What Arizona's 2021 Law Changed About Suspended Licenses
Arizona passed House Bill 2371 in 2021, which made it easier for people with suspended licenses to get them back without paying all their outstanding fines first. Before this law, you had to pay your entire fine balance before the Motor Vehicle Division would reinstate your license. Under the new rule, you can now request a payment plan or a suspension review hearing instead of paying everything upfront.
The law applies to suspensions caused by unpaid traffic fines, criminal convictions, or failure to appear in court. It does not explore to suspensions for medical reasons, DUI convictions, or habitual traffic offender status — those follow different rules. The change was designed to help people who could not afford large lump-sum payments get back on the road legally while still paying what they owe.
Key Takeaways
- House Bill 2371 lets you request a payment plan or hearing instead of paying your full fine balance before reinstatement.
- You contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly to request a payment plan or to ask for a suspension review hearing.
- Payment plans let you pay fines in installments over time, and the Motor Vehicle Division can reinstate your license once you start paying.
- A suspension review hearing gives you a chance to explain your situation to a hearing officer, who may reduce or waive fines in certain cases.
- Medical suspensions, DUI-related suspensions, and habitual offender status are not covered by this law and have their own reinstatement rules.
How to Request a Payment Plan
Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division by phone at 602-255-0072 or visit their office in person. Tell them you have a suspended license and want to set up a payment plan. You will need to provide your driver's license number and the reason your license was suspended. The Motor Vehicle Division staff will tell you the total amount owed and work with you to set a monthly payment amount you can afford.
Once you agree to a payment plan and make your first payment, the Motor Vehicle Division can reinstate your license when ready — you do not have to wait until the entire balance is paid. Keep making your monthly payments on time. If you miss a payment, your license can be suspended again, so set a reminder or ask the Motor Vehicle Division about automatic payment options if they offer them.
How to Request a Suspension Review Hearing
If you believe the suspension is unfair or if you have a hardship that prevented you from paying or appearing in court, you can request a hearing. Write a letter to the Motor Vehicle Division explaining your situation and mail it to their address, or ask about submitting a request in person or by phone. Include your driver's license number and the date your license was suspended.
A hearing officer will review your case and may reduce the fine, waive it entirely, or uphold the original suspension. This option takes longer than a payment plan — expect several weeks for the hearing to be scheduled — but it can result in a lower total amount owed. You can represent yourself at the hearing; you do not need a lawyer, though you may bring one if you choose.
Suspensions This Law Does Not Cover
House Bill 2371 does not change the rules for medical suspensions (when a doctor reports you as unsafe to drive), habitual traffic offender status (multiple violations within a set time), or suspensions tied to DUI convictions. These suspensions have their own reinstatement processes and waiting periods that are set by state law.
If your suspension is for one of these reasons, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to find out what steps you need to take. The staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access for a payment plan or hearing under the 2021 law, or whether you need to follow a different process.
What Happens After You Reinstate Your License
Once your license is reinstated, you still owe any remaining balance on your fines. If you set up a payment plan, continue making those payments. If you stop paying, the Motor Vehicle Division can suspend your license again. If you received a hearing and the fine was reduced or waived, you will owe only the amount the hearing officer set.
Keep your reinstatement documents and proof of any payments you make. If there is ever a question about whether your license is valid, you will need to show that you have met the terms of your reinstatement.
How to Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
The Motor Vehicle Division handles all license suspensions and reinstatements in Arizona. You can reach them by phone at 602-255-0072 during business hours. Their main office is located in Phoenix, but they have field offices in other cities across the state. You can also visit their website to find the office nearest you and see their hours.
When you call or visit, have your driver's license number ready and be prepared to explain why your license was suspended. The staff will tell you whether you are may be able to access for a payment plan or hearing under House Bill 2371, and they can walk you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my hearing?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Motor Vehicle Division officially reinstates it. If you are approved for a payment plan and make your first payment, reinstatement can happen right away. If you request a hearing, you must wait for the hearing officer's decision before your license is reinstated.
What if I cannot afford the monthly payment plan amount?
Contact the Motor Vehicle Division and explain your situation. They may be able to lower the monthly amount or work out a different arrangement. If a payment plan will not work for you, request a suspension review hearing instead — the hearing officer can reduce or waive the fine if you show financial hardship.
Do I have to pay court costs in addition to the fine?
Court costs and fines are separate. The Motor Vehicle Division will tell you the total amount owed, which includes both. Payment plans and hearing requests cover the entire balance, not just the fine portion.
How long does a suspension review hearing take?
From the time you request a hearing to the time it is held usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how busy the Motor Vehicle Division is. The hearing itself is brief — usually 15 to 30 minutes. The hearing officer will mail you their decision within a few days after the hearing.
What if my license was suspended for a DUI?
DUI-related suspensions are not covered by House Bill 2371. You will need to follow the separate reinstatement process for DUI suspensions, which includes a waiting period and may require an ignition interlock device. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division to learn the specific steps for your case.