Arizona DUI Laws & Penalties
Introduction Navigating DUI
(Driving Under the Influence) laws in Arizona is essential for both residents and visitors. Arizona enforces some of the strictest DUI regulations in the nation to combat impaired driving and promote public safety. Understanding the state’s legal BAC limits, penalties, and reinstatement process can help drivers avoid serious legal and financial consequences.
2. Nomenclature & Definitions
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): The primary term used in Arizona for alcohol and drug-impaired driving.
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration): Measurement of alcohol in a driver’s system.
- Extreme DUI: A DUI charge for drivers with a BAC of 0.15% or higher.
- Aggravated DUI: A felony DUI charge involving repeat offenses, driving on a suspended license, or driving with a minor in the vehicle.
- Implied Consent: Legal requirement that drivers agree to chemical testing when suspected of DUI.
- SIIRDL (Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License): A restricted license that allows limited driving privileges with an IID installed after a DUI suspension.
- Alcohol Screening, Treatment, and Education: Arizona’s term for the court-mandated evaluation, education, and treatment programs required for license reinstatement.
3. Legal BAC Limits
Standard Drivers (21 and Over): 0.08%
Commercial Drivers (CDL): 0.04%
Underage Drivers (Under 21): 0.00%
4. Penalties for DUI Offenses
1
First Offense:
Fines: Minimum $1,250 (plus additional court fees and penalties).
Jail Time: 10 days (9 days may be suspended upon completion of alcohol education program).
License Suspension: 90 days.
Alcohol Screening, Treatment, and Education: Mandatory.
IID Requirement: 2 months.
Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% or higher):
First Offense: Minimum $2,500 fine, minimum 30 days in jail, 90-day license suspension, 12-month IID.
Second Offense: Minimum $3,250 fine, minimum 120 days in jail, 12-month license suspension, 12-month IID.
2
Second Offense
Fines: Minimum $3,000.
Jail Time: Minimum 90 days (60 days may be suspended upon completion of treatment program).
License Suspension: 1 year.
Alcohol Screening, Treatment, and Education: Mandatory.
IID Requirement: 12 months.
Aggravated DUI:
Felony charge.
Minimum 4 months in prison.
1-year license revocation.
IID requirement after reinstatement.
Mandatory alcohol screening, treatment, and education.
5. DUI Statistics (Arizona)
- DUI Arrests (2022): Approximately 27,000.
- Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities (2021): 295.
- Extreme DUI Rate: Roughly 20% of all DUI arrests.
6. Implied Consent & Chemical Testing
Drivers who refuse chemical testing face:
- First Refusal: 1-year license suspension.
- Second Refusal (within 7 years): 2-year license suspension.
Refusal can be used as evidence in court.
7. Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements
- IID installation is mandatory for all DUI convictions.
- Duration depends on offense level (12 months to 24 months).
- Installation and maintenance costs are the driver’s responsibility.
8. License Suspension & Reinstatement Process
Suspension Duration: Varies based on offense and refusal to test.
Reinstatement Steps:
- Complete alcohol screening, treatment, and education.
- Obtain SR-22 insurance.
- Pay reinstatement fee.
- Install an IID if required.
- Apply for SIIRDL if eligible for restricted driving privileges.
9. Key Takeaways
BAC limits:
0.08% (Standard)
0.04% (CDL)
0.00% (Under 21)
- Penalties increase significantly for Extreme and Aggravated DUI.
- Chemical test refusal triggers automatic license suspension.
- IID and alcohol education programs are mandatory for reinstatement.
- SIIRDL allows restricted driving with an IID after suspension.
