How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record in Arizona?
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record in Arizona?
In Arizona, points from traffic violations remain on your driving record for a period of 39 months. While these points may hold less impact on potential license suspension after 12 months, they still contribute to your overall point accumulation. It is essential to monitor your points, as accumulating too many within a specific time frame may result in penalties, including license suspension or mandatory Traffic Survival School attendance. By practicing safe driving habits and adhering to traffic laws, you can maintain a clean driving record and avoid the consequences of accumulating points in Arizona.
As a trusted criminal defense law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, Chelle Law is here to guide you through the complex world of traffic violations and points on your driving record. In this blog post, we’ll explore how long points stay on your driving record in Arizona, and what you can do to keep your record clean. Our goal is to provide you with valuable information and help you stay informed about Arizona traffic laws.
Understanding the Arizona Point System
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) uses a point system to track traffic violations and enforce safe driving habits. Under this system, drivers receive points on their records for various traffic offenses. The more severe the offense, the more points you’ll receive. Here is a breakdown of common violations and their corresponding points:
- DUI: 8 points
- Reckless driving: 8 points
- Aggressive driving: 8 points
- Speeding: 3 points
- Running a red light or stop sign: 4 points
- Failure to yield: 4 points
For a complete list of violations and their point values, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
What Is the Duration of Points on Your Driving Record in Arizona?
In Arizona, points remain on your driving record for a period of 12 months (1 year) from the date of the violation. After this period, the points will be automatically removed from your record.
However, it’s important to note that insurance companies may still consider these points when determining your insurance rates. They may keep track of your driving history for up to five years. To learn more about how insurance companies use your driving record, visit the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
If you accumulate 8 or more points within a 12-month period, you may face serious consequences, such as:
- Mandatory attendance at Traffic Survival School (TSS)
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Increased insurance rates
In some cases, ADOT may even require you to attend TSS for specific violations, regardless of the total number of points on your record.
How to Reduce Points on Your Driving Record
While you can’t remove points from your driving record early, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of points on your record and avoid future violations:
- Attend Traffic Survival School (TSS): Depending on your situation, attending TSS may reduce points on your record or prevent a license suspension. Check with ADOT for eligibility.
- Practice safe driving habits: Follow all traffic laws, avoid distracted driving, and stay vigilant on the road.
- Monitor your driving record: Request a copy of your driving record from ADOT to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Conclusion
At Chelle Law, we understand how important it is to maintain a clean driving record. Knowing how long points stay on your driving record in Arizona and the steps you can take to avoid accumulating points is essential for all drivers.
Turn to Chelle Law for expert criminal defense representation when dealing with accusations of a crime in Scottsdale.
