Arizona Traffic Tickets & Fines Information
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Arizona Traffic Tickets, Fines and Points Info
Arizona - like most states in the US - uses a points system to regulate road users, and authorities will issue a traffic ticket to drivers if rules are broken. Violations can vary from speeding to driving under the influence (DUI). Points and penalties given depend on type of offense committed. For more serious offenses, you could risk losing your license.
If you are a driver in AZ, it's important to understand the state laws on traffic tickets and points. This will help you avoid being penalized as well as ensuring that you know what you can do in the event of receiving a ticket.
Types of traffic tickets in AZ
Traffic tickets can be issued for two types of offense: civil and criminal. Civil violations (e.g. speeding) are less serious and carry a lower penalty. Criminal violations (e.g. DUI) will result in more severe punishments where you could lose your license or even end up in jail.
All traffic violations resulting in a ticket will leave you with points on your driving license. If you accumulate a certain number of points on your license, you will be penalized.
Arizona points system
Points are added to your driving license whenever you are found guilty of a driving offense. In AZ, violations resulting in points are listed on the AZDOT website as follows:
If you end up with 8 or more points on your license within a 12-month period, you can be penalized by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) through either:
- suspension of your driving license for a period of up to 12 months
- compulsory attendance at a Traffic Survival School
In addition to this, you may find that your auto insurance is affected by excessive points on your license.
Traffic fines in Arizona
Fines in vary according to violation type and location. With fines for more minor offenses, for example, you may get charged differently depending on whether the case is being dealt with at city or county level.
Speeding fines in AZ start at $250 for 10mph over the speed limit and are heavier for more serious transgressions. If you are caught by a stationary speed camera, there is a set rate of $165 plus up to $30 in additional costs.
Fines for more serious criminal offenses are set at the following fixed rates as detailed on the DMV website:
DUI - minimum $1250 for first offense (minimum $3000 for subsequent offenses) Extreme DUI (where the body-alcohol content is more than 0.15%) - minimum $2500 for first offense (minimum $3250 subsequent offenses)
Windshield Fines & Tickets - If your automobile has a crack in the windshield that impedes the driver's line of visibility, certain counties will expect you to have a windshield replacement Phoenix service performed. SunTec Auto Glass can help fix your windshield damage and in addition, if you have comprehensive insurance, you may be entitled to a $140 windshield replacement Phoenix cash back promotion or more!
Other penalties - license suspension, revocation, etc.
For serious or repeat violations, other penalties may be handed out by MVD or the courts. These include:
License suspension - where you temporarily lose your license for a set period or until you fulfil a requirement. This can be used for violations such as DUI, reckless/aggressive driving, failure to pay a fine or show up for a court appearance, or using a false license.
License revocation - this usually lasts for a longer, set time period. You may have to pay a reinstatement fee and possibly retake a driving test to get your license back. Revocations are used for offenses such as hit and runs or driving violations causing death.
License cancellation - this is rare but can be enforced by the MVD if deemed necessary, e.g. if false information was used to obtain a license.
Traffic Survival School - you may be required to attend a driving course at a school if you have too many points on your license or if you are caught driving through a red light.
Imprisonment - drivers can face jail time if they are caught DUI, causing death by reckless driving or using a false license.
Impounded vehicle - if you are caught driving on a suspended/revoked license, law enforcement agencies have the right to impound your vehicle for up to 30 days.
For a full list of violations and penalties, see the Arizona Driver Handbook.
Options for AZ drivers who receive a ticket
If you receive a ticket in AZ, you can choose to accept it and pay the fine, challenge it or possibly attend driving classes to have the charges removed.
Having your ticket removed
If your driving offense is fairly minor, you may be given the option of completing a defensive driving course to have your ticket removed. The benefits of this are that you won't have additional points added to your license and your insurance won't be affected.
Defensive driving courses can be used to cancel traffic tickets if:
- you haven't already attended a course for the same purpose within the last 12 months
- you are only using the course against one violation
- you complete the course at least a week before your court hearing
Courses can be completed in a classroom or online. Contact your local DMV office for more information.
Paying a ticket fine
If you're happy to accept the ticket without contesting it and pay the penalty, you will need to settle the amount by the date printed on the ticket. You can usually pay over the phone or online through the Arizona Courts Payment System.
Challenging a ticket
You have the legal right to contest a ticket given to you, but you need to follow the right procedures. If you just relinquish responsibilities and fail to turn up for your court case, you will end up in even more trouble.
The first thing you should do is contact the court and tell them that you will be pleading 'not guilty'. It's up to you whether you then represent yourself in court or hire an attorney. You will need to make a case fully explaining why you shouldn't be penalized. Your ticket will be cancelled if you win, but you will be liable for court fees plus the original fine if you lose.
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