A DUI license suspension in Arizona lasts 90 days for a first standard DUI, 1 year for an extreme DUI (BAC 0.15+), and up to 3 years for a third-offense aggravated DUI under A.R.S. 28-1385. Two suspensions run in parallel: the MVD admin per se suspension that starts 15 days after arrest unless you request a hearing, and a separate court suspension if convicted. Most drivers qualify for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License after the first 30 days, which allows driving for work, school, medical care, and court. Refusing the breath test under A.R.S. 28-1321 adds a 1 year suspension on top. Call (480) 582-3637 to protect your driving privileges.
How Long Is the Suspension by DUI Type?
Arizona suspension length depends on the DUI classification under A.R.S. 28-1385 and A.R.S. 28-1381.
| DUI Type | BAC / Trigger | Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Standard DUI (first offense) | 0.08+ | 90 days (30 no-drive, 60 restricted) |
| Extreme DUI | 0.15+ | 1 year (90 day no-drive) |
| Super Extreme DUI | 0.20+ | 1 year |
| Aggravated DUI (second offense) | Within 7 years | 1 year revocation |
| Aggravated DUI (third+) | Class 4 felony | 3 years revocation |
Admin Per Se vs. Court-Ordered Suspension
Two separate Arizona suspension tracks run at the same time. The first is the MVD Admin Per Se suspension under A.R.S. 28-1385, which starts 15 days after the arrest unless you request a hearing. The second is the court suspension that runs only if you are convicted. Both must be served, and the periods often overlap.
The 15 day MVD hearing request window is strict. Missing it forfeits your right to challenge the admin suspension. A DUI lawyer should file the request immediately after arrest.
Implied Consent Refusal Suspensions
Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test under Arizona implied consent law A.R.S. 28-1321 triggers a separate 1 year suspension on the first refusal and a 2 year suspension on a second refusal within 7 years. Refusal suspensions stack on top of any DUI conviction suspension.
Can I Get a Restricted Driving Permit?
After the first 30 days of a standard DUI suspension, most drivers may apply for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL). This permit allows driving to and from work, school, medical appointments, court, and probation, but only with an installed interlock device.
Aggravated DUI cases under A.R.S. 28-1383 involve revocation, not suspension, and require a full investigation and hearing before restoration. The path back is longer and more expensive.
How to Restore Your License
Complete the suspension period
Serve the full no-drive period before applying.
Pay reinstatement fees
The MVD charges a $10 reinstatement fee plus any underlying fines and surcharges.
Submit SR-22 insurance
Arizona requires SR-22 high-risk auto insurance for 3 years after most DUI suspensions.
Install certified interlock
If ordered, the interlock device must remain for 6 months to 2 years.
Common Mistakes That Extend Your Suspension
Frequently Asked Questions
For a first standard DUI under A.R.S. 28-1385, the first 30 days are no-drive. After day 30 you may apply for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License to drive to work, school, medical care, court, and probation, but only with a certified interlock. Aggravated DUI cases involve revocation with no early restricted permit.
An extreme DUI conviction (BAC 0.15 or higher) triggers a 1 year suspension. The first 90 days are no-drive, then a restricted permit is possible with an interlock. The court will also order at least 30 days in jail and an interlock for 18 months even after the suspension ends.
Refusing under Arizona implied consent A.R.S. 28-1321 suspends your license for 1 year on a first refusal and 2 years on a second refusal within 7 years. The refusal suspension is independent of any DUI conviction and runs separately from a court suspension.
Yes. You have 15 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative hearing in writing. Missing this deadline forfeits the right to challenge the admin per se suspension. At the hearing, the issues are limited to probable cause, lawful arrest, and the validity of the test result.
DUI suspensions show on your Arizona MVD record indefinitely. A DUI conviction itself can be sealed after seven years under A.R.S. 13-911 if statutory conditions are met, but the MVD record entry remains for insurance and employment purposes.
Yes. The MVD hearing is the only forum to challenge the admin per se suspension. A skilled DUI lawyer can subpoena the arresting officer, attack the test calibration, and identify probable cause weaknesses. Without counsel most drivers lose the hearing by default.
If you are facing a DUI license suspension anywhere in Arizona, the first 15 days are critical. Derek Oliverson is a former judge, former prosecutor, and former police officer with 17+ years defending Arizona DUI cases.