Arizona Ignition Interlock
Who Needs an Interlock — and for How Long
Arizona requires a certified ignition interlock for nearly every DUI conviction. Your exact term depends on the charge. Here is the breakdown, with the statutes behind it.
Even a first standard DUI at 0.08 carries a mandatory interlock. There is no opt-out.
Interlock Term by Charge
Per A.R.S. section 28-1381 and section 28-3319. Early removal for a standard first offense requires a clean record and completion of any required screening or treatment.
Standard first DUI
12 monthsBAC 0.08 – 0.149
6-month early removal possible
Extreme DUI
12 monthsBAC 0.15 – 0.199
No early removal
Super Extreme DUI
18 monthsBAC 0.20+
No early removal
Aggravated / felony DUI
24 months+BAC Varies
No early removal
Who Has to Install One
Under Arizona law, an ignition interlock is mandatory for essentially all DUI convictions, including a first offense. It applies to:
- First-time standard DUI — a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
- Extreme DUI — a BAC of 0.15 or higher.
- Super Extreme DUI — a BAC of 0.20 or higher.
- Aggravated (felony) DUI and repeat offenses, which carry the longest terms.
When the Clock Starts
The interlock requirement generally kicks in when your driving privilege is reinstated after the license suspension or revocation tied to your DUI (A.R.S. section 28-3319). MVD sets your official start and end dates at reinstatement — and the device must stay installed for the entire period, even while you are contesting something.
Reinstating Your License
The interlock is one piece of getting your license back, alongside any required screening or evaluation and, for revocation cases, a Revocation Investigation. AES performs the screening and evaluation Arizona requires and coordinates the interlock, so reinstatement becomes one path rather than five separate phone calls.
Violations can extend all of these terms
A major violation — a missed rolling retest, a circumvention, or a blow above 0.08 — counts against you, and every two major violations adds another six months. Knowing your term is only half the battle; protecting it is the other half. See interlock violations
Know Your Term. Start It Clean. Protect It.
The installer cannot tell you when your term starts or fight a false flag that threatens to extend it. AES handles the screening MVD requires, sets up your device with a certified Arizona partner, monitors your data logs, and disputes the violations that quietly add months. When something looks wrong, call AES — not the shop.
Requirement Questions
How long is the interlock requirement in Arizona?
A standard first-offense DUI is 12 months, with a possible 6-month early removal. Extreme DUI (0.15 and up) is 12 months with no early removal. Super Extreme (0.20 and up) is 18 months. Aggravated DUI is 24 months or more. The terms are set by A.R.S. section 28-1381 and section 28-3319.
When does the Arizona interlock period start?
The interlock requirement generally applies when your driving privilege is reinstated after the suspension or revocation tied to the DUI, per A.R.S. section 28-3319. The exact start date is set by MVD at your reinstatement.
Do first offenders really need one?
Yes. Arizona requires a certified interlock for nearly every DUI conviction, including a first standard offense at 0.08 or higher. There is no opt-out for a first offense.
Can my term get extended?
Yes. A major violation — a missed rolling retest, a circumvention attempt, or a blow above 0.08 — counts against you, and every two major violations adds another six months to your term. Knowing your term is only half the job; protecting it is the other half.
Keep going across the interlock guide: the overview, how the device works, what it costs, violations, removal and early removal, and certified providers.
DUIINFO.NET is an educational resource, not a law firm. Statutory terms summarize Arizona law and are not legal advice for your specific case.