Arizona Traffic Violation Codes & Penalties: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents#

1. Overview of Arizona Traffic Laws
2. Common Traffic Violation Codes & Penalties
   • Speeding (ARS 28-701)
   • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (ARS 28-1381)
   • Reckless Driving (ARS 28-693)
   • Running Red Lights/Stop Signs (ARS 28-644, 28-645)
   • Seatbelt Violations (ARS 28-907)
   • Driving Without Insurance (ARS 28-4125)
   • Texting While Driving (ARS 28-794)
3. Arizona Driver’s License Point System
4. What to Do If You Receive a Traffic Ticket
5. Conclusion
6. References

Overview of Arizona Traffic Laws#

Arizona’s traffic laws are outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 28, which covers everything from speed limits to vehicle registration. Violations are enforced by local law enforcement, state troopers, and automated systems (e.g., red-light cameras). Penalties vary by the severity of the violation and may include fines, license points, suspension, or even jail time. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so familiarizing yourself with key codes is essential.

Common Traffic Violation Codes & Penalties#

Speeding (ARS 28-701)#

Speeding is the most frequent traffic violation in Arizona. ARS 28-701 prohibits driving at a speed greater than is “reasonable and prudent” for road conditions, or exceeding posted speed limits.

• Penalties by Speed Over Limit:
  • 1–10 mph over: $165 fine +$80 surcharge (total ~$245); 2 license points.
  • 11–20 mph over: $215 fine +$80 surcharge (total ~$295); 3 license points.
  • 21–30 mph over: $265 fine +$80 surcharge (total ~$345); 4 license points.
  • 31+ mph over: $315 fine +$80 surcharge (total ~$395); 6 license points.
• Note: Fines may increase in school zones or construction areas (e.g., 10 mph over in a school zone = $365 total).

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (ARS 28-1381)#

DUI is a serious offense in Arizona, with penalties escalating for repeat violations. A DUI is charged if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers, 0.00% for minors under 21).

• First Offense:

  • Fine: $1,250–$2,500.
  • Jail time: 10 days (9 may be suspended with probation).
  • License suspension: 90 days.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) required for 12 months after license reinstatement.
  • 8 license points.

• Second Offense (within 8 years):

  • Fine: $3,000–$4,000.
  • Jail time: 90 days–1 year.
  • License suspension: 1 year.
  • IID required for 2 years.
  • 8 license points.

• Third Offense (within 8 years):

  • Class 4 felony.
  • Fine: $4,000–$10,000.
  • Jail time: 1–3 years.
  • License suspension: 3 years.
  • IID required for life.

Reckless Driving (ARS 28-693)#

Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle “with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Examples include excessive speeding, street racing, or weaving through traffic.

• Penalties:
  • Fine: $250–$1,000.
  • Jail time: Up to 30 days (first offense); up to 6 months for repeat violations.
  • 8 license points.
  • Possible license suspension for repeat offenses.

Running Red Lights/Stop Signs (ARS 28-644, 28-645)#

ARS 28-644 requires drivers to stop at red lights, and ARS 28-645 mandates stopping at stop signs. Violations often result from rolling stops or failing to yield.

• Red Light Violation:

  • Fine: $250–$300 (including surcharges); 2 license points.
  • Automated red-light cameras issue tickets with the same fines but no points.

• Stop Sign Violation:

  • Fine: $200–$250 (including surcharges); 2 license points.

Seatbelt Violations (ARS 28-907)#

Arizona law requires all front-seat passengers (age 8+) to wear seatbelts. Drivers are responsible for minors (ages 8–15) in all seats.

• Adults (16+):

  • Fine: $10 (no license points).

• Minors (8–15):

  • Driver fined $50; 2 license points.

Driving Without Insurance (ARS 28-4125)#

Arizona requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance ($25,000 bodily injury per person,$50,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage).

• First Offense:

  • Fine: $500.
  • License suspension: 3 months (reinstatement requires proof of insurance + $150 fee).

• Second Offense (within 36 months):

  • Fine: $750.
  • License suspension: 6 months.

• Third Offense:

  • Fine: $1,000.
  • License suspension: 1 year.

Texting While Driving (ARS 28-794)#

Arizona prohibits texting or using a handheld device to write, send, or read messages while driving.

• Penalties:
  • First offense: $150 fine; 2 license points.
  • Second offense: $300 fine; 3 license points.

Arizona Driver’s License Point System#

Arizona uses a point system to track traffic violations. Points are added to your license for each violation, and accumulating too many can result in suspension:

• Adults (18+): 12 points in 12 months = license suspension (3 months).
• Minors (under 18): 8 points in 12 months = license suspension (6 months).

Points Stay On Record For: 12 months from the violation date.

Reducing Points: Completing an approved defensive driving course (once every 12 months) removes 3 points.

What to Do If You Receive a Traffic Ticket#

If you’re issued a ticket:

1. Read the Ticket: Note the violation code, fine amount, and deadline to respond (usually 30 days).
2. Options:
   • Pay the Fine: Settle online, by mail, or in person. This admits guilt and adds points (if applicable).
   • Contest the Ticket: Request a court hearing. Gather evidence (photos, witness statements) to challenge the violation.
   • Take Defensive Driving: Eligible for minor violations (e.g., speeding 20 mph or less over the limit). Completing the course dismisses the ticket and avoids points (fees apply).

Conclusion#

Understanding Arizona’s traffic violation codes and penalties is key to maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding unnecessary costs. From speeding to DUI, each violation carries unique consequences, so staying informed and driving responsibly is your best defense. Always check the Arizona Revised Statutes or consult a legal professional for the latest updates.

References#

• Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 28: Arizona Legislature
• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT): Traffic Laws & Safety
• Arizona Supreme Court: Defensive Driving Course Information