HB283 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Chris EnglandJuandalynn GivanPebblin W. WarrenDavid SessionsDarrio MeltonSteve ClousePaul W. LeeKen JohnsonJoe FaustMac ButtramDonnie ChesteenCharles O. NewtonMarcel BlackEd HenryDavid ColstonDexter GrimsleyJoe HubbardJack WilliamsJohn RobinsonBecky NordgrenK.L. BrownTerri Collins

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Driving under the influence, crime further defined, term "under the influence" defined, Sec. 32-5A-191 am'd

Summary

HB283 redefines 'under the influence' for DUI, consolidates DUI charges under one standard, and imposes stricter penalties and ignition interlock requirements for offenders.

What This Bill Does

Defines 'under the influence' as impairment of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or any combination; consolidates DUI charges to apply when any substance impairs safe driving; imposes age- and vehicle-type specific thresholds (0.02% BAC for under 21, 0.02% for school bus/day care drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers) and escalates penalties for multiple offenses, including mandatory ignition interlock devices; requires DUI or substance abuse court referral programs and related fees. The bill includes provisions about funding and local government implications, but states it is exempt from local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime, and it becomes effective three months after passage.

Who It Affects

• General drivers in Alabama would be subject to a unified 'under the influence' DUI standard and potential penalties if impaired by any substance, including ignition interlock requirements and court referral programs depending on offense history and circumstances.
• Specific groups with enhanced rules include drivers under 21 (lower BAC limit and suspension provisions), school bus/day care drivers (0.02% BAC limit), commercial drivers (0.04% BAC and CDL penalties), and repeat offenders (increasing fines, jail time, license suspensions, and longer ignition interlock durations; presence of a child or testing refusals can double penalties).

Key Provisions

• Defines 'under the influence' as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or any other substance, or a combination of two or more of those substances.
• Consolidates DUI offenses to a single framework where a person can be charged with driving under the influence if under the influence of any substance that renders safe driving unsafe.
• Sets BAC thresholds: 0.08% or higher; 0.02% for under-21 drivers; 0.02% (and related restrictions) for school bus/day care drivers; 0.04% for commercial drivers, with corresponding license actions.
• Imposes escalating penalties for multiple offenses (first through fourth or more offenses) including jail time, fines, license suspensions, and mandatory ignition interlock device installation for designated periods (ranging from two to five years, depending on offense).
• Requires ignition interlock use and related compliance (including test refusals, tampering, and calibration violations) to extend durations and trigger additional penalties, and mandates court referral programs for alcohol/drug treatment.
• Double penalties apply if BAC is 0.15% or more or if a child under 14 was present in the vehicle, and also when a child is present for certain offenses.
• Details the allocation of fines and fees to various funds and notes the act is exempt from certain local-fund requirements because it defines a new crime, with an effective date three months after passage.
• Requires proof of completion of the DUI/substance abuse court program for license reinstatement and allows DPS to charge interlock-related fees and manage related program specifics.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles