Traffic Citations

Man Driving

If you have been issued a traffic citation this information is important to you.

Whether you received a civil or criminal citation, you must respond to the court on or before the “Notice to Appear” date shown on the front of the citation. Failure to do so may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and/or suspension of your driver’s license, a monetary default judgment (could be sent to collections or be subject to a tax interception), and a late payment fee.

It is recommended that you bring the following items with you if you appear in person at the counter or in court for a hearing or trial.

  • Citation you were issued
  • Arizona drivers license
  • Registration
  • Proof of insurance

Your citation has a notation that indicates it is either civil or criminal. If you received a criminal citation, you must contact the court by phone concerning fines prior to your court date.

CIVIL TRAFFIC CITATIONS

There are four different options for responding to a civil traffic citation. The date on the citation is the date you must notify the court of your choice by OR you need to appear.

  • OPTION ONE: Diversion of Charge

Please see our Defensive Driving School page for information on this option.

  • OPTION TWO: Deny Responsibility and Request a Hearing

You may request a hearing by:

Completing and mailing or emailing the Civil Traffic Plea(PDF, 240KB) form to the court. Be sure to check the box “I deny responsibility”

  • You will be notified by mail of your assigned hearing date.
  • You must appear on that date and be ready to present evidence and examine witnesses.
  • If the defendant fails to appear, a judgment of responsible will be entered.
  • OPTION THREE: Pay the Fine

You may admit responsibility by paying the fine and are not required to appear in court.  To know the amount of the fine click here (PDF, 71KB). For information on payment methods or how to request a time payment arrangement click here.

  • OPTION FOUR: Request a dismissal of the charge or reduction in penalty.

If your charge is eligible you may request the court to dismiss your charge or reduce penalty.  You must complete the Civil Traffic Plea(PDF, 240KB) form and submit supporting documentation seven (7) prior to your appearance date on the citation.  If your request is not granted, you are still responsible for taking other action on or before your appearance date.

CRIMINAL CITATIONS

If the offense on your citation/ticket is listed as a criminal violation, you must appear in court at the date and time specified on your citation. This is a criminal misdemeanor charge. For more information regarding your case, go to the Criminal Cases menu of this website.

DO NOT IGNORE YOUR CITATION. IF YOU FAIL TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO YOUR CITATION YOUR LICENSE MAY BE SUSPENDED, ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY BE ADDED FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR, AND A WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST MAY BE ISSUED.

 

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