How long will my license be suspended?

For a first offense in Arizona, the administrative suspension is At least 30 consecutive days of suspension plus at least 60 consecutive additional days of restricted driving privileges if there was no death or serious physical injury, no prior DUI conviction within 84 months, and the required alcohol/drug screening is completed; otherwise not less than 90 consecutive days of suspension [§ 28-1385]. A refusal carries a longer suspension: 12-month license suspension; second refusal within 84 months results in 2-year suspension [§ 28-1321]. Criminal license consequences may be additional.

What happens if I drive on a suspended license?

Driving on a DUI-related suspension is a serious offense in Arizona [§ 28-1385]. It can result in additional criminal charges, extended suspension, and in some states it can elevate a misdemeanor DUI to a felony.

Is the administrative suspension separate from the criminal suspension?

Yes. The administrative suspension is imposed by the motor vehicle agency based on the arrest and test result. The criminal suspension is imposed by the court as part of sentencing. They run somewhat independently, though they may overlap.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Arizona DUI & License Suspension — What Happens

Q: Can I get a restricted or hardship license?

Yes. After 30 days of complete suspension, a restricted license is available for work/school/treatment. Alternatively, a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL) under [§ 28-1401] allows driving for any purpose during the full 90 days if IID is installed and no prior DUI within 84 months. [§ 28-1385].

Administrative license issues and why timing matters.

License consequences are often the most immediately disruptive part of a DUI case in Arizona. The administrative suspension is a separate proceeding from the criminal case and can result in loss of driving privileges even if the criminal charges are eventually reduced or dismissed §28-1385.

How the administrative suspension works

Arrest triggers the process

When you are arrested for DUI and either fail or refuse a chemical test, the arresting officer initiates the administrative suspension process §28-1321.

Notice is served

You receive notice of the intended suspension. The clock for requesting a hearing starts now.

Request a hearing

You have 30 days from date of notice to request an administrative hearing §28-1385. If you do not request a hearing within this window, the suspension takes effect automatically.

Hearing (if requested)

At the hearing, the issues are narrow: was the stop lawful, was there probable cause for the arrest, did the officer follow proper Implied consent procedures, and did the test result show a BAC at or above the legal limit?

Suspension periods

First-offense (failed test): At least 30 consecutive days of suspension plus at least 60 consecutive additional days of restricted driving privileges if there was no death or serious physical injury, no prior DUI conviction within 84 months, and the required alcohol/drug screening is completed; otherwise not less than 90 consecutive days of suspension
First-offense (refusal): 12-month license suspension; second refusal within 84 months results in 2-year suspension

Restricted driving privileges

Arizona does offer a form of restricted or limited driving privileges during or after the administrative suspension. After 30 days of complete suspension, a restricted license is available for work/school/treatment. Alternatively, a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL) under §28-1401 allows driving for any purpose during the full 90 days if IID is installed and no prior DUI within 84 months..

How the administrative and criminal tracks interact

The administrative suspension and the criminal case are legally independent. Winning the administrative hearing does not dismiss the criminal case. Losing the administrative hearing does not prove guilt in the criminal case. However, the facts overlap significantly, and the administrative hearing can sometimes reveal evidence or testimony that is useful in the criminal defense.

Ignition interlock and license reinstatement §28-3319

mandatory for all alcohol-related DUI convictions including first offense. The minimum IID period is 12 months for standard DUI and Extreme DUI (0.15-0.19%); 18 months for Super Extreme (0.20%+); 24 months for Super Extreme with a prior conviction or aggravated DUI. Reinstatement requires proof of IID installation, completion of any required substance abuse programs, payment of reinstatement fees, and proof of insurance (SR-22 in many states).

✓The administrative hearing is worth requesting even if the outcome seems unlikely to change. It preserves your rights, creates a record, and may reveal information about the state's evidence.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (DUI)

Dates matter. If you have paperwork, bring it.

Citation or arrest

paperwork

Court dates

or hearing notices

Your timeline of events

(brief)

General preparation tips only. Deadlines vary by facts and jurisdiction.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.

If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.

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Legal authoritiesStatutes referenced on this page

A.R.S. § 28-1385

Administrative license suspension

License may be suspended administratively upon arrest. Hearing must be requested within 30 days from date of notice.

First offense (failed test): At least 30 consecutive days of suspension plus at least 60 consecutive additional days of restricted driving privileges if there was no death or serious physical injury, no prior DUI conviction within 84 months, and the required alcohol/drug screening is completed; otherwise not less than 90 consecutive days of suspension
First offense (refusal): 12-month license suspension; second refusal within 84 months results in 2-year suspension
Restricted license: available

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

A.R.S. § 28-1321

Implied consent — chemical testing

By driving in Arizona, you have consented to chemical testing when lawfully arrested for DUI.

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Verified 2026-09-28 · quarterly review

A.R.S. § 28-3319

Ignition interlock requirements

mandatory for all alcohol-related DUI convictions including first offense. Minimum IID period: 12 months for standard DUI and Extreme DUI (0.15-0.19%); 18 months for Super Extreme (0.20%+); 24 months for Super Extreme with a prior conviction or aggravated DUI.

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review