Losing your driving privileges after a DUI arrest in Arizona can affect every part of your daily life — your commute, your job, your family responsibilities. Understanding how the license suspension process works, what your options are, and how to protect your ability to drive is critical. This guide covers the administrative and criminal suspension processes for DUI cases in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and the greater Maricopa County area.
For a full overview of what DUI charges carry in Arizona, see our guide to Arizona DUI penalties.
Two Separate Suspension Processes
One of the most confusing aspects of an Arizona DUI case is that your license can be suspended through two independent processes that run at the same time:
1. MVD Administrative Suspension — handled by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, triggered by your arrest itself (not a conviction). This can happen even if your criminal case is later dismissed.
2. Court-Ordered Suspension — imposed by the judge as part of your criminal sentence if you are convicted of DUI.
These are separate proceedings with separate timelines, and you need to address both. Many people focus only on the criminal case and are surprised when their license is suspended administratively before they ever see a courtroom.
The MVD Administrative Suspension: The 15-Day Deadline
When you are arrested for DUI in Arizona, the officer will typically confiscate your physical license and issue an Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Affidavit that serves as a temporary driving permit, usually valid for 15 days.
You have exactly 15 days from your arrest date to request an MVD hearing. If you do not request this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended on the date shown on your temporary permit. This is one of the most important deadlines in the entire DUI process — read more about critical timelines in our step-by-step post-arrest guide.
What happens at the MVD hearing
The MVD hearing is an administrative proceeding, not a criminal trial. The hearing officer will review whether the arresting officer had reasonable grounds to believe you were impaired, whether you were properly informed of the consequences of refusing or failing a chemical test, and whether test results show a BAC at or above the legal limit (or whether you refused testing).
If the hearing officer rules against you, the suspension takes effect. If you prevail, your driving privileges are restored pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Administrative suspension lengths
For a BAC test failure (0.08% or higher), the suspension is typically 90 days for a first offense. For a chemical test refusal, the suspension is 12 months for a first refusal and 24 months for a second refusal within 84 months. These suspensions apply regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
Court-Ordered Suspension After a DUI Conviction
If you are convicted of DUI in criminal court, the judge will impose a separate license suspension or revocation as part of your sentence. The length depends on the level of the charge:
A standard first DUI (A.R.S. 28-1381) carries a suspension of 90 to 360 days. An extreme DUI (A.R.S. 28-1382) carries a 90-day suspension. An aggravated felony DUI (A.R.S. 28-1383) carries a license revocation of at least one year, and in some cases up to three years. A second DUI within 84 months results in a one-year revocation.
In some cases, the administrative and court-ordered suspensions may run concurrently (at the same time), but this is not guaranteed. An attorney can help you understand how the two suspensions interact in your specific case.
Restricted Driving Permits and Ignition Interlock
Restricted driving permit
After serving a portion of your suspension, you may be eligible for a restricted driving permit that allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, and other essential destinations. Eligibility depends on the type of suspension and whether it is your first offense.
Ignition interlock device (IID)
Arizona law requires installation of an IID for most DUI convictions. The device requires you to provide a breath sample before the vehicle will start, and periodically while driving. IID requirements vary by charge level but typically last at least 12 months for a first offense. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is borne by the driver, typically ranging from $70 to $150 per month depending on the provider.
In some cases, installing an IID voluntarily and early can help you regain limited driving privileges sooner during the suspension period.
Reinstatement After Suspension
Getting your full driving privileges back after a DUI suspension in Arizona requires several steps: completing the full suspension or revocation period, completing any court-ordered alcohol screening, treatment, or education programs, paying all reinstatement fees to the MVD, providing proof of SR-22 insurance (a certificate of financial responsibility required for a specified period after a DUI), and installing an IID if required and not already in place.
Driving on a suspended license before reinstatement is a serious offense in Arizona. It can result in additional criminal charges and, if you have a prior DUI, can elevate a new DUI charge to an aggravated felony DUI.
Protecting Your License in Phoenix and Maricopa County
Each municipal court in the Valley handles DUI cases with its own local procedures. Phoenix Municipal Court, Scottsdale City Court, Tempe Municipal Court, and Mesa Municipal Court all have different scheduling practices and tendencies. For felony DUI cases, the Maricopa County Superior Court handles proceedings. An attorney familiar with these local courts can navigate the process more effectively on your behalf.
Take Action Early
The most important thing you can do to protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest is to act quickly. The 15-day MVD deadline is firm, and early legal consultation gives you the best chance of preserving your ability to drive while your case is pending.
If you are facing a DUI-related license suspension in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, or anywhere in the Valley, speaking with a licensed Arizona DUI attorney can help you understand your options.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures are subject to change. Consult a licensed Arizona attorney for advice about your specific situation. See our Disclaimer and Advertising Disclosure.
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