infractions). The bill also makes unspecified additional changes to interlock device usage periods and related regulations.

Why is this important

Ignition interlock devices are a key public safety tool preventing repeat drunk driving, but practical barriers—like inflexible appointment scheduling—can cause technical violations unrelated to actual impairment. This bill attempts to balance rehabilitation with compliance flexibility, potentially reducing license suspensions for people who fail appointments rather than fail breathalyzer tests, which has real implications for employment and reintegration while maintaining safety safeguards.

Potential points of contention

Safety concerns: Critics may argue that loosening compliance requirements or allowing license reinstatement could undermine DUI deterrence, even if violations are "only" procedural rather than alcohol-related

Equity in implementation: The two-week appointment window may still create hardship for those with transportation issues, inflexible work schedules, or rural location barriers, raising questions about whether this adequately addresses access problems

Ambiguous "other changes": The bill's reference to unspecified modifications regarding "usage period" leaves unclear what additional alterations exist, making full impact assessment difficult