Navigating the Arizona roadways can be challenging, and sometimes, even the most careful drivers may face traffic violations. But what happens when you start accumulating points on your driving record? How many points to suspend a license in AZ does it take? And, most importantly, what can you do to avoid or mitigate such consequences? In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Arizona’s point system its implications on your driving privileges, and guide managing and reducing points on your record.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona’s point system assigns points for traffic violations, which must be kept to a minimum to avoid license suspension.
  • Accumulating 8 or more points within 12 months can result in one year of license suspension in Arizona.
  • Completing an approved defensive driving course and hiring a traffic attorney are ways to reduce/dismiss points from your record and insurance premiums.

Understanding Arizona’s Point System

Arizona’s point system assigns points for traffic violations, affecting your driving record and potentially leading to license suspension if too many points are accumulated within a specific time frame. Non-moving violations, such as those related to expired registration or insurance, do not result in points on your driving record.

It is crucial to keep points to a minimum to avoid license suspension. Accumulating 8 or more points in 12 months will have consequences. Individuals may be mandated to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or their driving privileges may be suspended for up to 12 months.

Common Traffic Violations and Points

In Arizona, license suspension, fines, and other penalties can arise from accumulating points due to traffic signal violations and other offenses. Common violations that lead to two points being added to a driver’s record include:

  • Red light violations
  • Safe lane change
  • Failure to yield
  • HOV lane violations
  • Following too closely
  • Improper position for a turn
  • School bus-related violations

More serious offenses, such as:

  • Driving recklessly
  • Driving aggressively
  • Racing
  • DUI alcohol
  • DUI drugs
  • Causing serious injury due to a traffic offense

These violations can result in 8 points being added to your driving record, which can have a significant impact on the standing of your license.

Multiple moving violations like hit-and-run incidents and speeding in Arizona can lead to point accumulation and subsequent license suspension. Accumulating between 8 and 12 points within 12 months, such as from stop sign violations, can result in an order to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS). In rare cases, the MVD may even suspend the driving license.

How AZ License Points Affect Your Driver’s License

In Arizona, accumulating points on your driving history could lead to license suspension among other penalties. Here are the specific penalties based on the number of points accrued within a certain period:

  • If you accrue 13-17 points in 12 months, your driving privileges will be suspended for 3 months.
  • If you accumulate 18-23 points in a 12-month period, your driver’s license will be suspended for 6 months.
  • If you accrue 24 or more points due to traffic offenses in 36 months, your driving privileges will be suspended for 1 year.

A suspension of driving privileges in Arizona means a legal prohibition from operating a motor vehicle for a defined period. You may access this information online if you are uncertain about the number of points on your driver’s license. The calculation of points from a particular period is based on the date of the violation, not the date the court entered a judgment. This assessment is done by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If drivers accumulate 8 or more points on their driving record within 12 months, they may receive a 12-month license suspension. Additionally, if Traffic Survival School is mandated, their license could be suspended for 12 months.

License Suspension Thresholds

The Arizona license suspension thresholds vary according to the number of points accrued. If an individual accumulates 24 points or more within the past 36 months, their license shall be automatically suspended for 1 year.

In Arizona, repeat offenders face license suspension if they accrue 8 or more points within a 12-month period. In Arizona, the average length of a license suspension when 24 points or more are accumulated within a 36-month period is one year.

First-time Offenders vs. Repeat Offenders

First-time offenders convicted of a traffic violation should expect to pay fines and costs. First-time DUI offenders may experience more stringent penalties than other first-time offenders. A first-time offender in Arizona can accumulate between 18 and 23 points before encountering license suspension for 6 months.
In addition, individuals with multiple traffic violations under Arizona’s point system could face stiffer penalties than first-time offenders. These penalties may include:

  • Increased driver’s license points
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Increased fines
  • Possibly even jail time or probation

The exact consequences for repeat offenders may vary per the degree and frequency of their traffic offenses.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18 Years Old

Upon a second traffic violation, a driver under 18 will face a 3-month license suspension. If they commit a third violation, it will result in a 6-month suspension.

If a driver under 18 years of age in Arizona accumulates 24 points or more in 36 months, their license will be suspended for a duration of one year. Certain offenses related to drugs and alcohol and certain offenses involving graffiti may result in license suspension for individuals below 18 years of age.

Traffic Survival School and Defensive Driving School

In Arizona, the Traffic Survival School (TSS) and Defensive Driving School offer an eight-hour course to individuals with accumulated points at risk of a driving privilege suspension. TSS is mandated by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. The curriculum of Traffic Survival School in Arizona encompasses defensive driving techniques and Arizona traffic laws, concentrating on developing proficiency in making positive and responsible driving decisions.

Defensive Driving School, on the other hand, can dismiss traffic violations, prevent points from being added to your record after a conviction, or decrease the costs one pays in insurance. Eligibility requirements for taking Defensive Driving School in Arizona include not holding a Commercial Driver’s License and not having attended a Defensive Driving School class within the past year.

Traffic Survival School (TSS)

The Traffic Survival School (TSS) program in Arizona is an 8-hour class mandated by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and administered by the Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council. Attending TSS in Arizona can provide assistance to drivers in avoiding license suspension by allowing them to meet the stipulations set by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).

The curriculum of the Traffic Survival School (TSS) in Arizona is based on the principles of Choice Theory, and students are actively engaged in assessing their driving habits during the eight-hour class. While attending TSS does not reinstate a suspended license, it is regularly a requirement to reinstate the license and avert further suspension.

Defensive Driving School

The Defensive Driving School course in Arizona generally requires a duration of 4 hours for completion. The curriculum or core contents of the course encompass topics such as:

  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Traffic laws and regulations
  • Hazard recognition and response
  • Alcohol and drug impairment
  • The importance of seat belt usage

The cost of attending Defensive Driving School in Arizona may vary, including course fees, state fees, and court fees. Upon completion of the course, drivers convicted of a traffic violation may have the option to attend a defensive driving school to remove the points, as deemed appropriate by the traffic court judge.

Managing and Reducing Points on Your Record

Completing a defensive driving course in Arizona can help reduce points on your driving record. Here’s how it works:

  • This program permits drivers to remove points from their records.
  • Upon course completion, two points can be removed from your record.
  • Points in Arizona’s point system are valid for 39 months, approximately 3 years and 3 months.

However, it’s worth mentioning that participation in Traffic Survival School in Arizona doesn’t lead to point removal. On the other hand, attending Defensive Driving School may permit you to have points removed at the court’s discretion.

Point Expiration and Removal

Points have an expiration period of either 12 or 36 months. After 36 months, the points carry little impact, yet the violation remains visible on your MVR. In Arizona, one may have the option to attend a defensive driving school in order to remove points from their driving record. An approved defensive driving course can be beneficial in this regard.

Although attending TSS does not reinstate a suspended license, it is regularly a requirement to reinstate the license and avert further suspension. Points will be automatically removed from the record after a period of three years.

Insurance Implications

Your driving record may prompt insurance companies to raise your premiums. The average insurance premium increase after a traffic violation in Arizona can range from 23% to 82%, depending on the severity of the violation. Not all traffic offenses have the same effect on insurance premiums in Arizona. The influence on insurance premiums can fluctuate depending on the particular violation and the seriousness of the violation.

In Arizona, traffic violation points may influence insurance premiums for a period of 39 months. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a clean driving record to avoid increased insurance costs.

Summary

In conclusion, navigating Arizona’s point system and managing your driving record is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges and avoiding license suspension. Understanding the nuances of the point system, attending Traffic Survival School or Defensive Driving School when needed, and seeking legal assistance can significantly help reduce points and prevent potential consequences. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that you continue to enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for points to come off your license in AZ?

Points on your Arizona driver’s license expire for 12-36 months. After that period, the associated points become less relevant for suspension purposes.

How many points is a speeding ticket in Arizona?

Civil and criminal speeding violations in Arizona result in 3 points on a driver’s license. A motorist can be ordered to attend traffic school if they receive 8 points within 12 months.

How do I check my points on my license in Arizona?

To check the number of points currently counting against your Arizona license, log in to the Motor Vehicle Division website and input your driver’s license number and name to access your up-to-date record.

How do I remove a violation from my driving record in Arizona?

To remove a violation from your driving record in Arizona, the court will typically approve eligible drivers to take a driving school course online or in a classroom.

How many points do I have on my license in Arizona?

You may request your records from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division at any time.