Arizona Updates Interlock Policy and Allows DUI Offenders to Obtain IID Restricted License

Like most states, Arizona regularly reviews their interlock policy and penalties for DUI. They adapt regulations and restrictions in order to continue to keep roads safe for all amidst changing trends and conditions. Recently, the Arizona state legislature passed SB 1334, which will take effect January 1, 2023. With the new bill comes several changes to the state’s interlock policy, as well as penalties for DUI offenders. We’ll detail the changes below, but anyone is welcome to call with questions.

Changes for First-Time Offenders in Arizona

Some of the biggest changes come for first-time offenders. Previously, first-time DUI offenders were subject to a variety of penalties, including license suspension for 3 to 12 months, an IID requirement after the suspension, a minimum of 10 days in jail, a minimum fine of approximately $1,500, and a requirement to attend drug or alcohol treatment.

Now, first time offenders can request a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License, or SIIRDL, in lieu of their driving privileges being suspended. The SIIRDL allows offenders to drive as long as they have an interlock device installed. Offenders can make this request if:

• Their offense did not cause death or serious physical injury to another party
• This offense is their first offense - no prior DUI related convictions can be on their record within the past seven years
• They have completed any drug and alcohol screening ordered by law enforcement
• They were arrested for DUI on or after January 1, 2023

Instead of having their license immediately suspended, first-time offenders are issued a temporary restricted driving permit in place of their surrendered driver’s license. The permit lasts for 30 days.

Following their arrest, offenders can request a SIIRDL, which also means they waive their right to a hearing contesting their license suspension. By making the request, they are indicating they accept the administrative action taken against their license.

Unlike the Restricted Driving Permit, which limits the offender’s driving privileges to certain locations like work and home, the SIIRDL has no such location restrictions. after the date of arrest / the license suspension is served.

If a convicted DUI offender’s SIIRDL request is granted and they install the interlock device prior to conviction, they will be credited for the time since installation and it will count toward their overall interlock term. Typically offenders will be required to have the IID installed for anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, depending on the type of alcohol DUI conviction, if any.

Offenders who refuse to take a BAC test upon arrest are eligible to request a SIIRDL as well, as long as they meet the criteria.

How Can I Request a SIIRDL?

To request a SIIRDL following their arrest, offenders should contact the Motor Vehicle Department of Arizona to verify their eligibility. Once they are verified to be eligible, offenders can then move on to the next step of having their ignition interlock device installed.

Arizona requires interlock devices that are mandated by the court to be installed by a certified state provider. Intoxalock is certified and has 111 locations throughout Arizona, and 90% of customers are able to find a location within 15 minutes of their home.

Offenders may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate of coverage with the state. An SR-22 certificate proves that the offender has the required insurance coverage as a high-risk driver. Not every insurance carrier is willing to cover high-risk drivers. If an offender is dropped by their carrier, Intoxalock’s partner Breathe Easy can help. Breathe Easy is an insurance brokerage dedicated to helping high-risk drivers find affordable coverage. They can help offenders find appropriate coverage that meets state criteria. Once a plan is chosen, they can file the certificate of coverage with the state within 15 minutes.

Anyone looking to get started with Intoxalock can contact us at 833-623-0200, or fill out the form on this page and a representative will call you.