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Traffic Citation Information

You have just received a traffic citation and may be wondering what to do now. The following information will help you.

Be sure to read both sides of your traffic citation. It is important for you to know that you must respond to the court on or before the “Notice to Appear” date shown on the front of the citation.

Failure to respond may result in a warrant for your arrest and/or suspension of your driver license and/ or other penalties.

  1. The following persons must appear on the “Notice to Appear” date shown on the citation:
    1. Persons under the age of 18 (juveniles) who received a moving violation must appear with a parent or guardian;
    2. Persons who were cited for a criminal or criminal traffic offense;
    3. Regardless of charges listed on page 3, persons who receive a citation in connection with a traffic accident involving a serious injury or death;
    4. Persons who receive a citation for a violation with a statute number which is not listed on the Fine/Sanction Schedule on page 3. See the “Section” or “Violation” box on your copy of the citation to determine the statue number of your violation;
  2. If none of the conditions in paragraph 1 apply to you, choose one of the following options in responding to your citation:

Option 1

You may admit responsibility to the charge(s) on your citation and pay the Sanction Schedule amount in person, by mail, or by phone with credit/debit card.

  • If the charge(s) on your ticket do not appear on the Fine/Sanction Schedule you can find all civil traffic offenses and bond amounts on the Pinal County Justice Court website where you can make an online payment.
  • If there are any criminal or criminal traffic charges listed on the complaint you must appear in court.

Pay by Debit/Credit by calling 1-877-717-7674

  • Enter complaint number then press #
  • You will be charged additional fees when using this payment option
  • Pay by mail by filling out Option 1 on this brochure
  • Mail the brochure, a copy of the ticket, and a money order or cashier’s check in the amount listed above, payable to the court listed on your ticket.
  • DO NOT SEND CASH OR A PERSONAL CHECK.
  • If you are paying AFTER the date written on the ticket, DO NOT PAY. You MUST appear in court as a warrant may have been issued for your arrest and/or your driver license may have been suspended with additional penalties being imposed.

Option 2

You may request a hearing be scheduled.

  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO COURT
  • PLEASE DRESS APPROPRIATELY
  • 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 in front of a Judge / Hearing Officer.
  • You should be prepared to pay any fine imposed on the day of your hearing if you are found responsible. Failure to appear may result in additional monetary penalties and/or a suspended driver license.
  • Fill out Option 2 on this brochure and return it to the Magistrate Court.
  • You cannot have a hearing on your initial appearance date.
  • You must request a hearing to contest the charges.

Option 3

If you are eligible, you may attend Defensive Driving School.

Defensive Driving School

You may have received more than one charge on your Arizona Traffic Ticket and Complaint form. If you qualify for the defensive driving option, it may be applied to only ONE eligible traffic offense. However, you must appear in court or pay the fines for any additional charges you may have received by the appearance date on your ticket.

You may be eligible if:

  • You have not attended a Defensive Driving Class in the State of Arizona within the last two years (violation date to violation date)
  • Your traffic offense did not result in serious injury or death
  • Your traffic case has not already been set for hearing;
  • You have a valid driver license; and
  • The violation code on your citation is listed as eligible on the Fine/Sanction Schedule on page 3.
  • NOTE: CDL License holders are NOT eligible for DDS.

How to Register:

  • Select a school by logging onto the Supreme Court website OR Call 1-888-334-5565 to get the information.
  • Enter the amount for each charge you are paying, add fines, then total.
  • Call the school to register.
  • YOU MUST COMPLETE DDS AT LEAST SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE APPEARANCE DATE WRITTEN ON THE TICKET.
  • Have a copy of the ticket and a pen or pencil with you when you call to schedule a class. You will need to write down instructions for the class.
  • Complete the class at least seven (7) days before the appearance date written on your ticket.
  • You MUST bring the following with you to class:
    • Valid Driver License
    • Copy of the ticket
    • Money Order or Cashier’s Check made out to the school you chose and their fee amount.

IF YOU DID NOT COMPLETE DDS AT LEAST SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE APPEARANCE DATE WRITTEN ON YOUR TICKET, YOU MUST APPEAR IN COURT ON THAT APPEARANCE DATE.