Most traffic citations that are given out by law enforcement are considered civil violations. These include running a stoplight, speeding, making an illegal turn, crossing the street illegally, or a parking meter violation. The penalty for a civil traffic infraction is usually a fine. Additionally, points may be assessed on your driving record. An infraction is a non-criminal charge.
If you have Criminal Traffic or Misdemeanor violations included on your citation, you must appear before the judge on your scheduled appearance date.
Note: Failure to appear or pay will result in an admission of responsibility and judgment will be entered for the State.
Visit the Forms and Form Kits page to view and download forms related to traffic cases.
Civil Traffic Violations
- Options
VIEW THE JUSTICE COURT FINE SCHEDULE
If you received a traffic complaint, please review the following information. You must respond to the Court in person or, if eligible, use the options below, on or before the date/time indicated on your Citation. If after reviewing the information below you still have questions, please contact the Court directly.
The Justice Courts are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Excluding Holidays.
If you are under 18 years of age a parent/guardian must accompany you to court.
If you received a Citation out of the Kingman Municipal Court or Bullhead City Municipal Court, please see link below:
CRIMINAL CHARGES
If the charges indicate Criminal on your Citation you must appear in court on the date and time indicated on your citation. If you fail to appear a Warrant will be issued for your arrest. These actions may be reported to the Motor Vehicle Department which could affect your right to drive or re-register your vehicle.
CIVIL TRAFFIC CHARGES
Civil Traffic cases may be resolved prior to the appearance date on your citation by one of the following options:
DO NOT PAY YOUR COURT FINE IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL.
OPTION 1 – ATTEND DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL
Attending Defensive Driving School (DDS) provides the opportunity to have one eligible violation dismissed. You may complete DDS for one moving violation every 12 months. If you choose this option, and are eligible, you will not need to appear in Court and there will be no points assessed on your driving record. Visit azdrive.com for a full list of eligible violations.
If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you are eligible to attend DDS for dismissal of a citation if the violation occurred in a non-commercial motor vehicle.
The court will only accept classes certified by the Arizona Supreme Court. Visit azdrive.com or call the phone number below. You must complete the class including testing 7 days prior to your court date. Once registered, if you need more time to complete the class, you must request a continuance in writing.
- Driving School: azdrive.com
- Phone: 888-334-5565
OPTION 2 – PLEA RESPONSIBLE/PAY THE FINE
A civil traffic violation does not require a court appearance before the Judge if you enter a plea of responsible, waive your right to a hearing and pay the fine. If you choose this option, the conviction may appear on your driving record. The court is required to report moving violations and no insurance violations to the Motor Vehicle Division, which then may impose additional consequences upon your driving privileges.
Payment must be received by the Court prior to your court date. Payment can be made online at azcourtpay.com, by mail or in person.
If you intend to plea responsible and unable to pay the fine in full, you may request a time payment plan with the Court. A time payment fee of $20.00 will be assessed. Do not ignore your responsibility to pay, as this may result in additional penalties and costs to you.
Payment Options:
- PAY YOUR TRAFFIC TICKET ONLINE
- CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM
OPTION 3 – REQUEST A HEARING
Request a civil traffic hearing to contest the violation(s). If you request a hearing, you give up the option of attending a defensive driving school. The court will set a new court date for you to appear before the Judge. You will have the opportunity to present evidence and have witnesses testify on your behalf.
You may post a deposit that is equal to the fine amount. If you fail to appear on the new hearing date, your deposit will be forfeited. If you do not post a deposit prior to the hearing date, you must be prepared to pay the fine in full on the hearing date if you are found responsible.
To request a hearing, you can download the Request Hearing form below and submit by mail or email:
- REQUEST HEARING FORM
You will be notified by mail of your new court date. You may also appear in person to request a hearing.
JUSTICE COURT FINE SCHEDULE
Listed below are Violation Codes with amounts including mandatory surcharges and assessments. If the violation is not listed, contact the Court.
SPEED VIOLATIONS
28-701A 28-701 Accident $245.00 28-701#1 1-10 miles over $230.00 28-701#2 11-15 miles over $245.00 28-701#3 16-20 miles over $260.00 28-701#4 21-25 miles over $275.00 28-701#5 26-30 miles over $330.00 28-701#6 31-35 miles over $355.00 28-701#7 36-40 miles over $380.00 28-701#8 41+ miles over $405.00 28-702.01A Waste of Finite Resources $112.65 28-702.01C 55 M.P.H Zone 28-702.01#1 56-65 $230.00 28-702.01#2 66-70 $275.00 28-702.01#3 71-75 $290.00 28-702.01#4 76-80 $305.00 28-702.01#5 81-85 $330.00 28-702.01#6 86-90 $340.00 28-702.01#7 91-100 $355.00 28-702.01#8 101+ $410.00 28-702.04B 75 M.P.H 28-702.04#1 1-10 miles over $260.00 28-702.04#2 11-15 $275.00 28-702.04#3 16-20 $290.00 28-702.04#4 21-25 $330.00* 28-702.04#5 26-30 $355.00 28-702.04#6 31-35 $380.00 28-702.04#7 36-40 $405.00 28-702.04#8 41+ $430.00 28-701.02A1/A2/A3 Criminal Speed 28-701.02A#4 21-25 $345.00 28-701.02A5 26-30 $370.00 28-701.02A#6 31-35 $395.00 28-701.02A#7 36-40 $420.00 28-701.02A#8 41-50 $520.00 28-701.02A#9 51-60 $620.00 28-701.02A#10 61-70 $720.00 28-701.02A#11 71+ $790.00 TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
28-645a2a Red Light Violation $230.00 - If you are found responsible or enter a plea of
responsible for red light traffic control signals, including
flashing stop signals violations, you will be ordered by the
Motor Vehicle Department to attend and successfully
complete Traffic Survival School.28-727 No Passing Zone $225.00 28-703A Following Too Close $225.00 28-797F/G Speeding more than 15 mph
in school zone$264.80 28-855B Fail to Stop at Stop Sign $225.00 28-855C Fail to Obey Yield Sign $225.00 28-871A Violation of Stopping,
Standing or Parking$215.00 28-914A1A/A1B/A2 Use of Wireless Device
While Driving$264.80 First Offense
$443.80 Second Offense28-959.01 Excessive Window Tint $195.00 - The defendant may request to have the civil penalty
reduced or suspended, they can write a letter to the Judge and provide
written proof that the window tint is in compliance with the law.SEAT BELT/CHILD RESTRAINT VIOLATIONS
28-909 Lap and Shoulder Belt Required $103.70 28-907 Child Passenger Restraint System $175.30 - If issued for failing to equip the motor vehicle with child
restraint system and proof of subsequent remediation is presented
the Court shall suspend the civil penalty.Acceptable forms of proof: Proof of the actual child restraint system;
Present a photograph of the child restraint system installed in the
vehicle or proof of receipt that reflects the proof of purchase of a
child restraint system.REGISTRATION/DRIVER LICENSE VIOLATIONS
28-3151 Driving without a Valid Driver’s License $200.00 - Upon proof that defendant has become licensed
to drive after the violation occurred: the Court may reduce
the civil penalty to $160.00.28-3169 Failure to possess a Driver’s License While
Operating Motor Vehicle$195.00 - The charge will be dismissed if the defendant
can provide proof that driver’s license was current at the
time of violation. The proof must be received on/or prior
to defendant’s appearance date.28-2060A/B Fail to Transfer Registration/Title within 30 days $190.00 28-2153 Fail to Register a Vehicle for the Current Registration Year $210.00 - The court shall suspend civil penalty upon an
acceptable proof of current registration and registration
has not been expired for more than 30 days.28-2158C Fail to Carry Registration Card in Vehicle $210.00 - The Court shall suspend the total civil penalty
if Defendant provides proof a registration card that was
current at the time the violation occurred.28-2532A No Current Registration $622.80 - Upon acceptable proof of current registration in
this State the Court shall dismiss the violation. Proof such
as picture of Arizona license plate that reflects tags for the
current registration year; or a receipt from the MVD reflecting
the vehicle has been registered in this State.28-2533 Resident with Out of State Plates $622.80 28-2058A2B Fail to Register Transfer of Title within 30 Days $195.00 28-3475 Permit Unauthorized Person to Drive $230.00 INSURANCE VIOLATIONS
28-4135A No mandatory Insurance *A.R.S. 28-4135A Fail to Possess or Present Evidence of Financial
Responsibility. Violation carries a fine ranging from $980.80 to $1875.80.
The violation is not dismissible but may be reduced to $320.00.
Defendant would need to present an acceptable form of BOTH of the following:That the Defendant has not been found responsible for a violation of
section 28-4135 within the past twenty-four months or not more
than one violation within the past thirty-six months as evidenced
by the Defendant’s driving record; and that the Defendant has purchased
a six-month policy of insurance that meets the requirement of A.R.S. 28-4009.28-4135B/C No Proof of Insurance *A.R.S 28-4135B/C Failure to Present Proof of Insurance.
Violation carries a fine ranging from $980.80 to $1875.80.
If insurance was current at the time, the charge may be dismissed
when proof is provided to the Court. Acceptable form of proof
would be presentation of a current insurance card or insurance
document that reflects the motor vehicle was insured at the time
violation occurred.28-4139A Mandatory Insurance Suspended Plate A.R.S. 28-4139A Displaying a License Plate with Suspended
Registration of License Plate. Violation carries a fine amount
of $533.30. Charge may be dismissed if Defendant presents
a Mandatory Insurance Suspension Clearance Letter form
the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.TRUCKING VIOLATIONS
FMC 392.16 No Seat Belt $310.00 FMC 392.82 Use of Handheld Mobile Device $310.00 FMC 393-100A No or Improper Load Securement $310.00 FMC 395.3A1 11 Hour Rule Violation $310.00 FMC 395.3A2 14 Hour Rule Violation $310.00 FMC 395.3B2 70 Hour Rule Violation $360.00 FMC 395.8A No Record Duty Status $310.00 FMC 395.8F1 Fail to Keep Entries Current $310.00 FMC 383.23A2 No Commercial Driver’s License $310.00 FMC 392.29A No Operating Authority $310.00 FMC 392.71A Radar Detector $310.00 FMC 393.60D Window Tint $310.00 - Appeal Process
After the conclusion of a civil traffic hearing, the State or the defendant may appeal the judge's ruling. The appeal procedure is set forth in Rules of Court Procedure for Civil Traffic and Civil Boating Violations and in the Arizona Revised Statutes.
To start an appeal, a Notice of Appeal must be filed with the originating court within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the final order. If a Notice of Appeal is not filed within 14 calendar days, the final order can no longer be appealed.
There are two stages to the appeal process. The first stage begins in the Justice/Municipal Court; the second stage takes place in the Superior Court. All steps must be completed at both stages to avoid possible dismissal of the appeal.
The person who files the appeal is the Appellant. The opposing party is the Appellee. The Justice/Municipal Court is the trial court.
If the fine has been paid in full, the fine may be held as a bond throughout the appeal process. If the option of a payment plan is provided by the court, the defendant must remain compliant with the agreed upon terms during the appeal process.Visit the Forms and Form Kits page for an appeal packet and instructions
Criminal Traffic Violations
- Introduction
If you have been charged with a criminal traffic violation, you have the following rights:
- The right to a trial before a justice of the peace, and in some cases, before a jury.
- The right to be represented by an attorney at all stages of the case. In some cases, if you are unable to pay for an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney for you. You will have to provide evidence that you are indigent or are unable to afford an attorney. The court may require that you contribute a reasonable amount toward attorney fees.
- The right to confront witnesses and cross-examine them as to the truthfulness of their testimony.
- The right to have subpoenas issued by the court at no cost to you to compel the attendance of witnesses.
- The right to remain silent and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The right to appeal. There is not right to appeal a guilty plea.
- Options
At an initial appearance/arraignment you will be informed of the charge(s) against you and their possible maximum and minimum penalties. At this time, you will enter a plea to the charge(s). You have the following plea options:
Not Guilty
A plea of Not Guilty means that you are denying the charge(s) against you and the State will have to prove the charge(s). At this time, you may request court appointed counsel. A Pre-Trial Conference will be set at a later date, and you will be ordered to appear.
Guilty
A plea of Guilty means that you are admitting that you did what you are charged with. It will result in a conviction for the charge(s). You may be sentenced at this time, or a Judgment and Sentencing will be set later.
No Contest
A plea of No Contest means that you are not admitting or denying guilt, but do not intend to contest the charge(s). In this case, the Judge will find you guilty of the charge(s). It will result in a conviction for the charge(s).
- Pre-Trial Conference
It is mandatory that you attend the Pre-Trial Conference. You should appear with your attorney, if you have one. If you do not attend the Pre-Trial Conference, you will be in violation of a court order and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
The purpose of a Pre-Trial Conference is for you to meet with a Prosecutor to discuss your case. You will get a copy of the police report. The Prosecutor will advise you of the sentence he/she intends to recommend in the event you are convicted. You will have the following choices:
- You can accept the plea agreement with the prosecutor and change your plea to Guilty or No Contest. You will receive a court date for a Change of Plea. At that time, you will be sentenced to the terms that you have agreed to in the plea agreement unless the Judge does not accept it. If this happens, you have a right to withdraw your change of plea.
- If you reject the plea agreement, a Court Trial will be set for your case.
- Court Trial
You will appear at the Court Trial with your attorney if you have one representing you. The Prosecutor will present the State’s case. You or your attorney will have the right to cross-examine each witness for the State. You may testify on your own behalf. If you do testify, you will be subject to cross-examination by the Prosecutor.
If you are found Not Guilty, any bond that you have posted will be refunded. If you are found Guilty, you may be sentenced at that time or set for sentencing at a later date. If found Guilty, you have the right to appeal the conviction and/or sentence by filing a notice of appeal within fourteen (14) days from the sentencing date. The appeal is a review of the case. You would not automatically receive a new trial.
The following violations require an appearance before the Judge:
ARS 28-693A
Reckless DrivingARS 28-695
Aggressive Driving
ARS 28-661A1
Leaving the Scene of an Accident/ Personal Injury
ARS 28-661A2
Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident/Personal Injury
ARS 28-708A
Racing on Highway
ARS 28-1381A1
Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drug
ARS 28-1381A2
Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor with A Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or More
ARS 28-1381A3
Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs or Metabolite
ARS 28-1381A4
Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor in a Commercial Vehicle with A Blood Alcohol Content of .04 or More
ARS 28-1382A
Driving While Under the Extreme Influence of Intoxicating Liquor
ARS 28-3473A
Driving While Driver’s License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled- Appeal Process
After the conclusion of a criminal trial, the State or the defendant may appeal the court’s ruling. The appeal procedure is set forth in Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure and in the Arizona Revised Statutes.
To start an appeal, a Notice of Appeal must be filed with the trial court within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the final order. If a Notice of Appeal is not filed within 14 calendar days, the final order can no longer be appealed.
There are two stages to the appeal process. The first stage begins in the Justice/Municipal Court; the second stage takes place in the Superior Court. All steps must be completed at both stages to avoid possible dismissal of the appeal.
The person who files the appeal is the Appellant. The opposing party is the Appellee. The Justice/Municipal Court is the trial court.Visit the Forms and Form Kits page for a complete appeal packet and instructions.