If a driver refuses a blood alcohol concentration test upon arrest, what is one of the penalties they face?

Refusing to take a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test upon arrest leads to significant penalties under Arizona law. Specifically, one of the penalties is a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. This is part of Arizona's implied consent law, which states that by operating a vehicle, drivers automatically consent to BAC testing when lawfully arrested for driving under the influence. If a driver refuses this test, they face an automatic suspension of their driver's license for a year, reinforcing the seriousness of DUI enforcement in the state.

While there may be additional consequences, such as potential increases in insurance rates and other legal repercussions, the immediate and explicit penalty for refusal is the suspension of driving privileges. Additionally, the immediate loss of a vehicle is not a direct result of refusal to take a BAC test, nor are there options suggesting no immediate penalties, as the legal framework specifically enforces the 12-month suspension in such cases.