Alabama · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Alabama: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Alabama: What Are the Rules?
You have 10 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Alabama.
- Deadline to challenge
- 10 days
- How it is counted
- The notice of intended suspension (or the notice of suspension if no notice of intended suspension was served); the written request must be received or mailed and postmarked within 10 days
- Failed test
- 90 days with no prior alcohol or drug enforcement contacts in 10 years; 1 year with one; 3 years with two; 5 years with three or more
- Refused test
- Suspended under the same schedule: 90 days with no prior contacts in 10 years; 1 year with one; 3 years with two; 5 years with three or more
- Hardship license
- Ignition interlock restricted driver license
How to Request a Hearing in Alabama
in writing, hand delivered or mailed to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division, Montgomery; a separate written administrative review can be requested by mail or in person within 90 days of the notice
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Alabama
90 days with no prior alcohol or drug enforcement contacts in 10 years; 1 year with one; 3 years with two; 5 years with three or moreAla. Code § 32-5A-304(a), (b); § 32-5A-306(e); § 32-5A-307(a); § 32-5-192(c)(2)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Alabama
suspended under the same schedule: 90 days with no prior contacts in 10 years; 1 year with one; 3 years with two; 5 years with three or moreAla. Code § 32-5A-304(a), (b); § 32-5A-306(e); § 32-5A-307(a); § 32-5-192(c)(2)
Getting a Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License in Alabama
With proof of an installed interlock, ALEA issues an interlock-restricted license and the rest of the suspension or revocation is stayed and then commuted when the interlock period is completed. First offense: available right away to stay the 90-day suspension. Mandatory interlock cases: after at least 45 days (first and second), 60 days (third) or 1 year (felony) of the suspension, with a court order.
Official source: getting a ignition interlock restricted driver license (Alabama)
More on DUI Law in Alabama
See the full overview of DUI laws in Alabama and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Alabama law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Alabama can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Alabama?
10 days. How it is counted: the notice of intended suspension (or the notice of suspension if no notice of intended suspension was served); the written request must be received or mailed and postmarked within 10 days.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
90 days with no prior alcohol or drug enforcement contacts in 10 years; 1 year with one; 3 years with two; 5 years with three or more
Can You Get a Hardship License in Alabama?
With proof of an installed interlock, ALEA issues an interlock-restricted license and the rest of the suspension or revocation is stayed and then commuted when the interlock period is completed. First offense: available right away to stay the 90-day suspension. Mandatory interlock cases: after at least 45 days (first and second), 60 days (third) or 1 year (felony) of the suspension, with a court order.