Courts and MVD may require you to complete an alcohol screening

In most DUI cases, law enforcement will issue a 90-day driver’s license suspension that is enforced administratively by MVD.  This suspension (often called and “admin per se” suspension) usually last 90 days; however, a restricted permit that allows driving for work, school, and treatment may be available after the first 30 days of the suspension are completed.

MVD will require an alcohol screening before issuing a restricted license

Prior to obtaining your restricted permit after the first 30 days are completed, you will need to complete an “alcohol screening” with a treatment provider approved by Arizona MVD.  At the conclusion of the screening, the screening agency will recommend that you complete a certain number of hours of drug and/or alcohol classes.  For purposes of getting your restricted license, you don’t need to actually take those classes.  All MVD requires is that you do the screening.  While the court may require you to take the recommended classes at a later date as part of your DUI court case, they aren’t needed to get your restricted license.  It is also important to keep in mind that your restricted license is not automatically granted and MVD will require you to come in to one of their field offices and obtain one.

Don’t forget to reinstate after a DUI

Also, once your full 90 days are over, you will need to complete a reinstatement with MVD.  It can sometimes be done online but may require you to again go to MVD in person.  Just keep in mind that your license is not automatically reinstated after the 90 days are served; many people get in trouble for driving on a suspended license because they forgot this last step.

There are dozens of treatment providers approved by MVD; however we strongly recommend to our clients that they do their screening at Scottsdale Treatment Institute.  Scottsdale Treatment Institute offers online classes and consistently receives positive feedback from our shared client.

If you are charged with a DUI or other criminal offense in Phoenix or Scottsdale that may require you to complete an alcohol screening, please call us today for an initial consultation.