In Arizona, the Defensive Driving Program (DDP) is a state-approved educational course that allows participants to have eligible moving violations dismissed completely, protecting drivers from penalties such as points being added to their driving record and fines. The program is run by the Arizona Supreme Court.
About the Defensive Driving Program
The DDP is an opportunity for certain eligible individuals to complete a driver’s education course in exchange for having a moving violation dismissed entirely. The purpose is to teach or remind drivers about defensive driving techniques to improve their safety on the road.
Upon successful completion of a DDP course, you will not face the penalties associated with your citation. No points will be assessed against your driver’s license, and the fines and court fees will be waived. In addition, your car insurance rates will not increase.
Am I Eligible for the Defensive Driving Program?
In general, you are eligible for Arizona’s Defensive Driving Program if you meet the following requirements:
- This is your first time attending DDP for the purpose of dismissing a traffic violation within the past 12 months. This is based on the date of the violation, not the date you last attended DDP.
- Your moving violation is listed on the Arizona court’s eligible moving violations list.
- Your violation was not issued in connection with an auto accident involving serious injury or death.
- You have not already paid your violation or been given a date for a trial or hearing. You must complete your DDP course no later than seven days prior to your court date.
- If you are a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, you must not have been operating your vehicle for commercial purposes at the time of the violation.
You can check your eligibility using the court’s online tool by entering your driver’s license number, date of birth and the date of the violation.
What Moving Violations Qualify for the DDP?
Not all moving violations qualify for the court diversion program. Only civil infractions are eligible, with the exception of criminal speeding (you will need to contact the court for permission for this violation). Examples of eligible violations are traffic light violations, failure to stop at an intersection, failure to yield the right-of-way and unsafe passing,
Check the program’s eligibility list for the specific statute listed on your moving violation to see if you qualify. If you are permitted to attend DDP, completing the program makes you eligible to have only one violation dismissed.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Defensive Driving Program?
Fees for the Defensive Driving Program vary based on jurisdiction and the traffic school chosen. The total cost to attend includes a court diversion fee, state fee and surcharge, and the school fee. You can look up the individual cost of court and state fees by county on the Supreme Court’s website.
Finding an Approved Defensive Driving Class Near You
You can search for a court-approved defensive driving class to dismiss your citation by scrolling down to the bottom of the court’s DDP page and entering your court date. This will bring you to a page that allows you to search by zip code, address, proximity to you, type of school, class time and language. You can also access the list of certified schools by phone at 1-888-334-5565.
DDP courses are available in person (classroom course) and online. In some situations, a judge will specifically order the class to be completed in person. If you have additional questions about the Defensive Driving Program in Arizona, visit the court’s FAQ page or contact a specific driving school near you to inquire about their course. You can also contact the court with questions or concerns at [email protected].
