Car speed limits in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Speeds above 25 mph in a business or residential district, or above 65 mph elsewhere, are prima facie evidence of an unreasonable speed. Interstate highways outside urbanized areas have a 65 mph limit that may be raised to 75 mph. The limit is 15 mph at school crossings while school is in session. In state highway work zones the posted limit applies, and the penalty is doubled when workers are present.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph (prima facie) [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph (prima facie) [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 65 mph; 75 mph where ordered [2] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 15 mph approaching a school crossing (prima facie), and a maximum of 15 mph between the portable signs placed while school is in session. Where the signs say so, the civil penalty is doubled. [3] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in a residential district (prima facie limit). [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | In a designated state highway work zone the speed allowed by the traffic control devices applies. When workers are present, speeding carries an additional assessment equal to the civil penalty, so the amount is doubled. [4] |
Notes
- Local authorities may raise the limit in a business or residence district to not more than 65 mph after an engineering and traffic investigation (§ 28-703(A)(2)).
- Section 28-701(B)(3) gives 65 mph for locations other than business or residence districts and school crossings. Posted limits set under §§ 28-702 and 28-703 take precedence.
- The 65 mph limit applies on interstate highways outside an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. The director may order 75 mph on individual interstate highways.
Sources
- Arizona Legislature: 28-701 - Reasonable and prudent speed; prima facie evidence; exceptions (Arizona Revised Statutes) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona Legislature: 28-702.04 - Maximum speed limit on interstate highways outside urbanized areas and within certain counties; definition (Arizona Revised Statutes) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona State Legislature: 28-797 - School crossings; civil penalty; assessment; definition (Arizona Revised Statutes) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona State Legislature: 28-710 - State highway work zone safety; civil penalty; fund (Arizona Revised Statutes) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 25 mph (prima facie) | 65 mph (prima facie) | — | 65 mph (75 mph where posted) |
| California | 25 mph | 55 mph (2-lane undivided) | 65 mph (most highways) | 65 mph (most highways) |
| New Mexico | 30 mph | 75 mph (55 mph unposted county roads) | 75 mph (general maximum) | 75 mph maximum |
| Nevada | Posted limit; 80 mph cap | Posted limit; 80 mph cap | Posted limit; 80 mph cap | 80 mph maximum |
| Utah | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | Posted, up to 75 mph |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (class G licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (restricted permit); 15½ (standard permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed pocket knife not an offence · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.15 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 16 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.