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Arizona DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Arizona

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Arizona (AZ) DUI law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15 (Extreme DUI)

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

7 years

Prior offenses count within

⚠

15 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

Arizona gives you 15 days days from the arrest to ask for a DMV hearing. This is the

administrative hearing

Plain language

A DMV review of the license suspension — separate from the criminal court case, with its own paperwork and deadline.

that decides the license suspension. Miss the deadline and the suspension starts on its own, even if the criminal case ends in dismissal later.

First Offense Penalties in Arizona

Jail TimeMinimum 10 days (9 suspended with treatment), up to 6 months
Fines$1,250+
License Suspension90 days
Ignition Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

Required for 12 months

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Arizona has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

Refusal Penalty

12-month license suspension

Arizona-Specific Detail

Arizona has mandatory minimum jail time even for first offenses. An 'Extreme DUI' (0.15+) carries a mandatory minimum 30 days jail. 'Super Extreme' (0.20+) carries 45 days minimum.

Is your Arizona DUI defense on track?

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DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Arizona DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Arizona defense topics

Facing a different charge in Arizona? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in ArizonaAssault in ArizonaDomestic Violence in Arizona

Important: This page provides general legal information about Arizona DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Arizona-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.