HB477 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen Farley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Driving under the influence, ignition interlock devices, withdrawal of license suspension for conviction of authorized under certain conditions, license revocations commuted upon installation of ignition interlock device under certain conditions, courts required to notify Public Safety Department of certain convictions requiring interlock device, Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund created, Secs.32-5A-191, 32-5A-191.4, 32-5A-301, 32-5A-304 am'd.

Summary

HB477 broadens DUI ignition interlock rules, allows license suspensions to be withdrawn or revoked periods commuted after interlock installation, and creates an Interlock Indigent Fund to help those who cannot afford the device while tightening provider standards.

What This Bill Does

The bill would let the Department of Public Safety withdraw a 90-day first-offense DUI license suspension if the offender installs and operates a certified ignition interlock device and gets a restricted license. It would allow certain license revocation periods to be commuted after serving a portion of the revocation and installing a certified interlock device. It requires ignition interlock devices for offenders with BAC of .15 percent or higher and requires courts to notify DPS, which would issue restricted licenses reflecting the interlock requirement. It also creates the Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund to reimburse approved providers for indigent offenders and sets rules for provider performance, enforcement, and related fees and distributions.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders (including first-time offenders) who may have their 90-day suspension withdrawn if they install and operate an ignition interlock and receive a restricted license.
• Offenders with a BAC of .15% or higher, who would be required to install a certified ignition interlock device.
• Minors and juvenile offenders are exempt from interlock requirements unless a court specifically orders otherwise.
• Ignition interlock device providers, who must meet specifications or risk removal from the approved list for five years.
• Individuals deemed indigent who may use the Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund to help cover interlock costs; the fund is administered by the Department of Public Safety.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes DPS to withdraw the 90-day driver’s license suspension for a first DUI conviction if the offender is ordered or chooses to install and operate a certified ignition interlock device and is issued a restricted license.
• Allows license revocation periods to be commuted after a portion of the revocation is served and the offender has installed a certified ignition interlock device in a designated vehicle.
• Requires installation of a certified ignition interlock device for individuals convicted of DUI with 0.15% or higher BAC.
• Courts must notify the Department of Public Safety of convictions requiring interlock installation; DPS must issue restricted licenses showing interlock requirements.
• Ignition interlock requirements do not apply to certain minors in juvenile court unless ordered by the court.
• If an ignition interlock provider fails to meet specifications, its device will be removed from the list of approved devices for five years.
• Creates the Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund, administered by DPS, to reimburse indigent interlock providers; funds are distributed quarterly and through specified allocations.
• Establishes fees and cost-sharing related to interlock installation and maintenance, with funds allocated to DPS, the Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund, and related programs; includes provisions for indigent determinations and cost-sharing terms.
• Specifies that ignition interlock driving violations can extend the duration of required interlock use and outlines penalties for tampering or noncompliance with interlock requirements.
• Amends several sections (32-5A-191, 32-5A-191.4, 32-5A-301, 32-5A-304) to implement these changes and retroactively apply commutation provisions for license suspensions and revocations upon completion of interlock requirements.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses