{"id":371604,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-11-20T11:55:27","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T16:55:27","slug":"arizona-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arizona Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Before driving in Arizona, you should know the rules. The expectations and laws differ from other states, and local law enforcement might pull you over if you make a mistake.<\/p>\r\n

The principles of safe, defensive driving are always a good start to avoiding tickets wherever you drive. Yet, drivers sometimes get tickets for violations specific to this state. Learn about Arizona’s traffic laws to protect your driving privileges.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona Driving Laws and Vehicle Rules<\/h2>\r\n

Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes covers transportation, including rules for motor vehicles. Find links to traffic laws and resources in Arizona in the chart below. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division<\/a> (MVD) also provides learning materials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking & Driving Violations (DUI)<\/th>\r\nDriving Under the Influence<\/a> (ARS Title 28, Chapter 4)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without a License \/ With a Suspended License<\/th>\r\nLicense Violations<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-3471 to 28-3481)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Insurance \/ With Insufficient Insurance<\/th>\r\nVehicle Insurance and Financial Responsibility<\/a> (ARS Title 28, Chapter 9)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Registration \/ With Expired Registration<\/th>\r\nRegistration; violation; classification; exceptions<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-2531)Registration; violation; civil penalties<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-2532)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Illegal U-Turn<\/th>\r\nLimitations on turning around<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-752)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the Scene of an Accident \/ Hit & Run<\/th>\r\nAccidents involving death or personal injury; failure to stop<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-661)Accidents involving damage to vehicle; failure to stop<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-662)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical Violations and Unlawful Vehicle Modifications<\/th>\r\nEquipment<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-921 to 28-966)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless Driving<\/th>\r\nReckless driving<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-693)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a Red Light \/ Stop Sign<\/th>\r\nObedience to and required traffic control devices<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-644)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat Belt \/ Child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\nVehicle restraints required; exceptions; civil penalty<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-909)Child passenger restraint system; civil penalty<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-907)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\nSpeed Restrictions<\/a> (ARS \u00a7 28-701 to 28-710)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Arizona’s Left Lane Passing Law<\/h2>\r\n

State law designates the left lane of a multi-lane road only for passing or turning left. Drivers must stick to the right lane unless they’re passing slower vehicles ahead of them.<\/p>\r\n

If you have found yourself stuck behind a slow car in the left lane, you’d know not all drivers follow this law in practice. Slow cars should safely move to the right lane and allow others to pass.<\/p>\r\n

it can be frustrating when both lanes have slow traffic, but even if another driver fails to follow the left lane law, avoid risky maneuvers to get around them. You may end up with a dangerous accident or reckless driving charge.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona’s Right Lane Driving Law<\/h2>\r\n

Because the far left lane is solely for passing, most driving is done in the right lane. Drivers in the right lane should usually avoid passing other vehicles until they move into the left lane.<\/p>\r\n

State law (AZ \u00a7 28-724<\/a>) lists exceptions to the rule that allow you to pass in the right lane when:<\/p>\r\n