Arizona FTA License Suspension: Clear the Hold, Reinstate
Arizona requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Arizona at a Glance
25/50/15
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$10
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arizona
Arizona operates under a tort liability system where at-fault drivers are responsible for damages. The state requires continuous proof of insurance—SR-22 is not triggered by FTA alone but may be required if your underlying citation was for driving without insurance. Arizona courts issue FTA holds directly to MVD when you miss a citation appearance, and many courts also issue bench warrants for misdemeanor traffic offenses.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
What Drivers Pay in Arizona
$225–$414/mo
Typical monthly rate in Arizona, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Bench warrant issuance: Does not directly affect insurance rates but delays reinstatement—carriers cannot bind coverage while your license is suspended.
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driver Permit (DUI: Special Ignition Interlock Restricted License)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if I have a bench warrant for FTA in Arizona?
Most Arizona courts publish warrant lists online—search your county or city court website for 'warrant search' or 'case lookup' and enter your name. If nothing appears, call the court clerk directly and provide your citation number. Do not walk into the courthouse without confirming warrant status first—active misdemeanor warrants can result in immediate arrest.
Can I get my Arizona license reinstated before appearing in court for FTA?
No. Arizona MVD will not lift an FTA hold until the court notifies them the case is resolved or the warrant is recalled. You must appear in court, pay the fine, or arrange a continuance before MVD will process reinstatement. Attempting to reinstate without clearing the FTA hold will fail and you will lose the reinstatement fee.
Does an FTA suspension in Arizona require SR-22 insurance?
FTA holds themselves do not trigger SR-22. However, if your underlying citation was for driving without insurance, DUI, or multiple moving violations, the court may order SR-22 as part of the case resolution. SR-22 is a separate requirement from the FTA hold—clearing the FTA does not remove an SR-22 order.
Can I appear in Arizona court remotely to clear an FTA hold?
Many Arizona courts allow phone or video appearances for traffic infractions if you call the clerk and arrange it in advance. Misdemeanor FTA cases with active bench warrants typically require in-person appearance for warrant recall. Some courts allow your attorney to appear without you for warrant quash hearings, which removes arrest risk.
Will insurance companies cover me while my Arizona license is suspended for FTA?
Most standard carriers will not bind a new policy while your license is actively suspended. Non-standard carriers like Acceptance, Direct Auto, and Freeway Insurance specialize in coverage for drivers clearing FTA suspensions and can bind policies before reinstatement is complete. You cannot legally drive until both insurance and license reinstatement are complete.
How long does Arizona MVD take to lift an FTA hold after I appear in court?
Arizona courts typically notify MVD electronically within 24–48 hours of resolving your case. MVD then processes the release, which can take an additional 1–3 business days. You can check your eligibility for reinstatement on the MVD website using your license number—do not pay the reinstatement fee until the FTA hold status shows cleared.
Coverage Types
Post-FTA Reinstatement Insurance
State-minimum liability coverage required to reinstate your Arizona license after clearing an FTA hold. MVD will not process reinstatement without proof of current insurance meeting 25/50/15 minimums.
SR-22 If Underlying Citation Requires
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with MVD when the court orders it as part of resolving your underlying case. Not required for FTA alone, but common if you missed court for DUI or no-insurance.
Non-Standard Auto Coverage
High-risk insurance for drivers with suspended licenses, multiple violations, or lapses in coverage. Non-standard carriers specialize in FTA reinstatement cases and often bind coverage same-day.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Optional coverage that pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Arizona does not require it but approximately 13% of state drivers have no insurance.