Distracted Driving Could Cost Arizona Drivers More Than Ever

Let’s face it, we’ve all done it. How many times have you checked your phone or rerouted your navigation app while your car was in motion?

It’s a habit we all need to stop, because fines in Arizona will be even higher if we’re caught, according to Fox10 Phoenix.

Man holding phone while driving a car

Distracted Driving and Arizona’s New, More Expensive Fines

With all the talk about distracted driving and rising fines across our state, I’m constantly surprised by how many drivers I still see holding cell phones. Yes, I’ve seen them staring at their phones while they’re stopped at traffic lights, but I also see it happening while the car is moving.

Distracted driving is still one of the biggest safety concerns on Arizona roads. That’s why state leaders are putting more teeth into enforcement by imposing higher penalties on drivers who choose their phones over the road.

man in black shirt sitting beside woman in white shirt

According to recent reports, Arizona is planning to amend distracted-driving penalties, making it more expensive to be caught with your phone in your hand while operating a moving vehicle. The new fines can be as much as $400 in certain cases. Arizona’s lawmakers are pushing to reduce crashes and risky driving behavior.

READ MORE: The Craziest Thing I've Seen California Drivers Do in Arizona

What Counts As Distracted Driving In Arizona?

There are already laws on the books about distracted driving. According to Arizona Revised Statutes ARS 28-914, distracted driving occurs anytime a driver's attention is taken away from driving.

It’s not just texting while driving. Distractions can include eating, adjusting vehicle navigation, or talking with passengers.

Man talking on phone while driving a car.

Arizona law primarily focuses on the use of handheld electronic devices, but other distractions can lead to unsafe driving, too.

State officials mostly worry about drivers texting, scrolling through social media, reading messages, or holding a phone while driving. These habits, they say, create unnecessary risks for everyone on the road.

Fines for Distracted Driving Are Increasing

If you’re caught violating any of these distracted driving laws, you could face serious fines.

House Bill 2109 was just passed and signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 5th. Here are some of the key changes going into effect with Arizona’s New Distracted Driving Law.

READ MORE: Sierra Vista Police Crack Down on Aggressive Driving

brown wooden car steering wheel

Key changes under the law:

• First offense: This stayed the same. The civil penalty remains $75–$149.
• Second or later offense: Civil penalty increases to $400.
• By the third offense: A driver’s license can be suspended.
• Motorcycle crash surcharge: An additional $150 penalty if phone use contributes to a motorcycle crash.
• Expanded prohibitions: The law now also bans live‑streaming or recording videos while driving, even if the device is not physically held.
• Hands‑free exceptions: Still allows navigation, GPS use, and vehicle‑related info retrieval via hands‑free voice commands.

man in black jacket riding motorcycle on road during daytime

Lawmakers say the higher penalties are meant to serve as a deterrent and encourage drivers to use hands-free options rather than handle devices while behind the wheel.

A Push For Safer Roads

These tougher penalties are one way Arizona is making a bigger push to keep all of us safer on the roads.

focus photography of person counting dollar banknotes

So next time you get behind the wheel, remember that your focus matters. Let’s all do our part to look out for each other and help make our roads safer for everyone.