In October 2007, the state of Arizona passed a bill that some would say confirms the opinion that Arizona
is the toughest state in the US regarding drunk drivers. This new bill states that if someone is driving with a BAC reading of .08 or more and it’s a first offense they could be fined for $250, pay a $500 assessment fee, get their driver’s license suspended and spend about ten consecutive days in jail. You could also be required to use an Ignition Interlock Device.
An Ignition Interlock Device is a device that is connected to the car ignition. It requires that you breathe into the device and if your alcohol concentration level is 0.0%-.04% level (which is a standard setting) the car will start, otherwise it will not. At random times the device may require the driver to breath in the device again to test the blood alcohol level. If the reading is higher that what is allowed, a warning will be announced followed but an alarm which could be flashing of the headlights, horn honking, and so on.
There are now “super extreme” DUI laws stating that if the BAC level of a driver is .20% or higher and it’s a first offense, the driver can be required to pay large fees, lose their driver’s license for 90 days, spend 45 days in jail, and be required to use the Ignition Interlock Device.
With the laws as strict as they are and the heavy dependence on a BAC reading, it would be prudent to seek legal counsel in order to understand what legal rights you have.
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