Drink-driving limits in Alabama (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Drivers under 21 face an offence at 0.02%, commercial drivers at 0.04%. A first conviction can bring up to one year in jail and a fine of $600 to $2,100.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: 0.02% blood alcohol or more is an offence; a first violation at 0.02% to 0.08% brings a 30-day licence suspension. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: 0.04% or more is an offence. School bus or day care drivers on duty: more than 0.02%. [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First conviction: up to 1 year in county or municipal jail and/or a fine of $600 to $2,100, plus a 90-day licence suspension (stayed with an ignition interlock). [1] |
Notes
- The state's official statute pages could not be read in this round, so nothing is stated for this field.
Sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON): Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-5A-191, Driving While Under Influence of Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Etc. (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Alabama and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year; $600-$2,100 fine |
| Florida | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | Any alcohol (commercial) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months; $500-$1,000 fine |
| Georgia | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety roadchecks | Up to 1 year jail, $300-1,000 fine |
| Mississippi | 0.08% (21 and over) | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: $250-$1,000 / up to 48 h |
More rules in Alabama
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class A misdemeanor) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Stage II restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Stage I learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (Class C consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (younger with an adult)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Firearms only; no knife carry offence read · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage law · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (offence needs erratic driving) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.