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Getting a DUI is serious no matter where it happens—but when the offense occurs outside of your home state, things can get complicated fast. If you’re an Arizona resident but are arrested for DUI in another state, your Arizona driving privileges—and legal record—can still be affected. This type of situation falls under what’s called an interstate DUI, and it’s more common than people realize, especially for those who travel for work, vacation, or school.
While DUI laws vary by state, most of the United States—including Arizona—participates in agreements that allow states to share DUI-related convictions and penalties. That means getting a DUI in another state can still lead to license suspension, fines, mandatory classes, and even the installation of an ignition interlock device once you’re back home in Arizona.
In this article, we’ll walk through how out-of-state DUIs are handled for Arizona residents, how interstate agreements impact penalties, and what to expect in terms of administrative and criminal consequences. It’s not a loophole—and you won’t be able to escape penalties just because the arrest happened elsewhere.
Arizona Is Part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact
Arizona is a member of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (DLC), an agreement between most U.S. states to exchange information about traffic violations, including DUIs. This means that if you are convicted of a DUI in another participating state, Arizona will be notified and can apply equivalent penalties as if the offense occurred in-state.
The goal of the compact is to prevent drivers from avoiding consequences simply by crossing state lines. If the DUI conviction from another state meets Arizona’s legal standards for impaired driving, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) can—and usually does—take action.
Common administrative penalties imposed by Arizona after an out-of-state DUI conviction may include:
- License suspension or revocation
- Mandatory SR-22 insurance filing
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements
- Alcohol screening or education programs
The only exceptions are states not in the compact (such as Michigan and Wisconsin), but even then, many still report DUI convictions through other channels. Bottom line: Arizona will find out.
Your Arizona License Can Still Be Suspended
Even though the DUI happened outside of Arizona, your Arizona driver’s license is not protected. If the out-of-state DUI results in a conviction or license suspension in that state, Arizona’s MVD can mirror the action by suspending or revoking your license as well.
For example:
- A first-time DUI conviction in another state can result in a 90-day Arizona license suspension
- A refusal to take a chemical test can trigger a 12-month suspension, even if it happened elsewhere
- If the other state requires an IID, Arizona may also require it before reinstating your license
The MVD uses your driving record as a whole, not just Arizona-based infractions, to determine what administrative penalties to apply. This means that a DUI in California, Colorado, or Texas can directly impact your status as a licensed driver in Arizona.
Additionally, if your driving privileges are revoked or suspended in another state, Arizona will often refuse to renew or reinstate your license until the out-of-state issue is fully resolved.
Criminal Penalties Are Handled in the Arresting State
While Arizona handles license-related penalties and may impose administrative actions, the criminal case itself is handled entirely by the state where the DUI occurred. You will need to appear in court there (or have legal representation depending on local rules), and you are subject to that state’s DUI laws.
This includes:
- Jail time or probation requirements
- Court fees and fines
- Community service mandates
- Enrollment in alcohol education programs
Arizona does not override or “replace” the criminal penalties set by the other state. Instead, the Arizona MVD may add additional requirements after the fact. For example, once the court case concludes in the other state, you may still need to complete Arizona’s alcohol screening or install an IID to reinstate your local license.
In essence, you face two systems: the out-of-state criminal court and Arizona’s administrative process. These systems work together to ensure the offense is fully penalized in both jurisdictions.
Ignition Interlock Requirements May Still Apply
If the state where the DUI occurred requires an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as part of your sentencing or license reinstatement, you may be required to install and maintain that device in Arizona, even if your license was not originally suspended here.
Arizona often honors the terms of out-of-state reinstatement, especially if you are applying for license restoration. For example, if New Mexico requires a 6-month IID for reinstatement, Arizona may also enforce that same 6-month requirement before allowing you to drive again under your Arizona license.
Furthermore, if you were already subject to an IID requirement in Arizona at the time of your out-of-state DUI arrest, you could face new penalties or an extension of the existing IID term.
IID compliance in these cases is tracked closely, and failure to meet out-of-state or in-state IID requirements can result in denied reinstatement, extended penalties, or additional monitoring.
Steps to Take After an Out-of-State DUI as an Arizona Resident
If you’re arrested for DUI in another state but live in Arizona, there are several important steps to take immediately to avoid compounding the penalties.
- Address the court case in the other state: You are still subject to that state’s laws and must comply with all legal obligations, including appearances, fines, or jail time.
- Notify Arizona MVD (or be prepared for them to be notified): Once the conviction is reported, Arizona will begin applying its own administrative penalties.
- Complete any alcohol education or treatment required by either state: Arizona may require separate or additional courses to satisfy reinstatement conditions.
- Maintain SR-22 insurance if required: DUI convictions often trigger the need to carry this high-risk insurance, and both states may require proof.
- Install an IID if ordered: If required by either jurisdiction, you’ll need to comply—even if you’ve returned to Arizona.
By proactively managing both sets of penalties, you can reduce the duration and severity of restrictions. Failing to comply, on the other hand, can result in license holds, denied reinstatement, and further legal action.
FAQ
Does Arizona find out about DUIs from other states?
Yes. Arizona participates in the Driver’s License Compact and will be notified of out-of-state DUI convictions.
Will my Arizona license be suspended if I get a DUI in another state?
In most cases, yes. Arizona’s MVD can suspend or revoke your license based on the out-of-state conviction.
Do I have to follow the other state’s penalties if I live in Arizona?
Yes. You must comply with the criminal penalties of the state where the DUI occurred, even if you’re an Arizona resident.
Can I get my Arizona license back after an out-of-state DUI?
Only after satisfying both the requirements of the other state and any additional Arizona MVD conditions.
Will I need to install an IID in Arizona for an out-of-state DUI?
Yes, if the other state requires it or if Arizona imposes its own IID requirement based on your offense.
Can I ignore the out-of-state DUI since it wasn’t in Arizona?
No. Ignoring it can lead to license suspension in both states, arrest warrants, and extended penalties.
Conclusion
Getting a DUI outside of Arizona doesn’t shield you from consequences at home. Thanks to interstate agreements and Arizona’s participation in the Driver’s License Compact, an out-of-state DUI can result in license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, SR-22 insurance mandates, and other administrative actions from the Arizona MVD.
While the criminal penalties must be addressed in the state where the offense occurred, Arizona has its own process for ensuring your record—and your privileges—reflect the seriousness of the violation. That means you’ll likely be dealing with two systems, both requiring compliance before you can resume unrestricted driving.
To understand how DUI penalties can vary across state lines and why Arizona still enforces out-of-state DUI consequences, visit the Why DUI Penalties Vary by State page. For a broader look at DUI laws across the U.S., check out the State By State DUI Laws hub.