Point Reduction in Arizona

Determine Your “Course” of Action

Per Arizona’s Defensive Driving Program, drivers can enroll in a defensive driving course to:

• Satisfy a traffic citation. This means the ticket will be dismissed.
• Avoid point accumulation related to the traffic violation.
• Prevent an increase in auto insurance rates.

Driver Eligibility

To be eligible for a defensive driving course:

• You must not have completed a course in the last 24 months.
• Your violation must be listed as an eligible violation.
• The citation can’t be related to a serious injury or fatal accident.
• The citation can’t be associated with a CDL.

Choosing a Course

Arizona approves a multitude of course formats, including online driving schools. For many drivers, choosing an online course is the best option as it allows them to work the course into their own schedules.

As you’re choosing your course, keep in mind:

• The Defensive Driving Program is partly designed to reduce caseloads, so you can choose to complete a course or go to court―not both.
• You must complete the course seven days prior to the hearing date printed on your ticket. (This is another reason online courses are convenient options for many drivers.)
• You can change your mind about attending the course only if you haven’t started the course yet. Also, you can’t get a refund if you’ve already started the course.

Course Registration

Each course sets its own registration requirements, but be prepared to:

• Show government-issued identification.
• Present a copy of your traffic ticket.
• Pay for the course.

Traffic Survivor School

Don’t confuse the Defensive Driving Program with Traffic Survivor School; Traffic Survival School is a completely different ballgame. These courses are designed for drivers who:

• Have committed serious violations.
• Have a high number of points on their driving records.
• Are at risk for license suspension.

Typically, courts order Traffic Survivor School.

Complete an AZ Driving Safety Course

Regardless of the course provider you choose, AZ requires the class to last at least four hours, but no more than four-and-a-half hours, and you must complete the course at least seven days before the hearing date printed on your ticket. If you can’t complete the course in time, it’s up to the judge’s discretion to grant you one continuance.

Submit Requirements to the Court

Some defensive driving schools electronically report completion directly to the court; others provide tangible completion certificates for drivers to present. Once you choose a course, that program’s administrator or instructor will notify you of the school’s policy.

Check Your Arizona Driving Record

Once you complete a defensive driving course and the court receives your completion certification, check your driving record to make sure:

• Your traffic violation doesn’t show up. If the citation does appear on your record, contact the court that handled your ticket.
• No points were added to your record. If you do find points that shouldn’t be there, contact the MVD first; you might need to contact the court later.

Keeping an eye on your driving record is important; if you accumulate too many points, you could lose your driving privileges.

Get an Auto Insurance Discount

Some auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who voluntarily enroll in defensive driving courses. Talk with you agent about the possibility.

Keep in mind that because completing a defensive driving course dismisses your ticket and prevents point accumulation, your auto insurance rates won’t increase due to the citation.

NOTE: If you’re not eligible to take a course and opt to plead guilty (or are found guilty during a hearing), you’re at risk for higher insurance rates the next time you renew your policy and might need to shop around for more affordable coverage.