Arizona tracks violations on your license using a point system, and your license can be suspended if you accumulate too many points in a set time

Arizona assigns points to your driving record based on the type of violation you commit. The more serious the violation, the more points it carries. If you collect 8 or more points within 12 months, 12 or more points within 24 months, or 18 or more points within 36 months, the Arizona Department of Transportation will suspend your license.

Points stay on your record for 3 years from the date of the violation, though they do not all carry equal weight. A minor speeding ticket might add 1 point, while reckless driving could add 8. Understanding how many points a specific violation carries helps you know how close you are to suspension and what your options are if you receive a ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona suspends your license if you reach 8 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 18 points in 36 months.
  • Points remain on your record for 3 years from the violation date, and you can check your current point total through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
  • Serious violations like reckless driving or DUI carry 8 points; minor speeding carries 1 point; most other moving violations fall between 2 and 4 points.
  • You may be able to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, though this option is not available for all violation types.

Common violations and their point values in Arizona

Arizona assigns points based on how dangerous or careless the violation is considered. Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit is 1 point. Speeding 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit is 3 points. Speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the limit is 4 points.

Other common violations carry these point values: running a red light or stop sign (3 points), improper lane change (3 points), following too closely (3 points), failure to yield (3 points), and reckless driving (8 points). Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended license also carries 8 points. Violations involving commercial vehicles or hazardous materials may carry different point values.

If you are unsure how many points a specific violation carries, you can contact the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division or ask the officer who issued the ticket. The ticket itself should also list the point value.

How to check your current point total

You can view your driving record and current point total through the Arizona Department of Transportation website. You will need to provide your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The record shows all violations from the past 3 years and the points assigned to each one.

You can also request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office. There is a small fee for this service. Checking your record regularly helps you understand how close you are to suspension and whether any errors have been recorded.

What happens when you reach the suspension threshold

When you accumulate enough points to trigger a suspension, the Arizona Department of Transportation will send you a notice by mail. The notice tells you when your suspension begins and how long it will last. A first suspension typically lasts 30 days. If you accumulate points again after your license is reinstated, a second suspension may last 60 days or longer.

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate violation that carries its own penalties, including additional points, fines, and possible jail time. If you need to drive during a suspension for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a restricted license, though this is not may provide.

Defensive driving courses and point reduction

Arizona allows you to reduce points on your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. You can remove up to 3 points from your record once every 12 months by taking the course. However, this option is not available for all violations—serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license cannot be reduced through a course.

The course must be approved by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Many are offered online and take 4 to 8 hours to complete. You will pay a fee to take the course, typically between $20 and $50. After you complete it, you submit proof of completion to the Motor Vehicle Division, and the points are removed from your record within a few weeks.

Taking a defensive driving course also may lower your car insurance rates, though this depends on your insurance company's policies. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course; others do not. It is worth asking your insurance company whether they offer this discount before you enroll.

How points affect your insurance and driving privileges

Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates. Points on your record typically result in higher premiums because they signal to insurers that you are a higher-risk driver. A single 3-point violation might raise your rates by 10 to 15 percent, while an 8-point violation could raise them by 25 percent or more. The exact increase varies by insurance company and your driving history.

Points also affect your ability to renew your license. If your license is suspended due to points, you cannot renew it until the suspension period ends and you have paid any required reinstatement fees. Some employers, especially those hiring commercial drivers or drivers for work, may check your driving record and decline to hire you if you have recent violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dispute points on my record if I think they are wrong?

Yes. You can request a copy of your driving record and review it for errors. If you find an incorrect violation, contact the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division with documentation showing the error. You may need to provide a copy of the court disposition or other evidence. The process can take several weeks.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Arizona suspension?

Yes. Arizona counts violations from other states toward your point total through the Interstate Compact on Drivers Licenses. If you receive a ticket in another state, that violation will appear on your Arizona record and count toward suspension. The point value assigned may differ from what Arizona would assign for the same violation.

What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?

A suspension is temporary—your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can reinstate it by paying a fee. A revocation is permanent or long-term and typically requires you to reapply for a license and pass tests again. Revocations usually result from serious violations like multiple DUIs or habitual traffic offender status.

If I complete a defensive driving course, will the violation disappear from my record?

No. The violation stays on your record, but the points are removed. This means the violation is still visible if someone requests your driving record, but it no longer counts toward suspension. Insurance companies may still see the violation, though some offer discounts for completing a course.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after a suspension?

Arizona charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension. For a suspension due to points, the fee is typically $100 to $200. You must pay this fee before your license is reinstated. If you have other violations or fines, those must be paid as well.