Arizona has strict laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI). In Arizona, any driver who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered to be driving while impaired. The legal limit for drivers that are under 21 years old is 0.00%, meaning they cannot legally consume

any alcohol before driving. Arizona also has a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under the age of 21 who are caught with any amount of alcohol in their system, as well as a “per se” law that states that any driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered to be per

se impaired. If a driver is pulled over on suspicion of DUI, they may be required to take a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test. Refusal to submit to either of these tests can result in an automatic suspension of the driver’s license, as well as other criminal charges.

If convicted of DUI, a driver may be required to pay fines, attend mandatory DUI education classes, install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, and face possible jail time. The severity of the penalties is generally based on the number of prior offenses a person has, as well as any additional factors that are involved in a particular case.

A qualified Arizona DUI attorney can help a person who has been charged with a DUI by providing legal representation and advice. An attorney can review the case and determine if there are any defenses that may be available to the accused, as well as working to mitigate any potential penalties or punishments. It is important to remember that an individual charged with a DUI in Arizona is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Arizona First Offense DUI Penalties

A first offense DUI charge in Arizona is considered a misdemeanor in most cases and carries the following penalties:

• Up to 10 days in jail
• A fine up to $1,250
• Community service
• Suspension of driver license for 90-360 days
• Alcohol/drug screening and treatment program
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (optional) Second Offense DUI Penalties

Arizona 2nd Offense DUI Penalties

A second offense DUI charge in Arizona is considered a misdemeanor in most cases and carries the following penalties:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• A fine up to $3,000
• Community service
• Suspension of driver license for one year
• Alcohol/drug screening and treatment program
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

Arizona Extreme DUI First Offense

It is classified as an Extreme first offense DUI charge extreme when a person’s blood alcohol concentration is .15% or greater. A first offense extreme charge carries the following penalties:

• Up to 45 days in jail
• A fine up to $2,500
• Community service
• Suspension of driver license for 90-360 days
• Alcohol/drug screening and treatment program
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (mandatory)

Arizona Extreme DUI Second Offense Penalties

A second offense extreme DUI charge in Arizona is considered a misdemeanor and carries the following penalties:

• Up to 270 days in jail
• A fine up to $3,250
• Community service
• Suspension of driver license for one year
• Alcohol/drug screening and treatment program
• Installation of an ignition interlock

Arizona SR22 Insurance Requirement

Arizona drivers who have been convicted of a DUI must carry a SR-22 insurance policy, also known as an “insurance proof” form. This form is filed with the state and proves that you are carrying the required amount of liability insurance coverage on your vehicle after being convicted of a DUI. The SR-22 must be kept in force for at least three years. Failure to maintain the SR-22 may result in your license being suspended.

It is important to note that not all auto insurance companies offer SR22, so it is best to check with your auto insurance provider to see if they offer this type of coverage. In addition, an individual may be required to pay higher auto insurance premiums due to the SR-22 requirement.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An Arizona DUI attorney can provide legal representation and advice to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Additional Arizona DUI Resources

• Arizona State DUI Laws Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles Arizona Supreme Court National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Arizona Department of Transportation DUI
• Laws Arizona DUI Lawyers Association (ADLA) American Bar Association – DUI/DWI Overview
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism