Improve Your Record With Arizona Speeding Ticket Classes
Receiving a traffic ticket doesn’t just put a dent in your wallet. It can potentially tarnish your driving record. Thankfully, speeding ticket classes can put you back on the right track. Here, we look at how these classes operate, and how they help minimize your ticket troubles.
What Is a Speeding Ticket Class?
You’ve probably heard speeding ticket classes referred to by their other name: defensive driving school. Usually taken after receiving a traffic violation, such as speeding, these courses help drivers dismiss their ticket, avoid accruing points on their driving record, and potentially benefit from insurance reductions.
Who Qualifies?
Drivers who have received certain civil traffic moving violations are eligible to take the course for ticket dismissal. However, there are some restrictions. First, you can only attend a class for ticket dismissal once every 12 months. Drivers wanting to dismiss a criminal offense, such as DUIs or reckless driving, don’t qualify at all. Be sure to check the complete list of eligible violations on the Arizona Judicial Branch’s website.
What Subjects Does the Class Cover?
These classes are more than just a refresher on the basics. A defensive driving curriculum typically includes:
Arizona traffic laws: A comprehensive overview of the state’s driving laws.
Defensive driving techniques: Techniques to anticipate and avoid potential road hazards.
Substance abuse awareness: Understanding the risks of driving under the influence.
Road rage and aggressive driving: Understanding how to handle and avoid confrontations on the road.
How Long Will It Take?
In Arizona, approved defensive driving courses are four hours long, including instruction time and any breaks. Many driving schools (like Stop and Go!) offer both online and classroom course options, giving students the flexibility to choose the course that fits their preferences. Drivers can complete the course at any time, as long as they do so at least seven days before their scheduled court date.
What Are the Advantages of a Ticket Dismissal Class?
Ticket dismissal: Depending on your ticket, you may owe a large sum of money. But with an Arizona defensive driving course, you can waive the charge. While you still have to pay the court diversion fee, state fee, state surcharge fee, and course fee, the overall cost is often less than the original ticket fine.
No added record points: In the state of Arizona, traffic citations can add points to your driving record. This can lead to higher insurance rates and, with multiple offenses, even suspension of your license.
Insurance reduction: Completing a defensive driving course means your insurance rates won’t go up. Some companies even provide discounts on insurance premiums for drivers who have successfully completed a course.
What About Traffic Survival School?
When figuring out how to dismiss a ticket, many drivers confuse defensive driving school with traffic survival school (TSS). While defensive driving school is optional, the MVD mandates TSS for drivers with certain violations or number of points on their record.
Upon completion of a TSS course, drivers regain their suspended license (or stop it from being suspended in the first place). Unlike defensive driving school, drivers cannot attend Arizona traffic survival school online. Only in-person courses are MVD-approved.
Ready to get your traffic ticket dismissed? Our MVD-qualified instructors are here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our defensive driving courses.
