6 Weird Arizona Driving Laws You Should Know
Whether you’re passing through on a road trip, new to Arizona, or a longtime resident, it’s important to know the rules of the road. Everyone knows not to speed or drive under the influence, but Arizona also has many traffic laws that you may not have heard of. Here are some of the weird laws that anyone driving in Arizona should know.
Six Weird Driving Laws in Arizona
1: The “Stupid Motorist Law”
Water on a roadway can be much deeper than it seems, and it could make your vehicle inoperable if you try to drive through it. According to Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 28-910, driving on a flooded public street or highway that has been barricaded will make you liable for the expenses of any emergency response needed to remove you. Because it would be common sense not to drive on a barricaded street, this law has been nicknamed the “stupid motorist law.”
2: Drunk Driving Under the Legal Limit
Across the United States, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. However, Arizona is a zero-tolerance state. That means an Arizona police officer can pull you over and charge you with a DUI if they suspect you’re driving under the influence, even if your BAC is below the legal limit. However, if your BAC is 0.05% or lower, the court may determine that you were not driving under the influence.
3: Driving a Motorcycle without Protective Goggles
Arizona does not require motorcyclists over the age of 18 to wear a helmet, although it’s still strongly recommended. Motorcyclists of all ages, however, are legally required to wear glasses or goggles, unless the motorcycle has a protective windshield.
4: Cutting Through Parking Lots to Avoid Traffic
When driving during rush hour, it can be tempting to cut through a nearby commercial parking lot to bypass traffic. However, according to ARS 28-651, it is illegal to drive on or through any private property, including parking lots, to avoid traffic or stop lights.
5: Child Booster Seat Requirements Are Determined by Height
When properly secured, booster seats save lives. Many states use a child’s weight to determine whether the child still needs a booster seat to safely ride in a car. But in Arizona, height is the determining factor instead. Children shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must be secured in a booster seat when riding in a vehicle.
6: The Left Lane Is Only for Passing
Did you know that you could get pulled over for driving in the left lane in Arizona? According to ARS 28-721, it is illegal to drive in the left lane of multi-lane roads and highways, except when:
- Passing a vehicle in the right lane
- The right lanes are closed to traffic
- The left lane is marked for traffic (such as a fork or interchange)
- The roadway is designated for one-way traffic
Scottsdale Personal Injury Lawyer
As unique as some of these laws are, they help protect people on the road. If you were injured in an accident where another driver broke the traffic rules, contact Van Norman Law. We know Arizona’s driving laws inside and out—even the stranger ones. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 480-481-0616 today to schedule a free consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/11/2023). Photo by serjan midili on Unsplash