DUI License Recovery in Arizona
A standard first DUI in Arizona results in a minimum of 10 days in jail (9 may be suspended), $1,250+ in fines, a 90-day license suspension (30 days hard, 60 days restricted), and a mandatory 12-month IID. Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15%+) carries 30 days jail, and Super Extreme (BAC 0.20%+) carries 45 days. SR-22 is required for 3 years. The reinstatement fee is $10.
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Overview
Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, with three distinct DUI categories based on BAC: Standard DUI (0.08%-0.149%), Extreme DUI (0.15%-0.199%), and Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+). Arizona mandates ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions, including first offenses. A third DUI within 84 months (7 years) is automatically an Aggravated DUI -- a Class 4 felony with mandatory prison time. Arizona also has mandatory minimum jail sentences for all DUI offenses with very limited judicial discretion. The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) handles all licensing actions.
Quick Answer
A standard first DUI in Arizona results in a minimum of 10 days in jail (9 may be suspended), $1,250+ in fines, a 90-day license suspension (30 days hard, 60 days restricted), and a mandatory 12-month IID. Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15%+) carries 30 days jail, and Super Extreme (BAC 0.20%+) carries 45 days. SR-22 is required for 3 years. The reinstatement fee is $10.
Suspension Rules
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | Standard DUI: 90-day suspension (30 days hard, then 60 days restricted with IID). Extreme DUI (0.15%-0.199%): 90-day suspension with 30 days hard. Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+): 90-day suspension with 30 days hard. All offenses: IID required for 12 months (18 months for Super Extreme). Restricted driving available after 30 days via Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL). |
| 2nd Offense | Standard DUI: 1-year revocation. Extreme DUI: 1-year revocation. Super Extreme DUI: 1-year revocation. All second offenses within 84 months carry significantly enhanced jail time. No restricted license until revocation period is served. |
| 3rd Offense | Aggravated DUI (Class 4 felony): 3-year license revocation. No restricted license or hardship license available during revocation. Must complete full revocation before applying for reinstatement with mandatory 2-year IID. |
| Refusal | First refusal: 1-year license suspension (Admin Per Se). Second refusal within 84 months: 2-year suspension. Arizona has an implied consent law, and officers can obtain a warrant for a blood draw even upon refusal. |
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements
Arizona mandates IID installation for all DUI convictions under ARS 28-3319. The IID must be installed on every vehicle the offender operates. Arizona calls its restricted license with IID the 'Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License' (SIIRDL). MVD tracks compliance through certified IID providers.
SR-22 Insurance
Arizona requires an SR-22 (called Future Financial Responsibility or FFR) for all DUI convictions. The SR-22 must be filed with ADOT MVD and maintained for 3 years. Any lapse in coverage triggers immediate license re-suspension. The SR-22 can be filed online at AZMVDNow.gov or at any MVD office.
Reinstatement Process
Fee: $10 | Timeline: First offense (standard): approximately 12-15 months total (90-day suspension + 12-month IID). Extreme/Super Extreme first offense: approximately 15-21 months. Second offense: approximately 2 years. Aggravated DUI (felony): minimum 5 years (3-year revocation + 2-year IID).
Complete Suspension or Revocation Period
First offense: serve 90-day suspension (30 days hard + 60 days restricted). Second offense: serve 1-year revocation. Aggravated DUI: serve 3-year revocation. No early release from these periods.
Complete Court-Ordered Programs
Complete all court-ordered requirements: alcohol/drug screening, treatment program, traffic survival school (TSS), victim impact panel, and community service. All programs must be completed before reinstatement.
Install Ignition Interlock Device
Have an ADOT-certified IID installed on every vehicle you operate. Provide proof of installation to MVD. The IID period begins upon installation and runs for 12-24 months depending on offense level.
Obtain SR-22 Insurance (Future Financial Responsibility)
Have your insurance company file an SR-22 (FFR) with ADOT MVD. The SR-22 must be maintained for 3 years. File at AZMVDNow.gov or any MVD office.
Pay Reinstatement Fee and Apply
Pay the $10 reinstatement fee online at AZMVDNow.gov or at any MVD or authorized third-party office. Apply for reinstatement with all required documentation.
DUI Penalties
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | Standard DUI (0.08%-0.149%): Minimum 10 days jail (9 may be suspended for treatment compliance), $1,250+ in fines and assessments, 90-day license suspension, 12-month IID, alcohol screening/treatment. Extreme DUI (0.15%-0.199%): 30 days jail (some may be suspended), $2,500+ fines, 90-day suspension, 12-month IID. Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+): 45 days jail (some may be suspended), $2,750+ fines, 90-day suspension, 18-month IID. |
| 2nd Offense | Standard DUI: 90 days jail (some may be suspended), $3,000+ fines, 1-year revocation, 12-month IID. Extreme DUI: 120 days jail, $3,250+ fines, 1-year revocation. Super Extreme DUI: 180 days jail, $3,750+ fines, 1-year revocation, 18-month IID. |
| 3rd Offense | Aggravated DUI (Class 4 felony): Mandatory minimum 4 months in prison (not jail -- Arizona Department of Corrections), $4,000+ in fines and assessments, 3-year license revocation, 2-year IID after revocation, mandatory alcohol treatment, possible vehicle forfeiture. |
| Felony DUI | Aggravated DUI is charged as a Class 4 felony for: third DUI within 84 months, DUI with a suspended/revoked license, DUI with a passenger under 15, or DUI while IID is required. Penalties: 4 months to 3.75 years prison (presumptive 2.5 years), $150,000+ lifetime cost including fines, fees, and insurance increases. |
BAC limit: 0.08% (standard DUI); 0.15% (Extreme DUI); 0.20% (Super Extreme DUI); 0.00% (under 21); 0.04% (commercial vehicle operators) | Lookback period: 84 months (7 years) from the date of the prior offense (not conviction date). A third DUI within 84 months is automatically charged as Aggravated DUI, a Class 4 felony. Prior DUI convictions from other states count if they occurred within the 84-month window.
Hardship / Restricted License
Arizona's hardship license is called the Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL). It allows driving during suspension only for essential purposes: to/from work, school, and court-ordered alcohol treatment. The SIIRDL requires an IID on the vehicle. It is NOT available for Aggravated DUI (felony) convictions.
Edge Cases
What is the difference between Extreme DUI and Super Extreme DUI in Arizona?
Extreme DUI applies when BAC is 0.15% to 0.199%. Super Extreme DUI applies when BAC is 0.20% or higher. Both carry significantly enhanced penalties over standard DUI. Super Extreme DUI first offense carries 45 days jail and 18-month IID, compared to Extreme's 30 days jail and 12-month IID.
Can I get a plea deal for DUI in Arizona?
Arizona has very limited plea bargaining for DUI charges. Prosecutors rarely reduce DUI charges to non-alcohol offenses. However, a standard DUI may be negotiated if the BAC was borderline (close to 0.08%). An Extreme or Super Extreme charge may sometimes be reduced to a standard DUI. Aggravated DUI felony charges are very difficult to negotiate down.
What is Arizona's 2025 evidence-based psychotherapy alternative?
Effective September 26, 2025, the Arizona Supreme Court updated DUI sentencing guidelines to allow defendants to complete evidence-based psychotherapy as an alternative pathway to reinstate their driver's license. This is in addition to existing treatment requirements and may help expedite the reinstatement process.
Does Arizona count out-of-state DUI convictions?
Yes. Arizona counts prior DUI convictions from any state toward the 84-month (7-year) lookback period. An out-of-state DUI conviction within the lookback window can elevate a current Arizona DUI to Aggravated DUI status if it is the third offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I go to jail for a first DUI in Arizona?
- Yes. Arizona has mandatory minimum jail time for all DUI offenses. A standard first DUI carries a minimum of 10 days (9 may be suspended if you complete treatment). Extreme DUI carries 30 days, and Super Extreme carries 45 days. Judges have very limited ability to reduce these minimums.
- How much does a DUI cost in Arizona total?
- A first standard DUI in Arizona costs approximately $10,000-$15,000 total when accounting for fines ($1,250+), legal fees, IID costs ($1,200-$1,400/year), increased insurance ($3,000+/year for 3 years), treatment programs, and lost wages from jail time. Aggravated DUI can exceed $150,000 in lifetime costs.
- Can I get my DUI expunged in Arizona?
- Arizona does not offer traditional expungement for DUI convictions. However, Arizona allows 'setting aside' a conviction under ARS 13-905, which does not erase the conviction but notes on the record that the conviction has been set aside. The DUI still counts for lookback purposes.
- What is an Aggravated DUI in Arizona?
- Aggravated DUI is a Class 4 felony charged when: (1) it is the third DUI within 84 months, (2) DUI while driving on a suspended, canceled, or revoked license, (3) DUI with a passenger under 15 years old, or (4) DUI while required to have an IID but the vehicle does not have one.
- Can I drive to Mexico or on tribal land during my DUI suspension?
- No. Your Arizona license suspension applies everywhere. Driving on tribal land with a suspended license can result in additional tribal and state charges. Driving to Mexico with a suspended license is illegal, and Mexico may deny entry to individuals with DUI convictions.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Arizona DOT MVD - License Revocation and Suspension
Official MVD page on license suspension and revocation procedures, including DUI-related actions.
- Arizona DOT MVD - Ignition Interlock FAQ
Frequently asked questions about IID requirements, approved vendors, and compliance in Arizona.
- Arizona DOT - Future Financial Responsibility (SR-22)
Official ADOT page on SR-22 filing requirements and procedures for DUI convictions.
- Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety - DUI Laws
Summary of current Arizona DUI laws, penalty charts, and recent legislative updates.