SB53 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Zeb Little

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Quinton RossPriscilla Dunn

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, driving under the influence, penalties to include mandatory use of ignition interlock device under certain conditions, Forensic Sciences Department to approve devices, Public Safety Department to issue restricted driver's license, fee, provisions for indigent defendants, Sec. 32-5A-191.4 added; Sec. 32-5A-191 am'd.

Summary

SB53 would require ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders, set up a certification and licensing system, and impose stricter penalties and license/vehicle restrictions, including provisions for indigent defendants and local funding considerations.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would require DUI offenders to install and operate ignition interlock devices on vehicles they drive, with longer time periods for interlock use as convictions rise. It would allow restricted licenses for drivers who must use an interlock, and impose fees for licensing and reinstatement. The bill also certifies interlock devices through the Forensic Sciences department, outlines penalties by conviction level (including fines, imprisonment, and mandatory terms), strengthens probation and bond conditions, and creates funding and reimbursement provisions for indigent defendants and device providers.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders and drivers convicted of DUI (first, second, third, and beyond) whose driving privileges and vehicle use would be restricted or conditioned on interlock use.
• Ignition interlock providers, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Forensic Sciences, courts, and local governments (including funding mechanisms and license/fee administration), as well as indigent defendants who may receive assistance with interlock installation.

Key Provisions

• Replaces current penalties by requiring ignition interlock devices on vehicles driven by DUI offenders, with time periods increasing by number of convictions and a bail condition requiring interlock for second or subsequent offenses.
• The Department of Forensic Sciences must certify ignition interlock devices; the Department of Public Safety may issue restricted licenses allowing driving only with an interlock and may charge fees for license issuance and reinstatement.
• The bill indemnifies the state from liability related to installation and use of interlock devices and sets up funding structures for program costs, including indigent defendant provisions and provider reimbursements.
• Amendment 32-5A-191 and addition of new Section 32-5A-191.4 establish BAC and device rules, including a 0.03 BAC start limit, 0.04% limit for commercial drivers, and a prohibition on starting a vehicle without a functioning interlock if prohibited from driving otherwise.
• Penalties escalate by conviction, from first offense (up to 1 year or fines, 90-day license suspension, and 1-year interlock) to fourth+ offenses (Class C felony with substantial fines and imprisonment, minimum interlock periods up to five years).
• Requires installation and use of ignition interlock for specified periods after conviction and mandates proof of installation for restoration or probation compliance, with possible revocation of probation for noncompliance.
• Imposes additional terms for repeat offenders, including vehicle registration suspension for all owned vehicles during license suspension, with hardship exemptions, and designation of the vehicle by VIN for interlock enforcement.
• Provides indigent offender procedures, including court-driven indigency determinations, provider installation options, and a fund (Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund) to reimburse providers, with monthly or quarterly payments and reporting requirements.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles