Society's perspective on DUI (Driving Under the Influence) has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. DUI is no longer accepted as an unavoidable price of automobile travel. More and more, DUI is recognized as a violent crime. These changes are mainly due to years of intense effort by federal, state and local agencies, citizen activist groups, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. GOHS is determined to provide the leadership and funding to help reduce the threat of DUI and OUI (Operating Under the Influence) drivers on Arizona's roadway as well as lakes and waterways. As public attitudes have changed, the percentage of alcohol related crashes has decreased. But impaired driving still takes far too great a human and economic toll. In 2000, drinking drivers were involved in 6.13% of all crashes. Impaired driving is actually increasing in some groups, such as young women.
It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle in this state under any of the following circumstances:
- While under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance, or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree.
- If the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle.
- While there is any drug defined in Section 13-3401 or its metabolite in the person's body. If the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle that requires a person to obtain a commercial driver's license as defined in Section 28-3001 and the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more. A conviction of DUI is considered a Misdemeanor criminal conviction.
It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle in this state if the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor. A conviction of Extreme DUI is considered a misdemeanor criminal conviction.
A person is guilty of aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drugs if the person does any of the following:
- Commits a violation of section 28-1381 or 28-1382 or this section while the person's driver license or privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended, revoked, or refused while a restriction is placed on the person's driver license or privilege to drive as a result of violating section 28-1381, 28-1382, or under 28-1385.
- Within a period of sixty months (5 years) commits a third or subsequent violation of section 28-1381, 28-1382, or this section.
- Commits a violation of 28-1381 or 28-1382 while a person under 15 years of age is in the vehicle. A conviction of Aggravated DUI is considered a felony conviction.
