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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
traffic penalties; appeal; stay
Purpose
Requires the court to report the stay of enforcement of a judgment for a traffic violation to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) if an appeal is granted for the judgment and prohibits ADOT from taking any administrative action until the stay is lifted or the judgment is affirmed.
Background
Municipal and justice courts have concurrent jurisdiction over civil and misdemeanor criminal traffic violations that are committed within the boundaries of the court by persons who are at least 18 years old and, if the presiding judge of the superior court declines jurisdiction, persons under 18 years old. A party may appeal the judgment of the municipal or justice court regarding a civil or misdemeanor traffic violation to the superior court. The posting of an appeal bond stays enforcement of the judgment. A person must pay all civil penalties within 30 days from the entry of judgment, unless payment within 30 days will place an undue economic burden on the person (A.R.S. §§ 28-1552; 28-1600; and 28-1601).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Stipulates that, if an appeal is granted for the judgment of a traffic violation, the court must report the stay of enforcement of the judgment to ADOT.
2. Prohibits ADOT from pursuing any administrative action relating to the judgment until the stay is lifted or affirmed by an appellate court.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
TI 1/28/26 DP 7-0-0-0
3rd Read 3/4/26 52-0-7-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2026
LMM/KS/ci