How Much is a Speeding Ticket in Arizona

The occurrence of flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror could make your heart skip a beat. You then know you could get a costly traffic ticket, which is an unpleasant experience. However, if you are living in Arizona, you have a better chance to reduce the impact of your ticket than drivers in other states.

You must learn about Arizona traffic laws and understand how much a speeding ticket is in Arizona before you find yourself on the receiving end. What you’ll learn in this guide:

• Arizona speeding ticket fees
• Traffic ticket fines in Arizona
• Consequences of speeding tickets on insurance
• Alternative methods of dismissing a speeding ticket

Common Forms of Traffic Tickets in Arizona

Arizona traffic tickets are either criminal or civil violations:

Civil Traffic Violations & Point System

1. Speeding: 3 points
2. Not Wearing Proof of Registration or Insurance: 0 points (but could result in fines and potential impoundment of vehicle)
3. Seatbelt Violations: 0 points (fined only)
4. Parking Violations: 0 points (fined only)
5. Texting and Driving: 0 points (additional penalties)
6. Failing to Obey Traffic Signals: 4 points
7. Vehicle Repair Violations: 0 points (fined only)

Criminal Traffic Violations & Point System

1. DUI or Driving Under the Influence: 8 points + immediate loss of license, fines, and imprisonment
2. Speeding in a School Zone: 3 points + increased fines
3. Reckless Driving: 8 points + potential loss of license and fines
4. Vehicular Damage: Loss of license, criminal charges, and imprisonment
5. Driving on a Suspended License: 0 points (additional penalties and possible imprisonment)
6. Aggravated Speeding (20+ mph over the limit): 3 points + increased fines and potential jail time

Earning 8 or more points in 12 months can lead to automatic defensive driving school or license suspension. 

How Much is a Traffic Ticket in Arizona?

Arizona traffic ticket fines depend on the severity of the offense. Civil traffic ticket fines are cheaper than criminal ones.

Civil Traffic Fines

1. Speeding ticket: Ranging from $130 to $380, depending on how much faster you were driving.

• 1-10 mph over: $130
• 11-15 mph over: $180
• 16-20 mph over: $280
• 21-25 mph over: $380

2. Other civil infractions: Vary but begin at $168.
3. Points System: Most civil infractions carry 2-3 points on your driving record.

Criminal Traffic Fines

1. Criminal Speeding: $500 plus court cost, with possible jail time.
2. DUI Offenses:

• First Offense: Minimum fine of $1,250, possible jail time, and license suspension.
• Second Offense: $3,000 fine with jail time and longer suspension.
• Serious DUI: Fine of $2,500-$3,000 and jail time of 30-120 days.

How to Pay an Arizona Traffic Ticket

There are several ways to pay a traffic ticket in Arizona:

• You can pay through the AZ Court Pay website.
• You can make cash payments of up to $1,000 offline at several stores like Walmart, Walgreens, etc.
• You can pay through money order or cashier’s check to the court using your case number.

Challenging a Traffic Ticket in Arizona

If your ticket was issued wrongly, you can challenge it through a civil traffic hearing before going to court. You can:

Fill out a written petition either in person or by mail before you go to court.

Legally contest the violation to start your case by pleading Not Guilty.

Take photographs, videos, or any proof that supports your side.

Summon proper witnesses to testify on your behalf.

Contradict the officer’s account if needed.

Understand the hearing procedure and evidence rules.

Impact of Traffic Tickets on Your Driving Record

Arizona traffic tickets can add points to your driving record, besides costing you money: 

License Suspension Based on Points

• 8–17 points in 12 months: 3-month suspension
• 18–23 points in 12 months: 6-month suspension
• 25+ points in 3 years: 1-year suspension

8–12-point drivers within a year can go to Traffic Survival School, which does not lead to suspension, but the points remain on record for 5 to 14 years, depending on the severity of the offense. 

What Happens If You Ignore a Traffic Ticket?

Disregarding a ticket in Arizona has lawful and financial consequences:

• The MVD in Arizona can suspend your license for unpaid tickets.
• Carelessness with a criminal ticket or not showing up at a hearing in court could lead to an arrest warrant.
• There is an added fee for late payment, in addition to the cost of the ticket.
• Unpaid fines may be forwarded to collection agencies, potentially harming your credit report.
• The Arizona Department of Revenue can withhold unpaid fines from your tax refund.
• You become a high-risk driver when you have outstanding tickets, and you may end up paying more for insurance.
• In worst-case scenarios, your car can be towed for 30 days.

How to Handle a Traffic Ticket Appropriately

Pay the fine or appear for a hearing before the deadline. If necessary, report on your date to prevent a default judgment.

You can also make payment arrangements and discuss with a professional if you feel that the ticket was improperly issued.

Take necessary action now to avoid expensive and time-consuming fines later.

Conclusion

Arizona traffic tickets have monetary and legal consequences. You must learn how much is a traffic ticket in Arizona and find ways to avoid it or deal with it smartly.

Besides legal matters, car safety is just as important. This is true if you get a ticket for vehicle damage or an accident wherein you need windshield repair or windshield replacement.

For services like ADAS calibration or side window repair, you can depend on NuVision Auto Glass for quality and reliable service. They’re professionals with great experience in windshield replacement and repair, ensuring your vehicle remains safe.

Get a quote from NuVision Auto Glass today for professional windshield repair service at reasonable prices.

FAQs

1. What is a 15-over speeding ticket in Arizona?

An 11-15 over-limit ticket can cost you around $235. Fines by speed over the 15 limits are approximately $250 for 16-20 mph, $286 for 21-25 mph, and $305 for 26-30 mph.

2. Can I pay for a ticket without appearing in court in Arizona?

Yes, you may pay online, offline, or through the mail and avoid court appearances. But a court hearing is required if the ticket is a criminal one.

3. What is the fine for speeding in Arizona?

Criminal speeding more than 20 mph leads to penalties like 30 days in jail, up to $500 plus surcharges, probation for 1 year, 3 points on your driver’s license, or higher insurance premiums.

4. How long does the Arizona speeding ticket stay on my record?

Arizona speeding tickets remain on your record for one year, but it can affect your insurance for five years.