Do I need an ignition interlock after a DUI in Arizona?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes — after a DUI conviction involving intoxicating liquor, Arizona requires a certified ignition interlock device on any motor vehicle you operate, not just a vehicle you own. On receipt of the court's report of conviction, the department must require the device for a standard DUI conviction (§ 28-1381) , an extreme DUI conviction (§ 28-1382) , and an aggravated DUI conviction (§ 28-1383) .

Required duration by offense :

- Standard DUI (§ 28-1381), including a first conviction: twelve months .
- Extreme DUI with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 to less than 0.20 (§ 28-1382(A)(1)): twelve months .
- Extreme DUI with an alcohol concentration of 0.20 or more (§ 28-1382(A)(2)): eighteen months .
- Aggravated DUI with a passenger under fifteen in the vehicle based on a § 28-1381 violation (§ 28-1383(A)(3)(a)): twelve months .
- Other aggravated DUI convictions (§ 28-1383(A)(1), (2), (4), or (5), or (A)(3)(b)): twenty-four months .
- A second or subsequent § 28-1381 or § 28-1382(A)(1) conviction with a prior DUI conviction within an eighty-four-month period: twelve months .
- A § 28-1382(A)(2) conviction with a prior DUI conviction within an eighty-four-month period: twenty-four months .

The court may order the device for longer than these periods — more than twelve months for § 28-1381 and § 28-1382 convictions , and more than twenty-four months for § 28-1383 convictions .

Other key rules:

- If the violation did not involve intoxicating liquor (for example, a drug-only DUI), the requirement is not automatic, but the court may order an interlock .
- The required period begins on the date you successfully complete the required alcohol or drug screening, education or treatment program and are otherwise eligible to reinstate your license or driving privilege . Time with a device installed under a special ignition interlock restricted driver license counts toward the period .
- A person sentenced for a first standard DUI (§ 28-1381(I)) may have the remainder of the period deferred starting six months after installation if they complete at least sixteen hours of alcohol education, maintain a functioning device, have not attempted to drive at 0.08 or more two or more times, were not involved in an accident causing physical injury or property damage at the time of the offense, and all compliance information is provided to the department . The deferment is permanent unless the person is arrested for a new DUI during the deferment period .

Because the exact duration turns on the offense of conviction and any prior DUI convictions within the look-back period described above , a licensed Arizona attorney can confirm how these requirements apply to your specific situation.