SB151 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Motor vehicles, driving under the influence, fourth conviction, mandatory minimum jail time increased, prior convictions, five-year limitation deleted and convictions from other states included, driving without a license from conviction, penalty for fourth offense, penalty increased, Secs. 32-5A-191, 32-6-19 am'd.; Act 2011-613, 2011 Reg. Sess.; Act 2011-621, 2011 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

SB151 would raise penalties for repeat DUI offenses, broaden which prior convictions count toward sentencing, and tighten penalties for driving with a suspended license due to DUI in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It increases the minimum mandatory jail time for a fourth or later DUI offense from 10 days to 90 days. It removes the five-year look-back limit, allowing prior DUI convictions from Alabama or other states to be used for sentencing no matter when they occurred. It creates a new penalty: a third or subsequent DUI offense when the license was cancelled, denied, suspended, or revoked for a DUI offense would be a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum jail term of 30 days. It adds or expands ignition interlock device requirements and related license and vehicle penalties for repeat offenders.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders in Alabama (and those with prior convictions from other states), who would face longer jail terms, broader sentencing considerations, and ignition interlock requirements.
• Drivers whose licenses are cancelled, denied, suspended, or revoked due to DUI, who would face new penalties such as a Class A misdemeanor with a 30-day minimum jail term and related penalties like ignition interlock requirements and potential vehicle registration actions.

Key Provisions

• Fourth or subsequent DUI offenses must carry a minimum jail sentence of 90 days (increased from 10 days).
• Any prior DUI conviction from this state or other jurisdictions can be used for sentencing, removing the five-year look-back limit.
• A third or subsequent offense when the license was cancelled/denied/suspended/revoked due to a DUI offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of 30 days in jail.
• Ignition interlock device requirements are expanded, with specified minimum durations tied to the offense (e.g., 2 years after second offense, 3 years after third, 5 years after fourth or more) and related license restrictions.
• Repeat DUI offenders may have all vehicle registrations suspended by the Department of Revenue for the duration of the license suspension period.
• The redundant penalty related to a child under 14 years old in the vehicle is removed.

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