Can I contest an Arizona traffic ticket without appearing in court?

Yes, for civil traffic infractions. ARS §28-1558 and Rule 10 of the Arizona Rules of Civil Traffic Procedure allow a two-stage documentary-hearing process: first a Request for Documentary Hearing, then — if granted — a Declaration for Documentary Hearing with your defense. Criminal citations must be heard in person.

How long do I have to file the Request for Documentary Hearing?

Within 30 days of the citation issue date. The request must explain why an in-person hearing would create a substantial hardship (distance, work conflict, medical, etc.).

What happens if the judge denies my documentary-hearing request?

The court will set an in-person civil traffic hearing instead. You still have the right to contest and present evidence — just in person rather than on paper.

Arizona· Courthouse Directory

Arizona Traffic Courts

Arizona contests civil traffic infractions through a two-stage paper process under ARS §28-1558 and Rule 10, Ariz. R. Civ. Traffic P. Every municipal or justice court listed below accepts a Request for Documentary Hearing and, if granted, a Declaration for Documentary Hearing in lieu of appearance.

Courthouses

Counties covered

5 of 7

Documentary Hearing window

30 days

From citation date

How the Arizona two-stage hearing works

Step 1 is a Request for Documentary Hearing: a short motion asking the court to let you present your defense on paper because an in-person hearing would be a substantial hardship. File within 30 days of the citation. If the court grants it, step 2 is the Declaration for Documentary Hearing— your actual written defense, with photos, diagrams, and any witness statements, filed before the assigned hearing date. The court rules on the papers and mails the decision. Criminal citations (DUI, reckless driving) cannot use this path.

Maricopa County

County overview →

Pima County

County overview →

Coconino County

County overview →

Flagstaff Municipal Court
Mail-in OK
211 W Aspen Ave · Flagstaff
Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm
View filing instructions →
Pay online ↗(928) 779-7677

Yuma County

County overview →

Yuma Municipal Court
Mail-in OK
1500 S 1st Ave · Yuma
Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm
View filing instructions →
Pay online ↗(928) 373-5050

Yavapai County

County overview →

Prescott City Court
Mail-in OK
1100 Commerce Dr · Prescott
Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm
View filing instructions →
Pay online ↗(928) 777-1290

Not sure which courthouse handles your case?

Upload your citation and we’ll read the courthouse, case number, and violations straight off the ticket.

Scan my ticket →Browse by county

Not legal advice. Courthouse addresses, hours, and filing procedures change without notice. Verify with the official Arizona court website before mailing or appearing.