In Arizona, there is no magic “Points Meter” on the dashboard of your MVD account.
To see how close you are to suspension, you must order your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Arizona operates on a strict 12-month rolling window. If you accumulate 8 points in a year, or if you commit a specific “Red Light” violation, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will suspend your license or force you into Traffic Survival School (TSS).
This guide explains how to pull your record for $3.00, the difference between the “39-Month” and “5-Year” abstract, and why you should never confuse “Defensive Driving” with “TSS.”
How to Check Your Points (Motor Vehicle Record)
You cannot verify your points by calling the MVD. You must view your official record.
Option A: The 39-Month Uncertified Record (Best for Personal Use)
- Cost: $3.00.
- Format: Instant PDF Download.
- Content: Shows all tickets, points, and suspensions from the last 3+ years. This is what you need to check your point total.
Option B: The 5-Year Certified Record (Best for Court/Jobs)
- Cost: $5.00.
- Format: Certified PDF or Mailed Paper.
- Content: Official legal document used for employment or court cases.
Method 1: Instant Online Check (AZ MVD Now)
Time: 2 Minutes.Platform: AZ MVD Now.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log In: Visit AZ MVD Now. You can log in using your Google or ID.me credentials.
- Select: Click on “Driver License” and then “Motor Vehicle Record.”
- Choose: Select “39-Month Uncertified” (unless you legally need the 5-year certified version).
- Pay: Enter your credit card to pay the $3.00 fee.
- View: The PDF will display your current active points.
Note: If you cannot access your account because your address is outdated, you must change your Arizona address online first. The system verifies your identity against your current residence.
Method 2: Requesting Records by Mail or In-Person
If you cannot use the online portal, you can request a record manually.
- In-Person: Visit an MVD office or an Authorized Third Party (ATP). Warning: Third parties charge an extra “convenience fee.” If you go to a state-run MVD, check our Arizona MVD appointment guide to skip the line.
- By Mail: Fill out the Motor Vehicle Record Request Form and mail it with a check to the MVD in Phoenix. This takes 2–3 weeks.
Arizona Point System 2026: DUI, Speeding, and Parking-in-Gore Point Values
Arizona is harsh on aggressive drivers. Note that DUI and Reckless Driving carry the same 8-point penalty, which triggers an immediate suspension/TSS requirement.
| Violation Type | Points Added |
| DUI / Extreme DUI | 8 Points |
| Reckless / Aggressive Driving | 8 Points |
| Hit and Run | 6 Points |
| Failure to Stop (causing death) | 6 Points |
| Failure to Stop (causing injury) | 4 Points |
| Speeding | 3 Points |
| Parking in Gore Area (Highway) | 3 Points |
| Standard Moving Violation | 2 Points |
| Standard Parking Ticket | 0 Points |
The “Parking” Myth: A regular parking ticket (meter violation) adds 0 points. The “3 Points” listed above is only for “Parking in a Gore Area” (the triangle strip between the highway and the off-ramp).
The 8-Point Danger Zone: Traffic Survival School vs Suspension in Arizona
The Rule: If you accumulate 8 to 12 points within any 12-month period, your license is subject to suspension.
The Exception (Traffic Survival School): Instead of a suspension, the MVD may allow (or force) you to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS).
- Duration: 8 Hours (In-person only).
- Cost: ~$150.00.
- Mandatory Trigger: Even if you have 0 points, if you are convicted of Running a Red Light or a Stop Sign, you must attend TSS. There is no negotiating this.
Already Suspended? If you ignored the TSS order and your license is now invalid, check our guide on how to reinstate a suspended license in Arizona. You cannot drive to class if your status is “Suspended.”
Defensive Driving vs Traffic Survival School in Arizona (Preventing vs Punishing Points)
Do not confuse these two schools. They are opposites.
| Feature | Defensive Driving School | Traffic Survival School (TSS) |
| Purpose | Dismiss a ticket before conviction. | Punishment after conviction. |
| Points | Points are never added. | Points stay on record. |
| Frequency | Once every 12 months. | As ordered by MVD. |
| Result | Insurance never sees the ticket. | Saves license from suspension. |
Strategy: Always use Defensive Driving first. If you get a speeding ticket, taking this 4-hour course erases the ticket completely. You can do this once every 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Once points are on your record, they stay there. You can only “hide” a ticket before it hits your record by taking Defensive Driving.
Generally, yes. Arizona is part of the Driver License Compact. If you get a DUI in Nevada, it will eventually show up on your Arizona record. See our guide on Arizona drivers licenses from another state for how transfers work.
Points count toward suspension for 12 months. However, the violation stays on your insurance record for 39 months (3.25 years) and on your full legal record for 5+ years.
Conclusion
If you think you are close to the 8-point limit, log in to AZ MVD Now and pay the $3.00 for your uncertified record. It is cheaper than a suspension. And remember: if you get a ticket, check if you are eligible for Defensive Drivingimmediately—it is the only “Get Out of Jail Free” card you have.
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