Ignition interlock in Alabama
If you need an interlock-restricted license in Alabama after a DUI conviction, you must install an approved ignition interlock and send proof of installation to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the state office in charge of driver licenses. The interlock is a small breath testing unit connected to your vehicle, and the car only starts when you give a clean breath sample.
- Fee for the restricted license
- $150
- Providers approved in the state
- 4
- Companies installing
- 4
- First conviction with a BAC under 0.15
- 90 days on the interlock
- First conviction with a BAC over 0.15
- 1 year on the interlock
- Agency in charge
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
BAC stands for blood alcohol level, the figure that came out of your breath or blood test when you were arrested.
Call us and we'll pass your request to an interlock company serving Alabama to set up your install, since ALEA can't issue your restricted license until the device is in your car.
4 interlock companies in Alabama
| Company | From, a month | Installation | 12 months, install included | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 LifeSafer | From $50 | $70 to $150 | From $670 | 4.6 of 5 |
 Intoxalock | From $54.99 | Set by each service center | From $729.88install at MADD's typical range | 4.4 of 5 |
 Smart Start | From $59.99 | From $150 | From $869.88 | 4.6 of 5 |
 Dräger (RoadGuard Interlock) | Call for a quoteFirst month free | 1.7 of 5 | ||
Prices are each company's national starting price. The 12-month column adds a year of that price, the install price and any set-up fee, or MADD's typical $70 to $150 where no install price is posted.
MADD's national range: $70 to $150 to install, then $60 to $80 a month, or $790 to $1,110 for a year.
Interlock providers in Alabama
Approval for each interlock provider in the state comes from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and there are 4 approved at the moment. Your device has to come from one of these approved providers, so confirm that your installer uses one before booking.
Prices differ by company, so it helps to ask for the full monthly cost and install fee before you book.
How long will you need the device?
How long depends on your record and what your test showed. For a first conviction under a 0.15 BAC, the interlock term is 90 days, matching the length of the license suspension. If you decide to get the interlock, the entire 90 day suspension is put on hold.
With a first conviction above 0.15 BAC, the term stretches to 1 year while the suspension stays at 90 days. After a second conviction, the interlock is mandatory once 45 days of suspension or revocation have passed.
If you refused the breath or blood test, one more year is added to your interlock term, unless this is your first conviction. The IIHS confirms that even a first DUI means you need an interlock to drive during a suspension.
Getting your restricted license
Once you're convicted, the judge sends an order to ALEA stating whether the interlock is optional or required in your case.
- Book a fitting with one of the 4 approved companies.
- Get the device fitted on the car you plan to drive.
- Submit your proof of installation to ALEA.
- Pay $150 for the ignition interlock restricted driver license.
This restricted license is what allows legal driving with the device in your car. ALEA can't issue it before the install is complete, so the appointment comes first.
What it costs over your term
MADD's averages put a 1 year term at about $790 to $1,110 in total, and a 6 month term at about $430 to $630. Your $150 license fee is separate.
Violations that add time
Every violation during your required period tacks 6 months onto your interlock term. It counts as a violation if the device records a breath sample of 0.02 or higher four or more times in one monthly reporting period.
The device also needs servicing plus a calibration check every 30 days. Calibration is a fast test at the service center confirming the tester still measures accurately. Skipping that appointment is a violation as well, so try to schedule each service stop before the 30 days are up.
Taking the device out early
The device can't come out early. It stays in until your full term is over and the court that convicted you tells ALEA you've met every requirement.
Commercial drivers
The interlock rules don't cover disqualifications for a Commercial Driver License.
Booking your install
Call us and we'll pass your request to a company serving Alabama to set up your appointment.