Can You Legally Speed in Arizona in an Emergency?

Imagine being in an emergency situation where you've suddenly got to take someone to the hospital.

Let's suppose that, for whatever reason, you can't or don't call an ambulance. If the patient is in distress, are you allowed to speed in order to get them to the hospital faster?

It's an Emergency! Can You Legally Speed in Arizona?

In Arizona, speeding during an emergency is a nuanced topic. It might seem like it should be okay to exceed the speed limit if the situation is urgent (like if your passenger is going into labor, for example), but it's not quite that simple.

The law is clear: only authorized emergency vehicles are allowed to speed, and only under certain conditions.

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That means in order to exceed the speed limit, you'd better be driving a police car, ambulance, or a fire truck, otherwise, you could be in a lot of trouble.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-624, designated emergency vehicles can exceed speed limits when responding to emergencies, as long as they don't endanger life or property and they use audible and visual signals like sirens and flashing lights.

READ: It's Illegal To Do THIS On A Bicycle In Arizona

So, in a word, no. You're not allowed to speed, even if it is an emergency.

READ: These 9 Things are Surprisingly Illegal in Arizona

Arizona law doesn't grant exemptions for speeding, even in personal emergencies. So, even if you're rushing to the hospital or dealing with some emergency, you have to follow traffic laws, including sticking to the posted speed.

If you don't, you could be slowed down even more when a police officer pulls you over to issue a traffic citation.

Humans Dealing with Humans in Arizona

But let's be real here; police officers are humans, too. If you do get pulled over for speeding and explain the situation, the officer might be able to help you out, but getting emergency services to you, rendering aid, or by providing an escort to the hospital.

You might still get a ticket for speeding, though, and the fines could be at the discretion and mercy of the courts. It's better to let emergency services do their job - to keep everyone, especially your passenger, safe.

Sources: Arizona Legislature | Arizona Revised Statutes | Hastings and Hastings | LegalClarity