Arizona Speeding Tickets: Costs & Penalties

Speeding in Phoenix can cost you more than just a fine. A ticket can add points to your driving record, increase your insurance rates, and even lead to a suspended license if you’re not careful. 

If driving is part of your job, whether as a contractor, landscaper, painter, or food truck owner, you’re on the road a lot. That means you may have a higher chance of getting a ticket. Let’s break down what a speeding violation in Phoenix really costs and what you can do to attempt to avoid it. 

Speeding ticket fines & penalties in Arizona 

Arizona takes speeding seriously. The fines depend on how fast you were going over the limit: 

• 1 to 20 mph over the speed limit – Up to $250 fine + 2 points on your license 
• More than 20 mph over the speed limit – Up to $500 fine + 2 points 
• 35 mph or more over the limit in a school zone – Up to $500 fine + 2 points 
• Driving 86 mph or more anywhere – Up to $500 fine + 2 points 

But that’s just the base fine. Court fees, processing fees, and state surcharges may possibly double your total cost. 

Criminal speeding in Arizona 

Speeding is usually just a civil violation, but in some cases, it may become a misdemeanor, meaning you could face: 

• A criminal record 
• Up to 30 days in jail 
• Higher fines 
• A suspended driver’s license 

You may be charged with criminal speeding if you: 

• Drive over 85 mph anywhere 
• Go more than 20 mph over the limit in a residential area 
• Speed through a school crossing 

How Phoenix enforces speeding laws 

Phoenix has different ways to catch speeding drivers: 

• Speed cameras & red-light cameras: You’ll see them at intersections and along busy roads. If a camera catches you speeding, you’ll get a ticket in the mail. These tickets are usually $250 to $500. 
• Police radar & traffic stops: City police, county sheriffs, and state troopers all issue tickets. Arizona also has highway patrol units focused on catching high-speed drivers. 

How speeding tickets affect your Arizona driving record 

Arizona uses a point system for driving violations. If you get 8 or more points in 12 months, you might have to: 

• Attend traffic school 
• Have your license suspended for up to 12 months 

Since a single speeding ticket adds 2 points, getting multiple violations can add up fast. 

Can speeding tickets raise your insurance rates?  

Unfortunately, yes, they can. Speeding tickets don’t just cost you money upfront, they may also make your car insurance more expensive. This could mean paying hundreds of dollars more per year for auto insurance coverage. 

How to minimize the impact on insurance 

• Take a defensive driving course – Arizona allows some drivers to take a class to remove a ticket from their record. Check with your local county court website. 
• Drive safely all the time – The longer you go without another ticket, the better. 

What to do If you get a speeding ticket in Arizona 

Paying the fine vs. fighting the ticket 

You can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person. But paying means accepting the points on your record. 

If you want to dispute the citation, you’ll have to go to court. If you win, the ticket is dismissed. If you lose, you might have to pay more in fees. 

Should you hire a traffic lawyer? 

A traffic attorney can sometimes get your fine reduced or your points removed, all depending on the infraction. But hiring one can cost $200 to $500 or more, so it may only be worth the money for serious cases. 

How to avoid speeding tickets in Phoenix 

• Know the speed limits – Pay attention to signs, especially in school zones and construction areas. 
• Use cruise control – This can help keep your speed steady on highways. 
• Plan your route – Running late is a big reason people speed. Give yourself extra time and know which route to take. 

Safe driving doesn’t just help you avoid tickets; it may also keep your insurance costs lower. 

Need to compare auto insurance rates? Call us at 602-922-3595 or visit an Access Auto Agency of Agency of Arizona, LLC store near you.