Arizona’s Driver’s License Points System is designed as a means to monitor and improve the driving habits of the state’s motorists. Under this system, points are assigned to a driver’s record for various traffic violations, with the severity of the infraction determining the number of points added. The accumulation of points can lead to consequences ranging from mandatory education courses to suspension of driving privileges. This section aims to provide a clear understanding of how the points system works, the types of violations that result in points, and the implications for Arizona drivers who amass too many points on their record.
How Points are Assigned
Traffic violations in Arizona carry different weight and, consequently, different points are added to a driver’s record for each type of infraction. For example, minor offenses such as speeding tickets generally result in fewer points compared to more severe violations like DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or reckless driving.
- Speeding: Typically, a speeding violation may result in 3 points being added to your driving record. This can vary based on the speed over the limit and the specific conditions.
- Failure to Stop for a Stop Sign or Red Light: Running a stop sign or red light is considered a serious infraction and usually results in 2 points on your license.
- DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major violation with severe consequences. A DUI can bring an immediate 8 points on a driver’s record, along with other legal repercussions such as fines, mandatory education courses, and possible jail time.
- Reckless Driving: This violation suggests a blatant disregard for road safety and will typically add 8 points to the driver’s record due to the high risk it poses to everyone on the road.
- Aggressive Driving: If a driver is cited for aggressive driving, they are likely to see 8 points be added to their license. This offense takes into account a combination of speeding and at least two other violations (such as improper passing and changing lanes unsafely).
Each point serves as a marker of risky behavior and gaining too many can alert the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to take action. It’s critical for drivers to understand which behaviors will result in points and to avoid these to maintain their driving privileges.
Consequences of Accumulating Points
When drivers in Arizona accumulate points on their driving record, it can lead to a series of escalating consequences. These are designed to both penalize poor driving habits and encourage safer driving behavior:
- Traffic Survival School (TSS): If a driver accumulates 8 to 12 points within a 12-month period, they may be ordered to attend Traffic Survival School, which is mandatory and must be completed in person.
- Probation: Upon reaching 13 to 17 points within a 12-month period, a driver may be placed on probation for up to 12 months.
- License Suspension: Accumulating 18 or more points within a 12-month period can result in the suspension of a driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days. During suspension, driving privileges are completely revoked.
- Insurance Rates: Incurring points on your driver’s license can lead to increased car insurance rates, as insurance companies view drivers with higher points as higher risks.
- Employment Impact: For those whose employment requires driving, accumulating points could threaten job security, especially if a driving license is essential for the role.
It is imperative that drivers understand the repercussions of mounting points on their records, not just for maintaining their driving privileges, but also to avoid costly fines, higher insurance premiums, and the potential impact on their employment. Each additional point can lead to increasingly serious consequences, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws and regulations.
Point Reduction and Defensive Driving Options
Fortunately, the state of Arizona provides opportunities for drivers to reduce the points on their record through defensive driving courses. These courses are designed to educate drivers about safe driving techniques, with the added benefit of point reduction upon completion.
- Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for point reduction, the individual must not have attended a defensive driving course for a traffic citation issued within the past 12 months. The violation must be eligible for defensive driving diversion—serious violations like DUIs are typically excluded.
- Benefits: Completing a defensive driving course can remove the points associated with a recent traffic violation, provided the course is completed at least 7 days prior to the court date or due date for the ticket. This can prevent the points from affecting insurance rates and it helps maintain a cleaner driving record.
It’s worth noting that voluntarily attending a defensive driving course, even when not required by a court order, can provide long-term benefits by instilling safe driving habits that can prevent future infractions and points accumulation.