Arizona Traffic Violations

Traffic violations occur when a driver fails to follow Arizona’s road safety laws while operating a motor vehicle. In Arizona, these offenses are divided into either traffic crimes or civil infractions based on the nature of the violation. It is essential to understand how and why these offenses are classified and penalized to ensure legal compliance, effective financial planning, and civil duties.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Arizona?

Arizona’s Statewide Traffic Code and related laws set the rules for how drivers should behave on public roads. According to A.R.S. § 28-693, reckless driving is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor. If convicted, drivers face both criminal charges and penalties that affect their driving privileges.

For DUI offenses, the legal blood alcohol limits are 0.08% for typical drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance for drivers under 21. DUI violations come in three levels: regular DUI, Extreme DUI (0.15% BAC or higher), and Aggravated DUI.

Additionally, A.R.S. § 28-914 bans the use of handheld devices while driving on highways. Violations are treated as civil infractions, carrying fines but no criminal charges or license suspensions.

Types of Traffic Violations in Arizona

There are several types of traffic violations in Arizona, including

• • Speeding
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Not wearing a seatbelt
  • Driving without a license
  • Driving without insurance
  • Reckless driving
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) and Extreme DUI
• Speeding is a moving violation for 3 points; speeding aggravated is criminal.
• Running a red light or stop sign or failing to yield are violations that carry 6 or 4 points. Crashes causing serious injury or death carry higher points.
• Driving without a license or while suspended or revoked is a class 1 misdemeanor under A.R.S. § 28-3473.
• Driving without insurance or failure to show proof.A.R.S. § 28-4135 requires financial responsibility; offenses escalate (minimum $500 the first time; higher for repeats) and trigger license or registration penalties.
• Reckless driving is a criminal offense under § 28-693 with 8 administrative points.
• Hit-and-run offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the injury or death, with corresponding points.
• Distracted driving (handheld device). Civil penalty only: $75 to $149 for a first offense; $150 to $250 for repeat offenses. Arizona Legislature.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Arizona

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) assigns points for moving offenses and can require Traffic Survival School (TSS) or suspension. If you accumulate 8 or more points in any 12 months, you may be required to attend TSS or face suspension for a maximum of 12 months. Sample point values include 8 points for DUI, Extreme DUI, reckless, aggressive driving, 6 points for hit-and-run, 3 points for speeding, and 2 points for other moving offenses. Some single significant infractions, such as running a red light resulting in injury or death, also carry higher point values.

Arizona's MVD also mandates TSS for certain single offenses, including red-light running, aggressive driving, and serious injury. Death, moving violations, and the first under-18 moving violation. If ordered to attend TSS but fail to do so, a suspension will be the consequence.

Criminal penalties (courts)

• DUI. Baseline DUI has mandatory jail, fines, screening, treatment, and ignition interlock, with enhanced punishment for repeat offenses. Extreme DUI (≥0.15 BAC) has at least 30 consecutive days in jail for a first-time offender. and higher fines; Aggravated DUI can have prison and longer revocations.
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license. A Class 1 misdemeanor conviction can lead to additional administrative action by MVD.
• Insurance offenses. Judges must impose minimum civil fines, and the MVD to suspend, limit privileges on conviction under §28-4135.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Arizona

Driver record (MVR) from ADOT MVD: You can order this record online at AZMVD or request it by mail or in person. Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) provides two types of driving records: an uncertified record covering the last three years, and a certified record that shows five years.

If you request by mail, your signature must be either notarized or witnessed by an MVD agent. These records show your license status as well as any reported convictions or administrative actions.

Court case (ticket) in the Arizona Judicial Branch: Use the Public Access to Court Case Information online tool to search by your name or case number. This service covers 177 out of 184 courts in Arizona, but some types of cases are excluded from the online search. These include sealed cases,

Orders of Protection, mental health and probate cases, and most juvenile delinquency records. If you need copies of court documents, the court advises using the eAccess portal for Superior Court cases or contacting the specific municipal or justice court for limited jurisdiction cases.

Court files usually show case numbers, charges, hearing dates, outcomes, and fines. MVD files show convictions and modifications in licenses. To get records, call the court clerk with your case number or request an MVD record by mail or in person: Send the Motor Vehicle Record Request with the fee to MVD or a valid third-party office

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Arizona?

There are two timelines to keep in mind

1. Points window (for MVD administrative action). Arizona tracks points on a rolling 12-month basis. Accumulating 8 or more points within 12 months may lead to traffic survival school (TSS) or license suspension. The number of points assigned varies by offense, such as 8 points for driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving, and 3 points for speeding. This points system is separate from any court-imposed penalties.
2. Record visibility (MVD and courts). ADOT offers two types of Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) to the public: a 3-year uncertified version and a 5-year certified version. Authorized agencies or employers may access more detailed records. Although courts can set aside some criminal traffic convictions under A.R.S. § 13-905 after sentence completion, this does not affect how ADOT handles the record. MVD notations and revocations stay on file even if a conviction is set aside.

In Arizona, traffic infractions cannot always be expunged or erased. The primary option is to have a conviction "set aside" under A.R.S. § 13-905, when the record is retained but marked set aside.

Some criminal records are sealable under other laws, but none of those laws erase retroactively any action or notations already made by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). For personal relief, the best is to inquire from the local court. Real expungement seldom happens and, in most cases, does not include traffic violations.