A large saguaro cactus in the right foreground beside a two-lane road crossing desert scrubland, with red rock buttes and a colorful sunset sky in the background.

Restricted License Insurance — Arizona

Arizona requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Compare my rates

Free to compare

Arizona at a Glance

25/50/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

$10

State license reinstatement fee

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arizona

Arizona operates under a traditional tort liability system and requires continuous proof of financial responsibility through SR-22 filing for all restricted license holders. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division administers the restricted license program, which mandates ignition interlock device installation for DUI-related suspensions. Unlike administrative-only states, Arizona's restricted license requires both DMV approval and proof of IID installation before issuance.

Liability Insurance

Restricted license holders must maintain continuous coverage with SR-22 certification — a single lapse triggers immediate license suspension and restart of the three-year filing period.

SR-22 Certificate

The SR-22 is a continuous liability certification filed electronically by your carrier with the Arizona MVD within 24 hours of policy binding. Arizona law requires three years of uninterrupted SR-22 filing from the date of conviction, not the date of license reinstatement — early filing does not shorten the period. A single missed payment or coverage lapse triggers automatic MVD notification and immediate suspension, requiring you to restart the entire three-year clock after reinstatement.

Ignition Interlock Coverage

Arizona mandates ignition interlock installation on every vehicle you own or operate while holding a restricted license post-DUI. Your restricted license is valid only while the IID remains installed and compliant — removal before MVD authorization voids the license immediately and triggers a new suspension.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

As a restricted license holder with elevated premiums, collision with an uninsured driver places you at financial risk — your SR-22 requirement continues regardless of claim fault, and out-of-pocket vehicle replacement costs compound your recovery timeline.

Comprehensive and Collision

Lenders require comprehensive and collision coverage on financed vehicles regardless of license status. Arizona's high vehicle theft rate in Phoenix and Tucson metro areas makes comprehensive coverage particularly relevant — the state ranks 8th nationally for vehicle theft claims. Collision coverage pays for accident damage regardless of fault, which matters because a second at-fault accident during your SR-22 period compounds your rate increase and can extend filing requirements.

What Drivers Pay in Arizona

$225–$414/mo

Typical monthly rate in Arizona, high-risk drivers after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026

A woman with long gray hair in a white shirt, jeans, and brown loafers stands beside the open door of a dark car on a tree-lined residential street.

Get Insured on Your Restricted License

Get My Restricted License Insurance Quote

If your license is suspended

Restricted Driver Permit (DUI: Special Ignition Interlock Restricted License)

A restricted license is available while suspended.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is SR-22 required for a restricted license in Arizona?

Arizona requires three years of continuous SR-22 filing from your DUI conviction date, not your license reinstatement date. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division calculates the period from conviction, so filing SR-22 early during your suspension does not reduce the three-year duration. A single coverage lapse during those three years triggers immediate suspension and restarts the entire filing period from zero.

Can I get a restricted license without ignition interlock in Arizona?

No. Arizona law mandates ignition interlock installation on every vehicle you own or operate as a condition of restricted license issuance after DUI suspension. The MVD will not approve your restricted license application until you provide proof of IID installation from a certified service provider. Driving without a functioning IID while holding a restricted license voids the license immediately and triggers a new suspension.

Does Arizona accept out-of-state SR-22 for restricted license?

No. Arizona requires SR-22 filing from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Arizona and filed directly with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. If you move to Arizona with an active SR-22 requirement from another state, you must obtain Arizona insurance, cancel your out-of-state policy, and have your new Arizona carrier file SR-22 with the MVD within 30 days of establishing residency.

Can I remove ignition interlock before three years in Arizona?

Arizona calculates the ignition interlock requirement separately from the SR-22 period. First-offense DUI typically requires 12 months of IID, while repeat offenses require 18–24 months. You must submit a removal request to the Arizona MVD after completing your mandated IID period — the MVD reviews your compliance record and authorizes removal if no violations occurred. Your three-year SR-22 filing requirement continues after IID removal.