Arizona driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide and, where the manual is silent, the Arizona Revised Statutes: Title 28, Chapter 1: Definitions, Penalties and General Provisions, Title 28, Chapter 3: Traffic and Vehicle Regulation, Title 28, Chapter 4: Driving Under the Influence, Title 28, Chapter 5: Penalties and Procedures for Vehicle Violations, Title 28, Chapter 6: Agreements and Compacts, Title 28, Chapter 7: Certificate of Title and Registration, Title 28, Chapter 8: Motor Vehicle Driver Licenses, Title 28, Chapter 9: Vehicle Insurance and Financial Responsibility, Title 4, Section 4-244: Unlawful acts, with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 6 October 2026; manuals fetched on 14 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
5. Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-873(A)(5)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park?
It is illegal to park on a crosswalk or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. A car parked close to the crosswalk hides people stepping off the curb from drivers turning the corner.
On a crosswalk or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you park in or near an intersection?
It is illegal to park within the boundaries of an intersection. A car left inside the intersection blocks turning cars and the view of drivers on every side.
Within the boundaries of an intersection.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a stop sign or traffic signal must you park?
8. Within thirty feet on the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-873(A)(8)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How far from a railroad crossing must you park?
It is illegal to park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. A car parked near the tracks blocks the view of a coming train and can leave a car behind it stuck on the crossing.
Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a fire station driveway must you park?
11. Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet of the entrance when properly posted.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-873(A)(11)
As of 6 Oct 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
A. On meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus that has stopped on the highway, the driver of a vehicle on a highway shall: 1. Stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus, if the school bus is displaying the signal as provided in subsection D of this section and if alternately flashing lights are in use. 2. Not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the signal and alternately flashing lights are no longer displayed.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-857(A)
As of 6 Oct 2026
What must you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
Under the Move Over Law, if it is not safe or possible to move over, you must slow down and use caution. If you cannot give the stopped car space, giving it time is the next best thing. A slower car is easier to steer away.
If it’s not safe or possible to move over, motorists must slow down and use caution.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
You must stay at least 500 feet behind a fire department vehicle responding to an emergency. Fire trucks stop hard and crews jump out. Riding close behind puts your car in the middle of the scene.
The driver shall maintain a distance of at least 500 feet behind a fire department vehicle responding to an emergency and at least 300 feet behind a police vehicle responding to an emergency.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise. Without lights at night you cannot see the road, and other drivers cannot see you until they are about to hit you.
You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise, but be aware that other driver may not have turned on their headlights.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
Use high beams on highways when no other vehicle is coming toward you within 500 feet. High beams blind an oncoming driver, who may drift into your lane. Dim them once a car comes within that range.
Use high beams on highways when no other vehicle is coming toward you within 500 feet.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
Each front seat occupant of a motor vehicle made after 1972 must have the seat belt properly fastened and adjusted while it moves. Cars from that year on have belts built in for the front seat, and the law expects them to be worn.
Each front seat occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured after 1972 must have the seat belt properly fastened and adjusted with
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
Children from 5 to 8 years old must ride in a child restraint system until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Below that height an adult belt crosses the throat instead of the shoulder, so the seat is still needed.
Additionally, children between five and eight years of age are required to be in a child restraint system until they are a minimum of four feet, nine inches tall.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
Being under the 0.08 BAC legal limit does not mean it is legal or safe for you to drive; you can still be arrested for DUI. Alcohol slows you down well before 0.08. If it shows in your driving, you can be charged even under the limit.
Remember, being under the legal limit of 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does not mean that it is legal or safe for you to drive and you can still be arrested for driving under the influence.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
A driver under 21 may have the license suspended if there is any alcohol concentration at all. A new driver has little skill to spare, and even a small amount of alcohol takes some of it away.
If you are under 21, your license may be suspended if there is any alcohol concentration.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you use a handheld phone while driving?
Apart from hands-free use, a wireless device may be used while driving only to report an emergency. A crash or a fire ahead is worth a call. Most other calls can wait until you have pulled over.
A wireless device may only be used while driving in order to report an emergency.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
While driving, you may not write or read any text-based message, or watch, record or broadcast video. Reading one short text takes your eyes off the road for long enough to cover a whole block blind.
Drivers may not write or read any text-based communication while driving, and may not watch, record, or broadcast video while driving.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
Signal at least 100 feet (about 4 seconds) before you turn so other drivers have time to react. A signal that starts at the corner gives the driver behind no time to slow down.
Signal at least 100 feet (approximately 4 seconds) before you turn so other drivers will have time to react.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
Where signs do not prohibit it, you may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, when cars and pedestrians are clear. The turn is allowed only from a full stop. Rolling through the right on red is how pedestrians in the crosswalk get hit.
Where not prohibited by signs, a right turn may be made after coming to a complete stop, when motor traffic and pedestrian traffic are clear.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
A left turn from a one-way road onto a one-way road is the only left turn you may make against a red light, after stopping and yielding, unless signs prohibit it. Only here does a left turn cross no oncoming lane. Any other left on red drives across cars coming at you.
This is the only left turn situation where, unless signs prohibit it, you may make the turn against a red light after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Where are U-turns not allowed?
U-turns are permitted when they can be made safely, do not interfere with other traffic and are not prohibited by signs. A U-turn swings across every lane. Made in front of other cars, it leaves them nowhere to go.
U-turns are permitted as long as the movement can be made safely, does not interfere with other traffic and is not prohibited by signs.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a residential street when no sign is posted?
When no limit is posted, the speed limit in any business or residential district is 25 mph. Homes and shops mean children, parked cars and people stepping out. A few miles per hour faster turns a close call into a hit.
25 mph in any business or residential district.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
When no limit is posted, the speed limit on open highways or city freeways is 55 mph. Guessing a higher limit on a city freeway is an easy ticket and leaves you too fast for heavy traffic.
55 mph on open highways or city freeways.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit in a school zone?
When no limit is posted, the speed limit when approaching a school crosswalk is 15 mph. Children at a crossing do not judge traffic well. At a crawl you can stop for one who runs out.
15 mph when approaching a school crosswalk.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
You may pass on the right on an open highway clearly marked for two or more lanes moving in your direction. With a marked lane for each car, passing on the right is just driving in your own lane.
An open highway is clearly marked for two or more lanes of vehicles moving in the same direction as you are going.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you wear headphones while driving?
1. Physically holds or supports with any part of the person's body either of the following: (a) A portable wireless communication device, except that a person may use a portable wireless communication device with an earpiece, headphone device or device worn on a wrist to conduct a voice-based communication. (b) A stand-alone electronic device.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-914(A)(1)
As of 6 Oct 2026
May you have an open container of alcohol in the car?
It is illegal for a driver or passenger to drink from or have an open container of liquor in the passenger compartment of a vehicle on any public road. An open drink within reach invites drinking on the road, and the law does not care which seat it is in.
It is illegal for a driver or passenger to consume or possess an open container of spirituous liquor in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle while on any public roadway.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
You may be issued a graduated or motorcycle instruction permit if you are at least 15 years and 6 months old. The permit starts the practice clock. Starting at 15 and a half leaves time for 6 months of practice before 16.
If you are at least 15 years and 6 months of age you may be issued a graduated and/or a motorcycle instruction permit.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
An applicant for a graduated license must have held an Arizona instruction permit for at least 6 months. Six months of practice covers hot summer roads, monsoon rain and night driving. A short permit misses most of that.
An applicant for a graduated license must have held an Arizona instruction permit for at least 6 months.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
A graduated or operator permit holder must be accompanied by a Class A, B, C or D licensed driver at least 21 years old, who sits in the seat beside them. A new driver misses hazards a practiced one sees. The adult beside you is there to warn you or take over.
Graduated or operator permit: you must be accompanied by a Class A, B, C or D licensed driver at least 21 years of age, who occupies the seat beside you.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
For the first 6 months, a graduated license holder may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m., unless an exception applies. Late-night hours mix darkness, tired drivers and drunk drivers. A brand-new driver is least ready for all three at once.
For the first 6 months, a driver with a graduated driver license shall not drive a motor vehicle between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless:
As of 14 Sep 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
For the first 6 months, a graduated license holder may not drive with more than 1 passenger under 18, unless an exception applies. Each teen passenger raises the crash risk for a teen driver. Friends talk, joke and pull the driver’s eyes off the road.
For the first 6 months, a driver with a graduated driver license shall not drive a motor vehicle containing more than one passenger under the age of 18, unless:
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first DUI offense brings a fine of not less than $1,250. The fine is only the start. Add jail, classes and higher insurance, and one night of drinking costs far more.
First offense – you will be jailed for not less than 10 consecutive days, your driver license will be suspended for not less than 90 days, and you will be assessed a fine of not less than $1,250.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first DUI offense in Arizona brings jail for not less than 10 consecutive days. Even a first DUI means days behind bars, not just a fine. The law treats it as a crime that could have killed someone.
First offense – you will be jailed for not less than 10 consecutive days, your driver license will be suspended for not less than 90 days, and you will be assessed a fine of not less than $1,250.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long is your license suspended for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first DUI offense suspends the driver license for not less than 90 days. Three months without a license touches work, school and family. That weight is meant to stop a second time.
First offense – you will be jailed for not less than 10 consecutive days, your driver license will be suspended for not less than 90 days, and you will be assessed a fine of not less than $1,250.
As of 14 Sep 2026
For how many years does a prior drunk-driving conviction count against you?
A third DUI within 7 years is an Aggravated DUI. Three DUIs in a few years is a habit, not a mistake. The law stops treating each one as a separate slip.
This category of DUI applies to a person who commits a DUI while their driving privilege is suspended or revoked, commits a third DUI in 7 years, or commits a DUI while a person under 15 is in the vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How many points on your license lead to a suspension?
If you accumulate 8 or more points within any 12-month period, you must attend Traffic Survival School or your driving privilege may be suspended. Points add up fast. A few tickets in a year and you are back in class or off the road.
If you accumulate 8 or more points within any 12-month period, you are required to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or your driving privilege may be suspended.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle?
A. An operator or passenger of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle who is under eighteen years of age shall wear at all times a protective helmet on the operator's or passenger's head in an appropriate manner. A law enforcement officer may issue a citation for a violation of this subsection only to an operator or passenger who is sixteen or seventeen years of age and who has been issued a driver license or permit. The protective helmet shall be safely secured while the operator or passenger is operating or riding on the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle. An operator of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle shall wear at all times protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield of a type approved by the director unless the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle is equipped with a protective windshield. This subsection does not apply to any of the following:
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-964(A)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
1. Front side wing vents and windows that have a substance or material in conjunction with glazing material that has a light transmission of thirty-three percent plus or minus three percent and a luminous reflectance of thirty-five percent plus or minus three percent.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-959.01(A)(1)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How much distance must you leave when passing a bicycle?
When passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction, motorists must allow a minimum safe distance of 3 feet. A bike can wobble or swerve around a rock. Too close a pass leaves no room and the rider goes down.
Motorists are required to allow a minimum safe distance of 3 feet when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
If you are driving slower than the traffic around you, drive in the right lane and let faster vehicles pass. A slow car in the left lane forces faster drivers to weave around it on the right.
Remember to drive in the right lane and allow faster moving vehicles to pass whenever you are driving slower than traffic around you.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
(ii) Subject to the limit for one person, $30,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident. (iii) $10,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident. (b) For a policy that is issued or renewed beginning on July 1, 2020, except for a policy that is issued to a person that has a valid certificate of self-insurance or partial self-insurance pursuant to section 28-4007: (i) $25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident. (ii) Subject to the limit for one person, $50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident. (iii) $15,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-4009(A)(2)
As of 6 Oct 2026
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