Acomprehensive analysis of data from 2013 to 2017 by ranks Arizona as the tenth worst state for speeding deaths. Fines for speeding can be steep and typically range from $150 to $500 depending on the circumstances.
In addition, a speeding ticket in Arizona can result in a significant increase in auto insurance premiums. According to Bankrate’s 2021 study on annual premiums, a speeding ticket can increase the cost of Arizona car insurance by 33%.
What is the cost of a Arizona speeding ticket?
There are three types Arizona speeding laws. Each has its own risks and penalties.
- Basic speeding law – Requires always driving at a safe speed in light of actual conditions. Driving the speed limit on clear days may be fine, but it may be too fast in dark or stormy conditions.
- Prima facie limits – A driver is presumed to have violated the law if exceeding 15 miles per hour near a school crossing, 25 miles per hour in residential or business districts or 65 miles per hour in all other locations.
- Absolute speed limit: If you exceed a posted speed limit you are in violation of the law. Speed limits of 65 mph are set for highways where speeds are not posted.
A violation of any of the above speeding laws in Arizona can result in a fine varying from $150 to $500, but there are a variety of factors that can increase these amounts. If the violation was committed in a construction zone, the base fine can be increased by up to two times.
Some more serious offenses are classed as Class 3 Misdemeanors by Arizona. They can lead to a 30-day jail sentence and a $500 additional fine. These violations can occur while you are driving:
- Over 35 mph at school crossing
- Over 25 mph in residential or business districts
- In a residential or commercial area, more than 45 mph
- Over 85 mph in any region
Arizona has a driving points system that can affect your auto insurance premiums. A number of points are assessed and placed on your state driving record when you are convicted for a traffic violation. Your right to drive in Arizona may be suspended if you accumulate eight points in a single year.
What does a speeding ticket do to your Arizona car insurance?
In Arizona, a speeding conviction will likely increase your car insurance premiums. This can have a more significant impact on males who have statistically been shown to be higher risk drivers than females. The chart below shows that this is true for Arizona.
Average premium for full coverage annually
It can be very costly to speed in Arizona. There are certain steps that can be taken to try and minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your car insurance premiums including looking at potentially less expensive coverage with other car insurance companies. The best way to lower your premiums is to follow the Arizona speeding laws.
How to reduce your car insurance following a speeding violation in Arizona
You will have to face the consequences if you get a speeding ticket in Arizona. It will increase your insurance premiums. There are several steps you can take to assist you.
Get estimates from other car insurance providers
Arizona car insurance companies consider a variety of factors when setting auto insurance premiums. Even if you don’t have to deal with a speeding ticket it is a smart idea to get quotes from multiple car insurance companies to determine which one can best suit your needs. There are many differences in the way that different insurers handle speeding tickets with rate increases.
Arizona car insurance company average annual full coverage premium
There are many tools online that can help you find affordable coverage. To understand the relationship between carriers and customers, do your research and ask questions about carrier representatives.
Get discounts
It is a good idea to look into all possible ways to reduce your premiums. Is your insurer willing to offer a discount on bundling auto and home coverage? If your current insurer offers a discount for bundling home and auto coverage, check out how much you can save.
There are many other discounts to explore based on your age, location and the type of vehicle you drive. After you’ve determined what discounts your current carrier offers, it might be worth looking into other carriers.
Are you able to adjust your existing coverages?
Arizona, like most other states, requires that all drivers maintain certain minimum third party liability coverage. These limits cannot be modified. You can adjust, or eliminate, coverage that covers financial consequences for damage to your vehicle. This coverage is required by most lenders. However, if you don’t have a vehicle loan, you might be interested in the reduced premiums that can be saved by reducing your collision or comprehensive coverage. This will decrease your vehicle’s insurance benefits in the event of an accident.
Additional speeding ticket considerations
In Arizona, there are two main types of speeding: civil and criminal. The most serious offense, criminal speeding, is when you go over the posted speed limit of 20 mph and exceed 85 mph in any other area. These offenses are serious and can result in jail time. All other offenses are considered to be civil speeding. Any speeding ticket can be challenged in court.
In Arizona, either a civil or criminal speeding conviction will get you three points on your driving record. You can be required to complete certain driving education courses if you have received eight points or more in any 12 month period.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for drivers who have been cited for speeding?
There are likely to be many good auto insurance companies that can meet your needs at reasonable prices. Always obtain several quotes from the best auto insurers and compare to determine the best coverage for you.
Do I have to inform my insurance company about a speeding ticket
You are not required to give information about speeding tickets to your auto insurance company. Your carrier may check your driving record when you renew your policy. This record will show the speeding violation.
