SB211 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, third or subsequent offense of driving under the influence while license is cancelled, suspended, or revoked, penalties increased, Sec. 32-6-19 am'd.

Summary

SB211 strengthens penalties for third or subsequent DUI-related offenses involving a license that has been canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked, and tightens impoundment and fee rules related to those offenses.

What This Bill Does

If a person commits a third or subsequent offense of driving with a license canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked because of a DUI, they would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum 30-day jail sentence. The bill also adds a mandatory $50 penalty in all related criminal and quasi-criminal cases, to be placed in the Traffic Safety Trust Fund and the Peace Officers Standards and Training Fund, and it can be automatically assessed if the court does not impose it. It allows the Director of Public Safety to revoke the offender’s license for an additional six months. It strengthens vehicle impoundment rules for DUI-related suspensions or revocations, allowing immediate removal from the vehicle and impounding, with tow to a safe location, storage, and a lien process, plus release to the owner after fees are paid.

Who It Affects

• Drivers whose license is canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked due to a DUI offense, especially those facing a third or subsequent violation, who would face harsher penalties and potential jail time.
• Law enforcement, towing companies, and the court system, which would handle increased impoundment procedures, storage fees, liens, and related administrative steps.

Key Provisions

• Third or subsequent conviction for operating a vehicle with a license canceled/denied/suspended/revoked due to a DUI offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum 30-day jail sentence.
• Imposes a mandatory $50 penalty in all related criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings, to be placed in the Traffic Safety Trust Fund and the Peace Officers Standards and Training Fund; clerk must impose it if the court does not.
• Director of Public Safety may revoke the offender's license for an additional six months.
• Enhanced impoundment provisions: the vehicle of someone with a DUI-related suspension or revocation can be immediately removed and impounded; tow to a safe storage location; owner or agent may reclaim after paying towing and storage fees; liens apply to the vehicle for those fees with notice to prior lienholders.
• The bill's purpose includes requiring new or increased local funds, but it contains exceptions allowing it to become law without a local vote; it is effective the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses