Zero Tolerance

Arizona is a great state.  It’s warm the majority of the year.  If you love the sun, this is the place to be.  The sun shines like 90% of the time.  The desert landscape is beautiful.  The state itself is relatively well populated.  There are reasons why this is the destination of choice for most people around the country.

We’ve all heard the term “snow birds” right? People who live in those colder, tundra climates love to come here during our good season, which is pretty much 8 months out of the year.  We have the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Spring Training, pools on every corner, great hotel pricing, exciting night life, really the list goes on.  There are few places in the United States that are better to be in.

But there are some downfalls to living here.  The summers can be unbearable at times – literally the pool and air conditioning are your best friends.  During the good seasons traffic can be a nightmare.  There are really only two seasons – hot and mild.  And if you are a drinker, which most are, especially with the amazing pool weather, you have to be EXTREMELY careful… we are a “no tolerance” state.

So, what does that mean? It’s really quite literal – there is zero tolerance when it comes to drinking and driving.  If you have one drink, yes one, and you get behind that wheel, a police officer has every right to pull you over, field sobriety test you, and charge you with a DUI no matter what.  If that breathalyzer and/or blood test detects even the slightest amount of alcohol, you are considered under the influence.

This is an extremely strict law – if you ask me.  And I am not alone in this.  A lot of people aren’t even aware of this law, at least I assume that due to the high number of DUI’s in this state.  I’m sure that if people knew this particular regulation they would think twice before getting behind the wheel, am I right? Hmm?

But what about all these people that come here throughout the year, especially the one that come in the spring when Arizona has some pretty big, outdoor events? They are not from here, and chances are their state doesn’t have such a strict DUI law. So, when they come here it probably never even crosses their mind not to have a drink or two and then drive.  Afterall, depending on your height and weight, the amount of drinks you can have are typically 2-3 before you are over that .08 limit. (See chart below).

Arizona doesn’t see it that way. They see it as, oh your going to have a drink, better not get behind that wheel or we’ll get ‘cha.  How are people supposed to know? (Insert shoulder shrug emoji).  First of all, when you go to another state, even another city or county, you need to know the laws.  There is no free pass for ignorance.

Yes, this may seem like a lot of work, blah, blah, blah, I’m only here for a week, what’s the worst that can happen? Well, I’ll tell you what can happen, dun, dun dun, DUI.  Sure, it may be some work, googling can be exhausting, I mean those finger cramps are no joke.  But that cramp on your wallet and social life, that makes those sore fingers feel pretty good, huh?

So, don’t let inherent laziness get in the way of your good time.  You are most likely here visiting a friend or family member, right? Ask them, they should know! (I hope they know).  If they don’t know this little tid bit, then they need to get on the research even more than you.

Like I said before, Google, it’s a great resource. Literally, all you have to do is type in “what is the DUI law in Arizona”.  All the information you will ever need will pop up for you – plus some that you don’t.  It’s really as easy as that.  Save yourself the time, energy, and financing that you will ultimately end up with, and instead read an article or two.  Whether your road tripping or flying, I’m sure you will have a minute or two to do this.

You want to have a good time on vacation, you want to soak up those rays of sun, margarita in hand and butt in a floaty.  You deserve to have a great time! Take a Lyft, use a Rideshare, have a designated driver, take a cab, Uber, anything that does not involve you behind that wheel.  Besides, who wants to be driving around on vacation anyways.

However, if you or someone you know does get a DUI, we here at DPX DUI Process Experts can help you on the road to regaining your license.  Every step of the way, we will be there for you.  Give us a call today, 602-441-9444. We are totally free and we want to help!

Levels of Intoxication                                               One Drink Equals

BAC less than 0.05% – Use Caution                                       1oz. 86 proof liquor, or

BAC .05-.079% – May be impaired                                          3oz. wine, or

BAC .08%+ – Presumed under the influence                          12oz. beer