Drink-driving limits in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Stricter rules apply to drivers under 21. Penalties are set in the state's impaired-driving statute.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | A person under 21 may not drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle with any spirituous liquor in the body. [2] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.04% or more for a commercial motor vehicle requiring a commercial driver licence, and for a vehicle for hire or a transportation network driver providing services. [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | Driving under the influence is a class 1 misdemeanour. On conviction: at least 10 consecutive days in jail, a fine of at least $250 and an additional $500 assessment; higher minimums apply to repeat offences within 84 months. [1] |
Notes
- The official sources read for this state do not state this. Not confirmed.
Sources
- Arizona Legislature: 28-1381 - Driving or actual physical control while under the influence (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona Legislature: 4-244 - Unlawful acts (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial, for hire) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Min. 10 days jail, $250 fine |
| California | 0.08% | 0.01% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial, paid passengers) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 96 hrs-6 months jail; $390-$1,000 |
| New Mexico | 0.08% | ⚠ Not yet verified | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | Yes (sobriety checkpoints) | First: up to 90 days / $500; 8th: 12 years |
| Nevada | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months; $400-$1,000 fine |
| Utah | 0.05% | Any alcohol (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial) | Yes (magistrate-approved checkpoints) | Class B misd.; min. 2 days jail, $700 fine |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (class G licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (restricted permit); 15½ (standard permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed pocket knife not an offence · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.15 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 16 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.