Arizona Traffic Ticket Penalties

In Arizona, a traffic ticket carries fines, fees, and demerit points against your driving record. Drivers who accumulate too many points within a specific time period face a license suspension for a month to a year.

Below, we provide the Arizona penalties for common traffic violations.

What Are the Fines, Jail Time, & Points for Arizona Speeding Tickets?

The severity of the penalties for speeding depend on the location of the violation and the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit.

Arizona's Two Types of Speed Limits

A driver can get a speeding ticket for two types of violations: driving at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or a speed greater than is “reasonable and prudent under the circumstances.” This reasonable and prudent standard takes into account actual and potential hazards. For example, if a driver’s vehicle slides off the road in a rainstorm, an officer might issue a speeding citation because the driver’s speed was too fast for the slippery conditions, even if the driver’s speed was well below the posted speed limit. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 28-701, 28-701.04 (2025).)

When Speeding Is a Criminal Offense in Arizona

Generally, speeding violations are considered infractions, meaning you won’t serve any jail time for a conviction. A violation becomes a criminal offense if the driver is found guilty of exceeding:

• 35 miles per hour while approaching a school crossing
• 20 per hour over the posted speed limit, or
• 85 miles per hour in other locations.

As a criminal offense, speeding carries possible jail time. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-701.02 (2025).)

Penalties for Speeding Violations in Arizona

(Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-707, 13-802, 28-1598 (2025).)

What Are the Fines for Distracted Driving in Arizona?

Penalties for distracted driving in Arizona depend on whether the driver has prior violations.

Arizona's Texting and Cell Phone Rules for Drivers

Arizona prohibits drivers from using their cell phones while driving unless they are being used in a hands-free manner. Drivers are still allowed to use their phones while stopped at a red light. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-914 (2025).)

Arizona's Distracted Driving Penalties

Distracted driving carries fines of $75 to $149 for a first offense and $150 to $250 for second and subsequent violations. Generally, distracted driving tickets won't add points to your driving record.

What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Traffic Light Tickets in Arizona?

In Arizona, the maximum penalties for red light and stop sign violations are the same. However, red light violators must attend traffic school.

Arizona's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Rules

At a stop sign or traffic light, drivers must come to a complete stop before the nearest stop line, without entering the crosswalk or intersection. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 28-645, 28-855 (2025).)

Penalties for Stop Sign and Red Light Violations in Arizona

Red light violations also require the driver to attend traffic school. Drivers who fail to complete traffic school within 60 days of the judge’s order face license suspension until they complete the course.

How Do Points Affect Arizona Driving Privileges?

Each time a driver is convicted of a moving violation, points are assessed against the driver’s record. If a driver accumulates eight points or more within a 12-month period, the driver must attend “Traffic Survival School.” Drivers who fail to attend this school face license suspension for up to 12 months.

How Can You Avoid Traffic Violation Points in Arizona?

A judge can allow a driver convicted of a civil traffic offense to attend a defensive driving school to avoid points getting assessed against his or her record. (This class is different from Traffic Survival School). A driver can attend the school only once in a 12-month period. This option is not available to someone whose violation resulted in death or serious bodily injury. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-3392 (2025).)