Did you know?!

If you’re a resident of Arizona, it’s time to take a step back and reconsider your driving habits. Specifically, let’s address a critical issue: driving in the left lane. The left lane is intended exclusively for passing other vehicles. If you’re not actively overtaking another car, you should be in the right lane. Please drive responsibly and adhere to the traffic laws. After all, no one should have to risk their safety—or anyone else’s—because of someone else’s impatience.

Did you know that the left lane also needs to remain clear for emergency vehicles? Emergency responders often rely on that lane to navigate through traffic quickly and safely. There are fines, fees, and even new legislation on the way to enforce this, so consider this a warning: Drive responsibly, respect the road and the lives of others on it!

While most officers may not stop you just for having air fresheners or objects hanging from your rearview mirror, it is a ticketable offense. Why? These items can obstruct your view and create distractions while driving. The solution is simple: move these items to your blinker or shifter to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Driving 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit is considered criminal speeding under Arizona Revised Statute ARS 28-701B. Here’s what you need to know:

Felony Speeding Violations in Arizona:

• Exceeding 35 mph in a school zone
   
• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph in business or residential areas
   
• Driving over 45 mph in a business or residential area without a posted speed limit
   
• Traveling over 86 mph on any roadway in Arizona
   

ARS 28-701-02 outlines these violations, and criminal speeding is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

If you’re convicted for criminal speeding, the penalties can include:

• A $500 fine
   
• 3 points added to your driver’s license
   
• Possible suspension of your driver’s license
   
• Up to 30 days in jail
   
• Up to 1 year of probation
   
• Community service
   

Although jail time for a first offense is rare, it can occur when additional charges—such as DUI, reckless driving, road rage, or drag racing—are involved.

In Arizona, using your vehicle to intimidate, threaten, or harm another individual can result in serious charges, including felony or misdemeanor penalties. If you make persistent threats, you could face harassment charges under ARS 13-2921.

Furthermore, threatening or intimidating someone with your vehicle is a punishable offense under ARS 13-1202, which can result in:

• Class 1 misdemeanor charges, carrying up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $2,500
   
• Class 3 felony charges in more severe cases, leading to 2.5 to 7 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
   

If you use your vehicle in a manner that endangers another person—similar to wielding a weapon like a gun or knife—you could be charged with vehicular assault. Prosecutors take these charges very seriously, and mandatory prison sentences may be imposed, even if you have no prior criminal record.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. It's essential to follow traffic laws, not only for your safety but for the safety of others on the road. Arizona has specific laws that are in place to protect all of us—whether we’re driving, walking, or responding to emergencies. Let’s all do our part to drive safely and responsibly.