What Defensive Driving School Does
Arizona defensive driving school (also called "traffic school") lets you dismiss an eligible moving violation — keeping the ticket off your record, avoiding points, and protecting your insurance rate. It's not available for DUI, reckless driving, or criminal speed, but it is available for most civil traffic citations.
Eligibility Rules
- The citation must be a civil traffic violation.
- You can only attend once every 12 months.
- You must enroll at least 7 days before your court date.
- The violation cannot have caused a serious injury or death.
Approved Providers
Only Arizona Supreme Court–approved schools qualify. In-person and online courses are both accepted. Most defendants take the 4-hour online course, which is the fastest way to complete the requirement.
Cost
The full cost is usually $170–$250, which includes the state fee, the court diversion fee, and the school fee. You pay the school directly — do not pay the court for the citation until the school confirms completion.
Traffic Survival School — Different Thing
Traffic Survival School (TSS) is an 8-hour ADOT course ordered after certain high-point violations. It is not a dismissal option — you must complete it or lose your license. AES refers clients to ADOT-approved TSS providers.