HB697 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Driving under the influence, suspension period for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol content test increased to over a year

Summary

HB697 would raise the driving-privilege suspension period for refusing to take a blood alcohol content test from 90 days to one year in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-5-192 to make the first refusal to submit to a BAC test carry a suspension of the driving privilege ranging from 90 days up to one year. If the person refuses again within five years, the suspension would be one year. The bill preserves the option for law enforcement to designate which tests are administered and requires notification and a hearing before suspensions or license denials become final. It also requires sharing information about suspensions with the driver’s home state and any other state where the person holds a license. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Drivers arrested for suspected DUI who are asked to submit to chemical tests; if they refuse, their driving privileges could be suspended longer (first refusal up to one year, with longer suspensions for second or subsequent refusals).
• Group 2: Residents and nonresident drivers who hold or seek a license or permit in Alabama; nonresidents may have their driving privilege denied or suspended for refusing a test, while residents may face suspension or denial depending on the refusal, with rights to hearings and state-to-state information sharing.

Key Provisions

• Increase the suspension period for the first refusal to submit to a BAC test from 90 days to up to one year.
• Set a one-year suspension for second or subsequent refusals within five years.
• Maintain that tests may be administered at the officer's direction and allow designation of which tests are used if the person objects to a blood test.
• Provide for notice, a hearing, and review procedures before suspension or denial becomes final, with scope covering grounds for arrest, the refusal, and related issues.
• Allow the Director of Public Safety to reduce the suspension period if the person is acquitted of DUI charges.
• Require the Director to share information about suspensions/denials with the driver’s home state and any other state issuing a license.
• Specify the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Driving Under the Influence