Status Offenses

Alcohol

It is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age (which is 21) to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol (A.R.S. 4-244). There are limited exceptions to the possession law, such as when a person under 21 handles alcohol as part of lawful employment.

Arizona also has a “zero tolerance” law for underage drinking and driving. Under A.R.S. § 4-244(34), a driver under 21 can be charged for having any alcohol in their system. A conviction can result in a mandatory 2-year license suspension. If an underage driver is impaired or meets Arizona DUI standards under A.R.S. § 28-1381, they may also be charged with DUI in addition to the zero-tolerance offense.

Other alcohol-related offenses can include:

asking someone to buy alcohol for you
using or possessing a fake ID
providing false information to obtain alcohol

Consequences may include fines, probation, community service, suspension of driving privileges, and a criminal record that can affect school, employment, and future opportunities.

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.

Marijuana

In Arizona, it is illegal for people under 21 to possess or use marijuana. (A.R.S. § 36-2853)

For a minor’s first marijuana offense, the punishment is usually a civil penalty, which may include a fine of up to $100 and drug education classes. A second offense can be charged as a petty offense, and a third or later offense may become a Class 1 misdemeanor. (A.R.S. § 36-2853)

It is also illegal for a minor to use a fake ID to buy marijuana. (A.R.S. § 36-2853)

Arizona law also limits how much marijuana adults may legally possess and includes rules about selling and using marijuana. Some marijuana-related conduct, such as possessing large amounts or selling marijuana illegally, may still be charged as crimes. (A.R.S. §§ 36-2850–2855; A.R.S. § 13-3405)

It is illegal for anyone, including minors, to drive while impaired by marijuana. (A.R.S. § 28-1381)

Arizona also allows some people to ask the court to clear certain past marijuana offenses from their criminal record through a process called expungement. (A.R.S. § 36-2862)

Want to learn more? Play the Marijuana Virtual Escape Room.

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.

Tobacco

Arizona law prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing, possessing, or using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and other nicotine products (A.R.S. § 36-798.06). Violations may result in fines, education programs, or other penalties.

Selling tobacco or nicotine products to anyone under 21 is also illegal under Arizona law. Businesses and individuals who violate these laws may face penalties under Arizona’s tobacco statutes. (A.R.S. § 13-3622)

Arizona’s Smoke-Free Arizona Act prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places and workplaces, including places such as restaurants, libraries, healthcare facilities, and public transportation areas (A.R.S. § 36-601.01).

What About at School?

Tobacco and vaping products are prohibited on school grounds, in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored events for both students and adults (A.R.S. § 36-798.03). Violations may result in school discipline, fines, or other penalties.

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.