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Alabama DUI Laws Penalties And Fines
Alabama Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws
Definition of Intoxication:
Under Alabama drunk driving laws, Alabama Driving Under the Influence (DUI) may be proved two different ways:
1. With evidence that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, legal drugs, or controlled substances, to the extent that your normal faculties were impaired; or
2. With evidence that you drove with a BAC of 0.08 or greater (or 0.04, for CDL drivers). Alabama drivers under age 21 are DUI if they have ANY detectable BAC (the “Zero Tolerance” law), but courts use 0.02 BAC as the legal standard.
Summary of Illegal BAC Levels in Alabama:
- Adult Driver - DUI with BAC of 0.08 or higher
- Commercial Vehicle Driver - DUI with a BAC of 0.04 or higher
- Under 21 Driver – DUI with BAC of 0.02 or higher
When Can I Drive, if I’ve Been Drinking?
If you’ve been drinking, the best way to avoid DUI in Alabama is to have someone else drive. If you must drive, authorities recommend you wait at least one hour for every beer or average drink you’ve had. In addition to time, many other factors affect how the body metabolizes alcohol, like weight, gender, body fat, and recent eating, among others.
Even if your BAC is below 0.08, you can still be DUI, if a jury believes a police officer’s testimony about evidence of your intoxication. In other words, the “legal level” only works in favor of the prosecutor, if you cross it. Being below it does not make you legal.
Consequences of a DUI Offense in Alabama
A drunk driving conviction in Alabama has serious consequences, which become even more severe with repeat offenses and other aggravating factors, like driving DUI with an exceptionally high blood alcohol content (BAC) or with a minor passenger. A DUI conviction in Alabama remains on your record for five (5) years, for purposes of calculating repeat offense levels.
The arresting officer confiscates an Alabama DUI arrestee’s driver’s license immediately, pending an administrative suspension hearing, which will be held within 5 days of the arrest. Alabama DUI law has no provision for obtaining a hardship license for work or employment purposes. If your driver’s license is suspended for DUI in Alabama, you will be unable to drive for any purpose, during the period of suspension.
