Arizona DUI Laws: 2025 DUI Charges Guide
Arizona enforces some of the nation’s toughest DUI rules. Even a first‐time DUI conviction triggers a mandatory ignition interlock device requirement, steep fines, and a 90-day license suspension. Understanding the state’s process can help you protect your driving privileges and meet every court or Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requirement.
Getting Started
If you’re arrested for DUI in Arizona, two separate cases begin at the same time:
- Administrative – The Arizona MVD automatically suspends your license if you fail or refuse a chemical test.
- Criminal – The court decides fines, jail, ignition interlock length, and any additional license penalties.
Important Note: While this page gives detailed information about Arizona DUI laws, DUI.org does not offer or provide legal advice. Laws can change, so consult a qualified DUI attorney for personalized guidance.
Definitions to Know
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Arizona’s term for impaired-driving offenses.
MVD (Motor Vehicle Division)
The Arizona state agency that handles license actions, interlock monitoring, SR-22 filings.
IID (Ignition Interlock Device)
A breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
SR-22
A certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have the minimum required liability auto insurance coverage after a DUI court-convicted suspension.
Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest in Arizona
- Hire an attorney
to navigate MVD deadlines and court dates.
- Request an MVD hearing
within 15 days if you wish to contest the automatic suspension.
- Serve the license suspension
(30 days hard stop for most first offenses).
- Install an IID
through a state-certified provider.
- File an SR-22 form
before applying for any restricted license, if required.
- Complete alcohol screening and classes
ordered by the court.
- Pay all fines and reinstatement fees
to restore full driving privileges.
DUI Laws in Arizona
What Are the Legal Driving Alcohol Limits in Arizona?
In Arizona, it’s illegal to drive if you’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Arizona allows law enforcement officers to arrest drivers “impaired to the slightest degree,” so you could face charges even if your BAC is below these limits if you show signs of impairment.
| Driver Category | BAC Limit |
| 21 + (regular license) | 0.08% |
| Commercial Drivers | 0.04% |
| Under 21 | 0.00% (zero tolerance) |
“Extreme DUI” starts at 0.15% BAC, while “Super Extreme DUI” begins at 0.20%.
Felony vs Misdemeanor DUI Charges
Most first and second DUIs are misdemeanors in Arizona. A DUI becomes a felony if you:
- Commit a third violation within 7 years
- Drive impaired on a suspended/revoked license
- Have a passenger under 15
- Cause serious injury
Diversion or Deferred Judgment
Arizona does not offer a statewide diversion program that removes a DUI conviction. Some courts may allow alternative sentencing (home detention) after minimum jail time is served.
Refusing a Chemical Test Under Arizona DUI Law
Like all states, Arizona enforces implied consent laws. When you receive your driver’s license, you implicitly agree to chemical testing if suspected of DUI.
Arizona’s implied consent law adds:
- 12-month license suspension for a first refusal
- 24-month suspension for a second refusal within 7 years
Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test may be presented as evidence in court.
DUI Penalties & Consequences
Penalties for DUI Offenses in Arizona
Penalties for DUIs in Arizona increase in severity with each conviction:
1st DUI (0.08–0.149%)
Jail Time: 10 days (9 suspended with treatment)
Fines and Assessments: $1,250+
License Suspension: 90 days
IID Requirement: 12 months
1st Extreme DUI (0.15–0.199%)
Jail Time: 30 days (21 suspended)
Fines and Assessments: $2,500+
License Suspension: 90 days to 1 year
IID Requirement: 12 months
1st Super Extreme DUI (0.20% +)
Jail Time: 45 days (31 suspended)
Fines and Assessments: $2,750+
License Suspension: 90 days to 1 year
IID Requirement: 18 months
2nd DUI (within 84 months)
Jail Time: 90 days
Fines and Assessments: $3,000+
License Suspension: 12 months
IID Requirement: 12 months
Aggravated / Felony DUI
Jail Time: 4 months prison (min.)
Fines and Assessments: $4,000+
License Suspension: 1 year (after prison)
IID Requirement: 24 months
Important Note: You may be required to pay additional fees such as jail-cost reimbursement, alcohol screening ($125+), IID setup ($150+) and monthly monitoring ($50–$100).
Aggravating Factors That Increase Arizona DUI Sentencing Penalties
In Arizona, several aggravating factors can significantly increase DUI penalties:
- Passenger(s) under 15 years old
- BAC ≥ 0.20% (“Super Extreme”)
- Crash causing injury or property damage
- Prior DUI convictions within 7 years
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
Driving Without a Valid License
In Arizona, operating a vehicle while your license is suspended for DUI triggers:
- New misdemeanor charges
- Additional suspension time
- Possible vehicle impound and extra fines
License Suspension
Who Controls Your Driving Privileges After a DUI?
In Arizona, DUI cases are handled by both the MVD and the criminal court. These two processes operate independently.
- Arizona MVD – Imposes administrative suspensions immediately after arrest or refusal.
- Criminal Court – May add or extend suspensions at sentencing.
How Long Will Your License Be Suspended?
License suspension periods in Arizona depend on various factors, including prior offenses, chemical test refusal, and the outcome of your MVD hearing and criminal case.
| Offense | Court/Administrative Suspension |
| 1st DUI breath/blood test over limit | 90 days |
| 2nd DUI over limit (within 84 months) | 12 months |
| Chemical-test refusal (1st) | 12 months |
| Chemical-test refusal (2nd) | 24 months |
Steps to Reinstate Your License
To reinstate your driver’s license after a DUI suspension in California, you must:
- Finish the full suspension period
- Maintain an active SR-22 on file for three years, if required in your case
- Pay reinstatement fee ($10 -$25) and application fees
- Install or keep an IID for the required term
- Provide proof of completed alcohol screening/treatment
- Pass any written or road tests the MVD requires
Restoring Your Driving Privileges
Eligibility for a Restricted Driver’s License
If it’s your first DUI in Arizona, you may apply for a restricted license after 30 days of the 90-day suspension (45 days for repeat offenses). Requirements to earn a restricted license may include:
- IID installed on every vehicle you operate
- SR-22 on file, if required in your case
- No other active suspensions
- Compliance with DUI classes
How to Apply for a Restricted Driver’s License
To obtain a restricted driver’s license in California after a DUI:
- Complete an alcohol or drug screening with an ADOT-approved provider and have proof electronically transmitted to MVD.
- Serve the required portion of the suspension—typically at least 30 to 45 days without driving, depending on your offense type.
- Have your insurance company file an SR-22 form (proof of future financial responsibility) with the MVD if required in your case.
- Install a certified ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and ensure electronic verification of installation is submitted to MVD.
- Pay all applicable reinstatement and restricted license fees to the MVD.
- Visit an MVD office or authorized third-party provider with proof of screening, SR-22 filing if required, and ignition interlock installation.
- Apply for the restricted driver’s license with all required documentation+
Arizona Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement
Arizona law requires interlock devices for most DUI offenses. The length of the IID requirement depends your offense.
| Conviction | IID Duration |
| 1st Regular or Extreme DUI | 12 months |
| Super Extreme or 2nd DUI | 18–24 months |
| Aggravated / Felony DUI | 24 months (minimum) |
Tampering, missed calibrations, or IID violations may extend the term of your interlock requirement.
Selecting the right ignition interlock provider can make a world of difference.
SR-22 Insurance Requirements
You may be required to file an SR-22 certificate of proof of financial responsibility after a DUI conviction in Arizona.
- SR-22 may be required for three years after license reinstatement in some cases.
- Any lapse triggers immediate re-suspension.
- Non-owner SR-22 policies are an option if you do not own a vehicle.
Let us help connect you to the right licensed insurance specialist for you.
DUI Education & Treatment
Arizona law states all people convicted of DUI must:
- Undergo an MVD-approved alcohol/drug screening.
- Complete 16–36 hours of education or more intensive counseling if recommended.
- File proof of completion before IID removal or license reinstatement.
Understand what to expect and how to prepare for a substance abuse evaluation.
FAQs About DUIs in Arizona
What is the Arizona DUI BAC limit for commercial drivers?
Commercial license holders can be cited at 0.04% BAC and may face CDL disqualification even if driving their personal car.
Is jail mandatory for an Arizona DUI first offense?
Yes. State law requires at least 10 days in jail, but the judge may suspend all but one day if you complete alcohol screening and pay fines.
What happens if you refuse the breath or blood test?
The MVD immediately suspends your license for 12 months (first refusal) or 24 months (second). You still can be charged with DUI.
Can you drive to work during your suspension?
After the hard-suspension portion (30 days for a first offense), you may request a restricted license that allows travel to work, school, medical, child-care, and IID service appointments.
How much are Arizona DUI fines and court costs?
Expect $1,250 or more in base fines for a first offense, plus surcharge, jail fees, IID costs, and increased insurance. Total out-of-pocket expenses often exceed $5,000.
What are the different Arizona DUI degree levels?
Regular DUI (0.08–0.149% BAC), Extreme DUI (0.15–0.199%), Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+), and Aggravated DUI (felony circumstances).
Will a DUI stay on your record forever?
Arizona does not currently allow expungement of DUI convictions. The charge remains on your criminal record and counts as a prior for seven years but is visible to employers indefinitely.
Sources
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Driving Under the Influence (DUI). https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/driver-improvement/driving-under-influence-dui
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Certified Ignition Interlock. https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/certified-ignition-interlock
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Driver License Revocation & Reinstatement. https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/revocation
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Financial Responsibility (SR-22). https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/license-reinstatement/future-financial-responsibility
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Screening and Counseling Resources. https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/driver-improvement/screening-and-counseling-resources
- Arizona Department of Public Safety. (2025). Impaired Driving. https://www.azdps.gov/services/enforcement-services/impaired-driving
- FindLaw. (2025). Arizona DUI Laws. https://www.findlaw.com/state/arizona-law/arizona-dui-laws.html
- Lerner & Rowe Law Group. (2025). Arizona Is a Zero Tolerance State for DUI. https://lernerandrowelawgroup.com/arizona-is-a-zero-tolerance-state-for-dui/
- National College for DUI Defense. (2025). Arizona DUI Laws. https://www.ncdd.com/arizona-dui-laws
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