Arizona driving laws you should know

Every motorist in Arizona should familiarize themselves with the state’s driving laws to ensure they safely operate their vehicles. Most drivers know the law requires them to have a driver’s license and wear seat belts. Other essential traffic laws include the “Move Over Law,” the “Stupid Motorist Law,” and regulations regarding cell phone use and what you can do if you see young children or animals in locked vehicles. Understanding and obeying these laws can protect yourself and others from harm on Arizona roads. 

What are the Different Types of Driver’s Licenses in Arizona?

Arizona issues several different types, or “classes,” of motor vehicle licenses. These classes include:

• Class D – The most basic type of driver’s license, Class D licenses are for motorists aged 18 and older. This license allows a driver to operate any motor vehicle that does not require a Class M or commercial driver’s license.
• Class M – A Class M license or endorsement permits a motorist aged 16 or older to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
• Class G – A Class G license permits drivers aged 16 or 17 to operate vehicles that do not require a Class M or commercial driver’s license. Class G licenses restrict a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle, including prohibiting driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (except in certain circumstances) or having more than one non-sibling passenger under 18 unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Class A, B, or C – These classes are commercial driver’s licenses that permit drivers to operate heavy commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers and semi-trucks.

What is Arizona’s “Move Over Law?”

The “Move Over Law” requires all motorists to move into another lane to provide a clear path for an approaching emergency vehicle with its lights activated. Drivers should stop (if necessary) until the emergency vehicle passes.

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or emergency personnel, the Move Over Law also requires drivers to leave a lane between themselves and first responders. If drivers cannot move over for emergency vehicles or personnel, they must slow down and proceed cautiously.

If I Discover a Child or Animal Locked in a Hot Car, Can I Break the Glass to Get Them Out?

Arizona is known for its scorching temperatures. Leaving children or animals inside locked vehicles can quickly become deadly. Vehicle interior temperatures reach much higher than the outside temperature in minutes. For this reason, the state has a Good Samaritan law that provides immunity from liability for property damage for a person who breaks a car window to rescue a child or animal trapped inside a hot vehicle.

What is the “Stupid Motorist Law”?

Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law” requires drivers to refrain from disobeying and driving past flood warning signs or barricades into a flooded area. Under the law, a driver becomes liable for the cost of emergency services necessary to rescue them and recover their vehicle if it becomes stranded in a flooded area.

Can I Get a Ticket for Driving in the Left Lane If I Am Not Passing Someone?

Arizona law restricts the use of the left lane on multi-lane highways to passing only. Drivers in the left lane must travel faster than traffic in the right lane. Drivers must remain in the right lane when not passing. Driving in the left lane without passing slower traffic to the right constitutes a traffic offense that carries fines.

Is it Illegal to Hold My Cellphone While Driving in Arizona?

Arizona’s Hands Off Law prohibits drivers from talking, texting, or otherwise using a standalone electronic device (such as a cell phone, tablet, or handheld gaming device) except in “hands-free” mode. Drivers may not hold or support an electronic device while driving, including holding it between the head and shoulder. Drivers cannot read, write, or send messages, browse the Internet, or watch or record videos with a device. However, drivers may take phone calls via wireless or Bluetooth devices or use cell phones in an emergency or to report a crime.

Is There a Certain Amount of Alcohol That Can Exempt Me from DUI Laws?

Arizona’s DUI laws consider a motorist driving under the influence of alcohol when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. However, a driver can get arrested and convicted for DUI with any amount of alcohol in their system. Police may arrest a driver with any alcohol in their system when officers determine that the alcohol has impaired the driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.

What are HOV Lanes?

HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes are designated lanes on various highways for qualifying vehicles, usually those carrying two or more passengers. While some interstates have permanent HOV lanes, others have HOV lanes that go into effect during rush hour. HOV lanes seek to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging commuters to carpool, providing high-occupancy vehicles with a dedicated lane to bypass congested traffic.

Are there Cities in Arizona That Don’t Allow Smoking in the Car While Children Are Passengers?

Although Arizona lawmakers have considered a statewide law banning smoking in vehicles with minor passengers, the legislature has yet to pass a statute. In the meantime, some municipalities in Arizona have adopted ordinances prohibiting motorists traveling through the city from smoking with a child in their vehicle. For example, Tempe passed an ordinance in 2015 that allows law enforcement to impose fines for drivers smoking with children in the car after stopping the driver for another traffic infraction.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Car Accident in Arizona?

If you are involved in a car accident in Arizona, you can take steps to protect your health and your legal rights to pursue compensation from the liable party. You should:

• Report the crash to law enforcement. Later, request a copy of the police accident report.
• Seek immediate medical attention. All injuries should be diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical record.
• Notify your auto insurance company. Keep your report limited to the date, time, and location of the crash. Do not mention fault or injuries.
• Follow your doctor’s orders. Do not deviate from the treatment plan. Otherwise, the insurance company could argue you made your injuries worse.
• Document your losses. Keep any bills, invoices, or receipts of expenses from the car accident and pay stubs if you missed work due to your injuries.
• Contact an Arizona car accident attorney as soon as possible. You could have a valid personal injury claim for compensation.

Contact an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation for what you’ve endured. Contact Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Arizona.

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