Alabama DUI Laws & Penalties
Last reviewed:
Overview
- Legal BAC limit: 0.08% (commercial 0.04%, under-21 0.02%, enhanced at 0.15%).
- Lookback period: 10 years. 10-year lookback for counting priors (5-year window governs some suspension enhancements); 4th within 10 = Class C felony.
- Primary statute: Ala. Code § 32-5A-191
0.15+ doubles minimum punishments (double fine floor, mandatory IID); also 'aggravating' triggers: child under 14 aboard, injury to another, refusal.
Penalties by offense
| Offense | Classification | Jail | Fine | License suspension | Interlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | misdemeanor | none – 1 year; mandatory min none (doubled minimums if 0.15+) | $600–$2,100 ($1,100 minimum if 0.15+) | 90 days; hardship: suspension can be stayed/shortened by electing IID; DUI referral program required | Not required |
| Second offense | misdemeanor (within 10 years) | 48 hours (or 20 days community service) – 1 year; mandatory min 48 hours jail OR 20 days community service; 5 days if 0.15+ | $1,100–$5,100 (doubled minimum if 0.15+) | 1-year revocation – 1 year; hardship: IID election can restore driving (2-year IID) | Required |
| Third offense | misdemeanor (within 10 years) | 60 days – 1 year; mandatory min 60 days, not suspendable | $2,100–$10,100 | 3-year revocation – 3 years; hardship: IID path (3-year IID) | Required |
| Fourth+ offense | Class C felony (4th within 10 years) | 1 year and 1 day (10 days mandatory county jail) – 10 years; mandatory min 10 days | $4,100–$10,100 | 5-year revocation – 5 years; hardship: IID path (4-year IID) | Required |
First offense
- Classification: misdemeanor
- Jail: none – 1 year; mandatory min none (doubled minimums if 0.15+)
- Fine: $600–$2,100 ($1,100 minimum if 0.15+)
- License suspension: 90 days; hardship: suspension can be stayed/shortened by electing IID; DUI referral program required
- Alternative disposition: Pre-trial diversion exists county-by-county (DA-run), not statewide statute.
- Interlock: IID mandatory 1 year if 0.15+, refusal, child <14 aboard, or injury; optional election otherwise (90-day IID in lieu of suspension).
- Mandatory substance-abuse (DUI referral) program for all convictions.
Second offense
- Classification: misdemeanor (within 10 years)
- Jail: 48 hours (or 20 days community service) – 1 year; mandatory min 48 hours jail OR 20 days community service; 5 days if 0.15+
- Fine: $1,100–$5,100 (doubled minimum if 0.15+)
- License suspension: 1-year revocation – 1 year; hardship: IID election can restore driving (2-year IID)
Third offense
- Classification: misdemeanor (within 10 years)
- Jail: 60 days – 1 year; mandatory min 60 days, not suspendable
- Fine: $2,100–$10,100
- License suspension: 3-year revocation – 3 years; hardship: IID path (3-year IID)
Fourth+ offense
- Classification: Class C felony (4th within 10 years)
- Jail: 1 year and 1 day (10 days mandatory county jail) – 10 years; mandatory min 10 days
- Fine: $4,100–$10,100
- License suspension: 5-year revocation – 5 years; hardship: IID path (4-year IID)
Refusing a chemical test (implied consent)
90-day suspension for first refusal (1 year with priors) — and refusal is an IID-mandating aggravator on conviction. Refusal admissible.
Statute: Ala. Code § 32-5-192
Ignition interlock
IID mandatory for 0.15+, refusal, child-passenger, injury cases and all repeat offenses (1–4 years by offense number); electable to shorten suspensions otherwise.
Statute: Ala. Code § 32-5A-191(t); § 32-5A-300 et seq.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Alabama?
A first DUI in Alabama is a misdemeanor. Jail: none – 1 year; mandatory min none (doubled minimums if 0.15+). Fine: $600–$2,100 ($1,100 minimum if 0.15+). License suspension: 90 days; hardship: suspension can be stayed/shortened by electing IID; DUI referral program required.
What is the legal BAC limit in Alabama?
0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How long does Alabama look back at prior DUI offenses?
10 years. 10-year lookback for counting priors (5-year window governs some suspension enhancements); 4th within 10 = Class C felony.