HB357 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Jones
Republican
Co-Sponsor: David Colston
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Driving under the influence, crime further defined, term "under the influence" defined, Sec. 32-5A-191 am'd
Summary: HB357 defines what counts as 'under the influence' for DUI, tightens penalties and ignition interlock requirements, and clarifies local-funding implications under Amendment 621.
What This Bill Does
The bill defines 'under the influence' as not having the normal mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or any combination of these substances, and it consolidates DUI charges to cover any substance that impairs safe driving. It sets specific thresholds, including 0.08% BAC, adds a 0.02% BAC limit for those under 21, and imposes stricter rules for school bus/day care drivers (0.02%), and commercial drivers (0.04%). It introduces escalating penalties for first through fourth or subsequent offenses, requires ignition interlock devices in certain cases, mandates DUI-related treatment referrals, and directs license suspension and revocation terms; it also outlines fines distribution and conditions for reissuing licenses. The bill notes that, although it would affect local funds, it is exempt from the local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends a crime and thus does not require local-entity approval.

Who It Affects
General drivers in Alabama: face a redefined DUI standard and penalties, including suspensions, fines, ignition interlock requirements, and mandatory treatment referrals.
Special categories of drivers: under-21 drivers (0.02% BAC limit), school bus/day care drivers (0.02%), and commercial drivers (0.04%), with stricter penalties and license consequences.

Key Provisions
Defines 'under the influence' as not having the normal mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or any other impairing substance, or combinations of these.
Consolidates DUI offenses to cover driving under the influence of any substance that renders a person unsafe to drive, with explicit thresholds for alcohol and impairing substances.
Under-21 provision: prohibits driving with 0.02% or more BAC and sets suspension and record-keeping rules; mandates penalties for violations and ignition interlock where applicable.
Special driver categories: school bus/day care drivers with 0.02% BAC prohibition; commercial drivers with 0.04% BAC and CDL disqualification; specific suspension periods and penalties.
Escalating penalties by offense: first, second, third, and fourth-or-subsequent convictions carry increasing fines, jail time, and mandatory ignition interlock periods; license revocations are specified (up to multi-year durations).
Ignition interlock requirements: mandatory device installation for certain offenses, with duration tied to offense level; penalties for tampering or noncompliance extend the interlock period; cost and administration rules are outlined.
Treatment and court-referral: offenders must be referred to a court-ordered DUI or substance-abuse program; completion is required before license reinstatement.
License and registration controls: various suspensions/revocations, and in repeat offenses, vehicle-related penalties; in some cases, vehicle registration can be affected.
Fines and fund distribution: detailed rules on how DUI fines are distributed between state funds and special DUI-related funds; municipal vs. state fund treatment is specified.
Local-funding exemption: the bill acknowledges a local-funding impact but is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines or amends a crime.
Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and 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: Motor Vehicles