What to Expect After a First Offense DUI in Arizona

Updated November 26, 2024

Do you know what the penalties for a first DUI in Arizona are? When you’re facing a DUI for the first time, it can be challenging to sort out the requirements for reinstating your license and getting your transportation back under control.

Installing an Ignition Interlock Device is one out of several conditions that you might have to complete in order to move past your DUI in Arizona. Ahead, we’ll provide general information about the Arizona DUI laws and requirements, a typical timeline for getting a first time DUI in Arizona, and what your next steps are.

Understanding Arizona DUI Laws

What Counts As a DUI in Arizona?

Arizona law maintains a tough stance on drunk driving and other DUI offenses. The Arizona Department of Public Safety website states a clear definition of DUI:

• BAC of .08 or higher for non-commercial drivers over 21
• BAC of .04 or higher for commercial drivers
• BAC above .00 for drivers under 21

Note that, since DUI only requires “actual physical control” of a vehicle, you do not have to be actively driving the vehicle or on a public road to be arrested for DUI in Arizona. Additionally, if you have a BAC of .15 or higher when tested, you may be subject to a stricter set of “extreme DUI” penalties, and “aggravated DUI” sentencing may apply for circumstances such as DUI with a minor in the vehicle.

Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Arizona

A first time DUI offense in Arizona is usually not a felony. The exception is that you can sometimes be charged with both criminal penalties and administrative consequences. If you’ve been convicted of DUI, Arizona courts will require you to fulfill some or all of the conditions below.

Fines and Fees

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the fine for a first-offense DUI without aggravating factors is $1,250. However, this does not include court costs, towing fees, attorney fees, Ignition Interlock Device costs, or the costs of classes and treatment. Meanwhile, for those convicted of extreme DUI in Arizona, expect to pay a minimum of $2,500 as your base fine.

Jail Time and Minimum Sentencing Requirements

Arizona imposes a minimum jail sentence of ten days even for a driver’s first DUI. For an extreme DUI, the sentence is even heavier, with a minimum of 30 days in jail.

In many cases, you’ll be eligible for a suspended sentence on your first Arizona DUI. A suspended sentence means the court allows you to avoid some jail time if you complete certain conditions such as drug and alcohol treatment.

Eligibility for suspended sentencing depends on exactly what you’ve been charged with, so ask your attorney what options might be available to you. However, even with a suspended sentence, you will always be required to serve at least 24 hours in jail.

Driver’s License Suspension

Your license will be suspended and confiscated immediately upon arrest for DUI, or if you refuse to take a field test. The length of your suspension will depend on many factors such as whether you have had a DUI before or if you refused a field test.

Instead of a suspension, you may also be eligible to receive a Special Ignition Interlock Device Restricted License (SIIRDL). These special licenses allow you to drive during your suspension period so long as you install a Certified Ignition Interlock Device (CIID). Read on to learn more about Ignition Interlock Devices.

Obtaining an SR-22 Insurance Certificate

An SR-22 certificate verifies to the state that you carry the required amount of liability insurance. You’ll need to contact your insurance company to obtain an SR-22 and pay their required fee.

Drug and Alcohol Education and Treatment

The court may require you to obtain a drug and alcohol abuse screening after your first offense DUI in Arizona, possibly followed by classes and treatment programs. Screening, classes, and treatment will always be at your own expense. You also may be required to attend at least one Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panel.

Installing a Certified Ignition Interlock Device

All drivers convicted of DUI in Arizona are required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). An IID connects to your vehicle’s ignition and requires you to provide a breath sample below a predetermined standard in order to start the vehicle. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, if the device detects alcohol on your breath at a concentration over .02, it will prevent the engine from starting.

Most people going through their first Arizona DUI will be required to keep their Ignition Interlock Device installed for 12 months. Note that your IID requirement period begins after your license suspension ends. Thus, you’ll need to serve your license suspension, then get the IID installed after.

Make sure the Interlock Device is installed by a vendor certified by the State of Arizona. Smart Start is an approved source for Interlock Devices in Arizona and can help you navigate your program requirements.

Reinstating Your Driving Privileges

Once you’ve completed the conditions of your sentence, you’ll be able to apply for reinstatement of your full driver’s license with the Arizona MVD. You can use the AZ MVD website, AZ MVD Now, to determine if you owe any additional fees and find resources for your application. Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve completed all conditions, so it’s important to have key paperwork (such as your SR-22 or alcohol evaluation forms) ready to go.

Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock: A Reliable Solution

Now you’ve got a better idea of what happens when you get a DUI in AZ — but we’re here to answer any remaining questions you have, and to help you find the right Ignition Interlock Device solution for you. Smart Start’s expert Program Advisors are ready to help you navigate your IID requirement. Contact us now, and we’ll help you schedule a quick and easy appointment at one of our many Ignition Interlock installation locations in Arizona.