From Reckless Driving to Immigration Issues | License Suspension in AZ

🚗 Reasons Your Driver’s License Could Be Suspended in Arizona (And What to Do If You're Jailed)

When most people think about a suspended driver’s license, they picture DUI cases or hit-and-run charges. While it’s true that driving under the influence (DUI) is a common reason for license suspension, there are many lesser-known violations that can lead to losing your driving privileges—especially in a strict enforcement state like Arizona.

And for immigrants, the stakes are even higher. In some cases, driving without a valid license can bring someone into contact with immigration enforcement—triggering ICE detention or legal complications.

Here are the most common reasons why your license might be suspended in Arizona—and what to do if you end up behind bars.

1. 🚦 Too Many Points on Your License

Arizona uses a point system to track traffic violations. If you accumulate too many points within a certain period, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) may suspend your license.

Common infractions that add points include:

• Speeding

• Running red lights

• Unsafe lane changes

• DUI

• Aggressive or reckless driving

Reaching the point threshold can trigger an automatic suspension—even if the individual infractions seemed minor at the time.

2. 💸 Unpaid Child Support

In Arizona, failing to pay court-ordered child support can have serious consequences, including license suspension. If a parent is more than two months behind, they can lose their license until they meet payment requirements or enter a repayment agreement with the court.

3. 🚨 Reckless Driving Convictions

Reckless driving refers to willfully disregarding the safety of people or property while operating a vehicle. Examples include:

• Driving at extreme speeds

• Swerving aggressively between lanes

• Running multiple stop signs or traffic lights

A conviction for reckless driving almost always results in points added and a potential license suspension—especially if it's a second offense.

4. 🛡️ Driving Without Insurance

Arizona law requires every driver to carry valid auto insurance. If you're caught driving without coverage:

• Your license can be immediately suspended

• You'll have to pay fines and file an SR-22 form

• Your vehicle registration may be canceled

Proof of insurance must be provided to restore your driving privileges.

5. 🚫 Hit and Run (Leaving the Scene)

If you're involved in a car accident and fail to stop and exchange information or report it to law enforcement, you're committing a hit-and-run offense. This is considered a criminal act in Arizona, and it often results in:

• License suspension

• Criminal charges

• Possible jail time

Even minor accidents require proper reporting—especially if someone is injured or property is damaged.

6. ⚖️ Failure to Appear in Court

If you receive a traffic ticket and don’t show up for your scheduled court hearing, your license may be suspended automatically. Failing to appear (FTA) is treated seriously by the courts, and unresolved tickets can also lead to arrest warrants.

7. 🏥 Medical Conditions That Affect Driving

If you develop a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive safely—such as epilepsy, vision loss, or certain psychiatric disorders—your license could be suspended. In some cases, ADOT will request a doctor’s evaluation or medical clearance before reinstating driving privileges.

8. 🛑 Out-of-State Traffic Violations

Did you receive a ticket while driving in another state? Arizona can still suspend your license if:

• You fail to pay the out-of-state ticket

• The violation is serious (e.g., DUI, reckless driving)

• You don’t resolve it with that state’s DMV

Many people don’t realize that their Arizona license can be affected by infractions committed elsewhere.

9. 👮 Immigration Enforcement & Driving Violations

For non-citizens and undocumented immigrants, something as routine as driving without a license or insurance can lead to ICE involvement. Arizona law enforcement collaborates closely with immigration authorities, meaning:

• Traffic stops can result in ICE holds

• Jail time may lead to a transfer into ICE custody

• You may need an immigration bond to get released

That’s why it’s so important for immigrants to seek legal guidance and bond assistance right away if they’re arrested for driving violations.

🧾 What to Do If You’re Arrested for Driving Without a License

Driving on a suspended or expired license is a criminal offense in Arizona. Depending on your case, you could face:

• Jail time

• Fines

• Additional suspension

• Possible immigration consequences

Whether you're in jail for a traffic-related arrest or in ICE custody, you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we provide:

• Bail bond services for traffic and license-related arrests

• Immigration bonds for non-citizens detained by ICE

• Property or cash collateral options to fit different budgets

• Fast, discreet release processing

If you or a loved one is in custody in Arizona, we can help. Learn more about immigration bonds in Arizona and how to start the process now.

📞 Need Help Getting Out of Jail or ICE Detention?

Don’t wait. Being without a license is stressful enough—you don’t want to face incarceration or ICE detention alone.

Call Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds at (800) 537-0645 or request a free consultation. Our bilingual agents are available 24/7 to help you secure release and start putting your life back together.