If you have been arrested for driving on prescription medication in Goodyear, you need immediate legal representation. AZ DUI Pros specializes in DUI defense, including cases where drivers are accused of being impaired by legally prescribed drugs. Many people don’t realize that Arizona law allows officers to charge individuals with a DUI even if they are taking medications exactly as prescribed. If law enforcement believes your medication affected your ability to drive, you could face serious legal consequences.
Call AZ DUI Pros today at (602) 922-3755 to schedule a consultation. Driving on prescription medication can result in harsh penalties, but with the right legal defense, you may be able to fight the charges.
Arizona DUI Laws and Prescription Medication
Many assume DUI laws only apply to alcohol or illegal drugs, but Arizona law also covers driving on prescription medication. Under ARS § 28-1381(A)(1), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired to the slightest degree by any substance—including prescribed medications.
Common medications that may lead to a DUI charge include:
- Painkillers (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone)
- Anti-anxiety medications (Xanax, Valium)
- Sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta)
- Muscle relaxants (Soma, Flexeril)
- Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft)
If law enforcement believes your driving on prescription medication resulted in impairment, you can be charged, even if you followed your doctor’s instructions exactly.
Penalties for Driving on Prescription Medication in Arizona
A conviction for driving on prescription medication can result in severe consequences under Arizona law, including:
- Jail Time: Minimum 10 days (with possible reduction for treatment)
- Fines and Fees: Up to $1,500, plus additional costs
- License Suspension: Up to one year
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): May be required
- Probation: Up to five years
- Mandatory DUI Education or Drug Treatment Programs
For repeat offenses, the penalties increase significantly, leading to longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspensions.
Hypothetical Scenario 1: A Pain Medication DUI Arrest
John, a 42-year-old construction worker, suffers from chronic back pain. His doctor prescribes Oxycodone to manage the pain. One evening, after work, John drives to the grocery store. While on the road, he drifts slightly in his lane. A Goodyear police officer stops him, suspecting impairment.
The officer asks John if he has taken any substances, and John truthfully says he took his prescribed Oxycodone earlier. After a field sobriety test, which John struggles with due to his back pain, the officer arrests him for driving on prescription medication under ARS § 28-1381(A)(1).
John is shocked—he was driving on prescription medication legally, yet he faces DUI charges, potential fines, and a suspended license. If you find yourself in a similar situation, contact AZ DUI Pros at (602) 922-3755 to build a strong defense.
Hypothetical Scenario 2: DUI Arrest for Anxiety Medication
Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher, takes Xanax for anxiety. One evening, after dinner with friends, she drives home after taking her regular dose.
At a DUI checkpoint, an officer notices Sarah’s slow speech and delayed responses. She explains she is driving on prescription medication as prescribed, but the officer insists on a field sobriety test. Sarah struggles due to the sedative effects of her Xanax, leading to her arrest under ARS § 28-1381(A)(1).
Despite legally taking her medication, Sarah now faces DUI charges. AZ DUI Pros can challenge the charges against you—call (602) 922-3755 today for a consultation.
How Officers Determine Impairment for Prescription Medication DUI
When an officer suspects someone is driving on prescription medication, they use several methods to determine impairment:
- Observations – Officers look for signs like drowsiness, slow speech, confusion, or impaired coordination.
- Field Sobriety Tests – Common tests include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand.
- Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) – Some officers receive special training to recognize impairment caused by drugs, including prescription medications.
- Blood Tests – Officers may obtain a warrant to test for prescription drugs in the bloodstream.
However, many of these methods are highly subjective, and false positives occur frequently. If you were charged with driving on prescription medication, AZ DUI Pros can challenge these assessments—call (602) 922-3755 today for a consultation.
Defenses Against Prescription DUI Charges in Arizona
There are several potential defenses if you are accused of driving on prescription medication:
- Challenging the Officer’s Observations – Many signs of impairment can be explained by medical conditions or fatigue.
- Proving Lack of Impairment – Just because a medication is in your system doesn’t mean it impaired your ability to drive.
- Unreliable Blood Tests – Prescription drug levels vary significantly between individuals, making it difficult to determine true impairment.
- Illegal Traffic Stop – If the officer had no valid reason to pull you over, your case may be dismissed.
If you are charged with driving on prescription medication, AZ DUI Pros can help fight your case—call (602) 922-3755 today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I be charged with a DUI for taking my prescription medication legally?
Yes. Arizona law does not require you to be using illegal substances to face a DUI charge.
2. What if my doctor prescribed the medication?
Even if a doctor prescribed the medication, you can still be arrested if law enforcement believes you were impaired.
3. How can I fight a prescription DUI charge?
A lawyer can challenge the officer’s observations, field sobriety tests, and blood test results.
4. Will my license be suspended if I’m convicted?
Yes, a prescription DUI conviction can result in a license suspension of up to one year.
5. What should I do if I’m arrested for driving on prescription medication?
Call AZ DUI Pros at (602) 922-3755 immediately to discuss your defense.
Additional Risks of Driving on Prescription Medication
Beyond legal consequences, driving on prescription medication can also lead to:
- Increased insurance rates – A DUI conviction can cause your premiums to skyrocket.
- Employment issues – A DUI may affect job opportunities, especially in fields requiring driving.
- Social stigma – A DUI conviction carries a negative reputation, even if it involved legal medication.
If you face a prescription DUI charge, AZ DUI Pros will fight to protect your record and future.
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for Driving on Prescription Medication
Being pulled over while driving on prescription medication can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are taking legally prescribed drugs. Many people assume that simply having a prescription will protect them from DUI charges, but in Arizona, that is not the case. If an officer suspects that your medication has impaired your ability to drive, you could be arrested under ARS § 28-1381(A)(1). Knowing how to handle a traffic stop properly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
1. Remain Calm and Pull Over Safely
If you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, slow down immediately and pull over to a safe location. Use your turn signal and avoid making sudden movements that could raise suspicion. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach your vehicle.
Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, staying calm and cooperative is crucial. Any nervous or erratic behavior could make the officer more suspicious that you are impaired.
2. Be Mindful of What You Say to the Officer
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make when pulled over for driving on prescription medication is volunteering too much information. Officers are trained to ask questions in a way that may lead you to admit something that could be used against you later.
If the officer asks whether you have taken any substances, you do not have to disclose your medication use immediately. Instead, you can say:
- “I am following all medical advice and taking my medication as prescribed.”
- “I prefer to remain silent until I speak with my attorney.”
Avoid saying things like:
- “Yes, I took my medication before driving.”
- “I feel a little drowsy, but I thought I was fine to drive.”
Statements like these can be used as evidence of impairment, even if you were driving responsibly.
3. Should You Take a Field Sobriety Test?
If an officer asks you to step out of the car for a field sobriety test (FST), you have the right to refuse in Arizona. Field sobriety tests are highly subjective, and many factors—such as medical conditions, fatigue, or even uneven pavement—can cause false indicators of impairment.
Common field sobriety tests include:
- Walk-and-Turn Test
- One-Leg Stand Test
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test
Since there is no scientific standard for measuring impairment from driving on prescription medication, refusing an FST may prevent the officer from gathering weak or misleading evidence against you.
4. Should You Submit to a Chemical Test?
Arizona has implied consent laws, meaning if you are arrested, you are required to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test to check for drugs in your system. Refusing a chemical test can lead to an automatic one-year license suspension, even if you were not actually impaired.
However, chemical tests for driving on prescription medication can be unreliable because:
- Some medications stay in your system for days or weeks after use, even if you are no longer impaired.
- There are no established legal limits for most prescription drugs, so results are open to interpretation.
- Medications affect people differently based on dosage, metabolism, and medical conditions.
If you take a chemical test and the results show prescription drugs in your system, a skilled attorney at AZ DUI Pros can challenge the validity of the test results in court.
5. Contact an Attorney Immediately
If you are arrested for driving on prescription medication, the most important step you can take is to contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of fighting the charges.
Relevant Arizona DUI Statutes
ARS § 28-1381(A)(1) – DUI for Impairment
Illegal to drive while impaired to the slightest degree by any substance, including prescription medications.
ARS § 28-1381(A)(3) – DUI for Drugs or Medication
Illegal to operate a vehicle with any controlled substance in the body, even if legally prescribed.
Conclusion: Contact AZ DUI Pros for Prescription DUI Defense
Being charged with driving on prescription medication in Goodyear is serious, but AZ DUI Pros is here to help. Our experienced attorneys understand Arizona’s DUI laws and know how to challenge prescription medication DUI charges.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving on prescription medication, call AZ DUI Pros at (602) 922-3755 today for a free consultation. We will fight for your rights and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
