1. News
  2. AZPM News - Local, independent journalism from the NPR 89.1 newsroom
December 31, 2020 / Modified jan 1, 2021 1:18 p.m.

Arizona fines for using cellphone while driving start with the new year

New law took effect in April 2019 without fines
by Associated Press

Cellphone while driving Using a cellphone while driving is illegal in Arizona
courtesy of AZMVD

Arizona drivers who have ignored a 2019 law that bans holding a cellphone behind the wheel be warned: Breaking the law is going to cost you starting Friday. That’s when police statewide can stop drivers and issue tickets that come with fines between $75 and $149 for a first offense, plus other fees.

A second or subsequent offense is even more pricey, with fines of $150 to $250. Arizona was one of the last states in the nation without a cellphone ban until lawmakers were able to pass it after years of trying.

The ban took effect in April 2019, but a provision barred any fines until Jan. 1, 2021.

MORE:
By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona