Arizona DUI Penalties: Fines, Jail Time & License Impact
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Quick Answer: Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A first-offense standard DUI carries mandatory jail time (10 days), fines of $1,250+, and a 90-day license suspension. Extreme DUI (0.15%+) means 30 days mandatory jail. Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+) means 45 days. Arizona uses an "impaired to the slightest degree" standard — you can be charged even below 0.08%.
Arizona DUI Penalty Comparison
| Offense | Fine | Jail Time | License | IID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Standard DUI (0.08-0.149%) | $1,250+ | 10 days mandatory (9 suspendable) | 90 days (30 no driving) | 12 months |
| 1st Extreme DUI (0.15-0.199%) | $2,500+ | 30 days mandatory | 90 days | 18 months |
| 1st Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+) | $3,250+ | 45 days mandatory | 1 year revocation | 24 months |
| 2nd DUI (within 84 months) | $3,000+ | 90 days minimum | 1 year revocation | 24 months |
| 3rd+ / Aggravated DUI | $4,000+ | 4 months – 2.5 years (prison) | 1 year+ revocation | 24+ months |
Aggravating Factors
- ⚠BAC of 0.15%+ — Extreme DUI tier with 30 days mandatory jail
- ⚠BAC of 0.20%+ — Super Extreme DUI tier with 45 days mandatory jail
- ⚠"Impaired to the slightest degree" — Arizona can charge DUI even below 0.08% BAC
- ⚠Minor under 15 in the vehicle — Aggravated DUI, Class 6 felony
- ⚠Driving on a suspended/revoked license — Aggravated DUI, Class 4 felony
- ⚠Third offense within 84 months — Aggravated DUI, Class 4 felony with prison time
- ⚠Wrong-way driving while intoxicated — enhanced penalties
- ⚠Refusal to submit to chemical test — 12-month license suspension (admin)
Administrative vs. Criminal Penalties
Administrative (ADOT/MVD)
- • License suspension begins after 30-day period
- • Handled by ADOT Motor Vehicle Division
- • Hearing can contest the suspension
- • 90 days (failed test) or 12 months (refusal)
- • Separate from criminal case outcome
Criminal (Court)
- • Mandatory jail time for all offenses
- • Fines, probation, community service
- • IID requirement set by court
- • Substance abuse screening mandatory
- • Aggravated DUI = felony with prison
⏰ Critical Deadline
30 Days to Request MVD Hearing
After a DUI arrest in Arizona, you have 30 days to request an administrative hearing with the Arizona ADOT/MVD. Miss this deadline and your license suspension takes effect automatically — regardless of what happens in your criminal case.
Frequently Asked Questions
A first-time standard DUI in Arizona (BAC 0.08%-0.149%) carries a mandatory minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail (9 can be suspended with treatment), fines and fees starting at $1,250+, a 90-day license suspension (first 30 days no driving), and a mandatory IID for 12 months. Arizona has some of the strictest DUI penalties in the nation — there is mandatory jail time even for first offenses.
An Extreme DUI in Arizona applies when your BAC is 0.15% or higher but below 0.20%. Penalties include a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail, fines of $2,500+, a 90-day license suspension, IID for 18 months, and mandatory substance abuse screening and treatment. This is significantly more severe than a standard DUI.
A Super Extreme DUI applies when your BAC is 0.20% or higher. This carries a mandatory minimum of 45 days in jail, fines of $3,250+, a 1-year license revocation, IID for 24 months, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and community service. Super Extreme DUI is one of the harshest first-offense DUI penalties in any state.
After a DUI arrest in Arizona, you have 30 days to request an administrative hearing with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT/MVD). If you don't request this hearing within 30 days, your license will be automatically suspended. This is separate from your criminal case and applies to both failed and refused chemical tests.
Yes. Arizona is one of the strictest states for DUI penalties. Even a first-offense standard DUI carries 10 days of mandatory jail time (though 9 may be suspended if you complete screening and treatment). Extreme DUI requires 30 days, and Super Extreme DUI requires 45 days. These minimums cannot be reduced by the judge.
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