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.
