DUI Guidelines

What You Need to Know
In Arizona, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws are strictly enforced, and Arizona has some of the toughest penalties for DUI offenses. The guidelines and legal limits depend on the driver's age, type of DUI offense, and whether it is a first-time or repeat offense. Arizona Interlocks can provide help with navigating the DUI process.
Here are the key DUI guidelines in Arizona:
Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits:
- Standard DUI: The legal limit for BAC is 0.08% for drivers 21 years and older.
- Extreme DUI: A BAC of 0.15% or higher but lower than 0.20%.
- Super-Extreme DUI: A BAC of 0.20% or higher.
- Aggravated DUI: Committed under specific aggravating circumstances, such as having a suspended license or driving with a child passenger under the age of 15.
Penalties for DUI Offenses:
Standard DUI (0.08% - 0.14% BAC):
- First offense: Up to 10 days in jail, fines, license suspension for 90 days, and mandatory alcohol education.
- Second offense: 90 days to 6 months in jail, fines, 1-year license suspension, and mandatory alcohol counseling.
- Third offense: 120 days to 2 years in prison, fines, 3-year license suspension, and alcohol treatment.
Extreme DUI (0.15% - 0.19% BAC):
- First offense: 30 days in jail, fines, 90-day license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and vehicle ignition interlock.
- Second offense: 90 days in jail, fines, 1-year license suspension, ignition interlock, and mandatory alcohol education.
Super-Extreme DUI (0.20% BAC or higher):
- First offense: 45 days in jail, fines, license suspension for 90 days, mandatory alcohol education, and vehicle ignition interlock.
- Second offense: 120 days in jail, fines, 1-year license suspension, and ignition interlock.
Aggravated DUI (Felony DUI):
Aggravated DUI’s occur under more severe circumstances, such as:
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license.
- Driving under the influence with a passenger under 15 years old.
- Being arrested for DUI while having a prior felony DUI conviction.
- Penalties: This is a felony charge, leading to significant jail time (at least 1 year), hefty fines, and a long license suspension (up to 3 years).
Zero Tolerance Law for Minors:
- Drivers under 21 years old must have a BAC of 0.00%. Any detectable alcohol will result in a DUI charge, even if the BAC is below 0.08%.
- Penalties include a 2-year license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education, and possible jail time.
Field Sobriety Tests and Chemical Testing:
- Arizona follows an implied consent law, meaning that by driving in the state, drivers consent to BAC testing if requested by law enforcement.
- If a driver refuses a chemical test (blood, breath, or urine), the penalty includes an automatic 1-year license suspension for a first offense and 18-month suspension for a second or subsequent refusal.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID):
- Arizona mandates the use of an ignition interlock device for those convicted of DUI, particularly if the BAC is over 0.08%, for all DUI offenses that result in a license suspension.
- The IID requires the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle can start, and sometimes during driving, to ensure the driver is not under the influence.
DUI with Injury or Death:
- If a DUI driver causes injury or death to another person, the penalties can be very severe, ranging from felony charges to 10+ years in prison depending on the severity of the incident.
- Charges may include vehicular manslaughter, aggravated assault, or vehicular homicide.
DUI with Injury or Death:
- If a DUI driver causes injury or death to another person, the penalties can be very severe, ranging from felony charges to 10+ years in prison depending on the severity of the incident.
- Charges may include vehicular manslaughter, aggravated assault, or vehicular homicide.

Arizona has a strict stance on DUI offenses, with severe penalties for violations
It is essential to be aware of these guidelines to avoid DUI charges and their accompanying consequences. Arizona Interlocks offers reliability, experience and direction to assist with all parts of the DUI process. However, if arrested for DUI, it is highly recommended to consult an experienced attorney to navigate the legal complexities and minimize the impact of the charge, please contact our staff if you need assistance finding an attorney in your area.