Arizona's 2019 License Suspension Changes
Arizona made significant changes to its suspended license laws in 2019, primarily through House Bill 2008, which took effect on January 1, 2019. The law created a new category called a restricted driving permit that allows some drivers with suspended licenses to continue driving for essential purposes like work, school, and medical appointments. This was a meaningful shift because before 2019, Arizona's suspension rules were stricter and offered fewer pathways back to legal driving.
The 2019 changes also modified how long suspensions last, what triggers them, and what drivers must do to restore their licenses. Understanding these rules matters because driving on a suspended license in Arizona carries serious penalties, including criminal charges, additional fines, and longer suspension periods.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona's 2019 law created restricted driving permits that allow suspended drivers to drive to work, school, medical care, and court-ordered programs under specific conditions.
- Suspension lengths vary by reason — administrative suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets differ from suspensions for DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.
- To restore a suspended license, you must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and restitution, then request reinstatement from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona and can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension period.
- The restricted permit requires proof that suspension causes undue hardship and that you have a legitimate need to drive for the permitted purposes.
What Triggers a License Suspension in Arizona
Arizona suspends licenses for several reasons, and the 2019 changes did not eliminate any of them — they only added the restricted permit option. Administrative suspensions happen when you do not pay traffic fines or fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) suspends your license automatically if you owe money to the court or if you miss a court date.
DUI convictions trigger mandatory suspensions that last longer than administrative ones. A first DUI suspension in Arizona lasts at least 90 days; a second DUI within seven years results in a one-year suspension. Accumulating too many moving violations also causes suspension — Arizona uses a point system where certain violations add points to your driving record, and reaching 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers suspension.
Failure to maintain car insurance, driving with a suspended license, and certain criminal convictions can also result in suspension. The 2019 law did not change which violations cause suspension; it changed what you could do once your license was suspended.
The Restricted Driving Permit Under the 2019 Law
The restricted driving permit is the main change from the 2019 update. It allows you to drive during specific hours and for specific purposes even though your license is suspended. You can drive to and from work, to and from school or a school-sponsored event, to and from a medical appointment, to and from a court-ordered treatment or counseling program, and to and from a location where you are required to report as part of probation or parole.
To get a restricted permit, you must show that the suspension causes undue hardship — meaning you have a genuine need to drive for one of the permitted purposes and no reasonable alternative exists. You cannot straightforward say you need to drive; you must provide evidence. This might include a letter from your employer stating that you need to drive to work, proof of enrollment in school, a medical appointment letter, or a court order requiring you to attend treatment.
The restricted permit is not automatic. You must request it from ADOT, and the agency decides whether your hardship claim is genuine. If approved, the permit specifies which hours you can drive and which purposes are permitted. Driving outside those hours or for other purposes is still a violation.
Suspension Length and Reinstatement Requirements
How long your license stays suspended depends on why it was suspended. Administrative suspensions for unpaid fines typically last until you pay what you owe. DUI suspensions are longer: 90 days for a first offense, one year for a second offense within seven years, and two years for a third or subsequent offense within seven years. Point-based suspensions usually last 30 days, but you cannot drive during that time unless you have a restricted permit.
To reinstate your license after suspension, you must complete several steps. First, pay all outstanding fines, fees, court costs, and restitution to the court or ADOT. Second, if your suspension was for DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse treatment program or an alcohol education course, depending on the offense. Third, submit a reinstatement request to ADOT along with proof that you have paid all money owed. ADOT charges a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.
After you submit your reinstatement request, ADOT typically processes it within a few weeks. Once approved, your license is restored and you can drive normally again. If you were driving on a restricted permit, that permit becomes invalid once your license is reinstated.
Criminal Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Arizona, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is typically charged as a class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a mandatory additional suspension of at least 90 days. A second offense within five years is a class 2 misdemeanor, carrying up to four months in jail and a fine of up to $750, plus an additional suspension of at least one year.
If you are caught driving on a suspended license and you were also driving recklessly or caused an accident, the charges can be more serious. Additionally, if your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, driving while suspended carries harsher penalties than a standard administrative suspension.
The 2019 law did not change these criminal penalties. What it did was provide a legal alternative — the restricted permit — so that drivers with genuine hardship could avoid breaking the law while their licenses were suspended.
How the 2019 Changes Affected Different Suspension Types
The 2019 law applied to all suspension types, but its practical impact varies. For administrative suspensions caused by unpaid tickets, the restricted permit offers a way to keep working while you arrange to pay your fines. For DUI suspensions, the restricted permit lets you drive to court-ordered treatment programs, which is often necessary to eventually get your license back.
For point-based suspensions, the restricted permit is less commonly used because those suspensions are typically short (30 days) and do not require as much paperwork to resolve. However, if your job depends on driving and you accumulate points, the restricted permit can prevent you from losing income during the suspension period.
One important note: the 2019 law did not change the fact that you must still pay all fines and fees to reinstate your license. The restricted permit is a temporary measure that lets you drive for essential purposes while you work toward full reinstatement, not a way to avoid paying what you owe.
Steps to Request a Restricted Driving Permit
If your license is suspended and you believe you may have access to for a restricted permit, contact the Arizona Department of Transportation directly. You can reach ADOT's Driver Services division by phone or visit a local ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number and the reason for your suspension ready when you call.
ADOT will ask you to explain your hardship and provide supporting documents. Gather evidence before you contact them: a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need to drive to work, proof of school enrollment, a medical appointment letter from a doctor, or a court order requiring you to attend treatment. The stronger your documentation, the more likely ADOT will approve your request.
Submit your request and documents to ADOT. The agency reviews your case and notifies you of the decision. If approved, you will receive a restricted permit that specifies the hours you can drive and the purposes for which you can drive. Keep this permit in your vehicle at all times while driving, along with your regular driver's license or ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted permit if my license was suspended for a DUI?
Yes. The 2019 law allows restricted permits for all suspension types, including DUI. You must show that you have undue hardship and a legitimate need to drive for one of the permitted purposes. Many people use restricted permits to drive to court-ordered treatment programs, which is often required to eventually restore their licenses.
What happens if I drive outside the hours or purposes listed on my restricted permit?
Driving outside the permitted hours or for purposes not listed on your permit is still a violation. You can be charged with driving on a suspended license, which carries criminal penalties. The restricted permit is only valid for the specific times and purposes ADOT approves.
How much does it cost to get a restricted driving permit?
ADOT charges a fee for issuing a restricted permit, though the exact amount varies. Contact ADOT directly for current pricing. This fee is separate from any fines you owe for the original violation or the reinstatement fee you will pay when your suspension ends.
Do I still have to pay my fines if I get a restricted permit?
Yes. A restricted permit does not erase your debt or change your reinstatement requirements. You still must pay all fines, fees, and restitution to reinstate your license. The restricted permit straightforward allows you to drive for essential purposes while you work toward paying what you owe and meeting other reinstatement conditions.
How long does it take ADOT to decide on a restricted permit request?
Processing time varies, but ADOT typically responds within one to two weeks. If you need the permit urgently, call ADOT and explain your situation; they may be able to expedite the review. Having all your supporting documents ready when you submit your request can speed up the process.