House Bill 1 Adds Ignition Interlocks For 1st Time DUI
Currently in Alabama, "Driving Under the Influence" can bring stiff penalties on the first violation. Among the options are, up to a year in jail, $600-$2,100 fine, 90-day license suspension, and DUI school. But House Bill 1 would make the first-time penalty a little steeper.
Sponsored by Anniston Rep. Barbara Boyd (D-32), who had numerous surgeries after a serious car crash with an impaired driver less than two years ago, the bill would mandate ignition interlocks for first-time DUI offenders.
The bill, with Tuscaloosa Rep. Chris England (D-70) as one of its co-sponsors, would maintain a 90-day license suspension and the other penalties for a first DUI. But Rep. Boyd told members of the lower chamber that adding the mandatory ignition interlock for the first offense will make Alabama drivers safer.
The device functions by breathalysing drivers before they are able to operate their vehicle and do not allow the car to start if a person has a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit.
In Alabama, the blood alcohol concentration limit is set at 0.08% for drivers over 21 years of age and it is set at 0.02% for those under 21.
One amendment was added to the legislation that would prohibit offenders from having their regular driver’s licenses restored until after possessing a restricted driver’s license for 180 days. The amendment passed by a vote of 104-0.
The house passed the bill unanimously, voting 100-0 to send the legislation to the Senate. Members gave Rep. Boyd an ovation on passage of her bill.
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