Vehicle Code in Arizona

The Arizona Vehicle Code

A "vehicle code" covers everything from traffic safety laws and vehicle regulations to driver's license procedures and vehicle registration fees. Quite simply, it is the rule of the road. While each state has its own vehicle code, you will find many similarities between the guidelines, as they are all designed to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike.

You will find the vehicle code helpful if you are accused of a traffic law infraction. Knowing the exact verbiage of the statute will enable you to support your case in court. Arizona's vehicle code is documented under Title 28, chapters 1 through 27 of the revised statutes. For noncommercial drivers, the most important sections of Arizona's vehicle code include:

Chapter 1: Definitions, Penalties, and General Provisions

  • Definitions of terms you'll find in the code.
  • Classifications of different traffic violations.

Chapter 2: Administration

  • General procedures for carrying out the Arizona motor vehicle/transportation code.

Chapter 3: Traffic and Vehicle Regulation

  • Traffic laws and violations.
  • Signs and road markings.
  • Accidents, speeding, and the right of way.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle regulations.
  • Vehicle equipment laws.

Chapter 4: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

  • DUI definitions.
  • Penalties and consequences.

Chapter 5: Penalties and Procedures for Vehicle Violations

  • Criminal violations and legal proceedings.
  • Civil traffic violations and tickets.

Chapter 7: Certificate of Title and Registration

  • Title applications and title transfers.
  • Vehicle salvage.
  • Liens and encumbrances.
  • Registration requirements.
  • License plates.

Chapter 8: Motor Vehicle Licenses

  • Driver license types, classes, and endorsements.
  • License violations, falsification, and penalties.

Chapter 9: Vehicle Insurance and Financial Responsibility

  • Liability insurance requirements.
  • Mandatory insurance and proof of insurance.

Chapters 15: Fees

  • Commercial vehicle fees and highway use.

Chapter 16: Taxes

  • Fuel taxes.
  • Registration and license taxes.

Referring to the Arizona motor vehicle code can be good practice after receiving a traffic ticket. You'll be able to research the exact language of your violations and find out if you were really in the wrong. If you plan to fight your ticket, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer.

Check Your AZ Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver's license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver's license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what's on record at the Motor Vehicle Division. Your driving record will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

For more information about ordering your driving record, please visit our Driving Records in Arizona page.

Remember, too many minor traffic violations and some major offenses can result in driver's license suspensions, Arizona MVD fines, driver improvement requirements, and reinstatement procedures.

If you've committed a traffic violation or are at risk for a driver's license suspension, you can also visit our pages on these related topics:

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