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Losing the ability to drive after a DUI in Arizona can have a serious impact on daily life. From commuting to work to getting children to school or attending court-ordered treatment programs, driving is often essential. The good news is that Arizona offers restricted or hardship licenses in certain DUI cases—but eligibility, timing, and requirements vary depending on the offense and individual circumstances.
A restricted license, sometimes called a hardship license, allows limited driving privileges during a suspension period. Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) manages this process separately from the criminal courts. However, not everyone qualifies, and the rules differ depending on whether the driver failed a chemical test, refused testing, or was convicted of a first or repeat DUI offense.
In this article, we’ll explain how the restricted license process works in Arizona, who qualifies, what restrictions apply, and how to apply. While every DUI results in a license suspension or revocation, understanding your options for restricted driving privileges can help ease the burden and support a path toward compliance and recovery.
Who Is Eligible for a Restricted License in Arizona?
In Arizona, eligibility for a restricted license after a DUI depends on several key factors:
- Whether it was your first DUI offense
- Whether you failed or refused a chemical test
- Compliance with state requirements, including screenings and insurance
A first-time DUI offender who failed a breath, blood, or urine test is typically eligible for a restricted license after completing the first 30 days of a 90-day suspension. During this initial period, driving is completely prohibited. After that, the individual may apply for a restricted license that allows driving to:
- Work or school
- Medical appointments
- Court-ordered alcohol education or treatment
Drivers must also complete alcohol screening, provide proof of SR-22 insurance, and may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
However, individuals who refuse chemical testing are not eligible for a restricted license. Arizona imposes a 12-month suspension for a first refusal, and 24 months for a second refusal within 7 years—with no driving permitted during that time. This harsh rule reflects the state’s strong enforcement of implied consent laws.
How the Restricted License Application Process Works
Once the initial suspension period is served, qualifying individuals can apply for a restricted license through the Arizona MVD. The process involves several steps and requires strict documentation to prove compliance.
Here’s a typical checklist to apply:
- Complete alcohol or drug screening
- Obtain SR-22 insurance (proof of financial responsibility)
- Pay all required fees to the MVD
- Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) if required
- Submit formal application for a restricted license
Once approved, the restricted license comes with clear limitations. You may only drive to and from approved destinations, such as employment, school, or treatment programs. If you violate any conditions—such as driving outside of approved hours or locations—your restricted license can be revoked immediately, and you may face additional penalties.
The MVD tracks compliance closely, and in cases where an IID is installed, any failed or missed tests are reported. These violations can lead to extension of the IID requirement or loss of restricted driving privileges altogether.
When Is a Restricted License Not Available?
There are several situations where Arizona law does not allow for a restricted or hardship license. Understanding these limitations is critical for those who expect to drive again during their suspension period.
A restricted license is not available if:
- You refused a chemical test during your DUI arrest
- You are convicted of an Aggravated DUI, which is a felony
- You have a second or third DUI offense within a 7-year period and the court imposes a revocation instead of a suspension
- You fail to complete alcohol screening or do not maintain SR-22 insurance
Additionally, if your license has been revoked rather than suspended, you must complete the full revocation period, apply for reinstatement, and possibly attend a reinstatement hearing. In these cases, no driving is permitted until all conditions are met and MVD approval is granted.
Arizona law is particularly strict with repeat offenders, and restricted licenses are less commonly granted in those cases. The state aims to provide a path for responsible individuals to regain limited driving ability, but only after demonstrating compliance and low risk.
Role of the Ignition Interlock Device in Restricted Licensing
For many individuals seeking a restricted license in Arizona, installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a required step. This device measures breath alcohol content before the vehicle can start and may also require periodic retests while driving.
For a first DUI offense, the IID requirement is typically 12 months, but may be reduced to 6 months if the individual has no violations and fully complies with all terms. For Extreme DUI or Super Extreme DUI cases—where BAC exceeds 0.15%—the IID period is longer, often 18 to 24 months.
Even when applying for a restricted license, the IID must be installed before driving is allowed, and the driver is responsible for the costs associated with installation, maintenance, and calibration. These expenses can total hundreds of dollars during the required period.
The presence of an IID is a critical enforcement tool that enables Arizona to grant restricted driving privileges while still maintaining public safety. It allows the state to monitor compliance while offering offenders a way to resume necessary daily activities like work or medical care.
Differences Between Suspended and Revoked Licenses
It’s important to understand the distinction between a suspended license and a revoked license in Arizona, especially when considering restricted driving privileges.
A suspension is temporary and typically has a fixed duration. After a set number of days (e.g., 90 days for a first DUI), the driver can apply for a restricted license or reinstatement if all conditions are met. Suspensions may also be eligible for restricted driving after part of the penalty is served.
A revocation, on the other hand, is more serious. It typically occurs after multiple DUI offenses or for felony-level DUI charges such as Aggravated DUI. Revoked licenses are terminated, not just paused, and the individual must reapply for reinstatement after the revocation period ends. This process often includes:
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- SR-22 insurance for multiple years
- Reinstatement hearing
Restricted licenses are not available during revocation periods, which underscores how repeat or severe offenses significantly limit driving options in Arizona.
FAQ
Can I drive to work with a restricted license after a DUI in Arizona?
Yes, if you’re eligible. After 30 days of suspension (for a first offense), you may apply for a restricted license allowing travel to work, school, and treatment programs.
Can I get a restricted license if I refused the breath or blood test?
No. Arizona law prohibits restricted licenses during the 12- or 24-month suspension period that results from refusing a chemical test.
Do I need an Ignition Interlock Device for a restricted license?
In most DUI cases, yes. You’ll likely need to install an IID as a condition for receiving a restricted license.
How long is a restricted license valid?
It lasts for the remainder of the suspension period and is subject to compliance with all terms, including IID usage and SR-22 insurance.
What happens if I drive outside of approved purposes?
You risk immediate revocation of your restricted license and may face additional penalties, including longer suspension periods or criminal charges.
Can I apply for a restricted license after a second DUI?
It depends. For second offenses involving revocation rather than suspension, restricted licenses are typically not available.
Conclusion
Arizona does allow restricted or hardship licenses after a DUI, but the process is structured, conditional, and not guaranteed. If you meet the eligibility requirements—typically as a first-time offender who failed a chemical test—you may regain limited driving privileges after completing a portion of your suspension. These licenses are tightly regulated, and failure to comply can result in losing the privilege altogether.
Drivers who refused testing or were convicted of Aggravated DUI are not eligible for restricted licenses, underscoring the state’s strict enforcement of DUI laws. For those who qualify, the process includes alcohol screening, SR-22 insurance, and often the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.
Understanding the requirements, restrictions, and timelines involved can help individuals navigate the post-DUI recovery process with more clarity and confidence. For more on what to expect with license restrictions and reinstatement, visit the License Suspension and Driving Restrictions After a DUI page. You can also view the full overview at the DUI Penalties and Consequences hub for additional guidance.