Have you received a traffic citation in Arizona and are considering Traffic School Online? It’s a smart move that can help keep points off your driving record. But before you enroll, it’s important to understand if you meet the eligibility requirements for Arizona’s defensive driving program, whether you choose to attend in person or online.
| Hands on steering wheel, representing driving and traffic school. |
Arizona Traffic School Eligibility: Key Requirements
Arizona has specific rules about who can attend traffic school, also known as defensive driving school. To determine if you are eligible to dismiss your traffic ticket through a certified program, carefully review the following criteria. Eligibility is checked by the traffic school when you register, ensuring a smooth process for those who qualify.
12-Month Rule: Prior Traffic School Attendance
A primary condition is that you must not have attended a defensive driving course for a previous traffic violation within the last 12 months. Crucially, eligibility is based on the date of your current violation, not when you last attended traffic school. This means even if you took a course 11 months ago, you are not eligible for a new violation now.
Eligible Violation List
Your current traffic violation must be on the state’s list of eligible violations. Not all tickets qualify for dismissal through traffic school. Generally, minor traffic offenses are eligible, but it’s essential to verify your specific violation. You can usually find this list on the Arizona court or Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website.
No Serious Accidents
If your traffic violation was connected to a serious injury accident or a fatal accident, you are not eligible for traffic school. These more severe incidents typically involve different legal procedures and consequences that traffic school cannot resolve.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders
Good news for CDL holders! As of September 1, 2019, you may be eligible for defensive driving in Arizona under specific conditions:
- You must have been driving a vehicle requiring a Class D or Class M license (standard non-commercial licenses).
- The vehicle must not have been used for commercial purposes at the time of the violation.
- You must meet all other standard eligibility requirements for non-commercial drivers.
This allows CDL holders to benefit from traffic school for violations received while driving their personal vehicles, helping them maintain a clean driving record.
Completing Traffic School: What to Expect
Upon successful completion of an Arizona-certified defensive driving program, the court will be notified, and importantly, no points will be assessed to your driving record. This is a significant benefit, as points can lead to increased insurance rates and potential license suspension.
Important Deadlines and Course Formats
- Course Completion Deadline: You must complete your chosen traffic school course at least 7 days before your court date. Missing this deadline can result in your ticket not being dismissed.
- Online or In-Person Options: Arizona offers flexibility. You can take traffic school online for convenience or in a traditional classroom setting. However, if a judge specifically orders in-person attendance, you must choose a classroom course. For most individuals seeking a convenient and flexible option, traffic school online is an excellent choice.
Finding Your Traffic School Online
Ready to find a traffic school online? Arizona certified defensive driving schools are readily available. You can search online for “Arizona traffic school online” to find a list of approved providers. Ensure the school you choose is state-certified to guarantee your course completion is accepted by the court.
Remember to have your citation information handy when you register for traffic school. This will allow the school to quickly verify your eligibility and get you started on the path to dismissing your ticket and improving your driving knowledge through traffic school online.
