traffic violations

If you are given a traffic ticket by a law enforcement officer in Arizona, you are responsible for understanding the consequences this could have and what your obligations are in terms of responding. If you ignore a traffic ticket without addressing it, you could face various administrative and even criminal penalties. Consult an Arizona traffic violation lawyer to seek legal guidance and schedule your free case evaluation online today.

What Does It Mean to Ignore a Traffic Ticket?

Traffic tickets are handed out for various moving violations in Arizona, such as speeding, running a red light and driving with a broken taillight. Ignoring a traffic ticket means you fail to pay the required fine, appear in court at the specified date or otherwise respond. It is an additional infraction that could come with multiple consequences.

Higher Fines

If you ignore the initial ticket and fine, the amount you are required to pay will likely increase. You may be subject to various late fees, surcharges and additional fines. This can make it more difficult for you financially to meet the state’s requirements – adding to the likelihood of a failure to pay.

Removal of the Driving Privilege

The first action that is often taken against an individual who has not paid a traffic ticket in Arizona is driver’s license suspension. In most cases, the suspension will remain in place until the individual has paid the applicable traffic tickets (plus any additional fines) and gotten the driver’s license reinstated. 

Vehicle Registration Suspension

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Department may suspend your motor vehicle registration in addition to your driver’s license. This means you won’t be allowed to renew your vehicle registration until you pay the ticket or resolve the matter.

Insurance Increases

Having unpaid traffic tickets on your driving record can signal to a car insurance company that you are a high-risk driver. This can result in higher premium payments or your insurance company dropping you as a client.

Arrest Warrant

If you are ticketed for a criminal traffic violation in Arizona, you will be required to appear at the courthouse listed on the ticket at the specified time and date. If you ignore this, a warrant for your arrest could be issued by the courts. This means law enforcement officers will have the authority to locate, detain and potentially book you into jail.

Criminal Charges

You may face criminal charges if your license or registration gets suspended due to an ignored traffic ticket, but you are caught driving anyway. Driving on a suspended license can come with a jail sentence, fines, probation and vehicle impoundment.

How to Respond to a Traffic Ticket in Arizona

For the most part, the traffic ticket you receive will have fine print explaining what you need to do. Read the ticket carefully for instructions on how to proceed. You may be required to pay a fine or appear in court on a particular date. The ticket will also give you a deadline by which you must respond; typically, within 10 to 20 days of the receipt of the ticket.

You generally have two options for responding to a traffic ticket in Arizona. You can admit responsibility by paying the fine or agreeing to attend defensive driving school, if this is an offered solution. You could also contest the ticket by requesting a hearing and hiring a traffic ticket attorney in Arizona to represent you. An Arizona traffic ticket attorney can present evidence and legal arguments to try to have the citation dismissed on your behalf – protecting you from potential penalties. Contact Corso Law Group to discuss your legal options and schedule your free consultation today.

In Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division or MVD uses a driver’s license point system to discourage motorists from committing traffic violations. Violations are assigned a certain number of points that will be added to the offender’s permanent driving record. Exceeding 8 points in a 12-month period can lead to the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.

If you have been charged with a driving violation in Arizona, contact our Arizona traffic violation lawyer to discuss your legal options. Schedule your free consultation today.

How Does the Driver’s License Point System Work in Arizona? 

The MVD point system holds drivers accountable for traffic violations by entering points on the driver’s permanent driving record. The more serious the violation or infraction, the higher the point value assessed. Points are typically transmitted from law enforcement to the MVD within 24 hours.

Below are some of the most common moving violations in Arizona and their MVD point equivalents:

• Reckless driving: 8
• Aggressive driving: 8
• Running a red light or stop sign (causing death): 6
• Hit-and-run (leaving the scene of an accident): 6
• Running a red light or stop sign (causing injury): 4
• Speeding: 3
• Illegal driving or parking in a gore area: 3
• All other moving violations: 2

In addition, being arrested or charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona can come with an assessment of 8 points against the driver’s license. An extreme or super extreme DUI also equates to 8 MVD points. 

Potential Consequences for Accumulating Too Many Points

If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 8 or more points over the period of one year for moving violations in Arizona, she or she can face “corrective action” by the Motor Vehicle Division, such as driver’s license suspension of up to 12 months or mandatory Traffic Survival School (TSS). 

If the driver has already attended TSS in the last 24 months or has accumulated between 13 and 17 points within one year, TSS to avoid suspension is not an option. Ineligibility for TSS will typically lead to a driver’s license suspension of three months. This may be increased to six months if the driver accumulates 18 to 23 points in 12 months.

How Long Do MVD Points Stay on Your License?

MVD points in Arizona remain on an individual’s driving record for a period of 36 months (3 years). There is nothing you can do to get rid of the points once they are entered on your permanent record. You simply have to wait until 36 months have passed, and then they will no longer be reflected on your driving record. 

The good news is that points are only relevant in terms of the MVD and potential consequences on your driver’s license. The criminal courts in Arizona do not care about points; they will not be used as evidence in an Arizona criminal traffic violation case, for example. Car insurance companies also do not look at MVD points; if your insurance premiums increase due to a violation, it is because of the violation itself, not the points assessed.

Can You Prevent Point Assessment in Arizona?

You may be able to prevent points from being added to your driving record in Arizona by fighting the moving violation or traffic ticket. A Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help you combat your charges to avoid the assessment of MVD points and potentially save your license from suspension. 

Hiring a traffic violation lawyer in Arizona improves your chances of achieving a desirable outcome when fighting an alleged moving violation in Arizona. Your Arizona traffic ticket attorney can attend hearings on your behalf to present your legal argument to the courts and protect your rights. Contact us to discuss your legal options today.

In keeping with cities such as Phoenix and Scottsdale, Tempe has recently implemented a new traffic citation photo-enforcement program. Cameras have been installed at certain local intersections with the goal of reducing traffic speeds and lowering the number of car accidents caused by speeding and red-light violations. 

If you are sent a traffic citation from the new Tempe photo-enforcement program, contact our Arizona photo radar ticket lawyer at Corso Law Group. Schedule your free evaluation today.

About the New Red Light Cameras in Tempe

On May 7, 2025, photo enforcement cameras went live at 14 intersections in Tempe, Arizona. While there was a 30-day warning period (until June 6th), as of now, drivers can be ticketed if they are photographed running a red light or speeding by the newly installed cameras. 

Fox 10 Phoenix has reported that nearly 20,000 violations were captured by the cameras from June 6 to July 9, with more than 3,600 tickets issued. These cameras use digital technology to take high-resolution photos of vehicles running red lights and exceeding speed limits.

The cameras take two images: one of the intersection and a close-up shot of the driver’s license plate. These images and additional data are sent to the Tempe Police Department for review. Citations are then issued to drivers that law enforcement identify as violators.

Where Are the Traffic Cameras Located in Tempe, AZ?

The new photo-enforcement cameras in Tempe are located at the following intersections: 

• Baseline Road and Mill Avenue
• Baseline Road and Rural Road
• Broadway Road and 48th Street
• Broadway Road and McClintock Drive
• Broadway Road and Rural Road
• Curry Road and Scottsdale Road
• Elliot Road and Rural Road
• Elliott Road and Kyrene Road
• Guadalupe Road and McClintock Drive
• Rio Salado Parkway and Rural/Scottsdale Road
• Southern Avenue and Mill Avenue
• University Drive and McClintock Drive
• University Drive and Priest Drive
• Warner Road and McClintock Drive

These locations were chosen based on crash data. The city also has four mobile red-light cameras that regularly change locations.

What Is the Fine for a Violation ?

A driver who receives a citation from the new photo enforcement program in Tempe can expect a ticket with a fine of $250. If the driver is speeding and runs a red light, he or she will receive two separate citations. Excessive speeding could result in charges for criminal speeding.

The money collected from these fines will be distributed to various programs within the City of Tempe, including the Tempe Police Department. Drivers can pay online or by mailing a check or money order to the Tempe Municipal Court.

How to Contest a Red-Light Camera Ticket in Tempe, AZ

If you are sent a traffic citation from the new Tempe photo-enforcement program, note that this is not the same as a formal ticket. It is not a ticket that must be immediately paid. The state has 90 days to formally serve you with the real thing for an alleged red light or speeding violation. 

If this happens, you have the right to contest the ticket. You can hire a photo radar ticket lawyer in Arizona to defend you against these allegations, such as by proving that you were not the person driving the car in the photograph or that the photo equipment was not maintained or calibrated correctly.

With help from our Arizona traffic ticket attorney, you may be able to avoid a red light or speeding traffic citation. It is especially important to contact a lawyer if you are facing criminal charges connected to the new cameras. An Arizona photo radar ticket attorney can protect your rights and advocate for the best possible case outcome on your behalf.

Traffic tickets are relatively common in Arizona. Heavy police presence in major cities such as Phoenix combined with frustrations like slow-moving traffic and confusing road signs can lead to unintentional violations. Whether or not you need to hire a traffic violation lawyer in Arizona to help you fight a ticket depends on your circumstances and goals. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.

What Does an Arizona Traffic Ticket Lawyer Do?

A traffic ticket lawyer in Arizona is a licensed legal professional who specializes in helping clients contest (fight) traffic tickets and navigate the surrounding legal process. Hiring a Arizona ticket violations lawyer could allow you to avoid a ticket by having your case dismissed. 

If dismissal isn’t possible, a lawyer can potentially have the ticket reduced to a nonmoving violation with lighter penalties. A reckless driving charge could get reduced to speeding or improper driving, for example. This could protect you from serious or long-term impacts.

The services provided by a traffic ticket lawyer generally include a comprehensive review of your situation, which includes checking to see if the police officer made any mistakes that could invalidate the case. A lawyer can also represent you in court to argue for reduced or dismissed charges before a judge on your behalf.

I Received a Traffic Ticket in Arizona. Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?

If you’ve been ticketed by law enforcement in Arizona for an alleged traffic violation, ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you need to hire an attorney:

• Is it a criminal traffic ticket? If you are facing charges for an alleged criminal traffic violation in Phoenix, AZ, you need a lawyer to effectively help you handle this legal issue and fight back with a formidable defense.

• Do I drive for a living? If you are a commercial motor vehicle driver who drives for a living, hiring a an Arizona traffic ticket lawyer can be instrumental in protecting your career. Just one traffic ticket could jeopardize your job or result in the loss of your commercial driver’s license.

• Do I have prior violations on my record? Priors on your record, even for unrelated offenses, could enhance the charges and penalties you face with your current traffic ticket. A lawyer can help you navigate this increased risk.
• Do I wish to avoid going to court? If you don’t want the hassle or stress of having to appear in traffic court yourself, you can hire a traffic ticket attorney to appear for you. Your lawyer will negotiate your ticket on your behalf.

When faced with a traffic ticket in Arizona, it is generally worthwhile to at least schedule a free consultation with a lawyer to find out how they can help. An Arizona traffic violations attorney will give you honest and personalized advice about your unique situation.

The Benefits of Hiring a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Arizona 

The right traffic ticket lawyer in Arizona can enable you to avoid major penalties associated with a moving violation. Depending on the type of ticket, the penalties in Arizona can include hefty fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory driving school, points against your license and increased insurance rates. 

A lawyer will protect you from these potential consequences and advise you on the possible impacts of your ticket if it can’t be dismissed. Contact an Arizona traffic ticket lawyer today for more information about your specific situation.

Red light cameras are returning to Phoenix, Arizona, likely by the end of 2025. There are important things to know about your rights when it comes to getting a red light camera notice in the mail. Founder of Corso Law Group, attorney Christopher Corso, was recently interviewed by ABC15 Arizona, where he shared his key insights on red light cameras.

Red Light Camera Notices Are Not the Same as Formal Tickets

Arizona photo radar ticket attorney, Christopher P. Corso, has years of experience on both sides of the law. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the other side works during traffic cases. Recently, he weighed in on the City of Phoenix’s plan to bring back red light cameras in a conversation with reporter Adam Klepp for ABC15 News Arizona.

Using his years of experience as a highly reputable traffic court lawyer in Arizona, Mr. Corso explained that a red light camera notice sent to a driver by mail may look like a real-life ticket, but it is not. Drivers in Arizona have the right to be officially served for red-light-running allegations. The state has 90 days to formally serve drivers with the real thing. 

The notice sent by mail is simply the court’s way of trying to get the driver to pay the ticket or address the matter in some other way, such as taking a Traffic Survival School course or calling the court to request a traffic ticket hearing. It is not a ticket that the driver is immediately required to pay.

The State Has the Burden of Proof in a Red Light Camera Case

Another useful piece of information shared in the ABC15 News article is that the state is required to prove the legal elements of a red light camera case. This includes proving that it was the accused driver, and not someone else, driving the car at the time of the picture. 

Mr. Corso advised readers that if it was not you driving the car in the photo, you could nominate who it was. However, this could still lead to issues for the registered owner of the vehicle. You may be subject to driving record penalties, for example, that could negatively affect a job that relies on a clean record.

What to Do if You Get Ticketed By the New Red Light Cameras in Phoenix

As of now, Phoenix City Council wants to add fixed red light running cameras to 10 intersections in the city by fall 2025 as part of the Citywide Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan. The locations of these cameras will be determined based on traffic and accident data.

If you receive a notice of an alleged violation in the mail after the implementation of the new red light cameras, review the ticket and photos to check the accuracy of the information. There may be errors that make it invalid, such as the wrong license plate numbers or timing.

Wait for the court to send you an actual ticket before deciding to pay. Then, consult with a traffic ticket attorney in Phoenix, AZ to discuss your legal rights and options. A photo radar lawyer in Arizona may be able to contest the red light ticket with a personalized defense. This could lead to reduced penalties or case dismissal.

Learn More About Red Light Camera Violations | Contact Corso Law Group

As mentioned in the article, Christopher P. Corso at Corso Law Group is happy to answer questions about a red light camera ticket in Arizona free of charge during an initial consultation. Mr. Corso stated for ABC15 News: “I want everybody to understand their rights, and I don’t need to take a fee to do that.” 

To schedule a free red light consultation with our knowledgeable attorney, contact us anytime. We are available 24/7.

Arizona takes potentially dangerous driver behaviors seriously. If you are accused of reckless driving or aggressive driving in Scottsdale, you could face more than just a fine or ticket – you could be looking at major criminal consequences. You can benefit from hiring our Scottsdale, Arizona traffic ticket attorney if you are facing either of these charges.

Reckless vs. Aggressive Driving Under Arizona Law

Driving in a way that could be considered reckless or aggressive are both serious traffic offenses. However, they differ in the eyes of Arizona law. Reckless driving refers to operating a vehicle in a careless, dangerous or extremely negligent way, while aggressive driving in Arizona describes a series of traffic violations that create a hazard for others.

A.R.S. § 28-693: Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is defined in Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-693 as driving a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. This can refer to many different types of dangerous driving infractions, including traffic law violations, excessive speeding, running a red light and weaving in between multiple lanes. Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. § 28-695: Aggressive Driving

Reckless driving describes careless driver behaviors, while aggressive driving is intentional. According to A.R.S. § 28-695, a person commits the violation of “aggressive driving” if at least two of the following occur, and if the person’s driving is an immediate hazard to another person or vehicle:

• Failing to obey a traffic control device
• Passing another vehicle by driving off the pavement
• Making an unsafe lane change
• Following too closely
• Failing to yield the right-of-way

Aggressive driving is a class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona. This makes it a more serious offense than reckless driving. However, a reckless driving charge could be elevated to class 1 if the defendant has a prior history of similar offenses.

Penalties for Reckless or Aggressive Driving in Arizona

 In general, a reckless driving conviction is less serious than one for aggressive driving. However, each case is unique, with penalties varying based on factors such as the defendant’s driving history and criminal background. If there are aggravating factors, such as a car accident, this can result in more significant penalties.

 In general, a first-offense reckless driving citation in Scottsdale can result in fines of up to $750 and/or up to four months in jail, plus possible driver’s license suspension. A first-offense aggressive driving conviction can result in fines of up to $2,500 and/or up to six months in jail, plus mandatory license suspension for at least 30 days.

When to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Scottsdale

Whether you are facing reckless or aggressive driving charges in Scottsdale, Arizona, it can benefit you to consult with a criminal defense lawyer about your rights and defense options. Both of these charges can carry significant legal consequences. Our Scottsdale traffic lawyer can help minimize the penalties against you with personalized defense tactics.

With the right legal support, you may be able to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed. This can allow you to avoid the most serious potential consequences of reckless or aggressive driving infractions. For more information about your specific situation, contact a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale at the Corso Law Group for a free consultation.

Speeding tickets in Arizona are often costly, but determining the exact fine amounts can be difficult to find sometimes without the help of a traffic violation lawyer or CDL traffic ticket attorney. Although all Arizona citizens must follow the same statutes regarding speeding and traffic safety, the resultant fees may vary from county to county – and in some cases, even precinct to precinct.

In order to make this information easier to find, we worked with data firm 1Point21 Interactive to compile them all in a convenient, interactive visual format.

Violation Codes

Most speeding violations fall under the purview of Arizona Revised Statute § 28-701A:

A person shall not drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, conditions and actual and potentials hazards then existing. A person shall control the speed of a vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with any object, person, vehicle or other conveyance on, entering or adjacent to the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to exercise reasonable care for the protection of others.

As such, the fines compiled in this asset cover fines associated with violating A.R.S § 28-701A.

Other Factors to Consider in Speeding Ticket Costs

It is important to note that the total cost of your citation may take into consideration other laws you may have violated by speeding. This includes:

• Speeding over a maximum speed limit on highways inside or outside urban areas
• Speeding in a large truck or vehicle with a trailer
• Speeding in a construction zone
• Speeding in a school zone or residential zone

Speeding leading to an accident can be most impactful to your citation costs – especially if a serious injury or death resulted from your reckless driving. This can not only increase your fines, but also potentially transform your civil violation into a criminal offense.

The Cost of a Speeding Ticket in Arizona | By County and Court Jurisdiction

Civil Traffic Violations vs Criminal Traffic Violations

Your speeding fines may also vary based upon when you were charged for a civil violation or a criminal violation.

• Civil violations are typically the common traffic tickets we receive for minor infractions. These are usually handled in traffic court and do not involve any trial proceedings.
• Criminal violations are traffic offenses that involve more severe circumstances. Hit-and-runs, reckless driving, criminal speeding, and repeated civil traffic offenses can result in a criminal traffic charge. Criminal violations are typically misdemeanors, but on rare occasions may be upgraded to felonies. Trial proceedings are standard in these cases, with the possibility of jail time depending on the severity of the charge.

In some counties, there may be a cap to civil traffic fines – but there is typically no limit on criminal penalties.

Your Options Following a Speeding Ticket

In Arizona, you have three options upon receiving a traffic citation:

Option 1: Attend Defensive Driving School

You may be eligible to attend a defensive driving class and have one relevant traffic charge dismissed. You will not be required to pay the fine, receive any points on your driving record, and you will not be required to appear in court. Generally, you may be eligible if:

• Your infraction is eligible to be dismissed by a defensive driving program.
• You have not taken a defensive driving class in the last 12 months.
• Your case is a simple speeding infraction that did not result in a car accident leading to serious injury or death.

Additionally, you must take the class at least 7 days prior to your scheduled court date.

If you are not eligible, you must plead either “Responsible” or “Not Responsible” to any relevant charges. In some counties, this is also known as pleading “Guilty/No Contest” or “Not Guilty,” but the process generally remains the same.

Option 2: Plead “Responsible” to all charges

If you wish to take responsibility for all the charges on your citation, you may plead “Responsible” and pay for the citation in one of two ways:

• Pay online or send in a payment by mail.
• Appear at your scheduled court date and notify the court of your intent. You must either pay the court by the end of the way or be allowed to set up a payment plan.

Option 3: Plead “Not Responsible” to charges

If you believe you are not responsible for committing any of the alleged violations, you may plead “Not Responsible.” At that point, the court will schedule a hearing for you to plead your case. This is an opportunity for you to inform the judge why you feel you are not responsible for any of the violations. A successful hearing may result in a reduction or even dismissal of charges and relevant fines.

The Cost of Defensive Driving Diversion Programs

The option to attend a Defensive Driving class can be beneficial in numerous ways:

• You do not receive points on your driving record.
• Your auto insurance rates may not go up as a direct result.
• You get a refresher on traffic safety, improving your knowledge of the most recent traffic and motor vehicle laws.

However, enrolling in a class costs money too. In some cases, it may even exceed the original fines you were charged for. Costs for Defensive Driving include:

• A Diversion Fee
• A State Fee
• A State Surcharge
• A Course Fee

Each of these can vary by county, precinct, and course provider.

Arizona Defensive Driving Diversion Program Cost by Court Jurisdiction

The state of Arizona is a beautiful land with far and open roads to explore, which is any rider or drivers dream. As a motorcycle rider, you are exposed to more elements than the average driver. While being more “exposed” to dangers, riding a motorcycle comes with its advantages that allow riders to cut traffic, save time, and ride safely. As our traffic law stands now in the United States, it is illegal to participate in lane splitting, period, with the exception of California. Lane splitting is actually legal in most of the world and is seen as just a way of things. Motorcycle riders are susceptible to traffic violations in Phoenix, that in reality could prove to make them relatively safer on the roads.

The chairman of the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs, known as, Bob Eberhardt said, “absolutely” thought lane-splitting should be legal — for safety reasons. Lane-splitting would likely “greatly reduce” rear-end collisions of motorcycles.” He proceeded to acknowledge the fact that it might take some time to get used to for other motorists. In the study conducted, they made it a point to experiment and survey the number of motorcycle accidents that occur in “stop and go” traffic. Turns out – any form of mitigating the riders exposure to congested traffic greatly reduced the odds of a motorcycle rider ending in a collision.

There have been many attempts at reopening this bill to legalize the special privilege but has been continuously shut down. The last attempt was in 2010 by a Harley-Davidson riding representative to legalize motorcycle lane splitting but was quickly vetoed by Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer.

Bill SB 1007 To Be Discussed Again this Month

This January the proposed bill, SB 1007 will be discussed again.  Many studies have been done to debate the actual safety of lane splitting and finally, an experiment was done by the Safe Transportation Research & Education Center University of California Berkeley has proven that lane-splitting is actually a lot safer than people believe. The infographic created by, Corso Law Group home of Phoenix traffic violations attorneys, below goes into details discovered through their studies.