If you recently received a traffic ticket in Arizona, you’re probably not feeling too thrilled. The flashing lights, the fine, the points on your license—none of it sounds like a good time. But what if we told you that being eligible to take an Arizona Defensive Driving Course could actually be a blessing in disguise?
Why Take a Defensive Driving Course in Arizona?
Arizona’s Defensive Driving Program offers drivers the opportunity to dismiss a qualifying traffic citation and avoid points on their driving record. But that’s not all. Here are the main reasons people opt to take the course:
1. Dismiss a Traffic Citation
Most people take the course to have a traffic ticket dismissed. Arizona law allows eligible drivers to complete a state-approved course once every 12 months to remove one eligible violation from their record.
2. Prevent Points on Your Driving Record
Arizona uses a point system to monitor driver behavior. Too many points can lead to license suspension, higher insurance premiums, and mandatory traffic school. By taking the defensive driving course, you can avoid those points entirely.
3. Keep Insurance Rates Lower
While not guaranteed, many insurance providers may view the course completion favorably, especially if it keeps your record clean. Avoiding points also helps prevent those premium spikes after a ticket.
4. Learn Something New (Yes, Really)
You might be surprised at how much you forgot since your first driver’s ed course. Modern defensive driving courses cover crucial skills like hazard recognition, crash avoidance, and safe driving strategies for different conditions.
The Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
The fees for taking a defensive driving course in Arizona are broken down into several parts:
- Course Fee: Typically between $30 and $50, depending on the provider.
- State Fee: $24, set by the Arizona Supreme Court.
- Court Diversion Fee: Varies by court but often ranges from $50 to $200. Different courts charge different fees.
- Processing Fee: Sometimes charged for online registration, generally $10. Arizona providers must collect the full payment, including the fees that are then sent to Arizona and the respective court, so this processing fee helps cover the fees they must pay the credit card processor to collect the full payment.
All together, most drivers pay between $120 and $300 to complete the course and resolve their citation.
Does It Actually Work?
Yes—and there’s data to back that up. According to studies conducted in multiple states, including Arizona, drivers who complete a defensive driving course are significantly less likely to reoffend or be involved in future collisions compared to those who do not.
In fact, the Arizona Supreme Court’s Defensive Driving Program has reported a measurable decrease in recidivism among participants. Drivers who take the course are more aware of traffic laws and more likely to practice safe driving habits.
A Blessing in Disguise
It might sound counterintuitive, but a traffic ticket can be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. Many drivers go years without brushing up on the rules of the road. Taking this course seriously can help correct bad habits before they become dangerous ones.
Think about it: how many of us actually remember the proper following distance in rainy conditions, or the correct way to navigate a roundabout? A defensive driving course isn’t just a hoop to jump through—it’s a chance to relearn vital skills that could save your life.
Final Thoughts
No one enjoys getting a ticket. But if you’re eligible for the Arizona Defensive Driving Course, consider it a second chance. With a few hours of your time, you can dismiss your ticket, keep your record clean, and come away a safer, more informed driver.
So maybe this isn’t a punishment after all. Maybe it’s a pit stop on the road to becoming the best driver you can be.
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