Arizona law (R17-4-404) requires the Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) to assess points to a driver for each violation ending in a conviction or judgment. So you accumulate demerit points, not lose points when you are convicted of moving violations such as speeding or running a red light.

Failure to stop for a traffic signal, stop sign or to yield the right-of-way, causing death is 6 points, while the same offense but only causing serious injury is 4 points according to the AZ driver point valuation list. If you ran a red light without causing injury or death then it falls into the "all other moving violations" category and is only 2 points placed on your Arizona driving record.

The AZ MVD notes on their site that each time you are convicted or forfeit bail for a moving traffic violation, points are assessed against your permanent driving record. If you get too many points on your driving record your license may be affected. In AZ if you accumulate 8 or more points in any 12-month period, you may be required to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or your driving privilege may be suspended up to 12 months.

All convictions for red-light/stop-sign running, aggressive driving, moving violations resulting in death or serious injury, and the first moving violation for drivers under 18 years of age require successful completion of Traffic Survival School following assignment. Failure to successfully complete Traffic Survival School when ordered will result in the suspension of the person’s driving privilege.

So it would appear that you will receive points and be required to complete the Traffic Survival School due to your red light ticket in AZ. They take red light running seriously in Arizona and the MVD states specifically that if you run a red light and cause an accident that results in life-threatening injuries to another driver or passenger, you may be fined up to $500 and your driving privilege may be suspended for 3 months. Additionally, you may be ordered to perform community service.

If you cause an accident that results in the death to another driver or passenger you may be fined of up to $1,000 and your driving privilege may be suspended for 6 months. Additionally, you may be ordered to perform community service.

Anytime you run a red light (or flashing red light) you must attend traffic survival school. If you fail to attend, your driving privilege will be suspended until the class is completed.

Traffic Survival Schools are different then Defensive Driving Schools administered through the Arizona Supreme Court. The TSS program is designed to reach individuals who have exhibited a disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others.

The TSS Program attempts to modify the behavior of these drivers by teaching them how to avoid adverse traffic situations by increasing their knowledge of Arizona traffic laws, defining their responsibilities while driving, and most importantly, improving their attitude toward safe driving. These schools train and assist errant drivers in the proper attitude and techniques in the operation of motor vehicles and strengthen their knowledge of state motor vehicle laws.

How your insurance premiums will be affect will depend upon your driving record and the rating system of your AZ auto insurance carrier. If this is your first ticket then your rates may not be affected (though a safe driver discount may be taken away) however if you have other violations on your motor vehicle record (MVR) then likely your rates will go up. To find out for certain how this traffic ticket will affect your premiums ask your agent about your company's rating system.

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