10 Things Car Enthusiasts Should Know About DUIs

Taking a car for a spin and exploring its limits is riveting. The gear shifts, the sound of the engine, the smoothness of the wheels–it’s all so exciting and can suck you in. The world of cars is truly magnificent. Car enthusiasts know this, love, and live this.

As a car enthusiast, road and driving laws are things you should be conversant with. If you live in Arizona and are a car enthusiast, you must understand the implications of your passion, especially if you also like to indulge in a drink or two before you hit the road. According to Aaron Black, an Arizona DUI lawyer, Arizona DUI Laws are some of the strictest in the country, especially when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI).

In the following sections, you will learn 10 things about DUIs you should know as a car enthusiast. Let’s ride!

Checkpoints and Probable Cause Stops

As a car enthusiast, one thing that will annoy you is unnecessary stops on the road, whether it be traffic stops or police checkpoints. These checkpoints are necessary. They are not everywhere, but where you see them, you have no choice but to let them check you. It is important you know that you can refuse a field sobriety test, though the officers can take this to mean you are intoxicated.

Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit

“Don’t drink and drive” remains the message, but many people love to indulge in a shot or two before they hit the road, especially during a night out following a busy work day, where they need to destress, or a night out with friends. The problem is that many people gamble with their alcohol tolerance limits, only to get in trouble with the law later. A Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08% gets you a charge in a state like Arizona, which tells you that you need to avoid that drink if you will be driving.

Zero Tolerance for Under-21 Drivers

You read right! If you are a 21-and-under car enthusiast living in Arizona, skip that drink! Even as little as 0.02% alcohol in your blood can bag you a charge! Literally, a few sips of beer could put you over the limit for an underage DUI. Avoid alcohol totally before you hit the road!

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements

IIDs are car breathalyzers. DUI offenders must install them in their cars and breathe into them every time they want to drive after they have been convicted of a DUI in Arizona. Without this test, the car won’t start. If you do not want this inconvenience, do not drink and drive.

Regular IID Maintenance

It is not enough to install an IID. You must bring it in every 30 to 60 days for maintenance checks. If the IIDs are not checked, it can lead to false positives, which can cause accidents that land you in more trouble or extend your sentence by months, depending on the judge.

Implied Consent and Chemical Testing

Many people do not know this, but applying for and getting a driver’s license means you consent to being tested for alcohol. It is called Implied Consent. It is exercised if an officer stops you under suspicion of DUI. This check not only finds out the alcohol levels in your body but also finds out if you have any substances in your body that can impair your driving. Refusal to submit to the test has consequences, of course, including a possible license suspension. If stopped, please cooperate with the officers. Do not make it harder for your lawyers.

Extreme and Super‑Extreme DUI Penalties

0.08% would get you the “standard” DUI charges. Anything above can get you either “extreme” or “super extreme” charges. Extreme DUI charges count for BAC of 0.15% to 0.199%, and super extreme DUI charges count for BAC of 0.20% and above. You are looking at longer compulsory jail terms, higher fines, and longer license suspensions if you are bagged for an extreme or super extreme DUI.

Mandatory License Suspension

DUI laws everywhere in the country require offenders to lose their driver’s license for a while. If you behave during your suspension period, you can get your license back after 30 days. Get bagged again in the space of seven years after your first offense, and you will lose your license for a year.

Aggravated DUI Can Become a Felony

DUIs can be classified as “Aggravated” if you drive with a suspended license, especially when ordered to use an IID, or have a child under 15 when you are caught, or on the wrong side of the road.

Impact on Insurance and Future Opportunities

A DUI can leave a stain on your record. The insurance premiums you pay on your car will skyrocket up to 100% or more, college applications can become tougher, and you can be denied scholarships or grants. Even finding a job or a house can be a problem. A DUI is costlier than a ticket, and you stand an unfortunate chance of becoming a convicted felon. Avoid that drink for the sake of your future!

If you are, however, faced with a DUI charge, the first thing you should do is to contact a qualified DUI attorney.