How Long Do you have to use an ignition interlock device for an Arizona DUI?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is the machine that prevents you from starting a car with alcohol in your system by requiring you to blow into it before the car will start. The difference between an IID and a “Special” IID is that there are no restrictions on where or when you can drive with an IID.
A common misconception is that the MVD license suspension will automatically result in you being ordered to install an IID. This is not the case. The MVD will only issue the order to install an IID after you serve your license suspension and after you are convicted of DUI. Therefore, so long as you beat the DUI charges you will not have to install the IID.

If convicted of DUI you must install the IID for:

• 12 months for a first time regular (.01-.149) OR Extreme (.15-.199) DUI which is reduced to 6 months if there are no more than two attempts to start vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher;
• 12 months for a second regular or extreme DUI in 7 years;
• 18 months for a super extreme DUI (over .20); and
• 24 months for aggravated (Felony) DUI or second super extreme DUI.

(*PLEASE NOTE* that if you install IID pursuant to a Court Order, in exchange to reduced jail time or in obtaining a special restricted license, that time does NOT count towards the times above)

While the order is in place, you may not operate a vehicle if it does not have an IID until the restriction is over. This applies even if you drive or live out of state (see Article on Out of State Drivers), drive an employer’s vehicle for work or drive a rental/friends car. Moreover, the time of the restriction does not start until you install the IID. So if you do not have a vehicle to install an IID on, the restriction will stay on your license until you do and complete your 6-12 months. There are currently no IID’s available for motorcycles.

If you fail too many breath tests or don’t upload your results you may face an extension of IID use time or license suspension. If you receive a notice of failure from the MVD you have 15 days to request a hearing to contest it. The Company you hire to install and maintain your IID will work with you on compliance.

Our Law Offices recommend Life Safer for interlock installation 800-634-3077. Feel free to call them before ordered to install an interlock and they can answer your technical and installation questions. That way, if you need to install an interlock in the future you won’t be scrambling to comply. They have 10 locations throughout the Valley and we can often obtain discounts for you if you are a client of the Law Offices.

If you will be residing or traveling out of state during the time you must use an IID, make sure you use a provider that is certified by the Arizona MVD and has out of state service centers. If you fail to do so, you may literally be forced to drive back to Arizona for your monthly servicing. Life Safer has service centers in most states. You can check if your State is covered on their website LifeSafer.com.

If you prefer or need an alternate provider, a complete list of approved IID vendors for the state of Arizona can be found on the MVD website.

If you need assistance with defending your DUI please give us a call at 480-306-8875 and schedule a free consultation or click this link to go directly to our DUI Information Page for the most up to date status of Arizona’s DUI laws.