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General Information
If you received a civil traffic moving violation, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving class and have the violation dismissed. If you choose this option, and are eligible, the violation will not be included on your driving record and no points will be assessed to you for the violation.
If you have received an Arizona Department of Public Safety photo enforcement “notice of violation,” the ticket cannot be dismissed by attending a defensive driving school.
A civil traffic moving violation is a traffic violation that results from the operation (or movement) of a vehicle, such as speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, etc. Arizona law provides that major violations like DUI, reckless driving, or other criminal violations are not eligible for defensive driving class, nor are citations that are issued to you as a result of a collision that seriously injured or killed any person. Your citation has a check box by each violation that indicates whether it is criminal or civil. One criminal violation is eligible IF the judge presiding at the court of jurisdiction allows; this violation is Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-701.02 and its subsections (criminal speeding).
Information on defensive driving eligible violations is normally included with your citation. If you chose to attend a defensive driving school and are eligible, information can be found at.
2. Phone line: (888) 334-5565
Benefits for attending and completing a defensive driving class:
· No points are assessed to your motor vehicle record
· Your insurance rate does not go up
· You will learn valuable traffic information, driving techniques and laws
What is required of students?
Students must provide the required paperwork (traffic citation) and pay the class fee prior to beginning the class. All participants must provide adequate, government issued driver license or identification and affirm they are eligible to attend.
All participants must conduct themselves appropriately and not disrupt the class.
Students are expected to be attentive and participate in the class while respecting the rights of others.
Outside activities are not allowed. Students may not read personal materials, use electronic devices, or be out of the classroom except for the use of restrooms, while class is in session.
All students must complete the entire class in order to receive a completion certificate.
How to Sign Up for a Class.
Registration and eligibility questions are best directed to the defensive driving school you have selected. In most cases, your attendance is totally arranged and handled by the school, and they report your attendance to the court. You should not find it necessary to deal with the court unless the court has given you specific instructions to do so.
General Questions about Defensive Driving Class
What is a Defensive Driving Class?
A defensive driving class is a course in traffic and vehicle safety intended to teach (or remind) drivers about safe driving attitudes and techniques. Defensive driving schools are private businesses certified by the Arizona Supreme Court that provide these classes for the benefit of the public and the courts.
Am I Eligible for a Defensive Driving Class and How Often Can I Attend?
You may attend defensive driving school if you have been cited for a civil traffic moving violation or a related local ordinance violation as specified in Arizona Revised Statutes 28-3392(A). Courts may also allow attendance for a criminal speeding violation of Arizona Revised Statutes 28-701.02. A person can only attend a class once every 12 months (violation date to violation date) for a permissible violation. Defensive driving schools can answer specific eligibility questions for you.
May I Attend a Defensive Driving Class for More Than One Violation?
No. You are allowed to attend for one eligible violation once every 12 months.
Will Points be Added to My Driving Record?
No. Once you complete a defensive driving class, the citation is dismissed.
What Information is Required to Register for a Defensive Driving Class?
Schools are required to verify your identity with a Government issued ID prior to attendance. Schools are required to collect and retain a copy of your citation and a copy of a court order if one has been issued. Some schools process registration by phone and require prepayment, while others register by phone but collect payment at class. Most schools require payment by money order or cashier's check only. You should check with the school to make sure you have all the necessary documents to attend.
Is the Fee the Same for All Defensive Driving Classes?
No. The fees vary for each jurisdiction. So the total amount each person pays can be different.
What Defensive Driving School Should I Attend?
You may attend, in most cases, any Arizona certified Defensive Driving School. You must complete the class, including testing, 7 days prior to your court date.
How is the Supreme Court Involved with Defensive Driving Schools?
The Supreme Court, through its Administrative Office, is the certifying and monitoring agency for defensive driving schools, and administers the Defensive Driving Program for Arizona's courts. The Administrative Office of the Courts sets standards for schools and classes, and monitors them to ensure a quality program for both the public and the courts.
If I Do Not Attend, Can I Get a Refund?
If you do not begin the class, you may be eligible for a refund, please contact the school you registered with. If you are within 7 days of your arraignment date and would still like to attend a defensive driving course, some courts allow schools to give extensions on their behalf, click here to see a list of these courts. If your court is not listed on this table, you must contact the court for an extension. The Arizona Supreme Court does not grant traffic citation extensions.
You must complete the class including testing time at least 7 days prior to your court date.
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