Arizona · Handbook chapter 9 · 5 min read
Chapter 9: Alcohol, drugs and your driving record
Arizona impaired driving law: zero tolerance under 21, implied consent and refusal suspensions, DUI, extreme and aggravated DUI penalties, ignition interlocks, aggressive driving, fitness to drive, points, suspension and revocation.
Why this chapter matters
Impaired drivers cause most wrong-way crashes and many deaths, and Arizona's penalties are severe. The test asks about limits, refusal suspensions and points, so learn the numbers.
How alcohol and drugs affect driving
- Alcohol, marijuana, medications and illegal drugs all reduce your reflexes, control and ability to spot danger, while giving you false confidence.
- Prescription and over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines can impair you. Read the labels before driving.
- Open containers of alcohol are illegal for drivers and passengers in the passenger compartment, including unlocked compartments within reach. The trunk is not part of it. Passengers in buses, limousines, taxis and motor home living areas are exempt.
Under 21: zero tolerance
If you are under 21, any trace of an impairing substance (alcohol, marijuana, medications or illegal drugs) brings stiff penalties and a 2-year license suspension. Being under 0.08 does not make it legal for you. Adults convicted of buying alcohol for a minor can lose their license for up to 30 days, or up to 6 months for a repeat.
Implied consent
By driving in Arizona you agree to a test of blood, breath, urine or another bodily substance if you are arrested for DUI.
- Refusing or not completing the test: 12-month loss of your driving privilege.
- A second refusal within 84 months: 24 months.
DUI levels
| Level | Trigger | First offense |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | 0.08 or more (0.04 in a commercial vehicle), or impaired at any level | At least 10 consecutive days in jail, at least 90 days suspension, fine of at least $1,250, screening and community service; an interlock may be ordered |
| Extreme DUI | 0.15 or more | At least 30 consecutive days in jail (45 at 0.20 or more), fine of at least $2,500, ignition interlock required |
| Aggravated DUI | DUI while suspended or revoked, a third DUI in 7 years, a DUI with a person under 15 in the vehicle, or a DUI while required to use an interlock | Up to 2 years in prison and a 1-year revocation |
At 0.08 or more you lose your driving privilege on the spot. A second or third DUI brings automatic revocation, with a second DUI meaning at least 90 days in jail, a fine of at least $3,000 and a 12-month revocation.
Ignition interlocks
A Certified Ignition Interlock Device tests your breath before the engine will start and at random times while driving. In many cases you may apply for a special interlock-restricted license during a suspension or revocation.
Aggressive driving and road rage
You can be cited for aggressive driving when, in one stretch of driving that creates an immediate hazard, you speed and commit two of: ignoring signs or signals, passing on the right, an unsafe lane change, following too closely, or failing to yield to emergency vehicles.
- First offense: Traffic Survival School and a possible 30-day suspension.
- Second within 24 months: a Class 1 misdemeanor and a 12-month suspension.
Wait until you are calm before driving; anger, worry and excitement all hurt your judgment.
Fitness to drive
- Even a cold or headache can affect you. Postpone the trip or let someone else drive if you are ill.
- Report any condition that could affect safe driving. A seizure within 90 days of applying must be reported to MVD.
- Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Rest is the only cure: get sleep before long trips, take breaks and share the driving.
Points and Traffic Survival School
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| DUI, extreme or aggravated DUI, reckless driving, racing, aggressive driving | 8 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash | 6 |
| Failing to stop or yield, causing a death | 6 |
| Failing to stop or yield, causing serious injury | 4 |
| Speeding | 3 |
| Driving over or parking in a gore area | 3 |
| Wrong-way driving and all other moving violations | 2 |
8 or more points in 12 months means Traffic Survival School or a possible suspension. A red light conviction always requires Traffic Survival School.
Suspension and revocation
- Suspension is a temporary loss of the privilege; revocation removes it until an investigation clears you. Reinstatement after revocation costs a $20 fee plus the application fee and may require an SR-22 insurance certificate.
- Revocation follows offenses such as vehicular homicide, a felony using a vehicle, failing to stop and render aid, two or more DUIs, or aggravated DUI.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license can get your vehicle impounded for up to 30 days.
- No proof of insurance: suspension for 3 months the first time, 6 months for a second within 36 months and 1 year for a third.
- Failing to appear in court or pay a fine leads to suspension.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal alcohol limit in Arizona?
0.08 for most drivers, 0.04 in a commercial vehicle, and zero tolerance for drivers under 21. You can be convicted below these levels if you are impaired.
What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test?
A refusal costs you your driving privilege for 12 months; a second refusal inside 84 months costs 24 months.
What is extreme DUI?
A DUI with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more. It carries at least 30 days in jail on a first offense.
How many points lead to Traffic Survival School?
8 or more points within 12 months.
How many points is a speeding ticket?
3 points.
Based on the Arizona Driver License Manual (ADOT MVD, revised September 2026), Section 5.