How Driver Points Work in Arizona
How the Arizona point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Yes. MVD assigns points for moving-violation convictions or judgments. 8–12 points within 12 months: an order to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or a three-month suspension if the driver attended TSS within the last 24 months. Ariz. Admin. Code R17-4-404; A.R.S. §§ 28-3306, 28-1526; ADOT MVD and Courts Training Manual 2026/2027
| Point system | Yes. MVD assigns points for moving-violation convictions or judgments. 8–12 points within 12 months: an order to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or a three-month suspension if the driver attended TSS within the last 24 months. 13–17 points within 12 months: three-month suspension with no TSS option. 18–23 points within 12 months: six-month suspension. 24 or more points within the past 36 months: one-year suspension. Failing to complete TSS ordered for points leads to a suspension. For violations on or after Jan. 1, 2023 that come from the same event, MVD assesses only the highest point value. |
|---|---|
| Points for speeding | A speeding violation under the 'reasonable and prudent speed' law (A.R.S. § 28-701) is 3 points; excessive (criminal) speeding under § 28-701.02 is also 3 points. Exceeding the posted maximum on certain highways under § 28-702.01 is 2 points. |
| How long points last | Point totals are measured from the date of the last violation over 12-month periods (and 36 months for the 24-point level). The motor vehicle record shows points for the last 12 and 36 months from the date the record is generated. How long a conviction itself remains on the driving record was not confirmed from an official page read for this record. |
| Traffic school | Arizona's court-run Defensive Driving Program lets a driver cited for an eligible civil moving violation (and, if the court allows, criminal speeding) attend a Supreme Court-certified defensive driving class once every 12 months, violation date to violation date. After completion, no points are assessed to the driving record. The class must be completed 7 days before the court date. Separately, MVD's Traffic Survival School is required after certain convictions (including DUI, red-light, wrong-way and aggressive driving), at 8–12 points, and for drivers under 18 after a first moving violation. |
Where to get help in Arizona
More Arizona traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Arizona
- DUI Laws in Arizona
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Arizona
- All Arizona traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in Arizona?
Yes. MVD assigns points for moving-violation convictions or judgments. 8–12 points within 12 months: an order to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or a three-month suspension if the driver attended TSS within the last 24 months. 13–17 points within 12 months: three-month suspension with no TSS option. 18–23 points within 12 months: six-month suspension. 24 or more points within the past 36 months: one-year suspension. Failing to complete TSS ordered for points leads to a suspension. For violations on or after Jan. 1, 2023 that come from the same event, MVD assesses only the highest point value.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Arizona?
A speeding violation under the 'reasonable and prudent speed' law (A.R.S. § 28-701) is 3 points; excessive (criminal) speeding under § 28-701.02 is also 3 points. Exceeding the posted maximum on certain highways under § 28-702.01 is 2 points.
How long do points stay on your license in Arizona?
Point totals are measured from the date of the last violation over 12-month periods (and 36 months for the 24-point level). The motor vehicle record shows points for the last 12 and 36 months from the date the record is generated.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Arizona?
Arizona's court-run Defensive Driving Program lets a driver cited for an eligible civil moving violation (and, if the court allows, criminal speeding) attend a Supreme Court-certified defensive driving class once every 12 months, violation date to violation date. After completion, no points are assessed to the driving record. The class must be completed 7 days before the court date. Separately, MVD's Traffic Survival School is required after certain convictions (including DUI, red-light, wrong-way and aggressive driving), at 8–12 points, and for drivers under 18 after a first moving violation.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.