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Can you go to jail for speeding Arizona?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 21, 2026

What Are The Consequences Of Criminal Speeding In Arizona? Criminal speeding is a class 3 misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is 30 days in jail, a $500 fine plus an 83% surcharge, and up to one year of probation.

How much over the speed limit is a felony in Arizona?

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 20 miles per hour

Arizona has a basic speed rule that says drivers must travel at speeds that are “reasonable and prudent” under any condition (ARS 28-701). Traveling at more than 20 miles per hour over any speed limit in the state is considered criminal speeding.

What is considered criminal speeding in AZ?

The three main types of criminal speeding are: Going over 35 MPH approaching a school crossing. Driving at over 20 MPH over the posted limit in a commercial or residential zone; or 45 MPH in an area without a posted speed limit. Driving at 85 MPH or higher on any road or highway in Arizona.

Can u go to jail for speeding?

However, there are situations where speeding could also land you in jail. Speeding becomes a jailable offense when you exceed 80 miles per hour, according to WTOP. At this speed, it is considered reckless driving. You could face up to one year of jail time if a court finds you guilty.

What happens when you get a speeding ticket in Arizona?

An Arizona speeding ticket results in steep fines (some over $750) and points on your driving record that can add up to your driver's license getting suspended. Some speeding violations in Arizona can even result in jail time. You'll end up paying more for car insurance as a result of most speeding tickets, too.

43 related questions found

What's the highest speed limit in Arizona?

65 mph is the maximum speed limit on undivided roads. 75 mph is Arizona's highest speed limit and you can only drive at this speed on rural freeways, this speed limit also applies to trucks driving on rural freeways.

Should I attend court for speeding?

If you plead guilty by post, the court will always require you to attend court if you face a possible disqualification due to a high speed or 'totting-up' penalty points. If you plead not guilty the court will set a future date, allowing time for the CPS to make disclosure of the evidence.

Is a speeding ticket a criminal offense?

Minor offences – speeding, licence offences, illegal parking and the like are normally “Section 341/Schedule 3” offences, where there is no actual prosecution and therefore no criminal record to end up in the CRC. Other offences however will likely be dealt with as “Section 57/57A” offences.

What is the penalty for doing 90 in a 70?

However, if you're caught at 90mph in a 70mph zone, you may get three points on your licence. Avoid getting any points at all by respecting the speed limit of the road you're on.

Do you have to go to court for criminal speeding in Arizona?

However, in certain circumstances in Arizona speeding can move from a minor civil infraction to a criminal case. When this happens, you have to worry about appearing in court, hefty fines, increased insurance premiums and even possible jail time.

How can I get out of a criminal speeding ticket in Arizona?

Will criminal speeding case be on my permanent record? Yes. The State of Arizona does not have expungement or “sealing” of criminal convictions. The only relief is to file a petition to “set aside” a criminal conviction once the entire criminal sentence, probation, and fines have been served.

What is a Class 1 misdemeanor in AZ?

Class 1 misdemeanors are the most severe type of misdemeanor crime in Arizona. Convictions can come with maximum penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and 6 months in jail. They also come with collateral consequences. Judges can also impose other penalties, like community service, probation, and restitution.

Is speeding a misdemeanor in Arizona?

Criminal Speeding

According to Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-701.02, speeding can be charged as a Class 3 misdemeanor in one of the following circumstances: If a driver “exceed[s] 35 miles per hour approaching a school crossing.”

Does Arizona have felony speeding?

Unless you have other driving charges on your record—like a DUI or hit and run—you don't have to worry about getting a felony from criminal speeding. However, criminal speeding is still a class 3 misdemeanor in the state of Arizona, and it holds the potential for a permanent criminal conviction.

Can you go above the speed limit?

By law, anything over the official speed limit is liable for a speeding ticket. However, the police usually offer a buffer of 10% plus 2 mph above the speed limit, though this is entirely at their discretion. Breaking the speed limit to a truly excessive degree may lead directly to a court summons and prosecution.

What crimes can you commit?

Types of crime

  • Antisocial behaviour. Antisocial behaviour is when you feel intimidated or distressed by a person's behaviour towards you.
  • Arson. ...
  • Burglary. ...
  • Childhood abuse. ...
  • Crime abroad. ...
  • Cyber crime and online fraud. ...
  • Domestic abuse. ...
  • Fraud.

Does a fine give you a criminal record?

Payment of a penalty notice does not require an admission of guilt and will not result in a criminal record. A record that you have been issued with a penalty notice will be kept, and that information may be used to decide if you are eligible to receive another penalty notice in the future.

Is misdemeanor a crime?

A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail. Community service, probation, fines, and imprisonment for less than a year are commonly issued punishments for misdemeanors.

How long after a driving offence Can I be prosecuted?

The 14 days starts running from the date of the offence and as long as the notice of intended prosecution is sent to the registered owner within 14 days, that will mean that a prosecution can be pursued even though the driver may not receive a notice intended prosecution within those 14 days.

Do all speeding Offences go to court?

Most speeding offences are dealt with through a Fixed Penalty Notice or the offer of a speed awareness course, meaning that they never go to court. However, more serious driving offences such as drink driving or dangerous driving will almost always go to court.

Can I plead guilty without going to court?

Pleading guilty to an offence means that you accept you have committed that offence. Once you plead guilty you are convicted of the offence. For this reason, following a guilty plea there is no need for a trial and the court will proceed to sentence, either immediately or at a later hearing.

Which state has no speed limit?

In 1996, the state of Montana reverted to the state speed limit policies that existed prior to 1974 and the National Maximum Speed Limit.

Where is there no speed limit?

Autobahn, Germany

A road without speed limits might sound like an accident waiting to happen, but the autobahn is among the safest highway networks in the world. That's mainly due to a handful of stringent safety rules, as well as the presence of the autobahnpolizei – the autobahn's dedicated police force.

What is the 3/6 second rule in Arizona?

In any event that pedestrians are crossing any road/street or in any marked/unmarked crosswalk. When driving in traffic, you should stay far enough behind the vehicle ahead to: Avoid a collision if the traffic stops suddenly. The 3-6 second rule ensures the proper "space cushion" to keep you and other drivers safe.