In Arizona, drivers caught breaking the law with drugs or alcohol face some serious consequences. They have to pay to put a special lock on their car’s ignition to make sure they are sober before driving. This isn’t just for a little while—it’s for at least one year once they get their driving privileges back. These rules come from some laws like Arizona Revised Statutes 28-1381, 28-1382, 28-1383, 28-1461, and 28-3319. Sounds tough, right? These measures are in place to keep everyone on the road safe, so every driver better keep this in mind to avoid getting in hot water. Knowing what to expect can help folks stay on the right path. Keep reading to learn more about how these devices work and why they’re so important!

If your driving privileges have been revoked or restricted as a result of a drug or alcohol related violation you will be required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device. This device prevents a car from starting until a self-administered breathalyzer test has been cleared. Drivers with these devices installed are required to submit to the breathalyzer test every time they want to start their car and go any where.

The interlock requirement is effective immediately. Failure to have the device installed and to provide verification to MVD within 30 days, may result in immediate suspension of your Arizona driving privilege and possible extension of the original interlock requirement.

Upon conviction of driving without an interlock device as required by ARS 28-1464 your requirement to maintain an interlock will be extended for one additional year after your original requirement would have ended.

The interlock installer is required to electronically send periodic reports of your interlock usage to MVD. If those reports indicate a failure to comply with interlock requirements, tampering, circumvention, or certain other violations, you will receive notification from MVD extending your original interlock requirement for an additional 6 to 12 months.