Traffic Safety Laws in Arizona
Safety laws protecting individuals on roadways can vary from state to state. Below are a few Arizona safety laws you should be aware of when driving.
Seatbelt Laws
While driving in Arizona, you are required to wear a safety belt at all times.
As the driver, you're responsible for the use of safety belts by all passengers under 16 years old. Front seat passengers 16 years old or older may be cited individually for not wearing a safety belt. Fines and mandatory court fees can be expensive and vary by type of seatbelt violation.
Child Safety Seat Regulations
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) regulates the use of child restraint systems for children meeting certain age and height requirements while inside a motor vehicle.
Safety seat regulations for minors in the state include:
- The use of a child restraint device for children:
- Under 8 years old.
AND - 4 ft 9 in tall and under.
- Under 8 years old.
- A required booster seat for children:
- 5 to 7 years old.
AND/OR - Under 4 ft 9 in tall.
- 5 to 7 years old.
The installation of the child safety restraint must be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications for your child's weight and height. Once your child is 8 years old or older, or taller than 4 ft 9 in, he or she may use the vehicle's safety belt.
Electronic Devices & Distracted Driving
In Arizona it is illegal for any driver to talk or text on a stand alone electronic device. This includes, but isn't limited to: phones, tablets, gaming devices and music devices. Stand alone devices may be used if they are in hands-free mode. Drivers can be pulled over by law enforcement if they are using a hand-held device while driving.
Driver's who receive a citation for driving while using a hand held device, will receive a fine of $75 to $149 for the first violation. Additional violations will cost the driver up to $250 for each citation.
Check out our page on distracted driving to learn more about what to avoid.
Window Tinting
Arizona allows window tinting or other sunscreening materials. However, you must comply with state regulations regarding light transmittance and reflectance.
Arizona law requires:
- For front side windows:
- A light transmission of 33% plus or minus 3%.
- A luminous reflectance of 35% plus or minus 3%.
- A rearview mirror and left and right side mirrors are required for vehicles with window sunscreening devices.
- For rear windows and side windows to the rear of the driver:
- A luminous reflectance of 35% plus or minus 3% or less.
- There are no light transmittance laws for these windows.
Failure to abide by these laws may result in a fine.
Unattended Minors & Pets
While there are no current laws regulating unattended children inside a motor vehicle, it is recommended for adults and supervising adults to use discretion.
However, because of the increased risk of heat stroke and the possibility for other fatal outcomes during the warmer months of the year, you may be subject to charges of child neglect or child endangerment according to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS).
For pets, the animal cruelty law prevents owners from leaving pets unattended inside a motor vehicle when the likely result is injury or death, and may be cause for criminal punishment.
If you notice children or pets inside a vehicle that may be in danger, please call your local authorities.
Helmet Laws
There are no mandatory helmet laws for bicyclists in Arizona.
For motorcycles, helmets are required for all drivers and passengers under the age of 18 years old.