Q: Can I avoid interlock device for non-alcohol DUI?
I received a DUI in 2017, completed my 11/29 sentence, paid all fines, and complied with all aspects of my sentence. My DUI was for falling asleep while driving and not related to alcohol. Although I've never installed an interlock device and I'm no longer on probation, I'd like to know if I can avoid needing one. Is there a way to get out of the interlock device requirement in this situation?
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- Tennessee
- (865) 637-3035
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- Answered
A: No, that is a requirement for the restricted license.
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- (916) 704-3009
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A:
It makes sense that you’re looking for clarity, especially since your DUI wasn’t alcohol-related. In many states, including Tennessee and others with similar laws, the requirement for an ignition interlock device is often tied directly to **alcohol-related DUIs**. If your offense was based on drug impairment or another non-alcohol-related cause—like falling asleep at the wheel—there’s a chance you may not be required to install an interlock device.
That said, the DMV or Department of Safety sometimes places an interlock requirement on your license as a condition for reinstatement, regardless of the substance involved. If that’s the case, you can request a **waiver or exemption**, especially if you can show that alcohol was not a factor in your offense. You may need to provide documentation from your court records or sentencing paperwork confirming this.
Even though your probation is over and you've met your obligations, it’s still worth checking directly with the licensing authority in your state. You’ve done the hard work of completing your sentence—now it’s just a matter of tying up this final piece. You’re not wrong to ask, and it’s possible the law is actually on your side here.
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