Arizona Suspended License Laws: What Changed and What You Need to Know

Arizona's Current Suspension Rules

Arizona suspends licenses for specific violations and timeframes set by state law. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines — Arizona suspends your license until you pay or set up a payment plan with the court. A DUI conviction triggers a mandatory suspension that starts when ready, even before sentencing: a first offense suspends your license for a minimum of 90 days, a second offense for one year, and a third or subsequent offense for three years.

Suspension for unpaid child support is another major category. Arizona's Department of Child Support Services can request a license suspension if you fall behind on payments. Reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and accumulating too many points on your driving record (eight points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 18 points in 36 months) also trigger suspensions. The length of each suspension depends on the violation and whether it is your first or repeat offense.

Arizona does not have a single "update" to suspension law that applies to all drivers — instead, the state updates specific rules as they change. The best way to know your exact suspension length and the steps to restore your license is to contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division directly or check your suspension notice, which will state the reason and the date your license becomes valid again.

Key Takeaways

Arizona suspends licenses most often for unpaid fines, DUI convictions, unpaid child support, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
A first DUI suspension lasts at least 90 days; a second DUI lasts one year; a third or later DUI lasts three years.
Unpaid traffic fines trigger suspension until you pay the fine or arrange a payment plan with the court.
Your suspension notice will tell you the reason for the suspension and when your license will be valid again.
You can contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division to confirm your suspension status and learn what steps you need to take to restore your license.

How to Check Your Suspension Status in Arizona

You can look up your license status through ADOT's online system without visiting an office. Go to the ADOT website and use the Driver License Status Check tool — you will need your driver license number and date of birth. The tool will tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason, and the date it becomes valid again.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Have your driver license number ready. They can confirm whether you are currently suspended, explain what caused the suspension, and tell you exactly what you need to do to restore your license — whether that is paying a fine, completing a DUI program, or providing proof of child support payments.

Restoring Your License After Suspension

The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay the fine in full or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. Once the court confirms payment or the plan is in place, they notify ADOT, and your license is restored automatically — you do not need to visit an office or pay a separate restoration fee.

If your suspension was for a DUI, you must wait out the mandatory suspension period. During that time, you may be required to complete a DUI education program or substance abuse treatment, depending on the offense. Once the suspension period ends and you have completed any required programs, your license is restored automatically. Some drivers are allowed to request a restricted license (also called a work permit) during the suspension period so they can drive to work, school, or court — ask ADOT whether you may have access to.

For suspensions related to unpaid child support, you must contact the Department of Child Support Services to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once they confirm the arrangement, they notify ADOT and your license is restored. If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you straightforward wait out the suspension period — the length depends on how many points you had and how long ago they were added to your record.

Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona

Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is a criminal offense. A first violation is a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in jail time, fines, and a longer suspension. A second or subsequent violation within five years is a class 6 felony. The penalties increase significantly with each offense, and a felony conviction will affect your ability to work, rent housing, and obtain certain licenses.

If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, you will be cited and may be arrested on the spot. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face court costs in addition to fines. Even if you did not know your license was suspended, the law does not excuse the violation — ignorance is not a legal defense. This is why checking your status regularly is important, especially if you have received a ticket or have unpaid fines.

Restricted Licenses and Work Permits

Arizona allows some drivers to obtain a restricted license (work permit) during a suspension period. A restricted license lets you drive only for specific purposes: to and from work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, or child care. You cannot use it for any other reason, and violating the restrictions can result in additional charges.

Not all suspensions may have access to for a restricted license. DUI suspensions sometimes allow a restricted license after a waiting period, but only if you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and meet other requirements. Suspensions for unpaid fines or child support typically do not may have access to for a restricted license — your only option is to resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine or arrange child support payments) so your license is restored fully.

To request a restricted license, contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division or visit a local office. You will need to show proof of the reason for the restriction (such as a work letter from your employer) and pay a fee. The process usually takes a few days to a week.

Points, Suspensions, and Your Driving Record

Arizona uses a point system to track traffic violations. Each violation adds a certain number of points to your record: a speeding ticket might add three points, reckless driving adds eight points, and a DUI adds eight points. Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation.

If you accumulate eight points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 18 points in 36 months, ADOT will suspend your license. The suspension length depends on how many points you have: eight to 11 points results in a 30-day suspension, 12 to 17 points results in a 60-day suspension, and 18 or more points results in a 12-month suspension. You can reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course — this removes up to three points and can help you avoid suspension if you are close to the threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Arizona license suspension last?

The length depends on the reason. A DUI first offense is 90 days minimum; a second is one year; a third or later is three years. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay or set up a payment plan. Point-based suspensions range from 30 days to 12 months depending on how many points you accumulated. Your suspension notice will state the exact end date.

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?

Only if you obtain a restricted license (work permit) first. You must request one from ADOT and show proof that you need to drive for work. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a restricted license — DUI suspensions sometimes do, but suspensions for unpaid fines usually do not. Contact ADOT to find out whether you are may be able to access.

What happens if I get caught driving on a suspended license?

It is a criminal offense. A first violation is a class 1 misdemeanor with possible jail time and fines. A second or later violation within five years is a felony. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face court costs. The penalties are serious and increase with each offense.

Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license after suspension?

No restoration fee exists in Arizona. Once you resolve the underlying issue — paying a fine, completing a DUI program, or arranging child support payments — your license is restored automatically. ADOT does not charge a separate fee for the restoration itself, though you may have paid court fines or program costs.

How do I know if my license is currently suspended?

Use ADOT's online Driver License Status Check tool on their website (you need your license number and date of birth), or call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Both methods are free and will tell you your current status and the reason for any suspension.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.