SB117 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Paul BussmanClay ScofieldJ.T. WaggonerRusty GloverGerald H. AllenBryan Taylor

Session

Regular Session 2014

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.

Summary

SB117 would tighten Alabama DUI laws by redefining what counts as driving under the influence, expanding priors from other states, increasing penalties for repeat offenses, and adding comprehensive ignition-interlock requirements.

What This Bill Does

It defines 'under the influence' to include any substance that impairs driving and adds measurable thresholds for certain drugs (including THC) with a prescription defense. It removes the five-year limit on prior DUI convictions and allows priors from other states to be used in sentencing. It raises penalties for repeat offenses (a fourth or subsequent DUI carries a 90-day minimum jail term; a third or later offense with license cancellation due to DUI becomes a Class A misdemeanor with at least 30 days in jail) and doubles penalties if the BAC is 0.15% or more or if a child under 14 is in the vehicle. It expands ignition-interlock requirements (device installation, ongoing use, monthly fees, and restoration conditions) and adds related penalties and procedures, including consequences for violations and designated-vehicle use, while tightening penalties for certain high-risk driving scenarios and special driver categories.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders, especially those with multiple prior offenses or with a license canceled/suspended/revoked due to a DUI, who would face higher penalties and mandatory ignition-interlock requirements.
• Under-21 drivers, school bus/day care drivers, and commercial drivers, who would face specificBAC thresholds, license suspensions or disqualifications, and tailored penalties.

Key Provisions

• Redefines 'under the influence' to include any substance impairing driving and adds a threshold for certain drugs (including a 5 ng/mL THC measure or other listed substances in blood/oral fluid) with a prescription defense.
• Consolidates DUI charges to cover all substances that impair safe driving and allows charging based on measurable amounts unless legally prescribed or authorized.
• Eliminates the five-year lookback for prior DUI convictions and allows any prior DUI conviction from Alabama or other jurisdictions to be used in sentencing.
• Imposes a stricter penalty structure for repeat offenses: fourth or subsequent DUI carries a minimum 90 days in jail; a third or subsequent DUI with license canceled for DUI becomes a Class A misdemeanor with at least 30 days in jail; penalties are increased if BAC is 0.15%+ or a child under 14 is present.
• Deletes a redundant penalty provision related to a child under 14 in the vehicle during a DUI offense.
• Expands ignition-interlock requirements with device installation, ongoing use for specified periods, monthly fees, and restoration conditions; violations (tampering, calibration failures, etc.) extend interlock use and trigger additional consequences.
• Adds specific provisions for high-risk situations (e.g., 0.02% BAC for under-21 or certain driver categories, 0.04% BAC for commercial drivers, and enhanced penalties if a minor is present) and assigns related administrative fees and fund allocations.

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