SB30 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Driving under the influence, suspension of driver's licenses by Ala. St. Law Enforcement Agency, first time offenders, stay of suspension with use of ignition interlock devices, Sec. 32-5A-304 am'd.

Summary

SB30 allows a first-time DUI offender with no recent alcohol or drug-related enforcement contacts to avoid a 90-day license suspension by using an ignition interlock device for six months.

What This Bill Does

For offenders with no alcohol or drug-related enforcement contacts in the prior five years, the 90-day suspension would be stayed if they install and operate an approved ignition interlock device on the designated vehicle for six months. They must provide proof of installation and obtain an ignition interlock restricted driver license; the remainder of the suspension is commuted after successful completion of the interlock period. The bill defines what counts as an alcohol or drug-related enforcement contact and keeps other suspension lengths based on prior enforcement history (one year for one prior contact, three years for two or three, five years for four or more). The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• First-time DUI offenders with no alcohol or drug-related enforcement contacts in the last five years would benefit by avoiding the full 90-day suspension if they install and use an ignition interlock device for six months.
• Drivers with one or more alcohol or drug-related enforcement contacts in the prior five years would not be eligible for the interlock stay and would continue to face suspension lengths based on their history (1 year, 3 years, or 5 years).

Key Provisions

• Provision A: For eligible first-time offenders (no prior enforcement in five years), the 90-day suspension is stayed if an approved ignition interlock device is installed and operating on the offender's designated vehicle for six months; proof of installation is required and an ignition interlock restricted license is issued; the remainder of the suspension is commuted on successful completion.
• Provision B: The term 'alcohol or drug-related enforcement contacts' includes suspensions, refusals to submit to chemical testing, and DUIs; no more than one such contact from a single DUI arrest may be used in determining suspension length.
• Provision C: Suspension durations remain as 1 year for one prior contact, 3 years for two or three prior contacts, and 5 years for four or more prior contacts.
• Provision D: The act amends Section 32-5A-304 and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Driving Under the Influence