SB180 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Driving under the influence, specify which drugs are considered controlled substances, require courts to further consider a defendant's DUI history, reorganize existing provisions of law relating to DUI and penalties, Sec. 32-5A-191 am'd.

Summary

SB180 tightens Alabama's DUI laws by defining DUI with drug thresholds, expanding how prior DUI history is considered, and increasing penalties and ignition interlock requirements.

What This Bill Does

Defines driving under the influence to include measurable amounts of specific drugs in a driver’s body and allows a prescription-based defense. Requires courts to consider misdemeanor DUI convictions in the past 10 years and all felony DUI convictions when sentencing. Increases penalties for repeat offenses, makes fourth or subsequent DUI a Class C felony, and treats prior felony DUI convictions as felonies for later offenses. Requires random drug testing and other treatment for DUI involving controlled substances and reorganizes license suspension/revocation and ignition interlock rules.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders and people charged with DUI, who would face a broader DUI definition, prescription defenses, ignition interlock requirements, and higher penalties for repeats.
• State and local agencies (courts, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency) and ignition interlock providers, which would implement the reorganized rules, monitoring, and licensing processes.

Key Provisions

• DUI can be charged when there is a measurable amount of listed drugs in the body, with an affirmative defense if the person has a lawful prescription for the substance.
• Specific drug concentration thresholds are defined (e.g., Alprazolam 90 ng/mL, THC 5 ng/mL, Cocaine 20 ng/mL, etc.).
• Courts must consider misdemeanor DUI convictions from the past 10 years and all felony DUI convictions when determining penalties.
• A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction would be a Class C felony; a prior felony DUI conviction would cause a subsequent DUI to be treated as a felony.
• A DUI involving a controlled substance would require random drug testing and other appropriate treatment.
• The act substantially reorganizes DUI-related laws, including license suspensions and ignition interlock requirements.
• Ignition interlock requirements age in with offense level (duration and restrictions increase with more offenses) and include costs and restrictions for license restoration.
• Enhanced penalties and additional rules apply for special categories (under 21, school bus/day care drivers, and commercial drivers), including BAC thresholds (0.02% for under 21, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.15% for enhanced punishment).
• Fees and funding provisions related to interlock devices and related programs are specified and distributed to several funds.

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

Subjects

Driving Under the Influence