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Suspended license in Arizona
Most drivers can easily restore their license and avoid an insurance spike.
Arizona takes license suspensions seriously, especially if it’s related to a DUI. On the other hand, minor offenses may require nothing more than a period without driving and a few minor fees to get your license back. Plus, suspended drivers here have more high-risk insurance options than other states, especially if they use a specific nonprofit.
How do I find out if my license is suspended in Arizona?
Arizona provides multiple ways to get notified of your suspension or check your driving record. Those include:
- By mail. You should receive a suspension notice sent directly to your address on the MVD’s file. If not, you can request your driving record by sending a Motor Vehicle Record Request Form along with $3 for uncertified record or $5 for a certified record.
- Online. Use the Arizona Department of Transportation services page to request, pay for and print your driving record.
- In person. Go to your local MVD office to request your driving record personally.
Driving under the influence
If you’re found driving with a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level or more, you can receive a license suspension immediately. Refusing an alcohol or drug test can also bring a suspension of at least one year.
Reasons your license might be suspended in Arizona
In Arizona, you can get a license suspension for accumulating too many points, driving impaired or even receiving multiple moving violations in the same year. Other reasons for a suspension:
- Eight or more points on driving record
- At fault in a fatal accident
- Committing crimes with a vehicle
- Driving without insurance
- DUI offense
- Failing to appear in court
- Failing to attend driver improvement courses
- Failing to pay fines, violations or traffic tickets
- Hit-and-runs
- Reckless driving
- Refusing a drug or alcohol test
- Too many moving violations
What happens if you get a suspended license in Arizona?
If you’re issued a suspended license, you can’t drive for a specific time, depending on the violation. Also, you’ll need to pay a $10 reinstatement and $10 to $25 application fee that varies based on your age. Some offenses like aggressive driving or running a red light require driver improvement training as well.
Can I drive with a suspended license in Arizona?
No, you can’t drive with a suspended license unless you have special permission from the MVD. If you’re found driving with a suspension, you could get the suspension increased up to one additional year along with up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
How to reinstate a suspended license in Arizona
Arizona offers several ways to reinstate your license, but some methods include stipulations. You can apply for reinstatement in person, online or by mail.
- In person. Visit the MVD to get your license reinstated in person.
- Online. You can pay fees and apply for reinstatement through the Arizona Driver License Reinstatement page online. You’ll need a credit card for online payment.
- By mail. The MVD’s mailing address is PO Box 2100, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85001. However, you’ll need to send payments as a cashier’s check or money order.
Steps to license reinstatement
To get your license back, you’ll typically be required to pay a fine to get your license back, and the amount varies based on your age. If your license was suspended for not paying fines, you’ll need to pay these and bring the receipt to the MVD.
- Apply for your license reinstatement and pay the applicable fees.
- Submit proof of financial responsibility for DUI offenses, alcohol or drug test refusals or uninsured violations. This is usually an SR-22 form from your insurance company.
- Receive your new driver’s license.
When can I drive my car again?
You can drive your car after completing your suspension term and any other requirements, such as paying fines, serving jail time or community service and submitting an SR-22. After these requirements, you’ll need to receive your new driver’s license before getting back on the road.
However, some cases might qualify for a special restricted driver’s license if you meet certain requirements after a DUI suspension. For example, you may need to get an ignition interlock system installed on your car. This system is wired to the DUI offender’s car and requires them to breath into an alcohol breath analyzer. If alcohol levels stay below the required range, the system allows the vehicle to start.
How to get car insurance with a suspended license in Arizona
While getting a suspension might be putting a mark on your record, you do have insurance options to help you stay protected. These options may also help you file an SR-22 to prove financial responsibility so that you can get your license back.
Consider these insurer options after suspension:
- Standard insurers. Some local or well-known companies cover many drivers, but these may charge a high premium to offset your higher driving risk.
- High-risk companies. Specialized, high-risk companies could mean guaranteed coverage, and maybe even better value and coverage. However, you might have to do your research to find the best options.
- WAIP providers. Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAIP) is a nonprofit connection service that can help high-risk drivers find affordable insurance.
Compare car insurance after a suspended license in Arizona
Bottom line
In Arizona, you could get a suspension for several reasons that don’t involve heavy offenses like driving impaired or aggressive driving. These minor cases may have low-cost fees to get your license back. But even those with major convictions might need to compare car insurance to stay protected during and after a suspension.
Frequently asked questions about suspended licenses in Arizona
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