Whether you’re a longtime resident of Arizona or have recently moved to the state, there are probably some rules of the road that you are not familiar with. In some cases, the laws can seem a little strange. Especially if you have moved from another state with different laws. A Phoenix car accident attorney from Lerner and Rowe offers the following refresher of unusual Arizona driving laws so you won’t find yourself receiving an unexpected ticket.
‘The Stupid Motorist’ Law
Arizona sometimes gets monsoons – a large amount of rain that falls during a short amount of time. These rains can create dangerous driving conditions. Willingly driving past barricades is not only unwise and possibly even deadly, it can also be against the law. If you do this, get trapped in a flooded area, and need a rescue from emergency services, you can be held liable for the costs of your rescue.
Drunk Driving Laws
Getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol is never a good idea. Still, you may think you are in the clear if your blood alcohol level is under the 0.08 legal limit. Arizona, however, is a zero-tolerance state. If an officer suspects that you may be under the influence, the officer can pull you over and charge you. If your blood alcohol level tests 0.05 percent, the law may conclude that you were not under the influence. However, it is safer to leave the driving to a designated driver or a car service like Uber or Lyft.
Motorcycle Laws
If you are a motorcycle operator over age 18, you do not have to wear a helmet in Arizona. But, it is still a good idea. It can help protect your head in case of a crash. A helmet may also decrease your risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, you – as well as any passengers – do have to wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield if you motorcycle does not have a protective windshield.
Driving in Reverse
It may seem obvious, but it’s official. It is illegal to travel down an Arizona road in reverse.
Child Booster Seats
Child restraint laws vary from state to state, and many include the child’s weight as a determining factor for when a child still needs to be in a booster seat. Arizona does not, however, and the state considers height to be the determining factor. Children age 5 to 7 should be in a booster seat on Arizona’s roadways unless they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
Private Parking Lots
If traffic is heavy, it may be tempting to bypass some of it by cutting through a store’s or restaurant’s parking lot. This is illegal under Arizona law.
Getting Help from a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident in Arizona, contact a Phoenix car accident attorney at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys as soon as possible at 602-977-1900. We will work to pursue protection of your rights and interests. Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but we are available 24/7 by phone. You can also reach out to us online via our LiveChat feature or by filling out an online form.