In Arizona, a traffic ticket carries with it fines, fees, and demerit points against your driving record. Drivers who accumulate a certain number of points within a specific time period face a license suspension for a month to a year.

Arizona Speeding Tickets

A driver can get a speeding ticket for two types of violations: driving at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or a speed greater than is “reasonable and prudent under the circumstances.” This reasonable and prudent standard takes into account actual and potential hazards. For example, if a driver’s vehicle slides off the road in a rainstorm, an officer might issue a speeding citation because the driver’s speed was too fast for the slippery conditions, even if the driver’s speed was well below the posted speed limit.

Generally, speeding violations are considered infractions, meaning you won’t serve any jail time for a conviction. A violation becomes a criminal offense if the driver is found guilty of exceeding:

• 35 miles per hour while approaching a school crossing
• 20 per hour over the posted speed limit, or
• 85 miles per hour in other locations.

The fines and points assessed for a speeding ticket vary depending on the driver’s actual speed in relation to the limit or safe speed.

Arizona’s Distracted Driving Penalties

Arizona prohibits drivers from using their cellphones while driving unless they are being used in a hands-free manner. Drivers are still allowed to use their phones while stopped at a red light or at a rail crossing.

First-time violations range from $75 to $149, and violations that follow range from $150 through $250. Because the distracted driving law is new, officers can’t give tickets until January 1, 2021. For the time being, officers can issue only warnings.

Stop Sign and Traffic Light Tickets in Arizona

At a stop sign or traffic light, drivers must come to a complete stop before the nearest stop line, without entering the crosswalk or intersection. Failure to do so results in fines, and points assessed against the driver’s record. In addition, a judge will require the driver to take traffic school.

Drivers who fail to complete traffic school within 60 days of the judge’s order face license suspension until they complete the course.

Driving Without a Valid License

“Driving without a license” typically involves one of four circumstances:

• The driver’s license is expired. In Arizona, a driver’s license is valid until the driver’s 65th birthday. After that, it’s renewable for five-year periods, and the driver must renew the license before it expires. Driving on an expired license is an infraction and is subject to a $120 fine.
• The driver never obtained a license. Arizona law forbids driving a car on a highway in the state without first “being licensed as a driver.” A violation is considered an infraction and is subject to a $120 fine.
• The driver is licensed but can’t find the license when pulled over. Getting pulled over is stressful enough and finding out you forgot your license at home only adds to the anxiety. Arizona law requires that all licensed drivers possess their license while driving. A violation is only a civil offense and can lead to a $120 fine. However, most judges will dismiss the ticket if you show up to court with proof that your license was valid at the time you were pulled over.
• The driver’s license is suspended or revoked. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalties vary depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation. For example, if your license is suspended because of a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction, you are required to pay a fine of $572. Also, you may be charged with a felony if arrested for a DUI while driving on a suspended license if your license was suspended due to a DUI.

How the Point System Affects the Privilege to Drive

Each time a driver is convicted of a moving violation, points are assessed against the driver’s record. If a driver accumulates eight points or more within a 12-month period, the driver must attend “Traffic Survival School.” Drivers who fail to attend this school face license suspension for up to 12 months.

Preventing Points from Counting

A judge can allow a driver convicted of a civil traffic offense to attend a defensive driving school to avoid points getting assessed against his or her record. (This class is different from Traffic Survival School). A driver can attend the school only once in a 12-month period. This option is not available to someone whose violation resulted in death or serious bodily injury.

Points for Other Moving Violations

The following table provides additional points assessed against a driver’s record if convicted.