Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Getting arrested for a DUI in Arizona triggers serious consequences for your driver license. Understanding these consequences and your options can help you navigate this challenging situation.

What happens to your driver license?

When you apply for an Arizona driver license, you give consent to test for blood alcohol concentration or drug content if arrested for DUI. This is Arizona's Implied Consent Law.

Under this law, your driver license can be suspended without a court conviction. If you surrendered your license during your arrest, you'll receive a 30-day temporary license from the arresting agency.

Consequences of Arizona’s Implied Consent Law

If you take the test:

• 90-day suspension
• You may be eligible for a restricted permit after 30 days of suspension
• You may be eligible to get a restricted license with an ignition interlock device (SIIRDL)

If you refuse to take the test:

• 12-month suspension for first refusal
• 24-month suspension for second refusal within 84 months
• You may qualify for immediate reinstatement with an ignition interlock device (SIIRDL)

If MVD rejects your test results:

No administrative action will be taken until you are convicted in court.

If convicted, you'll face:

• 90-day suspension
• You may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days of suspension
• Provide proof of future financial responsibility (SR-22)

To reinstate your license after any of these suspensions:

• Complete alcohol/drug screening from an approved facility as needed
• Provide proof of future financial responsibility (SR-22) as needed
• Any other requirements for your specific type of DUI conviction

Challenge your Suspension

You have 30 days from the date on your suspension notice to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension. If you request a hearing, you are no longer eligible for a SIIRDL during the hearing, however, you can get one after. Missing this deadline means your suspension cannot be challenged.

Note: this is not applicable to all DUI situations. Contact MVD to get specific information on your suspension.

To request a hearing:

• Submit written request by email, fax, or mail to MVD
• Requesting a hearing stops your suspension until the hearing is completed

Note: You may still be required to pay suspension fees even while your hearing is pending.

Types of Driving Consequences

After being convicted of a DUI, you may have additional requirements to complete before earning your driving privilege.

Standard DUI (A.R.S. 28-1381)

Generally, blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or more but less than 0.15%.

 (0.04% for commercial vehicles and vehicles for hire, any amount if under 21 (ARS 4-244))

• Ignition interlock device required for 12 months (Not required for drug-only DUI offenses after 1/1/2017)
• May be reduced to 6 months in some cases
• Traffic Survival School

Extreme DUI (A.R.S. 28-1382A1)

Generally, blood alcohol concentration is 0.15% or more but less than 0.20%.

• Ignition interlock device required for 12 months
• Traffic Survival School

Super Extreme DUI (A.R.S. 28-1382A2)

Generally, blood alcohol concentration of 0.20% or higher

• First offense: Ignition interlock device required for 18 months
• Second offense within 7 years: Ignition interlock device required for 24 months
• Traffic Survival School

Aggravated DUI (A.R.S. 28-1383)

DUI committed while license is suspended, DUI while wrong way driving, DUI with person under 15 in vehicle, or DUI while required to have ignition interlock device

• Ignition interlock device required for 12-24 months
• 1 year license revocation
• Traffic Survival School

Note: All of the driving consequences above are 8 points each against your permanent driving record. Learn how DUI points are assessed.

Multiple DUI Offenses

Second DUI within 7 years:

Any combination of Standard or Extreme DUI offenses. You may receive additional requirements to reinstate with your existing DUI conviction:

• 1 year license revocation (you must reapply to get your license back)
• Ignition interlock device required for 12-24 months
• You may be eligible to get a restricted license with an ignition interlock device (SIIRDL)

Third or more DUI within 7 years:

Any DUI combination. You may receive additional requirements to reinstate with your existing DUI charge:

• 3 year license revocation (you must reapply to get your license back)
• Ignition interlock device required for 12-24 months

Reinstate your Driver License

After a DUI conviction

Step 1: View your detailed reinstatement steps online at AZ MVD Now  > Other Services > Compliance Issues Timeline > Compliance Report.

Step 2: Complete alcohol or drug screening from an approved facility, Traffic Survival School, and provide proof of Future Financial Responsibility if applicable.

Step 3: Complete your suspension period.

View our Restricted Driving Options.

Step 4: Install your Certified Ignition Interlock Device.

Step 5: Pay reinstatement fees:

• $10 suspension fee
• $50 fee for Admin Per Se suspension
• Additional application fee may be required

Step 6: Apply for reinstatement

• At any MVD or Third Party office

Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders

If you hold a CDL, you face stricter standards:

• 1-year disqualification of CDL for BAC 0.08% or higher in personal vehicles
• 1-year disqualification for BAC 0.04% or higher in commercial vehicles
• Additional 1-year disqualification if convicted in court

Need help?

Check your driver license status: AZ MVD Now

Find approved screening facilities: View a list of certified facilities

Note: This information is for general guidance only. Each DUI case is unique, and consequences may vary based on specific circumstances and prior driving record.