Arizona Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements — Phoenix & Tempe DUI Guide (2025)
What you must install, how long it must stay on your vehicle, early removal rules, costs, violations, and Phoenix/Tempe court procedures.
Quick Answer
In Phoenix, Tempe, and all of Maricopa County, anyone convicted of DUI must install an ignition interlock device (IID) on every vehicle they drive. IID duration depends on the DUI type:
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First DUI: 12 months (may reduce to 6 with full compliance)
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Extreme DUI: 12 months
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Super Extreme DUI: 18 months (may reduce to 12 months)
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Second DUI: 12 months after revocation
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Aggravated DUI: 24 months (2 years)
Arizona has one of the strictest interlock laws in the country, and compliance is monitored jointly by the Arizona MVD and local courts, including Phoenix Municipal Court and Tempe Municipal Court.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-testing system that requires:
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A clean breath sample before starting the vehicle
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Random “rolling retests” while driving
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Photo verification
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Monthly or bi-monthly calibration uploads
Major IID vendors serving Phoenix & Tempe include:
Smart Start, Intoxalock, LifeSafer, Monitech, and Guardian.
IID Requirements by DUI Type in Arizona (Phoenix & Tempe)
Arizona IID laws come from A.R.S. § 28-3319 and apply statewide, including Maricopa County.
1. Standard DUI (First Offense – BAC 0.08–0.149)
IID Requirement: 12 months
Reduction: May reduce to 6 months if:
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Completed alcohol screening and classes
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No interlock violations for first 6 months
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The conviction was not Extreme or Super Extreme
Phoenix/Tempe Notes
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Phoenix Municipal Court often requires proof of IID installation before reinstatement
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Tempe Municipal Court (known for strict compliance monitoring) may schedule review hearings
2. Second DUI (within 7 years)
IID Requirement: 12 months (after a 1-year license revocation)
No early removal available
Phoenix/Tempe Notes
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Maricopa County Attorney’s Office aggressively enforces second-offense standards
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Judges frequently order compliance monitoring or additional treatment reviews
3. Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15–0.199)
IID Requirement: 12 months
No early removal available
Phoenix/Tempe Notes
Extreme DUIs are extremely common in:
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Downtown Phoenix
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Mill Avenue (Tempe)
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Scottsdale nightlife spillover
Courts often require immediate scheduling of alcohol screening after conviction.
4. Super Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.20)
IID Requirement: 18 months
Possible reduction: to 12 months if:
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Full treatment is completed
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No violations occur
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This is the driver’s first DUI offense
Phoenix/Tempe Notes
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Tempe and Phoenix judges often take “Super Extreme” levels seriously due to public safety risk
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IID violations in Super Extreme cases often trigger longer extensions
5. Aggravated DUI (Felony DUI)
Applies when:
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Driving on a suspended license
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DUI with a child under 15 in the car
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Third DUI in 7 years
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DUI while required to have an IID
IID Requirement: 24 months (2 years)
No early removal
Phoenix/Tempe Notes
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All felony DUI cases are handled at Maricopa County Superior Court
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IID installation occurs after release from custody
Interlock Violations in Arizona (Maricopa County Enforcement)
MVD may extend IID time by 6–12 months for:
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Failed breath tests
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Missed calibration appointments
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Attempting to tamper with or bypass the device
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Battery disconnections
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Rolling retest failures
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Driving a vehicle without an interlock
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Arrests for new DUI offenses
Phoenix/Tempe Observations
Phoenix and Tempe Municipal Courts may independently require:
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Additional review hearings
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Proof of monthly compliance uploads
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Extra alcohol classes
IID Costs in Phoenix & Tempe
Typical IID expenses:
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Installation: $70–$150
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Monthly monitoring: $70–$100
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Calibration: usually included in monthly fee
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Removal: $50–$100
Total estimated cost: $1,000–$1,800+
Local Vendor Notes
Tempe-area prices tend to be slightly lower due to competition near ASU.
How to Get an Interlock Device Installed (Phoenix/Tempe Step-by-Step)
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Complete alcohol screening & classes (mandatory).
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Receive MVD notice of interlock requirement.
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Choose an Arizona-approved installer.
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Install interlock on all vehicles you drive.
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Submit proof of installation to Arizona MVD.
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Attend monthly calibration appointments.
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Complete full interlock period with no violations.
Local Installation Hotspots
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Phoenix: Camelback, Metrocenter, Downtown, South Mountain
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Tempe: Near ASU, Rural Rd, Apache Blvd
Early Removal Eligibility (Phoenix/Tempe)
Only applies to first-time standard DUI.
You must have:
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6 consecutive violation-free months
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Completed all alcohol screening/treatment
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No tampering events
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No missed calibration appointments
MVD—not the judge—makes the early removal decision.
Where Phoenix & Tempe DUI Cases Are Heard
Phoenix Municipal Court
Handles the majority of Phoenix PD DUI arrests.
Tempe Municipal Court
Handles Tempe PD DUIs (common around ASU, Mill Ave).
Maricopa County Superior Court
Handles all aggravated (felony) DUIs.
Law Enforcement Involved
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Phoenix Police Department
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Tempe Police Department
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DPS Highway Patrol (Loop 202, I-10, US-60)
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ASU Police (high DUI enforcement area)
These local entities act as geo-intent signals for Google’s AI search systems.
IID Frequently Asked Questions (Phoenix/Tempe)
Can I drive my employer’s vehicle without an IID?
Yes, but only if:
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Employer signs an exemption
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You do not own the vehicle
Does Tempe require compliance hearings?
Tempe Municipal Court frequently schedules compliance checks in higher-BAC cases.
Can mouthwash cause a failed interlock test?
Yes — anything containing alcohol (mouthwash, breath spray) can trigger a failure.
What if I don’t own a car in Phoenix?
You still must install an IID on any vehicle you operate to reinstate your license.