People accused of drinking and driving have a tough road ahead in any state. However, some states are notorious for having tougher laws than others.
Arizona's Approach: Zero Tolerance in the Desert
Arizona has systematically toughened these laws over the last twenty years, and many consider them the toughest in the US.
First-Time Offenders
In Arizona, you'll have to spend at least a day in jail if your BAC is above 0.08 percent. You'll be incarcerated for 10 days if your BAC is at least .15 percent and 45 days when the breathalyzer reads at least .20 percent.
In Florida, a first-time offender may have to spend up to 6 months if their BAC is .15 percent.
Costs in Arizona: $1,500 in fines and assessments plus:
- Ignition interlock device installation ($1,000 per year)
- Alcohol screening and education programs ($500)
- License reinstatement fees ($150)
- Higher insurance premiums
Interlock Requirements
Arizona's universal interlock requirement: every convicted DUI offender must have the device for at least 12 months. Florida only requires interlocks for repeat offenders or those with a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher.
License Suspension and Revocation
Arizona license suspension begins at the time of arrest and lasts 90 days for first-time offenders. Refusing the test results leads to a one-year license suspension. Florida's administrative suspension is six months for a failed test.
Multiple Offenses: Increasing Consequences
Arizona's second DUI within seven years gets:
- 90 days minimum in jail
- $3,500 in fines and assessments
- One-year license revocation
- Two years with an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory treatment program
- Vehicle impoundment
Florida's second offense penalties:
- Nine months maximum in jail (10 days minimum)
- $1,000 to $2,000 in fines
- Five-year license revocation
- One year with an ignition interlock device
Super Extreme DUI in Arizona
Arizona is the only state that has a "super extreme" DUI category for BAC of 0.20 percent or higher:
- 45 days minimum in jail
- $3,000 in fines and assessments
- 90-day license suspension
- 18 months with an ignition interlock device
Enforcement and Prevention
Checkpoints
Arizona conducts sobriety checkpoints, screening hundreds of drivers in one night.
Task Forces and Special Operations
Arizona law enforcement agencies coordinate regular multi-jurisdictional DUI task forces.
Legal Challenges and Constitutional Issues
- Mandatory jail time
- Implied consent
- Cost and impact on low-income offenders
Contact a DUI Lawyer
If you have been charged with a DUI, contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
