Did you know that 92% of Americans have a car?
Arizona is incredibly motor-friendly Arizona is incredibly motor-friendly as one of. Like everywhere else in the U.S., Arizona traffic laws are generally designed to keep motorists safe. However, there’s much more to driving in Arizona than simply putting the pedal to the metal.
If this is your first time driving in Arizona, you’ll want to keep reading. That way, you can familiarize yourself with the laws and drive safely and efficiently.
Contents
Speed Limit Regulations
Arizona has a variety of traffic laws that are usually designed to keep its citizens safe while driving. The speed limit is set mainly by the type of roadway and the local or state regulations. The speed limit for most city highways is 55mph and 65mph for state highways.
Specific tunnels and other designated roads may have posted 50mph or lower speed limits. If you drive in a residential or school area, the speed limit will be much lower. Failing to obey the posted speed limit can lead to fines and other consequences.
In most cases, the speed limit for driving in Arizona is 25mph in these areas to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. The weather and other conditions could also regulate the speed limit. It is essential to pay attention to the posted signs and adjust accordingly.
Abiding by Arizona’s speed limit regulations and all other traffic laws is the only way to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
DUI Law
Arizona has some of the strictest laws in the nation when it comes to DUI law. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is normally prohibited in the state and is a DUI offense.
If a driver is found to have a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, they will be criminally charged with a DUI. Arizona also has an “Extreme DUI” law, which applies if a driver’s BAC is .15 percent or higher. Both DUI and Extreme DUI carry criminal penalties, including up to six months in jail, fines of up to $2,500, and suspension of driving privileges for up to one year.
Drivers must understand Arizona driving laws and penalties and avoid drinking and driving. If you have been in an accident, look for professionals that can help you. If you need help, learn more here.
Lane Changing
Arizona traffic laws require that lane changes be done with care and caution. Signals must be posted unless done in emergencies, and you should make a move safely.
Drivers should only change lanes when there is enough space to move in front of their target lane and verify there are no cars in the said lane. It is important to never cut in front of another vehicle and to stay far left when changing lanes.
Additionally, drivers must always check their mirrors to ensure no cars are in the blind spot before making any lane changes. Respect the other drivers and abide by Arizona traffic laws when changing lanes.
Driving Without a Driver’s License
In Arizona, driving without a valid driver’s license is illegal. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division issues franchises to qualified applicants who pass a written and functional test.
Driving without a valid driver’s license may result in a traffic citation and an automatic suspension of the privilege to drive. Additionally, driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense. You must also renew a valid permit every four years.
If convicted of driving without a valid license, a person may be subject to a mandatory minimum fine of $500, up to six months in jail, court assessments, and vehicle impoundment. All these penalties will also remain on the driver’s record for three years. For these reasons, all drivers in Arizona need to obey the law and drive only with a valid driver’s license.
Violating Traffic Signs
Arizona traffic laws put forth stringent regulations when it comes to violating traffic signs. Illegal or improper use of sure traffic signs can be considered a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the severity of the violation. For example, illegally passing a red light is a blatant violation of traffic laws and can lead to a heavy fine, license suspension, and possible prison time.
They were driving carefully, and following all traffic laws while in Arizona is the best way to stay safe and avoid any fines or penalties imposed for violating traffic signs. Additionally, failing to stop at a stop sign or disobeying yield signs can result in significant penalties to the motorist. All these violations can lead to a driver’s license revoking or the motorist being issued points on their license.
Reckless Driving
Arizona traffic laws are stringent when it comes to reckless driving. Any individual who drives a vehicle and endangers the safety of other drivers or pedestrians will be subject to traffic violations. The punishments for reckless driving can include fines of up to $2,500, imprisonment of up to four months, and the possible revocation or license suspension of up to one year.
Arizona also imposes additional punishments for repeat offenders to deter reckless drivers from endangering the safety of others. Drivers should take extra caution when operating a vehicle in Arizona and remain aware of their surroundings to stay safe and avoid severe legal repercussions.
Turning Without Signaling
Drivers in Arizona must use their turn signal at least 100 feet before making any turn or lane change. Police officers are usually authorized to stop and cite individuals found to be intentionally not signaling before a turn.
A driver can be issued a moving violation for not signaling the proper amount of advance notification. Suppose a driver is stressed, distracted, or forgetful and fails to signal. In that case, an officer may consider the amount of traffic, poor visibility, or other situational factors in issuing the ticket or citation.
Failing to signal can also lead to severe or fatal accidents due to other drivers not knowing what the first driver intends to do.
Learning and Following Arizona Traffic Laws
Drivers need to be aware of Arizona traffic laws. Knowing these laws can help drivers make the roads safer for everyone and prevent costly tickets. Drivers’ awareness of their surroundings and traffic laws can help make the roadways in Arizona a much safer place for all travelers.
Do you now have a better understanding of what the laws in Arizona are? If you do, check out our other posts to ensure you catch our handy guides.
