Arizona Driving Records

Arizona driving records, also known as motor vehicle records (MVRs), are official documents that detail an individual's driving history and activity within the state. These documents are managed by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). 

Access to driving records is a right that comes with responsibilities. The Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 28-455, determines how this information can be shared.

In addition, Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Section R17-4-802 outlines specific procedures for requesting and obtaining driving records, including identification requirements, applicable fees, and permissible uses.

These records are vital for insurance companies to set rates, employers to assess candidates, and law enforcement for traffic law enforcement and investigations. They also help individuals verify their history and contest citations, supporting the maintenance of a clean driving record.

Types of Driving Records Available in Arizona

Arizona driving records fall into two main categories: certified and uncertified. 

A certified record bears an official seal and signature from the MVD, validating its authenticity and making it admissible in court or other legal proceedings. On the other hand, uncertified records, while containing the same information, lack this official validation and are intended for personal use or informal purposes.

More specifically, Arizona driving records can be classified as follows:

39-Month Uncertified Driving Record

This is the most common type of driving record and is readily accessible online, in person at an MVD office, or by mail.

It provides a snapshot of the driver's history over the past 39 months, including traffic violations, license suspensions, and any points accrued. It costs $3 and is primarily used for personal reference or insurance purposes.

39-Month Certified Driving Record

This record contains the same information as its uncertified counterpart but holds legal validity due to its certification. It is typically required for court proceedings or employment verification and can only be obtained in person at an MVD office for $5.

5-Year Uncertified Driving Record

This record extends the timeframe of the 39-month version, offering a more comprehensive view of the driver's history over the past five years. Similar to the 39-month uncertified record, it is used for personal reference or insurance purposes and is available by mail or in person for $3.

5-Year Certified Driving Record

This is the certified version of the 5-year record, holding legal weight and serving the same purposes as the 39-month certified record. It is available in person at an MVD office for $5.

10-Year Extended History Record (Certified)

This record goes beyond the standard five-year timeframe, offering an in-depth look at a driver's history over a longer period. It is typically used in specific legal or professional contexts and requires a special request from the MVD.

How To Request an Arizona Driving History Report?

The MVD offers several methods to obtain these reports:

Online Requests

The most convenient way to request an Arizona driving history report is through the official MVD online portal, AZ MVD Now. To utilize this service, one must first create an account and provide the necessary information, including their Arizona driver's license or identification card number.

Upon successful login, users can select the type of report they require, such as a three-year uncertified record or a five-year certified record, and proceed with payment.

Online payments are typically made using a credit or debit card. Once the payment is processed, the MVD generates the requested report, which can be downloaded and printed.

Mail-In Requests

For those who prefer traditional methods, the MVD accepts mail-in requests for driving history reports. To initiate this process, individuals must complete the MVR Request (Form 46-4416), available for download on the MVD website.

The completed form must be notarized or witnessed by an MVD agent before being mailed, along with the applicable fee, to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

P.O. Box 2100

Phoenix AZ 85001-2100

In-Person Requests

Alternatively, individuals can visit any MVD office or authorized third-party location to request a driving history report in person. They will need to present a completed and notarized Form 46-4416 and provide a valid form of identification. 

For legal professionals and investigators, completing and submitting the Authorization to Release Limited Driver History Information form can provide more detailed information than an existing MVR.

Uses of Arizona Driving Records

Understanding the permissible uses of driving records in Arizona is crucial for individuals and organizations seeking access to this information. Note that the disclosure of driving records is governed by the DPPA and ARS Section 28-458. These laws strictly limit who can access these sensitive records and under what circumstances.

Permissible uses of driving records in Arizona vary depending on the entity requesting the information.

Individual Use

Individuals may request their driving record for personal reasons, such as reviewing their driving history, checking for errors, or monitoring points. This information can be helpful when applying for jobs that require driving or obtaining car insurance.

Government Use

Government agencies, including law enforcement and courts, utilize driving records for various purposes. Law enforcement may access records to investigate accidents, enforce traffic laws, and identify habitual offenders.

Courts may use driving records as evidence in traffic cases or to determine sentencing.

The MVD also uses driving records to administer driver's licenses, track points, and enforce suspensions or revocations.

Insurance Use

Insurance companies rely on driving records to assess risk and determine insurance premiums. A clean driving record typically results in lower insurance rates, while a history of violations or accidents may lead to higher premiums. 

Legal Use

Attorneys and private investigators may access driving records in connection with legal proceedings. This information can be used to establish a driver's history, investigate accidents, or verify information in civil or criminal cases. Access to driving records for legal purposes may require a court order or subpoena.

Employment Use

In certain situations, employers may access driving records for employees who operate commercial vehicles or whose job duties require driving. This is primarily to verify license status and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Other Authorized Uses

Driving records may also be used for vehicle safety research, emissions monitoring, product recalls, or to verify the accuracy of information provided by individuals.

Understanding Arizona Driving Laws

Arizona's driving laws, as outlined in Title 28 of the ARS, are designed for the safety of all road users. Some of the key laws include the following:

Licensing and Registration

To legally operate a motor vehicle in Arizona, one must possess a valid driver's license issued by the ADOT MVD. Obtaining a driver's license involves passing a written test, a vision test, and a road skills test. Additionally, all vehicles operated on Arizona roads must be registered with the MVD and display valid license plates.

Rules of the Road

Arizona adheres to standard traffic regulations, including observing traffic signals, yielding the right of way, and maintaining safe following distances as per ARS Section 28-730.

Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and location, and drivers must adhere to the posted limits.

Additionally, Arizona has specific laws regarding seat belt use, child safety seats, and mobile phone use while driving.

The Points System in Arizona

Arizona's point system is a method used to track and evaluate drivers' behavior on the road. Points are assigned for moving traffic violations, which are infractions that occur while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving. Non-moving violations, like parking tickets or expired registration, do not result in points.

Point Assessment and Common Violations

Points assessment is made against a driver's permanent driving record upon conviction or bail forfeiture for a moving traffic violation. In cases with multiple violations from the same incident, the assessment is based on the violation with the highest point value.

Here's a breakdown of common violations and their corresponding points:

• 2 Points: Most moving violations, including speeding, failure to yield, and unsafe lane changes
• 3 Points: Speeding in a school zone
• 4 Points: Failure to stop for a school bus, reckless driving
• 6 Points: Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
• 8 Points: Driving under the influence (DUI), extreme DUI, and aggressive driving

Penalties for Points Accumulation

If 8 to 12 points are gathered within 12 months, the driver's license could be suspended for up to a year. 

In some instances, drivers may be offered an alternative to suspension by mandatory attendance at a Traffic Survival School (TSS). This educational program aims to improve driver behavior and reduce the likelihood of future violations.

Management and Reduction of Points

Drivers can take proactive steps to manage and reduce points on their driving record. One option is to attend one of the defensive driving schools.

To determine eligibility for any Arizona defensive driving course, select a school and submit the required information. The chosen school will then conduct a court database check upon registration to verify eligibility.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Arizona

In Arizona, traffic violations fall into two main categories: 

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil traffic violations are non-criminal offenses that typically involve minor infractions. These can include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Failure to yield
• Illegal turns

While not considered crimes, civil traffic violations can still result in penalties such as fines, driver's license points, and mandatory defensive driving courses. These violations do not appear on criminal background checks.

To resolve a civil traffic violation, the driver can pay the fine or attend traffic school. If the case is contested, a hearing will be held in the traffic court where the case is presented.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Arizona law distinguishes criminal traffic violations as misdemeanors and felonies.

Felony traffic violations are the most serious offenses, often involving aggravating factors such as severe injuries and prior convictions. These violations, such as extreme and aggravated DUI and hit and run, can result in:

• Permanent criminal record
• Potential years in prison
• Fines of up to $150,000 (ARS Section 13-801)
• Suspended or revoked driver's license

Misdemeanor traffic violations, though less severe than felonies, still carry significant consequences. They can lead to up to a year in jail and fines ranging from $300 to $2,500, as outlined in ARS Section 13-802.

Certain misdemeanors, such as excessive speeding or other dangerous behavior behind the wheel, can lead to license suspension or revocation, especially with prior traffic violations. 

Criminal traffic violations are prosecuted in criminal court, following standard procedures, including arraignment and pre-trial conferences. If no resolution is reached, the case may proceed to trial, where the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Arizona Driving Statistics and Goals

Driving in Arizona involves urban congestion, rural highways, and varied terrain. Reviewing state driving statistics is essential for improving road safety. These figures help identify where, why, and how crashes happen, guiding targeted safety measures.

County-Specific Statistics

Maricopa County, being the most populous, had the highest number of crashes (87,237) and fatalities (681). However, other counties like La Paz and Mohave showed higher rates when considering the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Though there were fewer overall crashes, rural counties like Apache, Cochise, and Coconino experienced more fatal crashes than their urban counterparts.

Driver Demographics and Behaviors

Understanding driver demographics and behaviors in Arizona helps identify areas for targeted safety interventions.

Age

Arizona drivers aged 25-34 were involved in the highest number of crashes, followed by the 35-44 age group. However, young drivers (15-24) were disproportionately represented in fatal crashes.

Gender

Male drivers in Arizona accounted for 55.26% of all crashes and 72.70% of alcohol-related crashes.

Violations

Arizona's most common driver violations contributing to crashes were speeding too fast for conditions and failing to yield the right-of-way.

Distracted Driving

While most Arizona drivers were not distracted, 20.25% of drivers involved in crashes were identified as distracted, with cell phone use being a significant contributor.

Safety Device Usage

In 2023, 83.68% of Arizona drivers involved in crashes were wearing seat belts. However, 361 individuals who were not using safety devices were killed in crashes.

While 80.25% of motorcycle operators involved in crashes were not impaired by alcohol, helmet usage remains crucial. Only 67.04% of operators in fatal crashes were wearing helmets.

Arizona's Safety Goals

The ADOT is committed to making roads safer. Their Vision Zero initiative, similar to the City of Tempe, aims to create a safe transportation system for everyone. 

The ADOT's Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a federally mandated framework, also provides a comprehensive approach to reducing life-altering traffic crashes by 20% by 2030. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Driving Records

The following are the common inquiries about Arizona driving records:

Is It Possible to Obtain Someone Else’s Driving Record?

Accessing someone else's driving record is only allowed with their written consent or if it meets specific permissible use categories defined by the DPPA.

Can Past Violations Be Removed From a Driving Record?

Arizona does not offer expungement for traffic violations, but points associated with these violations typically expire after 12 to 36 months, based on the severity of the violation.

Can a Driving Record Be Requested Even if the License Is Suspended or Revoked?

Individuals with suspended or revoked licenses can still request their driving records. The record will reflect the suspension or revocation status.

Helpful Links and Resources

The following resources can be useful for Arizona drivers:

• More information about the MVR in Arizona: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/driver-license-information/motor-vehicle-records
• Comprehensive information about driver licenses, traffic violations, and safety: https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/99-0117.pdf
• A list of MVD online services: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/online-services
• A detailed analysis of driving statistics and additional influencing factors: https://azdot.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/2023-Crash-Facts.pdf

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Counties in Arizona

• Apache
• Cochise
• Coconino
• Gila
• Graham
• Greenlee
• La Paz
• Maricopa
• Mohave
• Navajo
• Pima
• Pinal
• Santa Cruz
• Yavapai
• Yuma