Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, but you may not know all the legal consequences of a DUI conviction.
From mandatory jail time to zero tolerance for underage drivers, these laws are designed to stop impaired driving and keep the roads safe.
Check out 7 surprising facts about Arizona DUI laws every driver should know.
1. Arizona’s Zero-Tolerance DUI Policy for Underage Drivers
In Arizona, if you are under 21, there is zero tolerance for a DUI charge.
If you have any amount of alcohol in your system, you can be charged with a DUI, even if your blood alcohol level is below 0.08%.1
DUI penalties for those under 21 can be harsh, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time for repeat offenders.
This zero-tolerance shows Arizona’s commitment to stopping underage drinking and keeping the roads safe for everyone.
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2. Arizona's DUI Penalties for Extreme BAC Levels
In Arizona, if your blood alcohol level is 0.15% or higher, you can be charged with an “Extreme DUI.”
If your BAC (blood alcohol content) is 0.20% or higher, you’ll face a “Super Extreme DUI.” 2
Both charges have much harsher penalties than standard DUIs, including longer jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspension.
Arizona’s tough stance on high BAC cases is to deter severely impaired driving and keep the roads safe.
3. Arizona Aggravated DUI Laws for Driving with a Child Passenger
In Arizona, driving under the influence with a child in the car is considered an aggravated DUI.
This bumps the charge up to a felony and carries much more severe consequences than a regular DUI.
Fines, jail time, and license suspension are just the beginning, as you may also be required to complete mandatory alcohol education.3
Quick Tip
Taking the First Steps After a DUI in Arizona
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Arizona, it’s important to reach out to a legal professional and start exploring your options for DUI education programs right away. At Cornerstone DUI, we’re here to help you get back on track with our court-approved DUI classes. Let’s take the next step together!
4. Mandatory Jail Time for First-Time Offenders
Arizona sets mandatory jail time requirements for first-time DUI offenders.
A regular DUI conviction can get you 10 days in jail, although part of that can be suspended if you complete the required alcohol education course.
Arizona is serious about reducing impaired driving and road safety.
Repeat offenders are punished with even more time in jail and harsher penalties, such as extended license suspensions and bigger fines.
5. Arizona DUI Consequences and Lifetime Convictions
A DUI in Arizona stays on your record for life.
The state doesn’t offer expungement or options to clear the charge, unlike other states where you can have a DUI removed from your record after a certain amount of time or under certain circumstances.
Having a DUI on your record can affect many areas of your life, including employment, housing applications, and professional licensing.
Employers and landlords often run background checks, and unfortunately, a DUI on your record can limit your options for years to come.
Arizona’s stance on keeping DUIs on record forever is to hold you accountable and discourage impaired driving.
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6. Arizona’s Administrative License Suspension
Arizona has an administrative license suspension policy, which suspends the driver’s license immediately after a DUI arrest, even before a conviction.
If a driver refuses a breathalyzer test or a blood test or has a BAC over the legal limit, their license will be suspended for at least 90 days, depending on the facts of the case.
This is separate from the criminal penalties and is designed to keep drivers with a history of impaired driving off the road during the legal process.
7. Arizona’s Implied Consent Law: Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
By driving in Arizona, you have given implied consent to chemical tests involved in DUI screening (breath, blood, or urine) if you are suspected of driving under the influence.
Refusing the test results in a one-year license suspension, even if you are not convicted of a DUI.
For repeat refusals, the suspension period gets longer, and the penalties are more severe.
While there’s a common misconception that refusing these tests will help avoid a DUI charge, doing so actually often results in harsher legal and administrative penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get a DUI for the first time in Arizona?
Even a first DUI in Arizona comes with serious consequences. You’ll face at least 10 days in jail, a big fine (up to $1,500), and possibly a 90-day license suspension. Arizona doesn’t take DUIs lightly, so it’s important to know the laws and stay safe.
What makes a DUI an aggravated offense in Arizona?
In Arizona, a DUI becomes aggravated if you’re caught driving under the influence with a child in the car, on a suspended license, or after multiple DUIs. This is a felony, which means harsher penalties like longer jail time, bigger fines, and lasting consequences.
Can you get a DUI off your record in Arizona?
Unfortunately, no. In Arizona, a DUI stays on your record forever—it can’t be erased. That’s why it’s so important to understand the laws and make smart choices to avoid these lifelong consequences.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Arizona has strict DUI laws with mandatory penalties for first-time offenders.
- Driving with a child passenger can be an aggravated DUI which is a felony.
- Refusing a chemical test under Arizona’s implied consent law results in automatic license suspension.
- Underage drivers have a zero-tolerance policy where any BAC can be a DUI.
- DUIs in Arizona are on your record for life with no expungement.
Facing DUI Charges? Discover Support and a Safer Way Forward
Arizona’s DUI laws are tough for a reason.
These laws are designed with the safety of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone else on the road in mind.
If you’ve been drinking or plan to go out for drinks with friends, choose a designated driver or use a rideshare app to avoid the serious consequences of a DUI conviction.
Being informed and making responsible choices will protect you and help you avoid the heavy legal and personal consequences of a DUI.
If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges, Cornerstone DUI is here for you.
We offer online DUI programs and courses that are DMV and MVD-approved in Arizona.
Our programs are affordable and easy to access, so you can complete them anytime, anywhere.
We also provide alcohol addiction treatment and support to help you move forward.
Contact us today to get started on positive change and recovery!
