HB1 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barbara Bigsby BoydRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Motor vehicles; suspension of driver license and ignition interlock device following first driving while under the influence conviction required

Summary

HB1 expands ignition interlock device requirements for DUI offenses in Alabama, adding longer IID periods for repeat offenses and related penalties and BAC rules.

What This Bill Does

For a first DUI conviction, the bill would require an approved ignition interlock device to be installed and operating on the offender's vehicle, with a 90-day driver's license suspension that can be stayed during IID use, and restoration only after a 180-day restricted license. For a second conviction, IID must be installed and operating for two years, with a one-year license revocation and additional penalties including a mandatory minimum jail time or community service; BAC rules apply to various groups (under 21, school bus/day care drivers, commercial drivers). For a third conviction, IID would run for three years with a three-year license revocation and higher penalties. For a fourth or subsequent conviction, the offense becomes a Class C felony with a minimum sentence around one year and one day up to 10 years, plus a four-year IID and a five-year revocation, along with related costs and court requirements.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders in Alabama across offense levels (first through fourth+), whose driving privileges would be restricted or suspended and who would face IID requirements, fines, and potential imprisonment.
• Specific driver groups affected by BAC rules and IID mandates (under-21 drivers, school bus/day care drivers, and commercial drivers), with different BAC thresholds and additional penalties tied to their licenses and vehicle types.

Key Provisions

• First conviction: required installation and operation of an approved ignition interlock device on the designated vehicle; 90-day license suspension that can be stayed during IID use; license restoration after 180 days of a restricted license.
• Second conviction: ignition interlock device required for two years; license revocation for one year; mandatory minimum penalties including imprisonment and/or community service; BAC thresholds apply to various groups (under 21, school bus/day care drivers, commercial drivers).
• Third conviction: ignition interlock device required for three years; license revocation for three years; higher fines and imprisonment, with treatment or court-referred programs as appropriate.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction: ignition interlock device required for four years; the offense can be a Class C felony with a minimum sentence of one year and one day up to 10 years; additional revocation periods and penalties apply.
• BAC-related provisions: stricter thresholds for certain groups (0.02% for under 21 and for school bus/day care drivers; 0.04% for commercial drivers; higher penalties if BAC is 0.15% or more).
• Fines, costs, and fund allocations: court costs of $200; portions distributed to various funds (Alabama Interlock Indigent Fund, State Judicial Administration Fund, municipal funds, District Attorney/Solicitor Fund, Highway Safety Fund) and mandatory interlock device costs paid to approved providers.
• Administrative and reinstatement rules: IID-related requirements influence license reinstatement, with possible retroactive stay provisions under certain conditions, designation of vehicles for IID use, and ongoing IID compliance as a condition of license restoration.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic