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In Arizona, a driver under 21 commits an offense by driving with any alcohol in their body. For everyone, DUI covers impairment to the slightest degree or a 0.08 alcohol concentration, and extreme DUI starts at 0.15. This explainer, based on the Arizona statutes, is for new drivers and their parents. It is not legal advice.
Key facts (Arizona law, as of November 2026)
- Under 21: any alcohol in your body while driving or in physical control of a vehicle is a class 1 misdemeanor.
- DUI: impaired to the slightest degree, or 0.08 or more within 2 hours of driving.
- Drugs: DUI also covers driving with certain listed drugs or their metabolites in your body.
- Extreme DUI: 0.15 to under 0.20, and a higher tier at 0.20 or more.
- Refusing a test after arrest: 12-month suspension (2 years for a repeat within 84 months).
Arizona’s under-21 “not a drop” rule
State law makes it an offense for anyone under 21 to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle with any spirituous liquor in their body. There is no 0.02 allowance. One drink can be enough.
License consequences on conviction:
| Your age at the offense | MVD action on conviction |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | License suspended (or refused) for 2 years |
| 18, 19 or 20 | License suspended (or refused) for 2 years; a court may allow restricted driving to home, school and work with an ignition interlock license |
An arrest for this offense can also trigger a separate administrative suspension from MVD, below. National picture: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
Arizona DUI vs extreme DUI: first offense minimums
| Offense | Threshold | Minimum jail | Minimum fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI | Impaired to the slightest degree, or 0.08+ | 10 consecutive days (judge may suspend all but 1 day after a court-ordered alcohol or drug program) | $250 |
| Extreme DUI | 0.15 to under 0.20 | 30 consecutive days | $250 |
| Extreme DUI, higher tier | 0.20 or more | 45 consecutive days | $500 |
On top of fines, Arizona law adds assessments. For a first DUI that is two $500 assessments. For extreme DUI it is two $1,000 assessments plus a $250 assessment. All of these convictions also mean:
- a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive (where alcohol was involved)
- Traffic Survival School
- 8 points on your record
Drivers under 18 convicted of DUI or extreme DUI also get the 2-year suspension in the table above. Repeat offenses within 84 months carry much heavier penalties.
The suspension that starts before court
If you are arrested for DUI, extreme DUI or the under-21 offense and a test shows 0.08 or more, a listed drug, or no result yet, the officer reports it to MVD. MVD then suspends your license for at least 90 days. This is separate from any court case. It takes effect 30 days after the order is served. You have 30 days to request a hearing. Some first-time drivers can serve 30 days suspended and 60 days restricted instead.
Refusing a breath or blood test in Arizona
By driving in Arizona you are treated as having consented to testing after a DUI arrest. Refusal means a 12-month suspension, or 2 years for a second refusal within 84 months. More: implied consent and DUI in the US.
Drugs and driving
Arizona DUI covers being impaired to the slightest degree by any drug. It also covers driving with certain listed drugs or their metabolites in your body. Taking a drug as prescribed by a licensed practitioner is a defense to the metabolite charge, but not if you are impaired. Being legally entitled to use a drug is no defense to impairment. See drugged driving and cannabis.
Common questions
What is extreme DUI in Arizona?
Driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more within 2 hours of driving. At 0.20 or more the minimum penalties rise again.
What is the legal limit for under 21 in Arizona?
There is no limit above zero. Any alcohol in your body while driving is an offense.
Can I lose my Class G license for one drink?
Yes. A conviction for driving with any alcohol while under 18 means a 2-year suspension.
Can I be charged sitting in a parked car?
The laws cover “actual physical control” of a vehicle, not only driving. Do not sit in the driver’s seat after drinking.
Is mouthwash or medicine a problem?
The under-21 driving offense has no minimum level, so any alcohol counts. Avoid driving after anything containing alcohol.
How many points is a DUI in Arizona?
8 points, the same as extreme DUI, reckless driving and aggressive driving.
Related guides
- Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
- Arizona Class G graduated license rules
- Points systems and license suspensions in the US
Sources
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 4-244 Unlawful acts” (paragraphs 34 and 41) (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 4-246 Violation; classification” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1381 Driving or actual physical control while under the influence” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1382 Driving or actual physical control while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1385 Administrative license suspension” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-1321 Implied consent; tests; refusal” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3320 Suspension of license for persons under eighteen years of age” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3322 Suspension of license for persons eighteen, nineteen and twenty years of age” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Points Assessment” (azdot.gov)