Eligibility Requirements Overview

Not all traffic violations qualify for defensive driving school in Arizona. Before enrolling in a course, you need to verify that your specific violation meets the state's eligibility criteria. This page outlines what makes you eligible—and what doesn't.

The good news is that most common traffic violations do qualify for defensive driving school. The bad news is that serious violations, extreme speeding, and DUI-related charges do not. Let's walk through the rules so you can determine if you're eligible.

The Once-Every-12-Months Rule

The most important eligibility requirement is the "once every 12 months" rule. Even if you're eligible for defensive driving school based on your violation type, you can only use the program once per calendar year.

This means:

• If you used defensive driving school on March 15, 2024, you cannot use it again until March 15, 2025
• You cannot use it for multiple tickets within the same 12-month period
• If you have two eligible violations, you must choose which one to dismiss
• The other violation will require you to pay the fine or fight it in court

Check our complete defensive driving guide for more information about this rule and how to strategize which violation to use your one-time annual opportunity on.

Eligible Violations for Defensive Driving School

The following violations are typically eligible for defensive driving school in Arizona, subject to court approval:

Violation Type	Typical Points	Eligible?
Speeding (under 10 mph over limit)	1 point	✓ YES
Speeding (11-15 mph over limit)	2 points	✓ YES
Red light violation	3 points	✓ YES
Stop sign violation	2 points	✓ YES
Improper lane change	1 point	✓ YES
Following too closely	2 points	✓ YES
Failure to yield right of way	3 points	✓ YES
Expired vehicle registration	0 points	✓ YES
Expired vehicle inspection	0 points	✓ YES
Equipment violation (lights, etc.)	0 points	✓ YES
Unsafe turn	1-2 points	✓ YES
Failure to signal	1 point	✓ YES
Minor reckless driving	2 points	✓ YES*

*Minor reckless driving charges may be eligible, but this depends on court determination. Always verify with the court that issued your citation.

Ineligible Violations for Defensive Driving School

The following violations do not qualify for defensive driving school. If you received a citation for any of these, you'll need to either pay the fine or fight the citation in court—defensive driving school is not an option.

Ineligible Violation	Reason Not Eligible
Extreme speeding (20+ mph over limit)	Serious violation; considered reckless
DUI or DWI	Criminal charge; not eligible for school dismissal
Reckless driving (serious)	Criminal charge; class B misdemeanor
Hit and run	Criminal charge; felony
Driving with suspended license	Criminal violation; license privilege issue
Driving with revoked license	Criminal violation; license privilege issue
Commercial Driver's License violations	Commercial vehicle regulation
Commercial vehicle violations	Trucking/commercial regulation
Traffic violation causing injury/death	Serious consequence; criminal in nature
Fleeing from police	Criminal charge; felony
Eluding police	Criminal charge; dangerous driving
Street racing	Criminal charge; class B misdemeanor

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Use this checklist to quickly determine if you might be eligible for defensive driving school:

How to Verify Your Eligibility

Step 1: Review Your Citation

Look at the traffic citation you received. It will list the specific violation(s) you're charged with. Compare this to the eligible violations list above.

Step 2: Check Your Driving Record

You can obtain a copy of your Arizona driving record from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in person, by mail, or online at azdot.gov. Review your record to confirm when you last used defensive driving school, if ever. You need to ensure it's been at least 12 months since your last use.

Step 3: Contact the Court

Call the court that issued your citation. The court phone number is on your citation. Ask if your specific violation qualifies for diversion to defensive driving school. Different courts may have different policies, so it's important to ask directly.

When you contact the court, have the following information ready:

• Your case number (on your citation)
• Your name and date of birth
• The date of your violation
• The specific violation you're charged with

Step 4: Request Diversion

If the court approves your eligibility, request diversion to defensive driving school. The court will give you instructions on how to enroll. You typically have a specific timeframe (usually 30-60 days) to complete the course.

What If You're Not Eligible?

If your violation does not qualify for defensive driving school, you still have options:

Pay the Fine

You can pay the fine listed on your citation. This resolves the ticket, but the violation will appear on your driving record and points will be added to your record (unless it was a zero-point violation).

Traffic Court

You can request a court date and fight the ticket. If successful, the violation is dismissed. If unsuccessful, you'll owe the fine plus court costs. Many drivers hire traffic attorneys for this purpose, though you can represent yourself.

Request a Reduced Charge

In some cases, you can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser violation that might be eligible for defensive driving school. This requires working with the court and possibly hiring an attorney.

Traffic Survival School (TSS)

If you're not eligible for defensive driving school but have accumulated 4+ points in 12 months, you may be ordered to complete Traffic Survival School. While TSS doesn't dismiss tickets, it can help prevent or reduce license suspension. Learn more about Traffic Survival School.

Special Circumstances and Questions

I've Already Used Defensive Driving School Once This Year

Unfortunately, you cannot use it again until 12 months have passed since your last completion. If you have another violation in the meantime, you'll need to either pay the fine or contest it in court.

My Violation Was Out of State

Arizona defensive driving school only applies to violations that occurred in Arizona. Out-of-state violations must be handled according to the laws of the state where the violation occurred. Contact the court in that state for your options.

Will Defensive Driving School Show on My Record if I'm Not Approved?

If you're not approved for diversion or your case is not dismissed, you'll need to address the violation through other means. The violation will appear on your record with the consequence (points, fine, etc.) unless it's later dismissed.

I Have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Unfortunately, defensive driving school is not available for CDL holders. You'll need to address the violation through other means. Some serious violations may result in CDL suspension, so consult with an attorney about your options.