Understanding the Point System That Tracks the Driving Record of Arizona Motorists
Even if you’ve paid your speeding ticket, the traffic infraction isn’t completely expunged from your record. Being found guilty of any driving violation, even a minor one, will add points to your driving license. Receiving too many points within one year can have drastic consequences, including a possible license suspension. This also means that if you’ve been falsely accused and charged with a driving infraction, your ability to drive in Arizona could be jeopardized, putting your ability to commute to work and move freely at risk.
Arizona Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist Michael Alarid III advocates for Phoenix residents facing all types of criminal challenges, including those who are at risk of losing their driving privileges due to serious or numerous moving violations and traffic infractions.
License Point Accrual
| Type of Infraction | Pts. |
|---|---|
| Type of Infraction | 8 |
| Extreme DUI | 8 |
| Reckless Driving | 8 |
| Aggressive Driving | 8 |
| Hit-and-Run | 6 |
| Failing to stop for a traffic signal or yield right-of-way, resulting in death | 6 |
| Failing to stop for a traffic signal or yield right-of-way, resulting in severe injury | 4 |
| Speeding | 3 |
| Driving over or parking in a gore area (or the triangular area between an entrance/exit ramp and the highway | 3 |
| All other violations | 2 |
Points are assigned by the severity of the charge and how many charges you have on your record. Receiving numerous speeding violations or one DUI charge can result in your license being temporarily revoked.
If you incur between eight and 12 points within a one-year period, you’ll be required to sign up for Traffic Survival School (TSS) or have your license suspended for up to 12 months, depending on how severe your violation(s) are.
If you accrued nine or 10 points from speeding and running red lights, you may be allowed to go to TSS, especially if it’s the first time you’ve reached the threshold. You might face license suspension if you reached the limit due to an extreme DUI and aggressive driving or if you’ve reached the limit in previous years.
Drivers who are required to attend TSS but fail to do so by the mandated deadline will have their license suspended.
What Is Traffic Survival School?
Traffic Survival School is an eight-hour, in-person course covering traffic laws and driving techniques that are mandated by law. Anyone who’s accumulated more than eight points or has been charged with a DUI or a red light violation is legally required to attend Traffic Survival School.
The rule is stricter for drivers under the age of 18. If a minor gets a ticket that results in ANY points being added to their license, they will be required to attend TSS.
While Traffic Survival School can help drivers avoid having their license suspended, it won’t remove points from their record.
Are the Points on My Driving Record Permanent?
No – even a DUI will fade from your record with time. For minor violations like speeding, drivers can take Defensive Driving School to prevent the points from being added to their license. Defensive Driving School is an optional, four-hour course that can be taken online or in person. Not only can this program prevent point accrual once per 12-month period, but it can also be taken in lieu of paying a fine for eligible traffic violations.
You cannot have multiple citations forgiven within a single 12-month period. Eligibility is based on the current violation date and the last time you attended the course. In other words, if you had a violation dismissed eight months ago, you won’t be able to have a new violation dismissed by attending defensive driving school for another four months.
Having the infraction removed from your record is also beneficial for insurance purposes and may save you from premium increases related to a ticket. If you were at fault in a crash and had a claim filed against your auto insurance, simply attending Defensive Driving School likely won’t save you from premium increases.
Some insurers do offer discounts to policyholders who voluntarily attend defensive driving courses even if they haven’t had any tickets or been in an accident.
Points from a DUI can’t be avoided through Defensive Driving School, but they will fall off your license after 12 months, just like points from other more minor traffic infractions. The points won’t contribute to your cumulative 12-month total after one year, but the DUI will not be erased from your record.
If you have exceeded your point limit for the year or believe some of your traffic infractions or a DUI are unjustified and unfair, you may want to consider contacting a reputable defense attorney for help defending your driving privileges.
Arizona Board-Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Alarid III will provide experienced and aggressive representation in defense of your right to drive.
Our Criminal Defense Attorney Fights for the Rights of Phoenix Residents
Arizona Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist Michael Alarid understands how important the ability to drive is to workers, parents and everyone living in our sprawling Valley metro area. He’ll utilize the full extent of his expertise in Arizona driving laws to maximize your chances of securing your ideal case outcome.
Restore your peace of mind with a zealous defense attorney on your side. Call (602) 818-3110 or fill out our contact form and schedule a complimentary consultation today.
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