DMV Point System in Arizona

Violation Point Values

The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) assesses points against your permanent driving record each time you are convicted of, or forfeit bail for, a moving violation.

• DUI (blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, 0.04% if commercial vehicle): 8 points

• Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15% or higher): 8 points

• Reckless driving: 8 points

• Aggressive driving: 8 points

• Leaving the scene of an accident: 6 points

• Running a traffic signal or stop sign or failing to yield, thus causing death: 6 points

• Running a traffic signal or stop sign or failing to yield, thus causing serious injury: 4 points

• Speeding: 3 points

• Driving over an area where one or more of the lanes diverge to go in a different direction (gore area): 3 points

• All other driving violations: 2 points

Losing Your License

Different violations have different point values, but some have such high value that they invalidate your license immediately:

• Operating a vehicle under the influence of a drug

• Committing homicide or aggravated assault with a vehicle

• Committing a felony in which a vehicle is used

• Lying to the MVD under oath

• Failing to stop if you are involved in a traffic accident

• Participating in a drive-by shooting

Additionally, two incidences of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), racing, or reckless driving will automatically invalidate your driver license.

For less serious offenses, points can be accrued until you reach eight in a 12-month period, at which time you will be required to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS) or have your license suspended.

Traffic Survival School

TSS courses are designed to educate drivers about the dangers of disregarding traffic and safety laws. Teen drivers will be required to attend a TSS on their very first moving violation conviction.

You can attend TSS only once every 24 months, and only if you have less than 13 points on your record.

Motor Vehicle Records

When you accrue points, they're put onto your driving record, or motor vehicle record (MVR). Convictions stay on your record for five years.

Reinstating Your License after Suspension

The process of reinstating your license depends on the severity of your violation. If the reason for your suspension was minor and its term has ended, you may be able to complete the reinstatement process online with a credit card.

However, if the court ordered your suspension, it must also clear you before you can apply to have your driver license reinstated. If this is case, you may also require an SR-22, or certification of future proof of liability, from your insurance company. For details on your case, you can visit one of the more than 100 MVD offices.

When you have gathered the appropriate paperwork, you must return to the MVD, as you will be required to pay a series of fees. You are actually reapplying for a driver license, so you may be required to take the appropriate vision, written, and behind-the-wheel tests as well.

Reinstating Your License after Revocation

To reinstate your driver license after it has been revoked, you must first obtain an investigation packet by calling the MVD at (800) 251-5866. After you return the completed packet to the MVD, it will take between seven and 10 days to investigate your case.

You will be notified if your request has been approved, at which time you can return to the MVD to reapply for a driver license. In addition to paying the reinstatement and reapplication fees, you may need to take the vision, written, and behind-the-wheel examinations associated with getting a new license.

If, on the other hand, the MVD does not accept your request for reinstatement, you have the option to request an Administrative Hearing to plead your case or wait one more year before reapplying.

Checking the Status of Your License

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report.

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