Speeding in Arizona isn’t just a minor traffic infraction—it can quickly escalate into a serious legal issue. Arizona has some of the strictest speeding laws in the country, and drivers who exceed the speed limit by even a small margin can face hefty fines, points on their license, increased insurance rates, and even criminal charges.
If you drive in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand the state’s speeding laws to avoid legal trouble and keep yourself and others safe on the road. Let’s discuss what every driver should know about Arizona’s strict speeding regulations, the penalties involved, and what to do if you get a speeding ticket.
Understanding Arizona’s Speeding Laws
Arizona classifies speeding into three main categories: civil speeding, excessive speeding, and criminal speeding. Each carries different levels of penalties, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving.
1. Civil Speeding Violation (Regular Speeding Ticket)
This is the most common type of speeding offense. You can be cited for a civil speeding violation if you:
- Exceed the posted speed limit but not by an extreme amount.
- Drive too fast for road or weather conditions (even if you’re within the speed limit).
A civil speeding ticket usually results in a fine and points on your license, but it does not lead to criminal charges. However, multiple violations can still cause license suspension and insurance increases.
2. Excessive Speeding (Criminal Speeding Charge)
Arizona law defines excessive speeding as:
- Driving more than 20 mph over the posted limit in a residential or business area.
- Exceeding 85 mph on any roadway, regardless of the posted speed limit.
- Driving more than 35 mph in a school zone.
Unlike a civil speeding ticket, excessive speeding is a criminal offense (Class 3 misdemeanor). This means that instead of just a fine, you could face a criminal record, court appearances, and even jail time.
3. Reckless Driving and Racing (Felony or Misdemeanor)
Speeding combined with reckless behavior can lead to more serious charges, such as:
- Reckless driving – Speeding in a way that endangers others.
- Street racing – Engaging in any form of competitive speed driving on public roads.
These offenses can result in felony charges, which carry harsh penalties, including license suspension, probation, or prison time.
The Penalties for Speeding in Arizona
Arizona’s strict approach to speeding means that penalties can be severe, even for a first-time offender. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Fines and Court Fees
- Civil speeding fines typically range from $150 to $500, depending on how fast you were going.
- Criminal speeding fines can be significantly higher, sometimes exceeding $1,000.
- If your case goes to court, you may also have to pay court fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to your total cost.
2. Points on Your License
Arizona uses a point system to track traffic violations. The more points you accumulate, the higher your risk of license suspension.
- Regular speeding: 3 points
- Excessive speeding: 3 points
- Reckless driving: 8 points
- Racing: 8 points
Accumulating 8 or more points within 12 months can result in a license suspension or mandatory defensive driving courses.
3. Insurance Increases
Insurance companies view speeding violations—especially criminal speeding—as a sign of high-risk driving behavior. A single criminal speeding conviction can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, sometimes by 50% or more.
4. Possible Jail Time and Probation
- Criminal speeding is punishable by up to 30 days in jail for a first offense.
- Reckless driving or racing can lead to up to 6 months in jail and probation.
- Repeat offenses can increase jail time and lead to harsher penalties.
5. License Suspension
- If you’re convicted of excessive speeding or reckless driving, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) may suspend your license for up to a year.
- Habitual offenders risk longer suspensions or permanent revocation.
What to Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket in Arizona
If you’ve been cited for speeding in Arizona, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here’s what you should do:
1. Review the Ticket Carefully
Check:
- The type of violation (civil, excessive, or reckless).
- The speed recorded versus the posted limit.
- The location and conditions at the time of the ticket.
2. Consider Your Options
You usually have three choices when dealing with a speeding ticket:
- Pay the Fine – If it’s a civil speeding violation, you can pay the fine and accept the points on your record.
- Attend Defensive Driving School – In some cases, you can take a state-approved driving course to dismiss the ticket and avoid points on your license.
- Fight the Ticket in Court – If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or want to try to reduce the penalties, you can hire a lawyer and challenge the charges.
3. Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer (For Criminal Speeding Charges)
If you’re facing a criminal speeding charge, legal representation is highly recommended. A criminal defense lawyer can:
- Negotiate a reduced charge (e.g., from criminal speeding to a civil infraction).
- Challenge the evidence, such as faulty radar readings or incorrect speed limit signage.
- Help you avoid or minimize penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Many Arizona drivers have successfully defended their cases with the help of the top criminal speeding attorney in Arizona. Their proven track record and deep knowledge of local traffic laws make them a trusted choice in high-stakes speeding cases.
4. Don’t Ignore the Ticket
Failing to respond to a speeding ticket in Arizona can result in:
- Additional fines
- License suspension
- A possible arrest warrant for criminal speeding charges
How to Avoid Speeding Tickets in Arizona
Preventing a speeding ticket is always easier than dealing with one. Here are some tips to stay within the law:
- Know the speed limits – Pay attention to posted signs, especially in school zones and highways.
- Use cruise control – Helps maintain a steady, legal speed on long drives.
- Watch for speed traps – Certain areas, like construction zones, are heavily monitored by law enforcement.
- Avoid distractions – Checking your phone or adjusting the radio can cause you to speed without realizing it.
- Give yourself extra time – Running late increases the temptation to speed.
Final Thoughts
Arizona takes speeding violations very seriously, with some of the toughest criminal speeding laws in the U.S. If you’re caught exceeding the speed limit by too much, you could face high fines, a criminal record, and even jail time.
If you’ve received a speeding ticket or criminal speeding charge, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options. In many cases, hiring a traffic defense attorney can help reduce the impact on your record, finances, and future driving privileges.
Have you ever received a speeding ticket in Arizona? What was your experience? Let’s discuss ways to navigate Arizona’s strict speeding laws and stay on the right side of the law!
