Courts can now order evidence-based psychotherapy for people convicted of DUI, extreme DUI or aggravated DUI, from a wider range of licensed providers, and some repeat offenders no longer wait 45 days to become eligible for an ignition interlock restricted license.
Official title: DUI; alternative treatment
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeEvidence-based psychotherapy for DUI offenders had to come from a licensed psychologist.
NowIt may also come from a licensed behavioral health professional authorized to practice behavioral health, or any health professional licensed in Arizona whose scope of practice allows them to independently provide psychotherapy, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants and psychiatrists.
BeforeEvidence-based psychotherapy was listed as an option alongside alcohol or drug screening, education or treatment for regular DUI convictions only.
NowJudges may also order evidence-based psychotherapy for extreme DUI and aggravated DUI convictions. The person pays the cost unless the court waives all or part of it, and the provider must report to the court whether the person completed it.
BeforeA person whose license was revoked for a second DUI or second extreme DUI within 84 months had to complete 45 days of the revocation before becoming eligible for a special ignition interlock restricted license.
NowThe 45-day wait is removed from these sections; the person is eligible for the restricted license under the existing restricted-license law.
BeforeAfter a revocation, the state could not issue a new license until the person or treatment facility showed the person had completed the court-ordered program.
NowA new license may be issued once proof shows the person has completed or is satisfactorily participating in the court-ordered program.
BeforeOn request, ignition interlock companies shared device reports with courts, probation, health services providers and certain evaluators.
NowThey must also share them, on request, with the licensed health professional providing evidence-based psychotherapy to the person.
Who it affects
- People convicted of DUI, extreme DUI or aggravated DUI in Arizona
- Repeat DUI offenders seeking a special ignition interlock restricted license
- Licensed psychologists, behavioral health professionals, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants and psychiatrists
- Courts handling DUI cases
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- Ignition interlock device manufacturers
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- Whether the changes apply to cases already sentenced or licenses already revoked before the effective date
- What conditions the separate restricted-license law sets for eligibility now that the 45-day wait is removed from these sections
- How a judge decides between psychotherapy and alcohol or drug education or treatment
- Typical cost of evidence-based psychotherapy compared with other programs
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.