The Defensive Driving Program ("DDP") is a diversion program that can be completed for dismissal of a single, eligible moving violation charge on your Arizona Traffic Ticket and Complaint. Non-moving violations, such as registration, insurance, or parking violations, are not eligible.
The Arizona Supreme Court's Defensive Driving Program oversees the program, publicizes the rules governing the program, and certifies the schools and instructors that present the classes. The goals are to educate drivers and to divert civil traffic cases from the court system, while still providing a sanction, or penalty, for violating traffic laws.
You may attend DDP if the following apply:
- You have not attended DDP for dismissal of a traffic violation received within the past 12 months (violation date to violation date).
- Your violation is on the list of eligible moving violations.
- Your violation was not issued as the result of an accident involving death or serious physical injury.
- Your violation has not already been paid or set for a trial or hearing.
Information for Commercial Drivers' License ("CDL") Holders:
- The completion of DDP by a CDL holder will not result in a dismissal of the eligible, moving violation. The violation will be reported to Arizona Motor Vehicle Department, but no points will be assessed.
- CDL holders must have been driving a vehicle requiring a Class D or Class M license at the time cited for the violation, the vehicle driven must not have been used for commercial purposes, and the violation date must have been on, or after, September 1, 2019.
Next Steps if You Choose to Participate in DDP:
- Register for DDP. For a listing of the schools that you can attend, call 1-888-334-5565, or visit the Arizona Supreme Court.
- Complete the class at least 7 calendar days before your scheduled court appearance. The school providing your class will notify the Court of your class completion.
- For any additional violations on the ticket you received, you must take appropriate action by your scheduled court date.
- To confirm receipt of any correspondence submitted to the Court, please contact the Court at (602) 262-6421.