DUI MVD License Consequences
Arizona DUI MVD License Suspension Consequences
The civil side of a DUI case in Arizona is handled by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD). This civil proceeding focuses on your driving privilege: whether it will be suspended, for how long, whether you qualify for a restricted permit, and how a commercial license is affected. The outcome of the criminal case usually does not control what happens in the MVD case.
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Admin Per Se Suspension (90 Days)
After a DUI arrest with a test result of .08% BAC or higher, or a qualifying drug result, MVD initiates an administrative “admin per se” action. If it goes into effect, the typical first-offense consequence is a 90-day suspension that functions as 30 days no driving followed by 60 days of restricted driving (work, school, treatment) once screening and reinstatement steps are completed. See ADOT’s guidance on Restricted Driver Permits.
Implied Consent Refusal Suspension (12–24 Months)
If you refuse breath, blood, or urine testing after a lawful DUI arrest, Arizona’s implied consent law triggers a separate civil suspension: 12 months for a first refusal, or 24 months with a prior refusal in the past 84 months. This action is independent of the criminal case and can be contested through the MVD hearing process. The statute is at A.R.S. § 28-1321.
Requesting a Hearing (Deadline Applies)
There is a short deadline to request an executive MVD hearing to challenge an admin per se or implied consent action. ADOT notes that most actions carry a 15-day window from the date on your notice; a timely request generally “stays” (pauses) the suspension until the hearing. See ADOT’s page on Requesting a Hearing.
Traffic Survival School and Points
MVD may assess points that can trigger Arizona Traffic Survival School requirements. Completing screening, paying reinstatement fees, and complying with any ignition interlock orders after a criminal conviction are separate steps.
Commercial Drivers (CDL) Consequences
CDL holders face additional consequences. A finding that your BAC was .08% or higher—even in a non-commercial vehicle—can lead to a one-year CDL disqualification on top of any other action, and a second can be longer. For more detail on career-impacting issues, see our page on Arizona CDL Disqualifications.
How We Help at the MVD Stage
We challenge the paperwork, testing process, timelines, and officer compliance at the hearing, aiming to reduce or avoid suspensions and CDL disqualifications where possible. If you already have a pending criminal case, we coordinate strategy across both tracks. See more about our defense approach at the DUI Attorney Tucson page.
Talk to a Lawyer Now
Time matters on MVD deadlines. Contact us for help protecting your driving privilege and navigating both the civil and criminal sides of a DUI case.
FAQs: Arizona DUI & Your Driver’s License
How soon will my license be suspended after a DUI arrest?
If you do nothing, an admin per se or implied consent suspension can begin shortly after the notice is served. A timely hearing request generally pauses the action until the hearing decision.
What is the difference between an admin per se and a refusal suspension?
Admin per se is typically based on a qualifying test result and is usually 90 days (30 days no driving, then 60 restricted). A refusal suspension is 12 months for a first refusal, 24 months for a second within 84 months.
Can I get a restricted license to drive to work or school?
Often, yes. After serving the first 30 days of a 90-day admin per se suspension, many drivers can obtain a restricted permit for the remaining 60 days if they complete screening and meet ADOT requirements. See ADOT’s Restricted Driver Permits.
Do CDL holders have different rules?
Yes. CDL consequences can include a one-year disqualification for certain findings and are separate from standard Class D consequences. Even conduct in a personal vehicle can affect your CDL.
If I win my criminal DUI case, does that fix the MVD suspension?
Not automatically. The MVD case is civil and runs on its own track with different standards. You must separately request and litigate the executive hearing to challenge the MVD action.