In 2011, Alabama became the 50th state to enact driving under the influence (DUI) legislation that includes the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Alabama courts are required to order the installation and maintenance of IIDs for some first-time and all repeat DUI offenders. IIDs must be installed on any and all vehicles operated by the offender. The offender is responsible for any and all costs associated with the IID, including installation, monthly lease payments, service fees and removal. If the offender installs IIDs on multiple vehicles, the offender is responsible for the costs of installing and maintaining all of the IIDs. Offenders must obtain IIDs from service providers that are certified by the State of Alabama.
The IID is a small device that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. The driver is required to blow into the device to submit a breath sample. The IID measures the alcohol content of the breath sample and compares it to a pre-set limit. If the breath sample indicates an alcohol level that is above the pre-set limit, the IID prevents the vehicle from starting. IIDs require drivers to submit random breath samples while operating vehicles. If a “rolling re-test” results in a breath alcohol content that is above a pre-set limit, the IID initiates an alarm sequence that includes sounding the vehicle’s horn and flashing the vehicle’s lights. The alarm sequence continues until the driver turns off the vehicle or submits a clean breath sample. In some situations, the IID initiates a permanent lockout phase during which the vehicle cannot be started under any circumstances. The vehicle must be towed to the service provider to have the permanent lockout released. The offender is responsible for any and all costs associated with the permanent lockout, including towing and fees imposed by the service provider.
In Alabama, a first-time DUI offender is subject to a jail sentence of up to one year, a $500 to $2,000 fine and a mandatory 90-day suspension of driving privileges. If the first-time DUI conviction involves a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher, the court orders the installation and maintenance of an IID.
A second-time offender is subject to jail time up to one year, 20 days of community service, a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, the revocation of driving privileges for a period of one year and an ignition interlock device requirement. A third DUI conviction within five years of the previous conviction results in jail time up to one year, a $2,000 to $10,000 fine, the revocation of driving privileges for a period of three years and an IID requirement. A fourth and subsequent DUI conviction within five years of a previous conviction is a Class C felony. The offender serves up to ten years in jail, pays a $4,000 to $10,000 fine, has driving privileges revoked for a period of five years and must meet an IID requirement.
In addition to the jail time, fines, suspension or revocation of driving privileges and ignition interlock device requirements, individuals convicted of DUI in Alabama are required to pay a $100 fee to the Impaired Drivers Trust Fund for each conviction.
Additional Resources For Ignition Interlock Alabama Laws
