These are items that are good to know and could prevent you from being pulled over for an Arizona DUI.

Speeding
This is a fairly easy way to get pulled over by the police.  Using unusually bad judgment while under the influence can cause a driver to speed.  This is more than enough reason to be pulled over and investigated further for a DUI.

Swerving
Driving under the influence can cause loss of concentration and reaction speed.  Drunk drivers often exhibit these signs by weaving in and out of traffic lanes.  This doesn’t have to major moves; you may just be consistently weaving from one side of the traffic lane to the other.

Ignoring Traffic Rules
Drunk drivers are typically less observant than they would be if they were sober.  Running red lights or stop signs, going the wrong way down a one way street, among other things will get you pulled over and investigated for a DUI in Arizona.

Faulty Light
Having any sort of issues with any of your vehicles lights are likely to get you pulled over.  No turn signal, broken headlight or taillights are all examples.  It is unsafe to drive with these lights out, and gives a reason to investigate you further.

Breaking
If you exhibit erratic breaking patterns you maybe setting yourself up to get pulled over.  This could include stopping too short, breaking too late, not fully breaking at a stop sign before turning.  All of these could give the police reasons to pull you over.

Failure to use good judgment in your driving could get you over for many other reasons, these are just some of them.  Now the best decision you could make is to not drink and drive at all.  Call a cab, pay the fare, and be safe.  The punishment for a DUI in Phoenix are some of the worst in the nation, it’s not worth it.

If you do find yourself arrested for an Arizona DUI make sure you seek the advice of legal council experienced in these cases as soon as possible.

Overview Of What a DUI Entails

Driving under the influence, or DUI, means that you are driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or some other substance.  There are also circumstances where the law applies to operating a boat, bicycle, or other modes of transportation; however operating a motor vehicle is the most common definition.

States set up a legal limit for blood alcohol level. When you exceed this threshold you are in violation of the law.  These limits can vary from state to state.

DUI is not only a crime in the US, but also in most countries around the world.  It is always wise to know the laws of any country you visit, especially as there punishment can be much harsher than those in the United States.

Summary Of AZ DUI Laws

Following is a brief summary of the Arizona DUI Laws.  This is not a comprehensive legal guide, however it is meant to help you understand the laws that govern a DUI in AZ in a general fashion.  Please seek out a lawyer to provide you with professional legal advice.

As mentioned above the DUI laws in Arizona are some of the toughest in the nation.  The legal limit for blood alcohol is .08%.  Any reading over that and you are breaking the law and subject to arrest.

You are required to take a breath, blood, or urine test if one is requested from you.  When you received your driver’s license you agreed to take a test if you were ever pulled over.  If you refuse to take the test your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year, even if you are not convicted of a DUI.

You are able to ask for a hearing at the Motor Vehicle office if you do not wish to lose your license.  This request must be done within fifteen days.

There are three different DUI charges in AZ.  Each of them have a minimum mandatory fine and jail time.

DUI
You can be impaired to the slightest degree.  This can be something other than alcohol, including drugs, medication, or lack of sleep.
Minimum Sentence:
10 days in Jail.  You can attend an alcohol education course and get 9 days suspended.
Minimum Fine/Fees:
$250 Fine. 80% charge and fees.

DUI with BAC of .08% or Greater
Your test must show that you have a BAC of .08% or Greater
Minimum Sentence:
10 days in Jail.  You can attend an alcohol education course and get 9 days suspended.
Minimum Fine/Fees
$250 Fine. 80% charge and fees.

Extreme DUI
You are found to have been operating a motor vehicle with a BAC or .15% or more
Minimum Sentence:
30 days in Jail.  You can attend an alcohol education course and get 20 days suspended.
Minimum Fine/Fees:
$250 Fine, 80% charge, $250 assessment fee.
Additional:
Car must be equipped with an Ignition Locking Breath Tester.

That is the general overview of the AZ DUI Laws.  The actual legal information is much more comprehensive and provides much greater detail.  The preceding listed the minimum mandatory sentence and fine amounts, but the maximum that can be imposed is much greater.  Not to mention if you are convicted of multiple Phoenix DUI they can throw the book at you.

If you have been charged with a DUI we highly recommend that you consult a local attorney that specialized in Arizona DUI Law and get their advice.  They are licensed to provide advice on such matters and are up to date on the current laws or any changes that may have bee made to the AZ DUI Laws.