Most drivers assume that traffic violations mean a fine, maybe a few points on their license, and little more. In many situations, that’s true.
However, not all traffic violations in Arizona are simple civil infractions. Some can result in criminal traffic charges, meaning a required court appearance, a permanent criminal record, and far more serious consequences than most drivers expect.
Below are five surprisingly common traffic misdemeanors Arizona drivers face that can escalate into criminal traffic offenses that AZ residents should take seriously.
1. Excessive Speeding
Many people are surprised to learn that speeding can become a criminal offense in Arizona.
Under Arizona law, driving:
- More than 20 mph over the posted speed limit,
- Over 85 mph anywhere in the state, or
- Over 35 mph in a school zone
can result in a criminal speeding charge rather than a standard civil ticket.
Criminal speeding is classified as a misdemeanor, meaning it requires a mandatory court appearance. Unlike a regular speeding citation, you cannot simply pay the fine and move on.
Drivers often encounter this charge on highways where traffic flow is already moving quickly, making it easy to unintentionally exceed the threshold.
2. Driving on a Suspended License
Many drivers are unaware that their license has been suspended until they are pulled over.
License suspensions can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Unpaid traffic tickets
- Failure to appear in court
- Insurance-related issues
- Accumulating too many points
If you are stopped while your license is suspended, you may face a misdemeanor charge.
What surprises many people is that even if the underlying issue was administrative, such as missing a court date, the act of driving while suspended can itself result in a criminal charge.
3. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is often misunderstood. It does not require extreme or dramatic behavior.
In Arizona, reckless driving generally involves operating a vehicle in a way that shows a reckless disregard for the safety of others. This can include:
- Aggressive lane changes
- Excessive weaving in traffic
- Street racing behavior
- Dangerous tailgating
While some drivers assume this would result in a citation similar to a moving violation, reckless driving is considered a criminal offense.
Even if no accident occurs, the charge itself can carry serious legal implications and remain on your record.
4. DUI (Even First Offenses)
Most people understand that DUI is serious. What can be surprising is that even a first-time DUI in Arizona is a criminal misdemeanor.
There is no “simple ticket” version of DUI in this state. From the first offense, drivers face criminal prosecution, mandatory court appearances, and additional requirements imposed by the court.
Arizona takes impaired driving seriously, and DUI remains one of the most common criminal traffic offenses AZ drivers encounter.
Because DUI is automatically criminal, it is one of the clearest examples of how a traffic stop can quickly escalate into a criminal case.
5. Leaving the Scene of a Minor Accident
If you are involved in even a minor collision, leaving the scene without properly exchanging information can lead to criminal charges.
Some drivers assume that if the damage appears minimal, or if they intend to “handle it later,” leaving will not carry serious consequences.
However, Arizona law requires drivers to:
- Stop at the scene,
- Provide identifying information, and
- Fulfill reporting obligations when applicable.
Failing to do so can result in criminal charges — even if no one was injured.
This situation often arises in parking lot incidents or low-speed collisions where drivers underestimate their legal responsibilities.
What To Do If You’re Facing Criminal Traffic Charges in AZ
If you receive a citation and are unsure whether it is civil or criminal, review the document carefully. Criminal charges will typically indicate a mandatory court date.
It is important not to ignore a required court appearance. Failing to appear can result in additional legal complications.
Every case is fact-specific. The circumstances surrounding the stop, the officer’s observations, and any prior driving history can all affect how a case proceeds.
If you are facing traffic misdemeanors that Arizona courts treat as criminal matters, speaking with an experienced defense attorney can help you understand your options and next steps.
Protecting Your Record Matters
What begins as a routine traffic stop can sometimes result in a criminal charge. While not every situation leads to severe consequences, the potential impact on your record, employment, and driving privileges makes it important to take these matters seriously.
If you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense in Northern Arizona, contact Antol & Hance for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys can review your situation and help you understand the path forward.
Call today to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Misdemeanors
Are all traffic violations criminal in Arizona?
No. Many traffic violations in Arizona are civil infractions that can be resolved by paying a fine. However, certain offenses, such as criminal speeding, reckless driving, DUI, and driving on a suspended license, are classified as misdemeanors and require a court appearance.
How do I know if my traffic ticket is criminal?
A criminal traffic citation will usually list a court date and indicate that your appearance is mandatory. Civil tickets generally allow you to resolve the matter by paying a fine.
Can a criminal traffic conviction affect my record?
Yes. Criminal traffic convictions can appear on your record and may impact driving privileges or other areas of your life. The specific outcome depends on the charge and the circumstances of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a criminal traffic charge in Arizona?
Because criminal traffic charges are misdemeanors, it is wise to speak with a defense attorney who can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options.