Key points
First DUI: a $600 to $2,100 fine, up to one year in jail or both, and a 90 day suspension.
Source: Handbook p. 33
“Penalty for a first conviction is a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail or by both fine and imprisonment. In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days.”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33Second DUI in 10 years: a $1,100 to $5,100 fine and up to one year in jail.
Source: Handbook p. 33
“For a second conviction in 10 years the fine ranges from $1,100 to $5,100, a jail sentence of up to one year, or both fine and imprisonment.”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33A second conviction also requires 48 hours in jail or 20 days of community service, and a one year revocation.
Source: Handbook p. 33
“A mandatory 48 hours jail or 20 days community service and one-year revocation of driver license is required after a second conviction.”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33Third DUI: a $2,100 to $10,100 fine and a three year revocation.
Source: Handbook p. 34
“For a third conviction, the fine ranges from $2,100 to $10,100, and the driver license will be revoked for three years.”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34A fourth or later DUI is a Class C felony with a five year revocation.
Source: Handbook p. 34
“A fourth conviction or subsequent conviction is a Class C felony. Fines range from $4,100 to $10,100, with a five-year revocation of driver license.”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34By driving on Alabama highways, you consent to a chemical test of blood, breath or urine.
Source: Handbook p. 34
“Any person who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state shall be deemed to have given his consent to a chemical test”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34A driver under DUI arrest who refuses a directed breath test will have the license suspended.
Source: Handbook p. 34
“A driver under arrest for Driving Under the Influence, who refuses to submit to chemical breath tests when directed by an officer, shall have his driver license suspended.”
Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| $600 to $2,100; 1 year; 90 days | first DUI fine, maximum jail and suspension | Handbook p. 33 |
| $1,100 to $5,100 in 10 years | second DUI fine range | Handbook p. 33 |
| 48 hours or 20 days; 1 year | second DUI mandatory jail or service, and revocation | Handbook p. 33 |
| $2,100 to $10,100; 3 years | third DUI fine and revocation | Handbook p. 34 |
| 60 days | mandatory minimum jail for a third DUI | Handbook p. 34 |
| $4,100 to $10,100; 5 years | fourth DUI fine range and revocation, a Class C felony | Handbook p. 34 |
3 questions from the Alabama practice test
1. What penalty does Alabama list for a first DUI conviction?
- A $100 fine
- A warning and a class
- A five year revocation
- A fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail or both, plus a 90 day license suspension
Show answer
A fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail or both, plus a 90 day license suspension. The penalty for a first DUI conviction is a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail, or both, and the driver license is suspended for 90 days. The suspension can be stayed if the driver elects to use an approved ignition interlock device for 90 days. A second conviction within 10 years brings a fine of $1,100 to $5,100, a mandatory five days in jail or 30 days of community service, and a one year revocation. Penalties escalate sharply from there, so a $100 fine or a simple warning badly understates the first offense.
2. What mandatory penalties follow a second Alabama DUI conviction within 10 years?
- A 90 day suspension only
- At least 5 days in jail or 30 days of community service, a one year revocation, and a fine of $1,100 to $5,100
- A $600 fine
- Lifetime revocation
Show answer
At least 5 days in jail or 30 days of community service, a one year revocation, and a fine of $1,100 to $5,100. Section 32-5A-191(f) sets a fine of $1,100 to $5,100 for a second DUI conviction within 10 years, with jail of up to one year. The sentence must include at least five days in jail or at least 30 days of community service, which cannot be suspended or probated, and ALEA revokes the license for one year, followed by a two year ignition interlock requirement. The older manual figure of 48 hours or 20 days is out of date. A first offense carries $600 to $2,100 and a 90 day suspension, and a third brings a three year revocation.
3. What does a fourth or subsequent Alabama DUI conviction bring?
- A $600 fine and 90 day suspension
- A misdemeanor with community service
- A Class C felony with fines of $4,100 to $10,100, a five year revocation, and one year and one day to 10 years in prison
- A one year revocation
Show answer
A Class C felony with fines of $4,100 to $10,100, a five year revocation, and one year and one day to 10 years in prison. A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction is a Class C felony. Fines range from $4,100 to $10,100 with a five year revocation of the driver license, and the offender may be imprisoned for not less than one year and one day and up to 10 years. A third conviction carries a three year revocation and a mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail that cannot be probated.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with alcohol and dui questions from the free Alabama practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4: The Driver. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.