Arizona’s Traffic Violation Point System

An Arizona traffic ticket generally results in fines, fees, and demerit points. The Arizona Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) keeps track of these points, and drivers who accumulate too many points may face license suspension or be required to attend a driver's education course.

Point Values for Traffic Violations

Here are the point values for some of the most common traffic violations. For some offenses, the driver can avoid the point assessment by completing a defensive driving course.

Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points

A driver who accumulates eight or more points in a 12-month period will receive a penalty notice from the MVD. These penalties depend on the number of points acquired.

• Eight to 17 points will result in a three-month suspension
• 18 to 23 points leads to a six-month suspension, and
• 24 or more points will result in a 12-month suspension.

A driver with eight to 12 points may be able to attend a licensed traffic survival school in lieu of suspension. However, this option is available only once every 24 months. Failure to timely complete traffic survival school will result in a six-month suspension.

The notice sent by the MVD will include the effective date of the suspension and the deadline for filing a request for an administrative hearing. At this hearing, the driver can dispute the validity of the prior convictions and request a reduction or modification of the normal consequences.