Yavapai County ALR Hearing Guide

The Admin Per Se affidavit explicitly states that the suspension becomes effective 15 days from the date served in Yavapai County, Arizona. This means you have exactly 15 days to file a request for a hearing to contest your license suspension.

Understanding the Admin Per Se Suspension in Yavapai County

If you've been arrested for DUI in Yavapai County, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) can suspend your driver's license through an Administrative Per Se (APS) action. This is separate from any criminal DUI charges you may face in court. The APS suspension is triggered if you either failed a chemical test (Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08 or more, or the presence of drugs) or refused to take one.

The Crucial 15-Day Deadline

You MUST request a hearing with the Executive Hearing Office (EHO) within 15 days of being served with the Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Affidavit (Form # 40-5807). This affidavit, which you should have received from the arresting officer (YCSO, Prescott PD, or Cottonwood PD), acts as both your notice of suspension and a temporary driving permit valid for those initial 15 days. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges. Don't be misled by the 30-day reference in Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 28-1385(D)(1); the MVD operates on the 15-day rule.

Requesting Your ALR Hearing:

The "Pink Copy" of the Admin Per Se affidavit includes instructions for requesting a hearing. However, do not attempt to file your hearing request at the local MVD offices in Prescott or Cottonwood; they cannot process these requests. Instead, send your hearing request directly to the Executive Hearing Office (EHO) in Phoenix.

Your request should include:

• Full Name
• Mailing Address
• Driver License Number
• Date of Birth
• Case Identifier (Withdrawal Number or Interlock Action Number on the affidavit)
• Contact Phone Number & Email
• A statement requesting a hearing

While mailing the request is an option, it's risky due to potential delays. Digital submission is highly recommended.

The "Location Trap" and Virtual Hearings

Hearings are now primarily conducted virtually via Google Meet or by telephone. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment to avoid any issues during the hearing, as dropping the call may be interpreted as failure to appear.

Getting Your License Back: The SIIRDL Option

Senate Bill 1334 significantly changed the landscape. Now, you can often bypass the traditional "hard" suspension period by applying for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL). This allows you to drive with an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, with the time spent on the SIIRDL counting towards any future interlock requirement if you are convicted of DUI.

To obtain an SIIRDL in Yavapai County:

1. Verify your eligibility on azmvdnow.gov or by calling the MVD.
2. Install an interlock device with a certified installer (likely in Prescott Valley or Cottonwood). The installer will electronically upload the verification to ADOT.
3. Obtain an SR22 insurance certificate from your insurance agent.
4. Complete any required alcohol/drug screening.
5. Apply for the SIIRDL online or at the Prescott/Cottonwood MVD.

Local MVD Offices:

• ADOT MVD Prescott: 1105 Commerce Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305
• ADOT MVD Cottonwood: 525 S 12th St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

The Prescott and Cottonwood MVD offices are open Monday-Friday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, but open at 12:00 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The statewide customer service line is (602) 255-0072.