In Nashville and across Tennessee, a DUI conviction will stay on your criminal record for life. There is no way to expunge or erase it, even if you complete a class, pay fines, or serve your sentence.
If the DUI charge was dismissed or you were acquitted, the charge may be eligible for expungement. If the DUI was reduced to another offense, expungement eligibility depends on the final disposition and whether the reduced conviction qualifies under Tennessee law.
Last updated: September 2026
Tennessee's DUI Lookback Period: What It Means for You
Although a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record, Tennessee uses a separate lookback rule to determine whether a new DUI is punished as a repeat offense.
Tennessee generally looks back 10 years from the date of the current DUI violation to the immediately preceding qualifying violation. If those violations occurred within 10 years of each other, the court may continue looking backward through additional qualifying violations occurring within 10 years of one another. However, a DUI violation more than 20 years before the current violation generally cannot be counted under this chained calculation. Certain prior vehicular-assault and vehicular-homicide convictions are subject to different rules.
Whether an earlier offense counts depends on the dates of the violations, the sequence of qualifying offenses, and the type of prior conviction.
Penalties for Multiple DUIs Within the Lookback Period
People who have multiple offenses during the 10-year lookback period will face more severe penalties.
Second DUI (within 10 years):
- A minimum of 45 days in jail, up to a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days
- Fines from $600 to $3,500
- 2-year license revocation
- Probation
- Possible vehicle forfeiture (if the previous DUI was within 5 years)
- Ignition-interlock restrictions and compliance requirements that may continue throughout the applicable restricted-license period
Third DUI (within 10 years):
- A minimum of 120 days in jail, up to a maximum sentence of 11 months, 29 days
- Fines from $1,100 to $10,000
- 6-year license revocation
- Probation
- Vehicle forfeiture under certain conditions
- Ignition-interlock restrictions and compliance requirements that may continue throughout the applicable restricted-license period
- Court costs and any restitution ordered by the court
Can a DUI Be Expunged in Tennessee?
Expungements aren’t automatic, even if you’re acquitted or the charges against you are dropped. Once you’re eligible, there are a few steps you'll need to take — but don't worry, we're here to walk you through it:
- Get your paperwork together: This includes court documents, case numbers, and anything else related to your charges. You’ll need to submit the expungement request to the court that handled your case.
- Determine whether a fee applies: Tennessee does not charge defendants to expunge charges that ended in dismissal, nolle prosequi, no true bill, or a not-guilty verdict. Fees may apply to other forms of relief, including some diversion and conviction expungements.
If your DUI charge was "retired," you must file a petition for dismissal before you can seek an expungement.
READ MORE: Can a DUI be expunged in Tennessee?
Speak with a DUI Defense Attorney
If you're facing DUI charges — or want to explore whether your previous charges can be cleared from your record — contact us now for a free consultation. We can help you avoid lifelong consequences and will pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Our No. 1 goal is a dismissal.
More FAQs about DUI in Tennessee
Can you expunge a DUI in Tennessee?
If a DUI is dismissed or reduced, the dismissed DUI charge may be eligible for expungement. Whether a conviction for the reduced offense can also be expunged depends on Tennessee law and the person’s record.
What is the lookback period for a DUI in Tennessee?
Tennessee generally begins by comparing the date of the current DUI violation to that of the immediately preceding qualifying violation. If they occurred within 10 years of each other, the prior offense may count, and the court may continue to look backward through additional qualifying violations. A violation more than 20 years before the current DUI generally cannot be counted under this chained calculation. Certain vehicular-assault and vehicular-homicide convictions follow different rules.
Will a DUI affect me forever in Tennessee?
While the legal penalties may expire, a DUI conviction remains on your record for life. It can affect job opportunities, insurance rates, and professional licenses long after your sentence is complete.
Does a DUI show up on background checks in Tennessee?
Yes. Because a Tennessee DUI conviction is not eligible for expungement, it may appear on criminal background checks long after the sentence is complete. Who can access the information and how it may be used depend on the type of background check and applicable law.
If you hold a commercial driver’s license, a first qualifying DUI offense generally results in a one-year CDL disqualification. A second qualifying major offense generally results in lifetime CDL disqualification. These consequences may apply even when the DUI occurred in a personal vehicle.
