Governors Office of Highway Safety

Impaired driving is one of America’s—and Arizona’s—deadliest crimes. In 2006, there were 585 alcohol-related fatalities in Arizona; 409 of them involved drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. The penalties for impaired driving in Arizona are severe and include: mandatory jail time, thousands of dollars in fines and courts fees, driver license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and others costs.

Effective September 19, Arizona added another penalty aimed at reducing repeat offenders: Mandatory ignition interlock devices (IID) for all offenders. Previously, IIDs were only required for aggravated and extreme DUIs. This action is the result of Senate Bill 1029 that Governor Janet Napolitano signed into law earlier this year. Another sentencing change is a “Super Extreme” level for offenders with a .20 BAC or higher. The sentence includes 45 days minimum in jail.

“Impaired driving is a dangerous and unfortunately, growing problem in Arizona, as shown by the state’s nine percent increase last year in drunk driving fatalities,” said Director Richard Fimbres, the Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Hopefully these new tough sentences will discourage potential offenders from getting behind the wheel, and provide more effective penalties in reducing repeat offenders.”

For more information on the Ignition Interlock Device Law, Click here.

GOHS 2008 Summit *July 21-25, 2008 * Flagstaff
Click Here for More Information or to Register

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona Underage Drinking Prevention Committee are asking you to “draw your line” and help reduce underage alcohol use in Arizona.

Flip the Chip™ is a concept and a game created by by the AZ Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Phoenix Suns to remind you to designate a Driver every time you’re out enjoying a beverage with friends. cick on the link above to particpate.