How Arizona Title 28 suspensions work
A Title 28 suspension in Arizona is a pause on your driving privileges ordered by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). It is not the same as a revocation — a suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet specific conditions. The suspension stays in effect until you complete the requirements ADOT sets, which vary depending on why your license was suspended.
Title 28 refers to Arizona's motor vehicle code. Suspensions under this code happen for reasons like unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions that affect driving, or accumulating too many moving violations. Each reason has its own set of steps you must take to restore your license.
While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or any other state. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties, including fines and possible jail time. Understanding why your license was suspended and what you need to do next is the first step toward getting back on the road.
Key Takeaways
- A Title 28 suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the conditions ADOT sets, unlike a revocation which is permanent.
- You can check your suspension status and the specific reason for it by contacting ADOT or checking your online driver record.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or child support before your license can be restored.
- Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense with its own penalties, so you should not drive until your license is officially reinstated.
- The time it takes to restore your license depends on the reason for suspension and how quickly you complete the required steps.
Finding out why your license was suspended
ADOT sends a notice in the mail when your license is suspended, but mail sometimes gets lost or delayed. The fastest way to find out exactly why your license was suspended is to contact ADOT directly. You can call the ADOT Driver Services Bureau at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-800-251-5866 (statewide). Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
You can also check your driving record online through the ADOT website. This record shows your current license status, any suspensions, and the reason for each one. If you do not have online access or prefer to see your record in person, you can visit an ADOT office. Bring a valid form of identification and be prepared to pay a small fee for an official copy of your record.
Common reasons for Title 28 suspensions include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court for a traffic citation, unpaid child support obligations, medical conditions reported to ADOT, accumulating 8 or more points on your driving record within 12 months, or being convicted of certain traffic offenses. Once you know the specific reason, you will know what steps to take next.
Paying fines and court costs to restore your license
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before ADOT will restore your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount due. Many Arizona courts allow you to pay online, by phone, or in person. Some courts also offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment. Keep this confirmation — you may need to show it to ADOT or provide it when you request license reinstatement. After the court processes your payment, it sends notice to ADOT that the fine is satisfied. ADOT then removes the suspension from your record, though this can take a few business days.
If you are having trouble locating the court or the amount owed, ADOT can tell you which court issued the suspension. You can also search Arizona court records online through the Arizona Supreme Court website, which has links to individual county court systems.
Handling child support-related suspensions
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services (DCS). They manage child support cases and can tell you the exact amount owed and your payment options. You can reach DCS at 1-800-352-8401 or visit their website to find your local office.
DCS may offer a payment plan or may work with you on a modified support amount if your circumstances have changed. Once you make an arrangement with DCS and begin paying, or if you bring your account current, DCS notifies ADOT to lift the suspension. Like fines-based suspensions, this can take several business days to process.
If you believe the child support amount is incorrect or you have a legitimate reason why you cannot pay, you can request a hearing with DCS. Bring documentation of your income, expenses, and any changes in your situation. Having a hearing scheduled does not automatically restore your license, but it may lead to a modified payment plan that allows you to get back on the road sooner.
Medical suspensions and what you need to do
A medical suspension happens when ADOT receives a report from a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement that you may have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive safely. This could be a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, dementia, or another condition. Unlike other suspensions, a medical suspension requires you to take specific steps to prove you are safe to drive again.
ADOT will send you a letter explaining the medical concern and asking you to submit a medical evaluation form completed by your doctor. Your doctor must address the specific condition ADOT flagged and confirm that you are safe to drive. You may also be required to pass a driving test or vision test before your license is restored.
Contact ADOT's Medical Review Unit at 602-255-0072 to ask what documentation your doctor needs to provide. Some conditions require ongoing monitoring, so ADOT may restore your license with the requirement that you submit updated medical reports every year or every few years. Follow these requirements carefully — missing a important date can result in another suspension.
Point-based suspensions and how to reduce them
Arizona uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate 8 or more points within 12 months, 12 or more points within 24 months, or 18 or more points within 36 months, ADOT will suspend your license. Each type of violation carries a different point value — a speeding ticket might be 3 points, while reckless driving could be 8 points.
To restore your license after a point-based suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period (usually 30 days for the first suspension) and then request reinstatement from ADOT. You can reduce your points by taking a defensive driving course approved by ADOT. A completed course removes up to 3 points from your record, though you can only use this reduction once every 12 months.
You can take a defensive driving course online or in person. Search for "ADOT approved defensive driving course" to find providers in your area. The course typically takes 4 to 8 hours and costs between $20 and $50. After you complete it, the provider sends proof to ADOT, and the points are removed from your record within a few business days.
Requesting license reinstatement from ADOT
Once you have met all the conditions for your suspension — paid fines, resolved child support, submitted medical documentation, or completed a defensive driving course — you can request reinstatement. You do not have to wait for ADOT to contact you. Contact ADOT directly to confirm that all requirements are satisfied and to request that your license be restored.
You can request reinstatement by phone at 602-255-0072, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. If you call, have your driver's license number ready and ask the representative to confirm that your suspension has been lifted. If you request by mail, include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended, along with any documentation showing you have met the requirements.
ADOT typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days. Once your license is reinstated, you will receive written confirmation. You can then legally drive again. If you need a new physical license card (because your current one expired or was damaged), you can order one through ADOT or pick one up at an office for a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work or school while my license is suspended?
No. Arizona law does not allow any driving on a suspended license, even for essential purposes like work or medical appointments. Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense. If you need to drive, you must wait until your license is officially reinstated by ADOT.
How long does a Title 28 suspension last?
The length depends on the reason for suspension. Fines-based suspensions are lifted once you pay. Medical suspensions may last until you submit doctor's documentation. Point-based suspensions have a mandatory waiting period (usually 30 days) before you can request reinstatement. Child support suspensions end once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan.
What if I move out of Arizona while my license is suspended?
Your Arizona suspension follows you. You cannot get a license in another state while an Arizona suspension is active. You must resolve the suspension with ADOT before you can obtain a license anywhere else. Contact ADOT to find out what steps you need to take from your new location.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee to get my license back?
ADOT charges a reinstatement fee for most suspensions, typically between $50 and $100. The exact amount depends on the reason for suspension. Ask ADOT about the fee when you contact them to request reinstatement so you know the total cost upfront.
What happens if I get caught driving on a suspended license?
Driving while suspended is a criminal offense in Arizona. Penalties include fines up to $2,500, jail time up to 30 days for a first offense, and a longer suspension period. A second or third offense within seven years carries harsher penalties. Your best option is to resolve the suspension as quickly as possible and avoid driving until it is lifted.