A Look At Arizona Defensive Driving Courses
In Arizona, defensive driving is a diversion program authorized by the state for drivers who have received a civil traffic citation. Unlike in other states, Arizona’s program is legally designed to allow eligible drivers to have a specific ticket dismissed completely, preventing the assessment of points against their MVD driving record. This is seen as a positive alternative to prosecution, focused on traffic safety, hazard anticipation, and legal responsibilities. Before you check with an AZ traffic school, here is more on defensive driving.
Requirements for Ticket Dismissal
- For the unversed, not all citations are eligible for the diversion program. Eligibility generally depends on many factors:
- The citation must be for a civil moving violation. Offenses like DUI, criminal traffic offenses, or those involving accidents resulting in serious injury or death are excluded.
- Drivers are allowed to attend the course for ticket dismissal once every 12 months in most circumstances.
- Drivers must confirm eligibility with the specific court before enrolling for the defensive driving course, because the diversion has to be authorized.
Point Prevention at a Glance
If you successfully complete a state-approved course from a known school like ETS Traffic School, the conviction is dismissed by the court. No points will be added to your MVD record for that particular incident. ETS courses are self-paced, can be learned on any device, and are available in more than 15 languages. When you prevent points from appearing on the official MVD record, you can avoid the potential insurance premium increase. While the diversion program in Arizona is court-mandated, many insurance providers offer discounts to policyholders who complete approved defensive driving courses. Check with your insurer to know more.
Understanding Defensive Driving Techniques
3-Second Rule: Besides following the 3-second gap in ideal conditions, Arizona drivers are encouraged to increase this distance during weather events, such as sudden dust storms, high winds, and heavy rain, which can reduce visibility and road traction. Such courses also motivate drivers to scan intersections, roundabouts, and school zones to identify unchecked hazards. This includes searching for pedestrians, often hazed by high glare and infrastructure. Defensive driving also focuses on managing emotions while driving, which includes recognizing signs of aggressive driving and road rage.
Reviewing the Program
The state permits 100% online completion, which means you can complete the course at your own pace. Once the course is done, the traffic school will notify the court electronically. You also need to download and retain the certificate, which may be used for insurance reporting.
Takeaways
Defensive driving is not about ticket dismissal, but more about your safety on the road, especially given the weather in Arizona. You can work on your driving habits and ensure the safety of others, too. Make sure that you register in a timely manner after receiving a citation to ensure compliance with court deadlines. If you keep practicing the things you learn in the course, your muscle memory and awareness on the road will improve considerably, and that can ensure you don’t get new tickets. Think of defensive driving courses as a better way to work on your road behavior while dismissing a ticket.
