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Posted on February 21, 2026 in assault & violent crimes
For anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in Arizona, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) is required. In this blog post, we provide an overview of IID requirements for DUI convictions in Arizona. In particular, we discuss:
The Rosenstein Law Group represents Arizona residents who are facing DUI charges. If you are facing a DUI charge, call our law office at (480) 248-7666 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Arizona DUI attorney.
An Ignition Interlock Device is a breathalyzer device that is designed to be installed in a vehicle’s ignition system. It has a set blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. Before you can start your vehicle, you need to blow into the IID. If it detects a BAC above its limit, then it prevents the car from starting.
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 28-1461 and Section 28-1464 are Arizona’s IID laws. You can also find additional information on Arizona’s IID requirements through the Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Arizona’s IID law applies when your driving privilege is limited or restricted due to specific DUI convictions or implied-consent refusals tied to DUI offenses.
An IID must be professionally installed by an approved provider. You cannot install it yourself.
You must install the IID and provide proof before your driving privileges can be reinstated. Failing to file proof within 30 days of the conviction or reinstatement eligibility may result in license suspension or IID requirement extensions.
Any vehicle you operate, including employer-provided vehicles you drive, must be equipped with an IID while your interlock requirement is in effect.
You must pay the installation cost, as well as any ongoing fees for leasing and maintaining the device. IID maintenance requires regular calibration that must be performed at least every 90 days. Proof of this calibration must be provided by the IID provider to the MVD.
The IID requires rolling retests at random times while you are driving. If you do not provide such a breath sample, or provide a sample above the limit, this is a test failure and can result in non-compliance and an extension of the time you are required to have the IID installed.
The IID will record and report any test failures or attempts to tamper with or circumvent it, like having another person blow into it or disconnecting it. Tampering or circumventing the IID may result in a separate criminal charge and will typically lead to a six-month extension of your IID requirement.
If your license has been suspended because of a DUI, then you may be able to obtain a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License (SIIRDL). This allows you to drive during the period of license suspension.
To receive an SIIRDL, you must have a state-approved IIDs installed in the vehicle you drive, pay all fines and fees, complete any court-ordered treatment or education programs, and you may have to provide proof of an SR-22 certificate.
Second-time offenders are also eligible for an SIIRDL in most cases if the second offense is not a felony aggravated DUI. Other offenders may be eligible for a Restricted License. This license limits where they can drive to approved locations like school, work, medical appointments, and treatment appointments.
How long you will need to keep an IID in vehicles you drive depends on the severity of the underlying DUI conviction and whether this is your first conviction or you are a repeat DUI offender.
In some first-time regular DUI cases (BAC less than 0.149%), if you have no violations during the first six months and meet compliance conditions, you may be eligible to reduce the IID period. This depends on meeting the following requirements:
Note: This early IID removal possibility is not available for extreme or super extreme DUIs.
Arizona has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the United States. For most DUI convictions in Arizona, the statutory minimum IID period is 12 months, with possible reduction in limited circumstances.
If you misunderstand Arizona’s IID installation, calibration, or maintenance requirements, or if you make a mistake when complying with ongoing rolling retest requirements, it can be easy to find yourself having to keep an IID in your car for even longer.
An experienced Arizona DUI defense attorney can help you understand and comply with any IID requirement you may face, and help you keep the time you must have an IID to the minimum necessary.
At Rosenstein Law Group, we have attorneys with over 200 years of DUI defense experience in Arizona. We know how Arizona’s DUI and IID laws work, and can advise you on how to stay in compliance with ignition interlock device requirements.
To speak with one of our skilled DUI lawyers, call us at (480) 248-7666 or use our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.