REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN ARIZONA

There are a variety of reasons why your Arizona driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The following are some of the most common reasons for an Arizona driver’s license to be suspended or revoked. A suspension has a definite time period whereas a revocation will result in your license being taken away.

• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Arizona operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 8 or more points within a 12-month period, on your current driver record, your license will be suspended. You may need to attend an AZ Traffic Survival School (TSS). You will earn 8 points immediately for violations such as DUI and Reckless Driving.
• Driving Under the Influence: Your Arizona driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. Refusal to take a breathalyzer test is another reason for suspension.

If you refuse or fail a drug/DUI blood or breath test, the AZ MVD will suspend your driver’s license for 12 months, and 2 years if it happens again within 48 months. You may also face additional criminal charges if convicted of a DUI in court.

Your Arizona driver’s license will be suspended on your first DUI conviction. Your license will be revoked for subsequent DUI convictions.

Depending on the number of DUIs you’ve been convicted of and the circumstances of your offense, you may face additional criminal charges from the court, such as:

• Fines of $1,250 to $3,500.
• Prison or jail sentences for 10 days to 2 years.
• In addition to satisfying your court requirements, completing an alcohol education program and community service, you’ll need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can reinstate your license through the Arizona MVD.

For more information on the ignition interlock device, please see the Arizona MVD website.

• Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving. Your vehicle may also be impounded for 30 days if you drive with a suspended or revoked license.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Arizona must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended. If your Arizona driver’s license was suspended for failing to provide proof of car insurance, you can apply for a “restricted permit” (see below) in person at an AZ MVD office. You will need to provide proof of your future financial responsibility through either a Certificate of Insurance (SR22) from your insurance company or a certificate from the AZ Office of Treasurer showing you’ve made a deposit of $40,000. Your restricted permit may be valid for your entire suspension period and can be used to travel to and from work, during work (for business purposes), or to and from school.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Arizona driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway or if you are using a driver’s license illegally.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The Motor Vehicle Division Chief Administrator can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a Motor Vehicle Commission notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

NOTE: On top of any MVD suspensions, you may also face additional suspensions and penalties from state and federal courts. Please be aware that you may need to satisfy court requirements as well as MVD requirements in order to reinstate your AZ driver’s license.

REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATIONS IN ARIZONA

• You are convicted of a felony involving a vehicle.
• You are caught driving under the influence of drugs.
• You give false information to the Arizona MVD.
• You have 2 convictions or more of: DUIs, Reckless driving violations, Highway racing violations.

If your license was revoked, the AZ MVD will need to complete an investigation before you can reinstate your license.

CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR ARIZONA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. Things to be aware of following a license suspension:

• If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. You can surrender your license in person at an MVD Office by mailing it to:

Arizona Department of Transportation

Motor Vehicle Division

PO Box 2100

Phoenix AZ 85001-2100

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years, and/or the length of your suspension may be increased.
• After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Arizona MVD. You can also apply for a restricted driving permit (see below).

RESTRICTED OR TEMPORARY ARIZONA LICENSE

You can only obtain a restricted Arizona driver license if your suspension was caused by an insurance law violation or DUI.

Restricted Permit

If you were convicted of a DUI and are eligible for a restricted permit, the Arizona MVD will send you one within 22-30 days after your suspension begins. The restricted permit becomes valid after 30 days of your suspension. If your suspension was upheld after you had a hearing, you may be eligible for a restricted permit. Visit your local Arizona MVD office to apply and check if you’re eligible.

Your restricted permit will allow you to drive to and from work, during work (for business purposes), to and from school, and to and from an alcohol treatment center.

Special Restricted Driver’s License

If your drivers license was suspended or revoked for a DUI violation, you may be eligible for a restricted driver’s license if you:

• Completed at least 90 days of your suspension.
• Have no pending withdrawal actions.
• Installed an ignition interlock device and submitted the “Verification of Installation” form to the AZ MVD.
• Completed any necessary alcohol education and treatment programs.
• Submitted a Proof of Future Financial Responsibility (SR22) to the AZ MVD – Available from your insurance company.
• Paid your fees.

Contact the Arizona MVD to verify your eligibility.

ARIZONA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

If you disagree with your driver’s license suspension, you can request an Arizona MVD administrative hearing. However, if your driver license suspension or revocation was classified as mandatory, you cannot request a hearing.

MVD hearings have no affect on criminal proceedings and court decisions.

To request a hearing for your Arizona MVD suspension you can either:

• E-mail your request through the AZ MVD online system.
• Complete a Hearing Request form and take it to an Arizona DMV office, fax your request to (602) 241-1624, or mail it to:

Executive Hearing Office

Arizona Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 2100
MD 507M

Phoenix, AZ 85001

The letter must include your first, middle and last name, date of birth, license number, mailing address, home and business phones, and Case Number. An administrative law judge or the MVD Chief Administrator will hear your case, and determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or not.

In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes 3 points from the current driving record, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended.

After the AZ DMV receives your request, your hearing will be scheduled within 30 to 35 days. If you are requesting a hearing outside of Tucson or Phoenix, your hearing may take up to 60 days to schedule.

NOTE: Your suspension or revocation may be put on hold until your hearing is completed. Check your notice to see if this applies to you.

• If you disagree with the outcome of your hearing, you may be able to request a re-hearing at the Executive Hearing Office in Phoenix at 3737 N. 7th Street, Suite 160.
• If you’d like to APPEAL the decision of your hearing, you must do so through the Arizona superior court. For more information about administrative hearings, please refer to the Arizona MVD website.

REINSTATE YOUR ARIZONA DRIVER’S LICENSE

REINSTATE YOUR SUSPENDED ARIZONA DRIVER’S LICENSE

You will receive a Notice of Restoration from the MVD after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how to get your license back. To reinstate your suspended drivers license you will need to:

• Satisfy any court requirements and fines.
• Apply for a standard license renewal to obtain a new license.
• Visit your local Arizona DMV office with any court clearance documents (if applicable), and proof of future financial responsibility (Form SR22) from your insurance company, if applicable. You must maintain proof of coverage for 3 years.

If you have submitted the necessary documents and have a digital photo on file with the Arizona MVD, you can pay your reinstatement fee in person at an Arizona DMV office, online, or by mail.

• Online: at the ADOT website. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license number and date of birth. If you pay for your reinstatement online, your driver’s license will be mailed to you.
• By mail:

Arizona Department of Transportation

Motor Vehicle Division

P.O. Box 2100
MD 555M

Phoenix, AZ 85001

You must visit an AZ MVD office in person if you don’t have a photo on file.

After you license is restored, you will be subject to a Mandatory Probation Period of 1 year, during which any new violations may result in an additional suspension of your Arizona driver’s license.

REINSTATE YOUR REVOKED ARIZONA DRIVER’S LICENSE

It is more difficult to reinstate a revocation. Your driving record will be investigated before the MVD grants you a new license. You will have to call the MVD and ask for a Revocation Investigation Packet and complete and submit it to start the processing.

Follow the same steps outlined for reinstating a suspended license above. In addition to this, you must provide the AZ DMV with your “permission to apply notice”, which you will receive once the ADOT completes its investigation.

Medical Review Suspensions and Revocations

To clear a suspension/revocation caused by failing to submit medical review documents or evaluation tests, submit your documents:

• In person: to the Arizona MVD Medical Review Office in Avondale: 1452 N. Eliseo C. Felix Jr. Way.
• By fax: (623) 925-9323.
• By e-mail using the ADOT contact form.

If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked for any other medical review reasons, contact the Arizona DOT Medical Review Program at (602) 771-2460.

FEES FOR REINSTATING SUSPENDED LICENSES IN ARIZONA

To reinstate your Arizona driver’s license, you must pay both a reinstatement fee and an application fee. You will also need to pay any additional court fees and cost, if applicable.

Reinstatement Fees:

• Suspended driver’s license: $10.
• Revoked drivers license: $20.

Application Fees:

• 16 to 39 years old: $25.
• 40 to 44 years old: $20.
• 45 to 49 years old: $15.
• 50 years old and older: $10.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

• Online: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit/debit cards.
• By Mail: Money order.
• In Person: cash, money order, credit/debit cards in some Arizona MVD offices.

NOTE: Reinstatement fees cannot be paid by check.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN ARIZONA

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your Arizona commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in Arizona or out of state.

Additionally, Your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. Depending on your offense, you may face both state and federal suspensions and charges, and your CDL may be suspended or revoked for 60 days to life. To reinstate your CDL, please see “Reinstate Your AZ Driver’s License” above.

NOTE: If your CDL has been disqualified for 1 year or more, you will need to pass all written and driving tests and pay the necessary application, licensing and reinstatement fees.

For more information, please refer to the Arizona Commercial Driver License Manual and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

You may need to satisfy both Arizona MVD AND additional court requirements if you are convicted of criminal charges. If you hold a CDL, you can have your license suspended for any of the violation types:

• Refusing a blood/alcohol test.
• Using your vehicle to commit a felony.
• Failing to submit medical certification documents or meeting medical standards.
• DUI/DWI convictions.
• Leaving the scene of an accident you were involved in.
• Other alcohol/drug-related offenses.
• Failing to pay a ticket or appear in court.

NOTE: A BAC of 0.04% or higher in a commercial vehicle can result in a DUI. If you have any alcohol detected in your blood/breath, you will be placed out of service for 24 hours.

In addition to state laws, commercial drivers are also subject to federal regulations controlled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including:

• License disqualifications and fines for violating out-of-service orders.
• Suspensions and disqualifications ranging from 60 days to life for violations and convictions such as:
  • Violating railroad-highway grade crossings.
  • Excessive speeding and reckless driving.
  • DUI/DWI
  • Leaving the scene of an accident.

ARIZONA CDL SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

If you disagree with the circumstances of your CDL suspension/disqualification, you may request an Arizona MVD administrative hearing. MVD hearings have no effect on criminal proceedings and Arizona court decisions. If your commercial driver’s license suspension or revocation was classified as mandatory, you cannot request a hearing. To request a hearing:

• E-mail your request through the AZ MVD online system.
• Complete a Hearing Request form and mail it to:

Executive Hearing Office

Arizona Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 2100
MD 507M

Phoenix, AZ 85001

• Request it in person at any Arizona DMV office.
• Fax your request to (602) 241-1624.

After the AZ DMV receives your request, your hearing will be scheduled within 30 to 35 days. If you are requesting a hearing outside of Tucson or Phoenix, your hearing may take up to 60 days to schedule.

NOTE: Your suspension or revocation may be put on hold until your hearing is completed. Check your notice to see if this applies to you.

• If you disagree with the outcome of your hearing, you may be able to request a re-hearing at the Executive Hearing Office located in Phoenix at 3737 N. Seventh St., Suite 160.
• If you’d like to appeal the decision of your hearing, you must do so through the Arizona superior court.

ARIZONA DUI AND ALCOHOL-RELATED CDL SUSPENSIONS

In Arizona, you can be found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) if you are intoxicated with either alcohol or drugs. In addition to other penalties and criminal convictions (listed below), you will need to:

• Complete mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
• Complete mandatory community service.
• Install a certified ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you operate.
  • Visit the AZDOT website for more information on IIDs.

If you are caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% to 0.15% while driving a commercial vehicle, you will receive the following penalties and criminal convictions:

1st Offense:

• Jail time of at least 10 days.
• A fine of at least $1,250.

Subsequent Offenses:

• Jail time of at least 90 days.
• A fine of at least $3,000.
• 12-month license revocation.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15% or higher, you will receive the following penalties and criminal convictions:

1st Offense:

• Jail time of at least 30 days.
• A fine of at least $2,500.

Subsequent Offenses:

• Jail time of at least 120 days.
• A fine of at least $3,250.
• 12-month license revocation.

If you refuse an alcohol test your license will be suspended for 12 months or 24 months, depending on the number of offenses you’ve had. You will also need to complete alcohol or drug screening before you can reinstate your license.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are convicted of multiple DUI offenses or alcohol test refusals, your CDL will be revoked for life.

CHECK YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Traffic violations, convictions, and causing accidents can lead to driving record points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension/disqualification of both your commercial and non-commercial driving privileges.

The Arkansas DMV will:

• Send a warning letter after 10-13 points.
• Suspend your license for 3 months after 14-17 points.
• Suspend your license for 6 months after 18-23 points.
• Suspend your license for 1 year after 24 points or more.

You can order your driving record to check the status of your CDL and your driving record points. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course.

REINSTATE YOUR ARIZONA CDL 

Your CDL reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your suspension or revocation. If your CDL has been disqualified for 1 year or more, it is considered expired (invalid), and you will need to pass all written and driving tests and pay the necessary application, licensing, and reinstatement fees.

Failure to Pay a Ticket or Appear in Court:

To reinstate your suspended CDL for failing to pay a ticket or appear in court, you will need to:

• Satisfy any court requirements/fines and submit clearance documents.
• Obtain a court clearance receipt or a Court Abstract form from the court listed on your suspension notice.
• Take the receipt/abstract and fees to your local AZ MVD office. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your AZ CDL” below.)

Other Suspensions:

For all other CDL suspensions, you will need to pay the reinstatement fee and driver’s license application fee (see “Fees to Reinstate Your AZ CDL” below). You can do this online or in person at your local AZ MVD office.

NOTE: If your photo is not on file with the AZ MVD, you will need to pay these fees in person. You will also need an SR22 from your insurance company to prove your financial responsibility, if your suspension was due to a DUI court-conviction, refusal or failure to complete a drug or alcohol test, or violating car insurance laws. You must maintain this proof of financial responsibility for 3 years from your license reinstatement date.

Revocations:

To reinstate a revoked Arizona CDL, submit a Revocation Investigation Packet at the end of your revocation period to the AZ MVD, using the address specified on the form. If you receive a “Permission to Apply Notice” once the investigation is complete, you can apply for your CDL to be reinstated. You will need:

• Your “Permission to Apply Notice.”
• An SR22 from your insurance company, for alcohol/drug-related revocations.
• Payment for the reinstatement and driver’s license application fees (see “Fees to Reinstate Your AZ CDL” below).
• Proof you have installed an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (if required).

Take the above to your local AZ MVD office, or reinstate your CDL online by visiting the Service Arizona website.

Failure to Submit Medical Information:

If your CDL was suspended or revoked for failing to submit medical certification information, you can reinstate your license by submitting this information by fax to (602) 241-1624 or online using the Arizona MVD online contact form.

OBTAIN A RESTRICTED LICENSE IN ARIZONA

You can only obtain a restricted Arizona driver license if your suspension was caused by an insurance law violation or DUI. You cannot use a restricted license to drive a commercial vehicle.

A restricted driver’s license allows you to drive to and from work, school, and other authorized locations in a non-commercial vehicle during your suspension.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR ARIZONA CDL

You will need to pay both AZ Motor Vehicle Division reinstatement fees and driver’s license fees to reinstate your suspended or revoked license.

Reinstatement Fees:

Suspension: $10.

Revocation: $20.

Commercial Driver’s License Fees:

Class A/B: $25.

Class C: $12.50.

Driving Skills Test Fees:

Class A/B: $25.

Class C: $12.50.

For more information on commercial driver’s license fees, contact the Arizona MVD:

By phone: Phoenix: (602) 255-0072 or TDD (602) 712-3222.

Tucson: (520) 629-9808.

Everywhere else: (800) 251-5866 or TDD (800) 324-5425.

Online: Use the AZ MVD online contact form.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT

• In person: Cash, cashier’s check, money order. Credit cards are accepted in some offices; contact your local AZ MVD office for more information.
• By mail: Cashier’s check and money order.
• Online: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit/debit card.

NOTE: AZDOT does not accept personal checks to pay reinstatement fees.