Among the many new Tennessee laws that took effect on January 1 as we move into 2026 is a significant change in the consequences for refusing a blood test when suspected of driving under the influence.
For those individuals pulled over by law enforcement and suspected of driving under the influence, the new law states that if you refuse the test, the new term on the law would change the consequence for the DUI offender to license suspension for 18 months rather than just one year, even for those charged with a first time offense.
Officers may also request saliva swab tests and use reasonable force in obtaining a blood sample…