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Arizona Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
Q: Pulled over for criminal speeding, officer claimed 88 mph, I believe 82 mph.
I was pulled over for criminal speeding, with the officer claiming I was going 88 mph, but I believe I was actually going 82 mph. On a rural road, speeds under 85 mph are not considered criminal. The road had a speed limit of 55 mph. I don’t have evidence to support my claim, and there were no... View More 
Zachary Divelbiss
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answered on May 20, 2025
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answered on May 20, 2025
The prosecutor on your case is the only one who can give you a plea deal for a civil traffic violation as opposed to a criminal violation. The best way to make this happen is to hire a law firm and let them work their magic to try and get you a civil plea deal.
The judge cannot change the... View More
Q: Contest speeding citation in Arizona as out-of-state visitor.
I received a speeding citation on April 14, 2025, while passing through Seligman, Arizona, which is 20+ mph above the speed limit. At the time, I was with my family, including my two young children who urgently needed a restroom, which influenced my speeding. I have a clean driving record for the... View More
Brad Rideout
answered on Apr 18, 2025
answered on Apr 18, 2025
Speeding tickets in Arizona are handled differently than in other states, if you challenge the ticket the officer will show up to court, especially in Seligman.
If you were charged with criminal speed as a class 1 misdemeanor, you may want to hire an attorney to keep you from having to go... View More
Q: I was rearended by a car who was rearended by another car. I and driver behind were stopped in traffic
Driver behind me didn't allow assured clear distance. Are they at fault, or only the car who hit them responsible?
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 17, 2025
answered on Jan 17, 2025
An Arizona attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. In most situations, only the vehicle in the rear that struck the vehicle behind you would be liable, unless the other vehicle was right up your tailpipe. The rearmost vehicle was the proximate cause of the... View More
Q: Pulled over not because any traffic violation, but someone called in that I was resting in my car.
This happened in Mesa Az.
So my question is does 8 cops for a phone call constitute as harassment or police intimidation. There was no traffic violation that occurred while they were following me therefore there was nothing supporting the concern for me resting in my vehicle on public... View More
Zalman Sapad
answered on Jul 27, 2024
answered on Jul 27, 2024
Unfortunately, police officers get away with violating many of our rights through something referred to as the "community caretaking exception" or welfare check exception.
Generally, the Constitution gives everyone the right to be free from unreasonable detainment by law... View More
Q: Can you be arrested for Aggravated DUI when your weren't even driving, in front of your house ,with no keys in your poss
Police report says I was observed consuming alcohol and was not even driving or in possession of keys and no ethyl alcohol in my system can the police lie like that on the police report and a year later initially file charges for Aggravated DUI?
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024
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answered on Apr 15, 2024
Based on the information you've provided, it seems unusual that you would be charged with Aggravated DUI a year after the incident if you were not driving, did not have keys in your possession, and had no ethyl alcohol in your system at the time. However, laws can vary by jurisdiction, and... View More
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Q: If a car ahead of me runs out of gas and shuts off in the process of pulling over to the only spot that's not going to
Block traffic and their hazard lights are on, and I crash into them t-boning them, who's fault is it. 3 Lane road with a break in the median she's in the 3rd lane and I'm in the 1st lane the only safe place to pull over is in the median break. Her hazard lights were on as soon as she... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 10, 2024
answered on Apr 10, 2024
An Arizona attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It's possible liability could be apportioned between both of you, depending on how the accident is evaluated by the insurance company investigator. If they didn't have insurance, check the terms of your UM... View More
Q: A cop pulled me over and I dropped my ciggarette but picked it up as soon as we were done. Am I guilty of littering?
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T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 18, 2024
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answered on Jan 18, 2024
If you dropped a cigarette during the traffic stop but promptly picked it up afterward, it is less likely that you would be charged with littering. Littering charges typically involve the intentional and unlawful disposal of waste or objects in public spaces. In your case, it seems like a momentary... View More
Q: Civil traffic ticket for no proof of insurance in AZ; no contact info provided.
I received a civil traffic ticket in Pinal County, Arizona, on July 2, 2025, for not having proof of insurance while on a 3-day pass. However, the ticket does not have any court dates, phone numbers, or websites for me to contact. I now have insurance, but I'm unsure about what steps to take... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
That situation can be confusing, but don’t ignore the ticket just because it’s missing contact information. Even if the citation didn’t include a court date or phone number, it’s still your responsibility to respond within the time frame set by Arizona law—usually within 30 days. Since it... View More
Q: How can I prove my attendance in court for a ticket in Mesa, AZ, after my appeal was denied?
I received a ticket in Mesa, AZ, for no insurance and no registration. When attending court at the San Tan Justice Court, the clerk handled my case, dropped the registration charge after I showed proof, but retained a $150 fine. I tried to print my driving record, couldn't, and planned to get... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
You’ve been through a lot, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed—especially when you made the effort to show up and handle things responsibly. To prove that you were present at the court, you can request a **copy of the court’s docket or attendance log** for that day. These records... View More
Q: Is it mandatory to wait over an hour for a K9 unit if a vehicle search is denied in Navajo County?
In Navajo County, I was pulled over for speeding. I denied the officer's request to search my vehicle, and as a result, he made me wait for over an hour and a half for a K9 unit to arrive. Is it mandatory for officers to keep someone waiting for such a long time if they refuse a vehicle search?
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025
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answered on Jul 4, 2025
You do not have to wait indefinitely simply because you refused consent to a search.
Under the Fourth Amendment, officers may briefly detain you to complete the mission of the traffic stop—issuing a citation and checking your license and registration—but they cannot prolong your... View More
Q: How can I resolve an out-of-state warrant to get an AZ driver's license?
I'm seeking help from an Arizona attorney regarding a DMV reinstatement issue connected to an out-of-state matter. Approximately 15 years ago, I was convicted of disorderly conduct in Wisconsin, unrelated to any driving offense. I served my sentence and paid all associated fines and fees, but... View More
Zachary Divelbiss
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answered on Jul 2, 2025
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answered on Jul 2, 2025
Unfortunately, there is not anything an Arizona lawyer can do to help with a case that is in Wisconscin. Based on what you stated, it sounds like you tried everything but if Wisconscin judge is requiring you to be there in person, then that is the requirement. That being said, AZ has a law that... View More
Q: Unable to travel for court due to medical issues; should I fire my public defender or consider a change of venue?
I am facing charges related to traffic and stolen property, but due to my ongoing medical issues and my husband's health problems, I am unable to travel for court appearances. I was homeless for over 10 years and am currently recovering from hip replacement surgery in February 2025, while I... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025
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answered on Jun 7, 2025
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially with the serious health challenges you and your husband are facing. You have every right to ask the court to accommodate your medical situation. Start by requesting a hearing or filing a motion asking the judge to allow virtual... View More
Q: Do I need to appear in person for a suspended license citation in Atlanta?
I am 19 years old and currently residing in Arizona. My driver's license was suspended in Wyoming due to an unresolved speeding ticket. I paid the fine and thought I had satisfied the citation on March 17, as confirmed by the court. However, on March 18, I was pulled over in Atlanta and... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025
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answered on May 15, 2025
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when you're far from Atlanta and thought the issue had already been resolved. Even though you paid the fine in Wyoming, some states take time to update license status across systems. If your license was still showing as suspended when you... View More
Q: How can I contest an Arizona speeding citation as an out-of-state visitor?
I received a speeding citation on April 14, 2025, while passing through Seligman, Arizona. The citation alleges I was traveling at approximately 95+ mph. At the time, I was with my family, including my two young children who urgently needed a restroom, which led me to increase my speed to reach the... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025
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answered on May 15, 2025
Contesting a speeding ticket in Arizona as an out-of-state visitor can feel overwhelming, but you do have options. Since your citation alleges speeds over 95 mph, it’s considered criminal speeding in Arizona, which means it’s not just a civil ticket—you’re required to appear in court or... View More
Q: Are rear reflectors required for personal vehicles in Arizona?
I am trying to determine whether rear reflectors are required on personal vehicles in Arizona. One of my reflectors has been knocked out of place for some time, although there is only minor damage to the vehicle overall. I have consulted a repair shop, but I'm concerned about potentially... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Arizona, the requirement for rear reflectors depends on the type of vehicle you own. For personal passenger vehicles, Arizona law mandates that new motor vehicles be equipped with two red reflectors mounted on the rear, either as part of the tail lamps or separately.
If your vehicle is... View More
Q: Georgia license suspended for alleged drug test refusal in Arizona; how to retain driving privileges?
I am a Georgia resident, and my driver's license was suspended due to an alleged refusal to take a drug test in Arizona, a state where I have not yet been found guilty, and there are no formal charges against me. I was arrested, but my initial arraignment was dismissed. I plan to attend court... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It seems like your Georgia license was suspended due to an alleged refusal to take a drug test in Arizona, which can lead to consequences even before formal charges are made. Many states, including Arizona, have laws that automatically suspend a driver's license if there is a refusal to take a... View More
Q: Received ticket under CA VC4000(a) with AZ registration. CHP says register in CA. Need to comply?
I received a ticket under California VC4000(a). I was pulled over for driving 42 mph in a 25 mph zone while urgently taking my wife to urgent care due to her diabetic condition and need for immediate attention. Despite explaining the situation, the officer cited me for having a California... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
You're in a tough spot, and it’s clear you were just trying to get your wife help as quickly as possible. That said, the citation under **California Vehicle Code 4000(a)** means the officer believed your vehicle was not properly registered in California. Even though your car is registered in... View More
Q: How to obtain a driver's license after DUI suspension in another state.
I'm seeking advice on obtaining a driver's license in a new state. I received a DUI in Arkansas in 2010, and my license was suspended with unpaid fines due to becoming disabled. I've moved from Arkansas and haven't needed to drive until now, as I've inherited a vehicle... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
You're doing the right thing by facing this head-on, especially given how long it's been since the original suspension. When your license is suspended in one state—like Arkansas—it usually shows up in the **National Driver Register (NDR)**, which other states check before issuing a... View More
Q: How can I dispute improper service affecting DMV suspension in Arizona?
I am trying to reopen a civil case due to an issue with proof of service. I received notice from the DMV placing my driver's license under suspension due to money owed, which I was not aware of. The alleged service claims it was made to a co-occupant who was not living at my address, and I was... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
I'm really sorry you’re dealing with this—having your license suspended over something you didn’t even know about is incredibly frustrating. If you were never properly served in the original civil case, you have the right to challenge that judgment. In Arizona, you can file a *motion to... View More
Q: Clarification on traffic charge and financial responsibility
I was pulled over in 2012 for a violation of lighted lamp requirements and received multiple tickets. The ticket for the lamp violation was dismissed at the prosecutor's request. I also received a ticket for driving with a suspended/revoked/cancelled license, to which I pleaded... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this—it sounds like a long and frustrating journey, especially when you're trying to get your license back after so many years. When a charge is listed as “failure to comply on civil traffic offense,” it usually means the court believes you... View More
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