Arizona suspends your license when you accumulate too many points from traffic violations, and the suspension length depends on how many points you had when it happened

Arizona's Department of Transportation tracks points on your driving record for traffic violations. When your total reaches a threshold, the state automatically suspends your license. The suspension is not a choice — it happens by law once you hit the point limit. The length of the suspension depends on your age and how many points triggered it.

Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date. This means a violation from three years and one day ago no longer counts toward your total, but one from two years ago still does. Understanding how points accumulate and what the thresholds are helps you know where you stand and what options exist if suspension is coming.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona suspends licenses automatically when drivers under 18 reach 8 points, drivers 18 to 24 reach 12 points, or drivers 25 and older reach 15 points.
  • Each traffic violation adds a specific number of points — a speeding ticket might add 3 points, while reckless driving adds 8 points.
  • Points expire three years after the violation date, so older violations eventually stop counting toward your total.
  • A suspension typically lasts 30 days for a first suspension, but can be longer if you accumulate points again before the three-year period ends.
  • You can request a hearing with the Department of Transportation to challenge the suspension, though the hearing focuses on whether the violations were recorded correctly, not whether the suspension itself is fair.

How many points each violation costs

Arizona assigns points based on the type of violation. A minor speeding ticket (1 to 10 mph over the limit) costs 3 points. Speeding 11 to 20 mph over the limit costs 4 points. Speeding more than 20 mph over the limit costs 8 points. Reckless driving, which Arizona defines as driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety, costs 8 points.

Other common violations include unsafe lane changes (3 points), following too closely (3 points), failure to obey a traffic signal (3 points), and driving with a suspended or revoked license (6 points). Serious violations like DUI or hit-and-run carry 8 points each. If you received a ticket and are unsure how many points it carries, the ticket itself should list the point value, or you can check your driving record through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

The point thresholds that trigger suspension

The number of points that triggers suspension depends on your age. Drivers under 18 years old face suspension at 8 points. Drivers 18 to 24 years old face suspension at 12 points. Drivers 25 and older face suspension at 15 points. These thresholds explore to points accumulated within a three-year rolling window — only violations from the past three years count.

Once you reach the threshold, the Department of Transportation sends you a notice of suspension. The suspension becomes effective 10 days after you receive the notice, giving you a short window to request a hearing if you want to challenge it. If you do not request a hearing within that 10-day window, the suspension takes effect automatically.

How long the suspension lasts

A first suspension typically lasts 30 days. If you accumulate points again and trigger a second suspension within a 12-month period, the second suspension lasts 60 days. A third suspension within 12 months lasts 90 days. These lengths reset after 12 months without a new suspension, so if you go a full year without triggering another suspension, the next one would be 30 days again.

The suspension period begins on the effective date listed in your notice. During this time, you cannot legally drive. After the suspension period ends, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to explore for reinstatement or pay a fee, though you will need to pay any outstanding fines or fees related to the violations that caused the suspension.

Requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension

You have the right to request a hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. The hearing is conducted by the Department of Transportation, not a court. At the hearing, you can challenge whether the violations were recorded correctly or whether the points were calculated correctly. The hearing officer will review your driving record and the violations listed.

The hearing does not allow you to argue that the suspension is unfair or that you have a hardship. It focuses only on whether the violations actually occurred and whether the points were assigned correctly. If the hearing officer finds an error — for example, a violation was recorded twice by mistake — they can remove the duplicate and recalculate your total. If your total then falls below the threshold, the suspension is cancelled.

To request a hearing, contact the Arizona Department of Transportation's Driver Services Bureau. You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person. The notice of suspension will include contact information and instructions. Request the hearing before the 10-day important date passes, or you lose the right to challenge the suspension.

What you can do while your license is suspended

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive for any reason. Driving with a suspended license is a separate crime and carries its own penalties, including additional points on your record (6 points), fines, and possible jail time. Even driving to work, to the store, or to a medical appointment is illegal during the suspension period.

Your options are to use public transportation, arrange rides with others, use a rideshare service, or wait until the suspension ends. Some people arrange carpools with coworkers or use delivery services for groceries and necessities. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a suspension of your regular license also suspends your CDL.

How to avoid accumulating points

The most direct way to avoid suspension is to avoid traffic violations. This means following speed limits, obeying traffic signals, maintaining safe following distance, and driving defensively. If you receive a ticket, you have options depending on the violation and your record.

Arizona offers traffic school as an option for certain violations. If you complete an approved traffic school course, the violation may not be reported to the Department of Transportation, meaning no points are added to your record. However, traffic school is not available for all violations — serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license do not may have access to. Traffic school also costs money (typically $50 to $150) and takes time to complete.

Another option is to contest the ticket in traffic court. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or if you have a defense, you can request a court hearing. If the court finds in your favor, the violation is dismissed and no points are added. If the court finds against you, the violation stands and points are added as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work during a suspension if I have no other way to get there?

No. Arizona law does not allow any exceptions for work, medical appointments, or other hardships. Driving during a suspension is illegal and carries its own criminal penalties. You must find alternative transportation or wait until the suspension ends.

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

Yes. Arizona counts violations from other states if they are reported to Arizona's system through the Interstate Compact. Most states participate in this system, so violations in other states typically do count. Check your Arizona driving record to see all violations on file.

What happens if I get a ticket while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate violation that adds 6 points to your record and carries fines and possible jail time. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, those 6 points will count toward your total, potentially triggering another suspension when ready.

Can I get a restricted license to drive to work during a suspension?

Arizona does not issue restricted licenses during a suspension caused by point accumulation. Restricted licenses are available only in specific circumstances, such as after a DUI conviction. You cannot drive for any reason during a points-based suspension.

How do I check how many points are currently on my record?

You can check your Arizona driving record through the Department of Transportation website or by visiting a local Motor Vehicle Division office in person. You can also request a copy of your record by mail. Your record shows all violations from the past three years and your current point total.