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When someone is charged with a DUI in Arizona, the focus often goes to the criminal consequences — court appearances, fines, possible jail time. But what happens after all that? What about your driving record? In Arizona, a DUI doesn’t just affect your legal standing; it also leaves a mark on your Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) record, and that mark can follow you for years.
The driving record is a separate and powerful part of your history as a licensed driver. It’s what insurance companies use to assess your risk. It’s what employers may check for driving-related positions. And unlike a criminal record, which may be partially mitigated through a legal process, your driving record is strictly maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and isn’t easily changed or cleared.
Understanding how long a DUI stays on your Arizona driving record is key to planning for the future. In this article, we’ll cover how the MVD handles DUI-related entries, how long those entries remain visible, how they affect your insurance and licensing, and how this type of record differs from a criminal one. If you’ve been arrested or convicted for DUI in Arizona, or you simply want to understand the long-term consequences, this guide will help clarify what stays on your record — and for how long.
How Arizona’s MVD Records DUI Offenses
In Arizona, driving records are maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This record is entirely separate from your criminal history and tracks your status as a licensed driver. It includes information about points, license suspensions, revocations, reinstatements, and any mandatory programs related to impaired driving.
When a DUI occurs, it triggers several MVD actions. These include:
- License suspension or revocation
- Points added to your license
- Requirement for SR-22 insurance
- Mandated installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Each of these administrative actions becomes a line item on your driving record, and that record is stored for years. Even if your criminal case is resolved in your favor, MVD actions can still proceed based on separate administrative findings — such as failing or refusing a blood alcohol test.
This is because Arizona law allows the MVD to impose penalties independent of the court system. The state’s zero-tolerance approach means that even a first-time offender will likely face at least a temporary license suspension, which then becomes visible on the driving record.
Insurance companies, commercial driver employers, and other agencies regularly pull MVD records. These DUI-related entries signal high-risk behavior, and that classification can stay with you long after the event itself.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Arizona Driving Record?
Arizona keeps DUI-related actions on your MVD driving record for several years, with different elements expiring at different times. Here’s a breakdown of the key durations:
- License Points: Points from a DUI remain on your driving record for 5 years from the date of the offense. Arizona assigns 8 points for a DUI, which can trigger license suspension and mandatory education.
- License Suspensions or Revocations: These can be visible for 7 years or longer, depending on the severity of the DUI and whether it involved an aggravated offense or refusal to test.
- SR-22 Requirements: If you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance, this requirement typically lasts 3 years, but the record of needing it may remain viewable even longer by insurers.
- Ignition Interlock Device Requirements: The requirement to install and maintain an IID stays active until completed and may remain visible on the record even after removal for a limited period.
Although points may eventually drop off, the overall event — the DUI — may stay flagged for years. And while Arizona may not technically maintain driving records for life, insurers and employers can access driving history reports that reflect key incidents going back 7–10 years, and sometimes longer depending on the reporting service used.
Differences Between Criminal and Driving Records in Arizona
One of the most misunderstood aspects of a DUI in Arizona is the difference between your criminal record and your driving record. Although both are impacted by a DUI arrest or conviction, they serve different purposes and are maintained by different agencies.
- Criminal Record: This is managed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and includes arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing information. It is what employers, licensing boards, and government agencies look at when conducting background checks.
- Driving Record: This is managed by the Arizona MVD, and it includes license status, points, traffic violations, and requirements like SR-22 or interlock devices. This is what insurance companies and commercial driver employers typically examine.
While criminal records can be annotated with a set-aside (though not removed), driving records have no equivalent legal remedy. If a suspension, violation, or requirement is logged, it simply stays in place for the assigned duration.
This means that even if your DUI charge is dismissed in court or your conviction is set aside, the administrative penalties tied to the MVD may still remain on your driving record for years. That distinction can come as a surprise — and often, frustration — to people trying to move on from a past mistake.
How a DUI on Your Driving Record Affects Insurance
One of the most immediate and long-lasting effects of a DUI on your driving record in Arizona is the impact on car insurance rates. Insurance providers access your driving history directly from the MVD or from third-party vendors that pull MVD data. A DUI on your record classifies you as a high-risk driver, which can lead to significant premium increases.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Premium Increases: Most drivers in Arizona see a 40% to 100% increase in insurance costs following a DUI. These elevated rates can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on the insurer and the severity of the offense.
- Policy Cancellation: Some insurers may cancel your existing policy upon learning of the DUI, forcing you to shop for more expensive, high-risk coverage.
- SR-22 Filing: Arizona may require you to maintain an SR-22 for 3 years, which proves that you meet the minimum insurance requirements. This alone can raise rates and restrict policy options.
- Limited Discounts: With a DUI on your record, you are often ineligible for safe driver discounts or bundled pricing benefits, even if you avoid further violations.
The long tail of a DUI on your driving record isn’t just about penalties — it’s also about financial strain. These extra costs add up quickly, and some drivers find themselves paying thousands more over the duration of the DUI’s presence on their record.
Commercial Drivers: Even Harsher Consequences
For commercial drivers in Arizona, the presence of a DUI on a driving record can be career-ending. Arizona enforces strict regulations for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, and a DUI conviction or administrative suspension carries extra weight.
Key consequences include:
- Immediate License Disqualification: A first-time DUI — even in a personal vehicle — can result in a 1-year disqualification of your CDL. A second offense leads to lifetime disqualification, with limited reinstatement options.
- Zero Tolerance Policy: Commercial drivers are held to a stricter blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.04%, compared to 0.08% for non-commercial drivers.
- Employer Reporting: Many commercial employers require periodic MVR checks. A DUI on your MVD record will flag you as a high-risk driver and could jeopardize your current employment.
- Reduced Hiring Options: Most commercial insurance policies do not cover drivers with DUI records, making it difficult to get hired even if your license is reinstated.
For those holding or pursuing a CDL, the implications of a DUI on your Arizona driving record go beyond fines or temporary suspensions. They often result in permanent barriers to employment in the transportation industry, making it one of the most consequential groups affected by driving record retention laws.
Can a DUI Be Removed from Your Driving Record in Arizona?
Unlike criminal records, there is no formal process for removing a DUI from your Arizona driving record before its natural expiration period. The MVD does not allow for “expungement” or deletion of administrative actions, and there is no legal pathway to appeal for early removal once the violation has been logged.
That said, driving record entries do expire over time, based on the MVD’s retention schedule. For example:
- Points drop off after 5 years
- Suspensions typically expire from view after 7 years
- SR-22 requirements last about 3 years
While you can’t remove the record yourself, you can take steps to minimize its impact:
- Maintain a clean driving record going forward
- Comply fully with court and MVD requirements
- Request a copy of your driving record regularly to track changes and updates
Over time, these violations become less relevant, especially if no new infractions occur. However, during the active period when a DUI is fresh on your driving record, the consequences are significant and difficult to avoid.
FAQ
How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in Arizona?
DUI-related points stay for 5 years, but suspensions and other entries can remain for 7 years or longer.
Does a DUI on your driving record affect insurance?
Yes. It typically leads to higher premiums for 3–7 years, and may require SR-22 insurance.
Can I remove a DUI from my driving record early?
No. Arizona law does not allow early removal of DUI entries from your driving record.
Do employers see my driving record?
Yes, especially if the job involves driving. Many employers request MVR reports during the hiring process.
Is a DUI on my criminal record and driving record?
Yes. In Arizona, a DUI appears on both — each managed by different agencies and used for different purposes.
Conclusion
In Arizona, a DUI doesn’t just leave legal and financial consequences — it leaves a long-lasting mark on your driving record. Maintained by the Motor Vehicle Division, this record reflects license suspensions, points, and requirements like SR-22 or IID installation. While the exact timeframes vary, most DUI-related entries stay on your record for five to seven years, and in some cases even longer.
Unlike a criminal record, which may allow for a set-aside, your driving record has no early removal process. What’s logged stays in place for the full duration, and this visibility can impact everything from insurance rates to employment opportunities, especially for commercial drivers.
Understanding how Arizona handles DUI entries on your driving record is critical. The penalties extend beyond court — they affect your day-to-day life long after the case is closed. To learn more, visit the DUI Records and Long Term Impact pillar or read the full breakdown on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.