Arizona MVD Point System

Did you know that the accumulation of license points can quickly result in a license suspension? The Arizona MVD (Motor Vehicle Department) has a system intended to reduce unlawful use of the roadways. This point system is a simple way to track driver citations. Accumulate enough points or convictions and a license can become suspended, cancelled, or revoked. There are also other more indirect consequences of license points, which include higher insurance rates, difficulty obtaining coverage, and expensive driver education courses.

What determines how many points are issued?
  • DUI (blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, 0.04% if commercial vehicle): 8 points
  • Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15% or higher): 8 points
  • Reckless driving: 8 points
  • Aggressive driving: 8 points
  • Leaving the scene of an accident: 6 points
  • Running a traffic signal or stop sign or failing to yield, thus causing death: 6 points
  • Running a traffic signal or stop sign or failing to yield, thus causing serious injury: 4 points
  • Speeding: 3 points
  • Driving over an area where one or more of the lanes diverge to go in a different direction (gore area): 3 points
  • All other driving violations: 2 points
Different violations have different point values, but the folllowing have such high value that they may invalidate your license immediately:
  • Operating a vehicle under the influence of a drug
  • Committing homicide or aggravated assault with a vehicle
  • Committing a felony in which a vehicle is used
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  • Lying to the MVD under oath
  • Failing to stop if you are involved in a traffic accident
  • Participating in a drive-by shooting
  • Additionally, two incidences of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), racing, or reckless driving will automatically invalidate your driver license.
How many points must be accumulated before a license is actually suspended?

If a motorist accrues eight points in a 12-month period you will be required to attend Traffic Survival School or have your license suspended. the MVD will automatically suspend their license. Out of state violations also count towards the total amount of points. Any of the following convictions may result in a suspended license for drivers under 21: racing, reckless driving, 4 or more points from improper passing or unlawful passing of a school bus, exceeding speed limit by 24 or more miles per hour, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, eluding an officer, misrepresenting I.D. or age, hit and run, or purchasing alcohol. Those under 21 face even stricter guidelines. For drivers under 18, only 4 points from any violation will result in a suspension.