For rideshare drivers in Arizona, a DUI arrest can do more than land you in court—it can take away your ability to work. In recent years, Arizona law has become stricter on drivers who transport passengers for money, including those working with Uber, Lyft, and other app-based platforms. As of 2023, the legal blood alcohol limit for rideshare drivers is just 0.04%, compared to the 0.08% limit for the general public. That means just one or two drinks could put your career—and your freedom—at risk.
At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our Phoenix DUI defense attorney knows how high the stakes are when your income depends on your license. If you’re a professional driver facing DUI charges, we’re here to help you fight back.
The lower 0.04% BAC limit reflects Arizona’s heightened expectations for commercial drivers. Lawmakers and regulators have pushed for stricter standards in part because rideshare drivers are trusted to transport passengers who are often vulnerable—late at night, unfamiliar with the area, or impaired themselves.
What many drivers don’t realize is that even if they’re off-duty or logged out of the app, police and prosecutors may still apply the 0.04% threshold if they believe you were operating in a commercial capacity. This blurry line can put rideshare drivers in a dangerous legal position.
If you’re arrested for DUI while driving for a rideshare company—or even shortly after dropping off a rider—your ability to continue working can be suspended almost immediately. Some of the most common consequences include:
Even if you are never convicted, the arrest alone may be enough to block future access to gig driving opportunities.
Arizona’s DUI laws are among the toughest in the country. For a driver with a BAC between 0.04% and 0.08%, the charge is still considered a misdemeanor and may result in:
If you were transporting a passenger, were involved in an accident, or have prior DUI offenses, the penalties can increase sharply and may include felony charges.
The first step is to avoid making any statements to law enforcement or your rideshare company without speaking to a lawyer. You are not required to provide details about where you were driving or whether you were on duty.
Next, you should act quickly to preserve your defense. DUI cases move fast in Arizona—especially with MVD license issues. You have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension. Missing that window can result in an automatic suspension. For this reason, it’s imperative to consult with an experienced Phoenix DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Yes. A skilled DUI attorney can raise a number of legal and factual challenges in a rideshare-related DUI case. These might include:
Each case is unique, and a small detail—like whether the rideshare app was open—could make a big difference in the outcome.
As a former prosecutor, James Novak has handled countless DUI cases from both sides of the courtroom. He understands how law enforcement builds cases against professional drivers—and how to find the weaknesses in their approach. Whether your goal is to keep your license, avoid jail, or protect your future income, our office is here to fight for you.
We represent drivers across the Phoenix area, including those who rely on their vehicle not just to get around, but to make a living.
If you’re a rideshare driver accused of DUI, don’t leave your future up to chance. You’ve worked hard to build your livelihood, and one arrest shouldn’t take that away. Call the Law Office of James E. Novak at 480-413-1499 or contact us through our secure online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you challenge the charge and get back on the road.