roadwise.Open study app

Arizona driving lesson · Signals, Right-of-Way & Road Users

Red-light running penalties

A 2-minute lesson from the Arizona course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Signals, Right-of-Way & Road Users
Checkpoint questions
4
Source pages
37, 38

Running a red light is one of the most dangerous intersection violations, and Arizona treats it seriously. Every red-light conviction sends you to Traffic Survival School, adds points, and can bring fines and suspension if someone is hurt or killed.

Know the rule

If you're cited for running a red light or another civil traffic violation, you may be eligible for the Arizona Supreme Court's Defensive Driving Program. Read the information with your citation.

Handbook p. 37 ↗

Know the rule

If convicted of running a red light (or a flashing red light), you must attend Traffic Survival School. MVD is notified when you finish, and no further court appearance is required.

Handbook p. 38 ↗

Know the rule

MVD is required by law to order Traffic Survival School for every red-light conviction reported by the courts.

Handbook p. 38 ↗

Red-light crash penalties

Red-light crash penalties
Result of the crashFine up toPossible suspension
Life-threatening injuries$5003 months
Death$1,0006 months
Handbook p. 38 ↗

Know the rule

In either case, you may also be ordered to perform community service.

Handbook p. 38 ↗

Know the rule

Points are assessed and appear on your driver record.

Handbook p. 38 ↗

Know the rule

Paying the fine means assuming responsibility for the violation; it is reported to MVD as a conviction.

Handbook p. 38 ↗

Know the rule

Failing to complete Traffic Survival School results in an indefinite suspension of your driving privilege.

Handbook p. 38 ↗

Put it into practice

You get a ticket for running a red light and simply pay the fine online. That counts as a conviction, so MVD will still order you to Traffic Survival School — skip it and your license is suspended indefinitely.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What must a driver do upon conviction of running a red light in Arizona?
  1. Automatically lose their license permanently
  2. Nothing unless a crash occurs
  3. Attend Traffic Survival School
  4. Only pay a small fine with no other penalty

Answer: Attend Traffic Survival School

MVD is required by law to order completion of Traffic Survival School for every red light conviction.

Handbook p. 38 ↗
If running a red light causes a crash resulting in death, what is the maximum fine and suspension described?
  1. No fine, only community service
  2. A fine up to $1,000 and a 6-month suspension
  3. A fine up to $500 and a 3-month suspension
  4. A fine up to $2,500 and a 12-month suspension

Answer: A fine up to $1,000 and a 6-month suspension

Causing a death by running a red light can result in a fine up to $1,000 and a 6-month suspension, more severe than the life-threatening-injury penalty.

Handbook p. 38 ↗
After a red-light conviction, what happens if you fail to complete the required Traffic Survival School?
  1. A 30-day suspension
  2. A 3-month suspension
  3. Two extra points on your record
  4. Indefinite suspension of your privilege

Answer: Indefinite suspension of your privilege

Failure to complete Traffic Survival School after a red-light conviction results in an indefinite suspension of your driving privilege.

Handbook p. 38 ↗
Paying the fine for a red-light citation is reported to MVD as a conviction.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Payment of the fine is assuming responsibility for the violation and is reported to MVD as a conviction.

Handbook p. 38 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

More in Signals, Right-of-Way & Road Users