Alabama DUI License Suspensions, Ignition Interlocks, and SR-22 Requirements
An Alabama DUI charge can have consequences beyond criminal penalties, including driver license suspensions, ignition interlock requirements, and commercial driver license (CDL) disqualifications. Understanding the difference between a suspension and a revocation is important because the requirements for reinstating your driving privileges may vary.
Unlike many states, Alabama does not have a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) handles driver license issuance, suspension, revocations, and related administrative matters. The Alabama Department of Revenue handles vehicle registration and tag requirements.
Following a DUI arrest, the consequences for your diver license depend on factors such as your prior history, breath test results, and whether you refused testing.
Under Alabama Code § 32-5A-191(e), ignition interlock requirements may apply following a DUI. For certain first-offense cases, a driver may elect a 90-day license suspension or 90 days of ignition interlock use when the breath test result is below 0.15%. A test result of 0.15% or higher, or a refusal to submit to testing, triggers a mandatory one-year ignition interlock requirement under the applicable statute.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the driver’s prior history.
Refusing a chemical test can result in a separate administrative driver license suspension. Under Alabama Code § 32-5A-304(b)(3), a third or subsequent refusal within the applicable 10-year period can result in a three-year suspension.
An SR-22 certificate is proof of financial responsibility filed by an insurance company. In Alabama, an SR-22 requirement depends on the applicable driver license action and the circumstances of the case. A suspension does not automatically require an SR-22, while certain revocations do.
For an eligible first-time offender whose only applicable Class D license action is a 90-day suspension, the driver may qualify for reinstatement after serving the suspension and paying the applicable $275 reinstatement fee. An SR-22 or ignition interlock may not be required if no separate requirement applies.
Commercial drivers face additional consequences. Even when the underlying Class D driving privilege becomes eligible for reinstatement, a CDL disqualification may continue for the remainder of the applicable disqualification period.
Have You Been Charged With a DUI in Alabama?
A DUI can affect your driving privileges, insurance obligations, and ability to work, particularly if you hold a commercial driver license. At The Stoves Law Firm, we help individuals understand their rights and evaluate their options after a DUI arrest.
Call The Stoves Law Firm at 205-823-7233 to discuss your case and learn how an Alabama criminal defense attorney may be able to help.