Arizona interprets driving under the influence (DUI) as driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. A standard DUI is considered as driving a vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent, or .04 percent for drivers of commercial offenders. The legal limit for those under 21 is 0 percent.
Arizona requires all DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device in order to regain their driving privileges, and license reinstatement is used to establish the time frame for the IID requirement.
As part of the IID program, offenders are charged a $20 fee for installation, and drivers are monitored by the MVD.
In Arizona, some drivers may be eligible to regain their driving privileges during a suspension period if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. This allows them to get back on the road legally, even while their license is suspended.
Arizona has a variety of penalties for DUI offenders, and they include both financial and administrative penalties. They also increase depending on if the offender has been convicted of DUI previously, and other factors. For example, penalties increase if the offender causes property damage or injures another person during the driving incident. As of January 1, 2023, Arizona has made changes to the penalties for DUI. Here are the current penalties for DUI in Arizona:
Offenders cannot bypass consequences if they refuse the test. Anyone who refuses to complete a test risks a license suspension of up to two years, depending on if you have past Arizona DUI offenses.
Some offenders may be eligible for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License (SIIRDL). This restricted license is designed to help drivers regain their driving privileges.
The changes on January 1, 2023 mean some changes in how DUI offenders regain driving privileges. First-time offenders can now request a SIIRDL in lieu of suspension. This means they can install a state-approved IID and meet other criteria to obtain a SIIRDL. To qualify for a SIIRDL, offenders need to meet the following criteria:
A SIIRDL is only an option for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may be eligible for a Restricted License. This is similar to a SIIRDL but limits where they can drive to approved locations like school, work, medical appointments and other necessary spots.
To get a Restricted License, offenders must meet the following criteria:
Depending on circumstances of the offense, some offenders may not be eligible to regain driving privileges.
ADS is an approved provider in Arizona and meets all the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department criteria. Arizona approves the ADS Determinator II, a small, lightweight device that can be mounted discreetly. ADS has a large partner network with more installation locations than other ignition interlock device providers.
Ignition interlock, devices, or IIDs, are portable breathalyzers installed inside your vehicle that:
This is determined by statute, but the length of time the device is required can increase depending on a variety of factors, including the circumstances of the offense.
Offenders cover the cost of their device, which is rented as opposed to purchased outright. An approved provider will install the device, and then offenders will pay the monthly rental cost.
In general the cost of the device is between $2.50 and $3.50 a day.
Arizona approves ADS as an IID provider, specifically the Determinator II IID device. The Determinator II has simple, bilingual voice commands, an easy-to-read digital display and convenient calibration date reminders.
There are many ADS locations in Arizona, thanks to our large partner network of more than 4,000 locations. To get started, an ADS state specialist can help you find one near you and make your installation appointment