HB425 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Hardship driver license, to further provided for the eligibility of hardship driver licenses, Sec. 32-6-12.1 am'd.

Summary

HB425 expands hardship driver license access for some DUI offenders and creates Class D hardship licenses for certain released inmates and transportation-challenged individuals.

What This Bill Does

It updates the DUI eligibility rule so a person with a DUI adjudication or conviction more than five years old can apply for a hardship license. It requires the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to create a Class D hardship license program for inmates in work release or community corrections and for people released from incarceration, with limited driving privileges and a fee. It also allows a Class D license for people with suspended or revoked licenses who cannot obtain reasonable transportation, if they can demonstrate they pose no public safety risk. It maintains that DUI adjudications within five years make a person ineligible for a hardship license and requires rules and collaboration with the Board of Pardons and Paroles; and it specifies an effective date.

Who It Affects

• People with a DUI adjudication or conviction more than five years old: eligible to apply for a hardship driver license.
• Inmates in work release programs or in community corrections, and people released from incarceration: eligible for Class D hardship licenses with limited driving privileges.
• People with suspended or revoked licenses who cannot obtain reasonable transportation: eligible for Class D hardship licenses with limited driving privileges after demonstrating need and low risk.
• Individuals whose hardship license has been revoked: must wait at least six months before applying again.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-6-12.1 to allow hardship licenses for DUI adjudication/conviction more than five years before application.
• Creates a Class D hardship driver license program for inmates in work release or community corrections and for released from the Department of Corrections, with specified and limited driving privileges and a fee.
• Creates a Class D hardship license for those with suspended or revoked licenses who cannot obtain reasonable transportation, pending demonstration of need and risk assessment.
• Prohibits eligibility for hardship licenses for DUIs adjudicated within five years of application.
• Requires the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to adopt rules and collaborate with the Board of Pardons and Paroles to implement the provisions.
• Effective date: on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Drivers' Licenses