Alabama First Offense DUI Law Overview
A first offense DUI in Alabama comes with a combination of criminal penalties enforced by the court and administrative penalties against your driver’s license handed down by the Department of Public Safety.
Criminal Penalties
A first offense is classified as a Misdemeanor offense. Punished by imprisonment in the county or municipal jail for not more than one year, or by fine of not less than six hundred dollars ($600) nor more than two thousand one hundred dollars ($2,100), or by both a fine and imprisonment. Jail time and fines vary based upon the offenders blood alcohol level. Attendance in a state approved DUI offender/substance abuse program is required.
Administrative Penalties
A first offense refusal to submit to a chemical test will be considered a presumption of guilt and will result in an additional 90 day suspension of your driver’s license. An ignition interlock will be required for a period of 2 years for all first time offenders if one or more of the following are true:
Your license will be suspended for 90 days following a first offense. The court may grant you a limited license during suspension period. An SR-22 form filing will be required for a period of 3 years beyond license reinstatement period. You can apply for your SR-22 filing below:

Additional Alabama DUI Resources
- Alabama DUI Laws – Here you will find a comprehensive and detailed explanation of Alabama’s DUI laws including all offense levels and penalties.
- Alabama Second Offense DUI – Second offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and more.
- Alabama Third Offense DUI – Third offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and more.
- Alabama Fourth or Subsequent Offense DUI – Fourth offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and more.
- Alabama SR22 Insurance Filing – We have compiled everything you need to know about Alabama’s SR22 insurance and filing requirements including important addresses, phone numbers, etc.
- Alabama Alcohol Abuse Classes – We offer a complete listing of state approved DUI & alcohol abuse classes.
- Alabama Bail Bondsmen – Comprehensive list of Alabama bail bond agents including address, phone, website, etc.
- State Statutes – Complete Alabama DUI statute regarding DUI laws and penalties.