SB133 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Driving under the influence, ignition interlock devices, other alcohol monitoring device approved by the court, Secs. 32-5A-191, 32-5A-191.4 am'd.
Summary: The bill lets courts require ignition interlock devices or other court-approved alcohol monitoring devices for DUI cases and creates funding and rules to help indigent defendants and providers.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the court to order either an ignition interlock device or any other alcohol monitoring device approved by the court, including for pretrial diversion cases. It creates the Alabama Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund to help indigent defendants obtain devices and requires providers to serve a portion of indigent cases, with associated fees and distributions to several funds. It also clarifies procedures, penalties, and timelines related to installation, proof of device, license restrictions, and violations, and specifies an effective date for the act. The local government expenditure rules are stated to be exempt from requiring a 2/3 vote due to an exceptions provision.

Who It Affects
Individuals charged with or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), who could be ordered to install an ignition interlock device or another court-approved alcohol monitoring device, with durations tied to their offense and potential extensions for violations.
Indigent defendants who cannot afford such devices, who may qualify for indigent status and receive assistance or reimbursement through the new fund and related provisions.

Key Provisions
Courts may order ignition interlock devices or any other alcohol monitoring device approved by the court, in lieu of or in addition to ignition interlock requirements.
For pretrial diversion, courts may require any other alcohol monitoring device instead of an ignition interlock device.
Creation of the Alabama Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund to reimburse providers for indigent defendants, with a 5% threshold rule and annual fund distribution to multiple state funds; penalties for providers failing to meet indigent service requirements.
Defendant fees include a $200 court-imposed payment and various costs for installation, maintenance, or lease of devices; additional license-related fees up to $150 for restricted licenses and up to $75 for reissuing regular licenses.
Indigent defendants may qualify for reduced or waived interlock-related costs; the agency may issue restricted licenses only when proof of installation is provided, and noncompliance can lead to license suspension.
Ignition interlock violations (e.g., tampering, improper maintenance, or driving without proper device use) extend the required device period and may trigger additional penalties or court actions.
Notably, the bill explicitly states it does not apply to juvenile offenders under 19 unless ordered otherwise by the court, and it requires vehicle identification and designation for device installation.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the bill is passed and approved.

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