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.
First step to getting you back on the road
If you have an Arizona DMV or court order to install an interlock device, complete the Clear2Drive™ Arizona Interlock Application to start your installation process. Call or Text 855-261-3944 to begin.
The material provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal guidance. Please consult your attorney and/or state authorities for specific details and instructions as needed.
FAQs
It is an in-car breathalyzer that measures how much alcohol your breath contains. You may have heard them called anything from in-car breathalyzers to car interlocks or even blow-and-goes. Based upon DUI laws in Arizona, BAIIDs are used to prevent drivers from starting their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. When a device registers test results above a pre-set limit, the vehicle just won’t start.
The device requires servicing and re-calibration every 30 to 60 days by an authorized service center. This is according to the DUI laws in Arizona. Our Clear2Drive™ AAS 2.0 device exceeds the calibration stability requirements as set forth in the NHTSA Model Specifications. Under DUI Arizona laws, you may be required to perform periodic breath tests while driving. However, a BAIID won’t ever stop your vehicle while you’re driving.
The average expense of having a BAIID is $3 per day. However, aid for low-income drivers is available in the state of Arizona. On the other hand, you could choose not to drive at all. But be aware that there can be very strict penalties imposed if you drive on a suspended license. Also, a conviction could lead to additional fines, a longer sentence, and even some jail time.
When you choose Clear2Drive™, you can count on us to guide you toward successful IID program completion as required by the DUI laws in Arizona. And, this will occur both on time and free of any hidden costs. Besides the installation of the device, we also handle communicating with the DMV for you. With a top-rated interlock company like ours, you’ll be getting the advantage of:
- A trained and certified installation team
- An easy-to-use interlock device
- A transparent upfront fee structure
- Expert 24/7 customer support via chat, email, phone, or text
