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speeding ticket 20 over arizona costs depend on one critical detail: whether your violation was civil or criminal. Arizona draws a hard legal line at 20 mph over the limit. Drive exactly 20 over in most zones, and you typically face a civil ticket of roughly $150 to $300 with surcharges.
However, go more than 20 over in a business or residential district, or hit 85 mph anywhere, and you can be charged with criminal speeding. That is a class 3 misdemeanor with fines up to $500 plus surcharges and up to 30 days in jail. As a result, understanding a speeding ticket 20 over arizona case means knowing exactly where and how fast you were driving.
Speeding Ticket 20 Over Arizona: Civil vs. Criminal Speeding
Most Arizona speeding tickets are civil violations under ARS 28-701. Civil tickets are not crimes. You pay a fine, and the violation adds 3 points to your license. For example, going 20 over on a highway posted at 55 mph puts you at 75 mph. That is below the 85 mph criminal threshold, so it stays civil in most cases.
However, Arizona also has a criminal speeding statute, ARS 28-701.02. You commit criminal speeding if you exceed 85 mph anywhere in the state. You also commit it by going more than 20 mph over the limit in a business or residential district. Exceeding 35 mph near a school crossing counts too. Criminal speeding is a class 3 misdemeanor. That means a possible criminal record, not just a fine.
This is why a speeding ticket 20 over arizona situation is so location-sensitive. Going 45 in a 25 mph residential zone is exactly 20 over, which typically stays civil. Going 46 in that same zone crosses into criminal territory. One mile per hour can change everything. Check the exact statute number written on your citation to know which type you received.
Fines, Points, and Penalties for 20 Over in Arizona
Arizona does not set one statewide fine amount for civil speeding. Each city and justice court sets its own fine schedule. In most cases, a civil ticket for 20 over runs between $150 and $300 after state surcharges are added. Surcharges in Arizona add roughly 78 to 84 percent on top of the base fine. For example, a $100 base fine can become nearly $180 at checkout.
| Violation Type | Statute | Typical Cost | License Points | Jail Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil speeding (20 over, most zones) | ARS 28-701 | $150–$300 with surcharges | 3 points | No |
| Criminal speeding (more than 20 over in business/residential, or 85+ mph) | ARS 28-701.02 | Up to $500 plus surcharges | 3 points | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Excessive speed near school crossing (over 35 mph) | ARS 28-701.02 | Up to $500 plus surcharges | 3 points | Yes, up to 30 days |
Both civil and criminal speeding add 3 points to your Arizona driving record. The Arizona MVD takes action at 8 points within 12 months. At that level, you must attend Traffic Survival School or face a suspension of up to 12 months. As a result, a speeding ticket 20 over arizona conviction matters most for drivers who already have points. Insurance is another hidden cost. A speeding ticket 20 over arizona case can raise premiums by 20 to 30 percent for three years.
What to Do After Getting a 20 Over Ticket in Arizona
First, read your citation carefully. Find the statute number and the court date. If it cites ARS 28-701, you have a civil ticket with three options. You can pay it, contest it at a hearing, or attend defensive driving school. If it cites ARS 28-701.02, you face a misdemeanor charge. In that case, talking to a traffic attorney before your court date is worth serious consideration.
Defensive driving school is usually the best move for a civil speeding ticket 20 over arizona drivers receive. Complete the course, and the court dismisses the ticket entirely. No points hit your record, and your insurance company never sees it. However, eligibility is limited. You can only use the class once every 12 months, and you must enroll before your court deadline. Notably, Arizona courts also allow the class for criminal speeding under ARS 28-701.02 in eligible cases, according to AZCourtHelp. Commercial license holders are not eligible.
If you contest the ticket instead, request a civil hearing before the deadline on your citation. The state must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence. For example, you can question how the officer measured your speed. Typically, hearings resolve in one short session. Ignoring the ticket is the worst option. A default judgment adds fees, and the MVD can suspend your license for failure to pay or appear.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 over the speed limit a felony in Arizona?
No, it is never a felony by itself. Exactly 20 over is typically a civil violation. However, more than 20 over in a business or residential district is a class 3 misdemeanor under ARS 28-701.02.
How many points is a speeding ticket 20 over arizona drivers get?
Speeding adds 3 points to your Arizona driving record, whether civil or criminal. As a result, one ticket alone will not trigger a suspension. Reaching 8 points within 12 months requires Traffic Survival School or brings a suspension of up to 12 months.
Can I go to jail for a speeding ticket 20 over arizona courts issue?
Not for a civil ticket, which only carries a fine. However, criminal speeding is a class 3 misdemeanor with up to 30 days in jail possible. In most cases, first-time offenders receive fines rather than jail time.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed July 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Speeding Ticket Costs by State
- Driving Points by State
- Traffic School by State
- Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator
- Insurance Impact Estimator
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.