Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country to stop impaired driving.
The state gets progressively harsher with each offense, with fines, license suspensions, and mandatory jail time.
So, how many DUIs can you get in Arizona before there are harsh consequences? This will walk you through the consequences of each DUI offense so that you’ll know what you may face if facing a DUI charge.
What’s Considered a DUI?
In the US, driving under the influence (DUI) means operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications that affect driving.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered impaired, but even lower levels can get you charged (especially if you’re under 21 or a commercial driver).1
DUI and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are sometimes used interchangeably, but some states make a distinction between the two.
Arizona doesn’t make that distinction and will punish any level of impairment.
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Arizona DUI Laws
Arizona DUI laws categorize offenses based on impairment and prior history into Standard DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI, each with increasing penalties:
1. Standard DUI: BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers) = fines, jail time, and license suspension.
2. Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.15% or higher, which leads to harsher penalties, longer jail time, and higher fines.
3. Super Extreme DUI: 0.20% or above, involves longer jail time, ignition interlock, and harsh fines.2
So, how many DUIs can you get? In Arizona, even your first DUI can lead to jail time, and the more DUIs you get, the more severe the consequences are.
Arizona vs Other States
Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, with even a first offense resulting in mandatory jail time, fines, and license suspension.
The state’s “zero tolerance” policy means you can get in trouble for any detectable amount of drugs or alcohol if impaired, even if your BAC is below 0.08%.
Repeat offenders get hit with harsher fines, longer jail time, and ignition interlocks. Arizona’s goal is to prevent repeat offenses and keep the roads safe.
Here’s a quick look at Arizona’s DUI penalties vs other states:
| State | Penalties |
|---|---|
| Arizona | First Offense: Minimum 1-day jail, license suspension, fines Repeat Offense: Extended jail, ignition interlock, larger fines |
| Utah | First Offense: Jail time and fines (BAC limit at 0.05%) Repeat Offense: Severe DUI penalties, similar to Arizona |
| California | First Offense: Fines, probation, and possible jail time Repeat Offense: Increased jail time, fines, and longer suspensions |
| South Dakota | First Offense: Fine only, no jail for first offense Repeat Offense: Moderate fines and jail time for repeat offenses |
You Got a DUI, Now What?
If you got a DUI in Arizona, follow these steps to meet legal requirements, get your license back, and move forward responsibly:
- Court Hearings: You might have to go to court for fines, license suspension, or jail time, depending on your DUI level.
- Education or Treatment: Arizona requires DUI education (ranging from short classes to long programs based on your offense). Cornerstone offers classes and programs to help you with this step.
- License Reinstatement: After suspension, apply for reinstatement. This often requires an ignition interlock device (IID).
- Fines: You’ll have to pay fines, court costs, and fees for classes or reinstatement.
Arrested for DUI in Arizona?
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DUI Penalties in Arizona
Arizona has strict DUI penalties that get more severe, with three separate classifications: Standard, Extreme, and Super Extreme DUIs.
All classes of DUIs have fines, but they’re in higher quantities for the Extreme and Super Extreme DUIs to cover the court fees and assessments.
Standard DUI requires 1 day in jail, while Extreme and Super Extreme DUI require significantly longer sentences, sometimes 45 days or more.
A conviction of DUI leads to license suspension; the duration often increases with each higher degree of offense or upon repetition.3
Ignition Interlock Devices are usually fitted after license suspension, especially in Extreme and Super Extreme cases. Essentially, this prevents the vehicle from turning on if it detects alcohol.
Depending on the DUI’s classification, probation could be added to the sentence, along with community service.
Quick Tip
If you’re facing a DUI in Arizona, get signed up for an alcohol screening program or DUI class as soon as possible. It’s often a requirement anyway, but it also provides education and support that can help you in your recovery and teach you responsible drinking habits.
How many DUIs can you get?
There’s technically no limit to the number of DUIs you can get in Arizona, as they never leave your record unless you take action to have them removed.
Multiple DUIs in Arizona make the offense progressively worse in terms of punishment.
A first-time DUI is serious, but second and third offenses within 7 years carry extended jail time, increased fines, and even long-term license revocation.
Third-time DUIs can be a felony and carry much harsher penalties.
Arizona’s tough DUI laws focus on recovery to help offenders avoid recidivism.
Those convicted might be required to undergo necessary treatment for alcohol or substance abuse to understand the root causes of impaired driving.
Such programs encourage healthier alternatives to prevent future instances of DUI.
Recovery, in this sense, is not only a legal obligation but one that assists you in long-term positive modification.
DUI Classes and Alcohol Screening in Arizona
In Arizona, DUIs require alcohol screening and education.
Cornerstone Healing Center offers online DUI classes and assessments that meet legal requirements, including confidential online screenings with licensed therapists.
Based on your assessment, you will be placed in an 8-56 hour online course to promote responsible behavior.
These self-paced courses are available 24/7 from any device.
Cornerstone’s programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division and Arizona Department of Health Services and will help you meet court and MVD requirements while helping you grow personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if you get 3 DUIs in AZ?
A 3rd DUI in 7 years is a Class 6 felony in Arizona. If you do end up with 3 DUIs in 7 years, you’ll have to deal with major consequences, including imprisonment, huge fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education or treatment, and potential job impact.
What to expect in a DUI class in AZ?
Arizona DUI classes teach offenders about the dangers of impaired driving and how to prevent re-offending. Depending on your offense, the classes can be 8 hours to 56 hours. They teach you safer choices and how substance use negatively affects your driving.
Can Jail Time Be Avoided for a DUI?
Arizona requires jail time for DUIs, but work release or house arrest may be available for some people in some cases. This depends on what your BAC level was, your prior offense history, and your compliance with Arizona’s DUI requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- A DUI in Arizona is a big deal and has lasting effects, like fines, license suspension and classes.
- Different states have different laws and penalties, Arizona is stricter than some and more lenient than others.
- DUI classes in Arizona are educational and preventative, to help you understand what you did and reduce the chances of reoffending.
- After a DUI you need to follow a structured plan, legal consultation, classes and address any alcohol issues.
- Accumulating multiple DUIs can lead to escalating penalties, emphasizing the importance of recovery and responsible behavior.
Reach Out For Help With Your DUI
So, how many DUIs can you get? There isn’t a cap, but the more you get, the harsher the DUI penalties become.
In Arizona, even your first DUI requires jail time and other consequences.
Arizona has incredibly strict DUI laws, and understanding the consequences and recovery steps well in advance is very important.
It is never easy to handle a DUI, but attending the mandatory classes and programs, such as those offered at Cornerstone Healing Center, will enable you not only to comply with the legal requirements but also to equip you with a lot of helpful tools in pursuit of making responsible choices.
If you’re dealing with a situation related to a DUI, then this is the right time to contact us for support and tools tailored to your needs.
