What happens if I just pay my traffic ticket?

Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt. Points will be added to your driving record, your insurance rates may increase, and the conviction becomes permanent. Consider your options before simply paying.

How long do points stay on my driving record in Arizona?

Points typically remain on your driving record for 2-3 years in Arizona, though the conviction itself may remain visible for longer [§ 28-3306]. Insurance companies typically look back 3-5 years when setting rates[src:https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-auto-insurance|III].

Should I hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket?

For minor infractions, you may be able to handle the case yourself. However, for reckless driving, excessive speeding, CDL violations, or if you already have points on your record, an attorney can often negotiate a reduced charge that saves you money on insurance in the long run.

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

Arizona Traffic Law Guide — Tickets, Points & Penalties

Traffic violations, point system, license suspension, and your rights after a traffic citation in Arizona.

Jump to:

Speeding Tickets — Fines, Points & Defenses Reckless Driving in Arizona — Criminal Charges & Penalties License Suspension & Reinstatement Guide Traffic Accidents — Reporting & Legal Rights Red Light & Stop Sign Violations CDL Violations — Commercial Driving Rules

After a Traffic Citation

A traffic citation may seem minor, but the consequences — fines, points on your license, insurance increases, and potential suspension — can add up fast. You have options after receiving a ticket: pay the fine, attend traffic school, or contest the charge in court. Each choice carries different implications for your driving record and your wallet. Understanding those options before you decide is how you protect your license and limit long-term costs.

🚗

Traffic Violation

citation issued

📄

Review Options

pay, contest, or school

🏛️

Court Hearing

appear before judge

⚖️

Judgment

guilty, not guilty, reduced

⚠️

Penalties

fines, points, license

Secondary Paths

🪪

License Action

suspension or restriction

📋

Appeal

challenge the decision

✅

Case Resolved

record updated

High-level illustration only. Traffic laws, penalties, and procedures vary by jurisdiction.

Arizona's Point System

Arizona uses a Points system to track driving violations. Arizona's MVD assigns license points under its administrative point schedule. If a driver accumulates points or repeatedly violates traffic laws, MVD may require Traffic Survival School or suspend or revoke the driving privilege under its discretionary authority in §28-3306. Confirm current point values and thresholds with a lawyer or MVD.

Common Traffic Violations and Penalties

	Penalty	Points
Speeding	Fine of $250+ for exceeding posted limit	Varies by speed
Reckless Driving	Class 2 misdemeanor — up to 4 months jail, up to $750 fine; 8 points	Major violation
Red Light/Stop Sign	2 points under MVD's point schedule (more if the violation causes serious injury or death); after a judgment for running a steady red signal	Varies
Driving Without Insurance	Suspension + fine §28-3306	Major violation

Speed Limits in Arizona

Arizona's speed limits are: 25 mph residential, 55 mph rural, 65-75 mph interstate §28-701.02. Exceeding these limits can result in fines, points, and increased insurance premiums.

Your Options After a Traffic Citation

Pay the fine (admits guilt, points added to record)

Request Traffic school if eligible to reduce or dismiss points

Contest the ticket in traffic court

Hire an attorney to negotiate a reduced charge

Request a continuance to prepare your defense

Traffic School / Defensive Driving

Traffic Survival School (TSS) ordered by court or MVD; defensive driving school can dismiss one eligible violation per 24 months. Taking a defensive driving course can help keep your record clean and insurance rates low.

✓Even minor traffic violations can increase your insurance rates for 3-5 years. Consider contesting the ticket or requesting traffic school before simply paying the fine.

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