What Arizona's 2019 suspension law changed
In 2019, Arizona made significant changes to how the state suspends driver licenses, primarily through legislation that affected administrative suspensions and reinstatement requirements. The most notable change involved how the state handles suspensions tied to unpaid traffic tickets, criminal convictions, and failure to appear in court. If your license was suspended under Arizona law around this time, the rules that applied to you may differ from what applies to new suspensions today.
The 2019 changes also affected how long suspensions last and what you must do to get your license back. Understanding which version of the law applies to your suspension matters because the reinstatement steps, fees, and waiting periods can be very different depending on when your suspension took effect.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona's 2019 law changes affected suspension lengths and reinstatement requirements, particularly for suspensions tied to unpaid fines, criminal convictions, and failure to appear in court.
- Suspensions issued under the 2019 rules may have different reinstatement fees and waiting periods than suspensions issued before or after that year.
- You can check your suspension status and the specific reason for your suspension through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website or by calling their driver services line.
- Reinstatement typically requires paying outstanding fines, fees, and court costs, plus any reinstatement fee the state charges.
- If your suspension is tied to a criminal conviction, you may need to complete additional requirements like substance abuse programs or community service before reinstatement is possible.
How to learn about the 2019 law applies to your suspension
The first step is confirming when your suspension took effect. You can check your license status through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) by visiting their online driver services portal or calling 602-255-0072. When you contact ADOT, have your driver license number ready and ask them to tell you the exact date your suspension began and the specific reason for it.
If your suspension began in 2019 or shortly after, the 2019 law changes likely explore to you. ADOT staff can also tell you what reinstatement requirements you must meet and whether any waiting period applies before you can reinstate. This conversation is important because it tells you exactly what steps come next and in what order.
Suspensions tied to unpaid fines and court costs
One major area the 2019 law affected was suspensions for unpaid traffic fines and criminal fines. Under the 2019 rules, Arizona suspends licenses when you owe money to the court and do not pay it or do not appear in court on the date scheduled. The suspension stays in place until you pay what you owe or work out a payment plan with the court.
Before you contact ADOT about reinstatement, you need to resolve the underlying debt. Contact the court that issued the fine or the traffic ticket and ask what amount is still outstanding. Many courts allow payment plans, and some will reduce the amount owed if you explain financial hardship. Once the court confirms you have paid in full or have an approved payment plan in place, you can then contact ADOT about reinstatement.
Suspensions tied to criminal convictions
If your suspension is tied to a criminal conviction — such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license — the 2019 law may have set specific reinstatement requirements beyond just paying fines. These requirements often include completing a substance abuse program, attending traffic school, or fulfilling community service hours ordered by the court.
You cannot reinstate your license until you have completed whatever the court ordered. Ask the court clerk for a written list of all requirements tied to your conviction, and ask them to confirm in writing when each requirement is complete. Keep these confirmations because ADOT will ask for proof that you have met them before processing your reinstatement.
Reinstatement fees and waiting periods under 2019 rules
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license after a suspension ends. The amount varies depending on the reason for your suspension and when it took effect. Under the 2019 law, reinstatement fees typically range from around $100 to $300, though the exact amount depends on your specific suspension type. ADOT can tell you the exact fee amount when you call.
Some suspensions also include a mandatory waiting period — a set number of days you must wait after meeting all requirements before you can reinstate. Other suspensions allow when ready reinstatement once you have paid all fines and fees and completed any court-ordered programs. ADOT will tell you whether a waiting period applies to your suspension and how long it is.
Steps to reinstate your license after a 2019 suspension
Start by calling ADOT or checking their online portal to confirm what you still owe and what requirements remain. Write down everything they tell you: the exact amount owed, which court or agency to pay, any programs you must complete, and the reinstatement fee amount.
Next, pay any outstanding fines or court costs. You can usually do this online through the court's website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse. Ask for written confirmation of payment. Then complete any required programs — substance abuse treatment, traffic school, or other court-ordered requirements — and get written proof of completion from the program provider.
Once you have paid everything and completed all programs, contact ADOT again to confirm you are ready to reinstate. Pay the reinstatement fee (usually online or by mail) and submit any required documents. ADOT will process your reinstatement and mail you a new license or send you a notice that you can drive on a temporary permit while the new license arrives.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount owed
If you owe money to the court and cannot pay it all at once, contact the court directly and ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Many Arizona courts will work with you to set up a plan where you pay a smaller amount each month. Some courts will also reduce fines if you can show financial hardship.
Once you have an approved payment plan in place, you may be able to reinstate your license even though you have not paid the full amount. Ask the court and ADOT whether reinstatement is possible while you are making payments. Having a written agreement from the court helps ADOT process your reinstatement faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my suspension is from 2019 or earlier?
Call ADOT at 602-255-0072 or check their online driver services portal with your license number. They will tell you the exact date your suspension began. If it began in 2019 or within a few months after, the 2019 law rules explore to you.
Can I drive on a learner's permit or restricted license while my suspension is in place?
No. A suspension means you cannot drive at all, even with a permit. Driving during a suspension is a separate criminal offense. You must wait until your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.
What happens if I do not reinstate my license after the suspension ends?
Your license remains suspended indefinitely. You cannot legally drive, and driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties. Contact ADOT as soon as you are ready to reinstate so you can get back on the road legally.
Do I have to go to ADOT in person to reinstate, or can I do it by mail or online?
Most reinstatements can be handled by mail or online through ADOT's website. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee and submit any required documents. ADOT will tell you which method applies to your specific suspension when you contact them.
If I have multiple suspensions, do I have to reinstate them all at once?
Yes. If you have more than one active suspension on your record, you must meet the reinstatement requirements for all of them before your license is restored. ADOT will list every suspension when you check your status and tell you what each one requires.