traffic violations

You can get a copy of your driving record in Arizona online at AZMVDNow.gov or by visiting your nearest Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office in person. You will need to provide general information about yourself, along with your ID, and pay $3 for an uncertified record (three-year driving record) or $5 for a certified record (extended driving record). Your driving record may include information about traffic violations in Arizona, accidents, license suspensions, points on your license, and other driving-related history.

When Would You Need a Copy of Your Driving Record in Arizona?

You may need to access and obtain a copy of your personal driving record and/or vehicle record in Arizona to respond to a court-ordered request, restore your driving privileges, or serve as evidence in your favor during a criminal defense case(especially if you’re facing driving-related charges).

If a misdemeanor or felony charge has been entered against you for an alleged criminal traffic violation in Arizona, for example, the disclosure and discovery part of your case may require a copy of your driving record. You will need to access this document to fulfill a subpoena and/or build your defense.

Which Record Do You Need?

There are two motor vehicle records available in Arizona that sound similar: a “Driver License Motor Vehicle Record” and a “Motor Vehicle Record.” The first is generally what you want if you’re searching for your personal driving record, meaning your driver’s license history and any citations or points against your license that have been entered. The second is a registration history of a vehicle in your name (commonly referred to as an MVR).

Obtain a Copy of Your Driving Record Online

If you are looking to access your driver license motor vehicle record in Arizona, you can get a copy online, by mail or in person. Visit AZMVDNow.gov to get a copy online. Sign in if you already have an account. If you do not have an account, create one using your ID card or driver’s license.

Once you’ve signed in, click on the tab at the top of the page that says “Driver License & ID.” This will lead to a dropdown menu. Under the “Driver License” column, select “Driver License Record Request.”

There are five different choices for driving record downloads. The most common is the 39 Month Uncertified MVR. This document will show any active issues with your driver’s license and reported violations from the last 39 months. It will cost you $3 to obtain a copy of this report.

If you need a longer history beyond the past 39 months, select the 5 Year Certified MVR or one of the Extended MVR options based on your needs. Once you’ve paid the fee, download the file to your device. Do not take a screenshot, as the resolution may be too low. Visit your downloads to access, share or print the PDF.

Request Your Driving Record in Person

Getting a copy of your driving record online is the easiest route. If this method is unavailable to you for some reason, however, you can visit your local MVD office and request a copy of your driving record in person.

There are kiosks at physical MVD locations that you can use to get a copy without having to wait in line. However, you can also wait your turn and ask one of the clerks to obtain a copy for you. You will still need to pay the applicable fee for your copy.

To learn how to use your driving record in Arizona as part of a strategic criminal defense strategy, contact Corso Law Group for a free consultation.

In Arizona, all drivers are expected to obey traffic laws and adhere to the correct standards of care behind the wheel. There are many roadway rules in place to help improve public safety and prevent car accidents. One is Arizona’s reckless driving law, which if broken can result in fines, jail time and driver’s license suspension.

If you are facing reckless driving charges, contact our Arizona reckless driving lawyer to discuss your legal options. Schedule your free consultation today.

Reckless Driving Law in Arizona: ARS §28-693

The moving violation known as “reckless driving” is defined in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §28-693. This law states: “A person who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” 

A “reckless disregard” can refer to many actions and behaviors that appear to endanger the safety of others. Recklessness goes beyond simple negligence or careless driving. The driver must exhibit a willful and wanton disregard for the fact that his or her actions are likely to cause foreseeable harm.

What Are Examples of Reckless Driving?

A variety of moving violations and traffic offenses in Arizona can constitute reckless driving in the eyes of the law. Any driving maneuver that allegedly displays a reckless or wanton disregard for public safety could lead to a ticket or criminal charges.

Examples include: 

• Excessive speeding
• Drag racing
• Intentional tailgating
• Road rage behaviors
• Threatening or harassing others
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Running someone off the road
• Cutting off another driver
• Weaving in and out of multiple lanes
• Driving the wrong way
• Impaired driving
• Eluding the police
• Serious traffic law violations

Reckless driving is more than just an accidental traffic infraction or minor mistake. It demonstrates a driver’s knowing and deliberate indifference to the safety of other people and/or property.

Is Reckless Driving a Misdemeanor or Felony in Arizona?

Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor in Arizona, upgraded to a Class 1 misdemeanor if it is the driver’s second offense within a period of 24 months. However, reckless driving could lead to one or more felony criminal charges in Arizona if the offense results in a severe car accident with bodily injuries or deaths.

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Arizona?

The penalties and criminal consequences associated with a reckless driving conviction in Arizona depend on whether this is the driver’s first or second offense within the past two years:

• Four to six months of jail time
• $750 to $2,500 in fines, plus additional fees
• Driver’s license suspension for 90 days to 1 year
• Mandatory driver’s education course

It is important to note that certain related convictions may qualify as priors in a reckless driving case. This includes driving under the influence (DUI) and hit-and-run.

Defenses to Reckless Driving Charges in Arizona

With the right reckless driving defense attorney fighting for you, you can achieve the best possible case outcome and avoid the most serious sentence. Your lawyer may be able to use a defense such as:

• Necessity, such as a medical emergency
• You were not driving the vehicle
• Wrong defendant/mistake of identity
• Insufficient evidence of reckless driving
• Inaccurate speed radar reading
• Improper, missing or obstructed signage

If it is not possible to have a reckless driving charge dismissed entirely, your lawyer may still be able to reduce the charges and minimize penalties with a smart legal strategy. For more information about a reckless driving charge in Arizona, contact Corso Law Group to request a free consultation.

Yes, it is illegal to drive without first obtaining the required amounts of liability insurance in Arizona. All motorists are legally obligated to carry insurance before driving on public roads. Unlawfully driving without insurance could lead to legal and administrative penalties, including fines and driver’s license suspension in Arizona.

What Are Arizona’s Insurance Requirements as of 2026?

Every motor vehicle driver in Arizona is required by law (ARS § 28-4009) to have proof of insurance or financial responsibility. It is against the law to operate any motorized vehicle on a public road in the State of Arizona without adequate automobile insurance. 

The required types and minimum amounts of insurance in Arizona as of 2026 are:

• $25,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
• $50,000 per accident (two or more persons) in bodily injury coverage
• $15,000 in property damage coverage

Since Arizona abides by a fault-based car insurance rule, liability insurance is required. This type of coverage pays for the losses of individuals besides the policyholder – including passengers riding in the car and occupants of another vehicle – after an at-fault automobile accident. Additional insurance must be purchased if the policyholder wants first-party coverage for his or her own losses after an at-fault accident.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arizona?

As a motor vehicle driver, you are required to show proof of automobile insurance to a police officer when asked to do so. This is generally a requirement during all traffic stops and after automobile accidents. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you will face penalties. 

Unlawfully driving without meeting the state’s insurance requirements can lead to the following punishments:

• A minimum fine of $500
• Suspension of your vehicle registration (typically for three months)
• Suspension of your driver’s license until you can show proof of insurance
• Registration reinstatement fee ($50)
• Possible SR22 certificate (more expensive type of insurance)

There are harsher penalties for repeat offenders:

• Minimum fine of $750 for a second offense
• Up to $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses (within 36 months)
• Six months to one year of vehicle registration suspension

If you have your license suspended until you can show proof of insurance, but proceed to drive anyway, you could face additional penalties for illegally driving without a valid license. Finally, keep in mind that if you cause a car accident while uninsured, you will be personally responsible for paying for the victim’s losses.

Can You Counter a Driving Without Insurance Charge in Arizona?

Driving without automobile insurance is illegal in Arizona, but you may still have defense options if you are facing these allegations. With assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may be able to avoid many related penalties. 

Potential defenses include:

• The vehicle was non-operable
• The vehicle was not being driven on a public road
• You were under the reasonable belief that you had insurance
• The lack of insurance coverage was due to an insurance company error
• The insurance company failed to inform you of a lapsed or cancelled policy
• You were not the owner of the vehicle and believed the owner was insured

The defense options that may be available if you are being charged with unlawfully driving without insurance depend on your situation. Discuss your options with our Arizona traffic violation attorney at Corso Law Group for more information. Schedule your free case evaluation today.

If you’ve had your license suspended by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD), there are specific steps you must take to reinstate it and regain your driving privileges. If you attempt to drive without clearing up your suspension, you could face additional penalties and consequences, including an extended suspension period.

Contact our Arizona suspended license attorney to discuss your legal options. Schedule a free consultation today.

Wait for Your License Suspension Period to End

You cannot reinstate your driver’s license until your suspension period has ended. The length of this period will depend on your offense and may range from 30 days to one year or longer. Learn the reason for the suspension and the amount of time your license will be suspended or revoked. Then, wait for this time to pass without operating a motor vehicle or committing other offenses.

You may need to wait longer than your suspension period to reapply if you were convicted of any traffic violations in Arizona within the last 12 months. The MVD will not accept any applications for license reinstatement until another 12 months have passed since the date of the violation.

Fulfill Other Terms of Your License Suspension

If your license was suspended as part of a larger case against you, you may need to meet other requirements before you are eligible for reinstatement. This can include paying a fine or ticket, completing Traffic Survival School, showing proof of insurance, or having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.

You may need to obtain written consent from the court if your driver’s license was suspended as a result of a judgment filed against you in court, such as a civil lawsuit for a motor vehicle accident, or if you have any traffic complaints or violations against you. The consent must indicate that you satisfied the terms of your judgment or court requirements before you can proceed with license reinstatement. 

Complete the Required Paperwork

Once you are eligible to reinstate your license, download or print and fill out the MVD’s Revocation Application. You must provide complete answers to all questions and leave no spaces blank; the MVD will return any incomplete applications. Be sure to sign and date the bottom.

If your license was suspended for failure to pay a fine or appear in court, you will need to contact the court listed on your suspension notice to request a Court Abstract form or a Court Clearance receipt. You must bring this document to an MVD office along with your application for reinstatement.

Submit the Forms and Pay the Reinstatement Fee

If the MVD already has your picture on file, you can submit your forms and the filing fees online at AZMVDNow.gov. You can also mail in your form and payment to:

Mail Drop 530M

Driver Improvement Unit

Motor Vehicle Division

PO Box 2100

Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100

 If there is no digital photo on file, you must apply in person. Bring the application, the application fee, and the suspension fee to an appointment at the nearest MVD driver’s license office. Note that your reinstatement fee may be increased from $10 to $50 if your license was suspended due to Admin Per Se (the implied consent law).

Wait for Approval

Once your revocation application is submitted to the MVD, you must wait until you receive word that it has been approved before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Your driving privilege will remain suspended until the MVD approves your application. You can monitor the status of your driver’s license suspension by creating an account on AZMVDNow.gov. 

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.