SB162 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
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: SB162 tightens Alabama DUI laws by expanding what counts as under the influence, broadening which prior offenses count, and raising penalties with longer jail time, stricter license penalties, ignition interlock requirements, and vehicle impoundment.
What This Bill Does
It expands the definition of 'under the influence' to include impairment from any substance, adds a THC threshold, and lists other drugs that can trigger DUI charges, with a prescription not always providing a defense. It removes the five-year lookback for prior DUI convictions and allows out-of-state offenses to count toward sentencing. For a fourth or later DUI offense, it increases the minimum jail time to 90 days and makes the offense a Class C felony with higher fines, and it requires longer license suspensions and ignition interlock device use for several years. It creates stricter penalties for driving with a cancelled, denied, suspended, or revoked license due to DUI, including a third offense becoming a Class A misdemeanor with at least 30 days in jail, along with vehicle impoundment and mandatory treatment and interlock requirements.

Who It Affects
DUI offenders, especially those with multiple prior offenses, who would face higher fines, longer jail terms, longer license suspensions, and mandatory ignition interlock requirements.
Drivers whose licenses are canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked due to DUI (including commercial and school bus drivers) who would face vehicle impoundment, stricter enforcement, and extended penalties.

Key Provisions
Expanded 'under the influence' definition to include impairment from any substance, adds THC thresholds and a list of drugs; prescription use limits the defense.
Any prior DUI conviction from Alabama or other states/territories can be used for sentencing; removes the five-year lookback.
Fourth or subsequent DUI penalties: minimum 90 days in jail; Class C felony for the offense; fines roughly $4,100–$10,100; longer license suspension and ignition interlock use (2–5 years) with higher risk if BAC is 0.15 or a child is a passenger.
Third offense while license is canceled/denied/suspended or revoked due to a DUI: Class A misdemeanor with at least 30 days in jail; extended license revocation and mandatory ignition interlock for several years.
Ignition interlock program: monthly fees, device installation/maintenance costs, duration of interlock use tied to the offense, and penalties for interlock violations that extend the term.
Vehicle impoundment: law enforcement must impound vehicles when a driver with a DUI-related license suspension/revocation operates on public roads, with towing liens and certain exceptions for owners with valid circumstances.
Treatment/referral and testing: court referrals to DUI/substance abuse programs, random drug testing for controlled substances, and suspension of license until program completion and interlock requirements are met.

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