Is It Illegal to Text and Drive in Arizona?   

In Arizona, texting and driving is illegal. The use of any hand-held device while behind the wheel can lead to a fine, unless the device was being used as a GPS system.

Texting and driving is one of the most hazardous behaviors a driver can perform in a vehicle. It is possibly the most dangerous form of distracted driving and responsible for thousands of lost lives every year.

Many states have implemented statewide bans on cell phone use behind the wheel, and on March 2019 Arizona passed a bill that bans texting and driving. Several Arizona cities had already enacted local-level laws against texting and driving. Some have banned the use of any electronic messaging devices behind the wheel within city limits. Violations of these local laws can lead to fines and additional penalties depending on individual circumstances.

Distracted Driving in Arizona

Arizona passed a bill on March 4, 2019 banning the use of any hand-held device while driving, this includes texting, calling, watching or recording a video, and swiping through your phone. The only exception to the use of hand-held devices is for in-vehicle navigation systems, using a hands-free device or for an emergency.

If the bill is signed by the state House and by Gov. Doug Ducey, the law will go into effect on January 2021. This means that police officers will currently only be able to issue warnings to distracted drivers and not citations, but they can pull you over if they find you using a phone while driving.

The state prohibits the use of any wireless communication devices for instruction permit holders. In Arizona, an individual qualifies for an instruction permit at 15 and half years old, and permit holders may only drive when accompanied by licensed drivers who are at least 21 years of age. The only exception to the wireless device ban for instruction permit holders is in case of emergency to contact the police or an ambulance when stopping the vehicle would be dangerous.

Once the bill is signed, drivers will be fined between $75 and $149 if they are found texting and driving for the first time, second time offenders will be fined between $150 and $250.

Some local areas already uphold specific laws concerning distracted driving, these laws will remain valid until the new state-wide texting and driving ban goes into effect on January 2021. For example, it is illegal for any driver to use a wireless communication device behind the wheel within the city limits of Tucson unless they use hands-free devices. In Phoenix, drivers may talk on a cell phone, but the city bans texting behind the wheel entirely. Tucson enforces the city distracted driving ban with a $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for future offenses. In Phoenix, fines can range between $150 and $250 depending on whether the distracted driving leads to a collision.

Dangers of Texting While Driving

Any distraction behind the wheel is dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,450 deaths in 2016 alone from car accidents caused by distracted driving. Drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely at all times, and this includes paying close attention to their surroundings and changes in traffic conditions. If a distracted driver caused your accident, consult with a Glendale car accident lawyer about your legal options to recover compensation. Any type of distraction can potentially diminish a driver’s reaction time to a sudden change on the road and lead to an accident. Three main types of distractions exist.

• Visual distractions are anything that causes a driver to look away from the road.
• Manual distractions are anything that requires the use of the driver’s hands.
• Cognitive distractions divert a driver’s attention away from driving safely.

Texting and driving is so dangerous because it encompasses all three of these types of distractions into one act. A driver will need at least one hand to operate his or her cell phone, his or her eyes to read messages, and the driver will be paying attention to the text conversation instead of driving.

It is crucial for all Arizona drivers to understand the risks and possible legal penalties of texting behind the wheel — not only extending to local-level laws but also potential civil liability for damages caused by distracted driving accidents. A distracted driver, for instance, may owe another driver compensation for medical expenses from the treatment of personal injuries, lost income, property damage, and other damages from a distracted driving accident. If a distracted driver caused your accident, contact us for help recovering compensation for your injuries.

It is always safer to keep a cell phone set to silent while driving and wait to respond to text messages until after parking the vehicle.

John Allen Phebus

Experienced Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney

John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.

Years of experience: +30 years

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