In the bustling state of Arizona, maintaining order on the roads is no small task. From the scenic highways to the city streets of Phoenix, different environments require different approaches to traffic safety. To address these diverse needs, the state must take a collaborative approach, combining the forces of local and state officials, police departments, and various other organizations to create, enforce, measure, and adapt traffic laws.

Here, we explore how Arizona traffic laws are created, highlighting some unique laws that keep drivers in the Grand Canyon State safe. 

Law Creation & Implementation: A Unified Effort

There are a handful of standards and regulations that all states must follow. For example, the Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) set guidelines for how traffic signs, signals, and road markings should be designed and implemented. These guides help ensure consistency in traffic control measures and facilitate safer transportation for all drivers.

However, specific laws, like speed limits and regulations on distracted driving, are mainly up to the states. This is so they can tailor their traffic laws to better suit their environmental conditions and logistical needs. In Arizona, state legislators work alongside agencies such as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) to craft laws that address local needs. 

Additionally, local municipalities often have the authority to create ordinances that enhance safety within their area. For example, cities might implement no-parking zones near schools or adopt more stringent regulations on distracted driving in busy urban spaces. 

Local police departments and the AZDPS are two key entities responsible for enforcing these traffic laws. These authorities ensure compliance with state and local regulations through routine patrols, traffic stops, and traffic cameras. 

Laws Unique to Arizona

While Arizona shares many of the same traffic laws as other states, it has also established several laws tailored to its unique environment. 

Stupid Motorist Law

This uniquely named law fines drivers who bypass barricades to drive through flooded areas. The law not only discourages risky behavior during Arizona’s monsoon season but also helps reduce the number of rescue operations that put emergency responders at risk. If a rescue operation is necessary, drivers can be charged for the cost of the operation. 

Move Over Law

Arizona’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over one lane — or slow down if changing lanes isn’t possible — when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the roadside. It doesn’t just cover emergency vehicles but also includes tow trucks, maintenance vehicles, and even passenger vehicles. The goal is to protect roadside workers and motorists alike from being struck by passing traffic. 

Hands-Off Laws

In 2021, Arizona implemented a strict state-wide Hands-Off law prohibiting the use of any handheld electronic device while driving. This includes calls, texting, and browsing on smartphones. To help reduce the risk of distractions and accidents associated with mobile phone use, the law mandates that all electronic devices be operated in hands-free mode. 

Want to learn more about the traffic laws keeping you safe on Arizona’s roads? Register for a comprehensive driver’s education course. Our expert instructors are here to guide you through the state’s traffic laws and how they apply to real-world scenarios.