What is Implied Consent?

T.C.A. § 55-10-406 (a) Any person who drives a motor vehicle in this state is deemed to have given consent to a test or tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of that person’s blood, a test or tests for the purpose of determining the drug content of a person’s blood, or both.

What this means is that, if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be asked to submit to a chemical test of your blood.  Should you refuse, which in most cases you are entitled to do, you will likely be charged with a violation of the implied consent law.  While not, in and of itself, a criminal offense, there are still penalties for refusing a chemical test which will result in a loss of your driving privileges for a specified period of time.