Using a mobile phone while driving in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Holding or supporting a phone or reading, writing or sending text while driving on a street or highway is banned. Voice calls with an earpiece, headphone or wrist-worn device are allowed. The civil penalty for a first violation is USD 75 to USD 149. New class G licence holders may not use a phone at all for their first six months.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $75.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication (text, instant message, e-mail or internet data) on a phone or stand-alone device while driving is banned. Voice commands to dictate texts and hands-free navigation are exempt. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | During the first six months of a class G (graduated) licence, the driver may not use a wireless communication device for any reason, except in an emergency or for audible turn-by-turn navigation not set or adjusted by hand while driving. Police may cite this only alongside another suspected violation; a first violation carries up to USD 75 and a 30-day extension of the restriction. [2] |
Notes
- The ban does not apply while the vehicle is parked or stopped under 28-645(A)(3) or 28-851. Cities and counties may not regulate this separately (28-914(H)).
- Voice-based communication with an earpiece, headphone device or wrist-worn device is allowed, as is hands-free use for navigation, GPS or vehicle information and voice commands that direct a text. A device that works without either hand, apart from activating or deactivating it, is permitted.
- Civil penalty of USD 75 to USD 149 for a first violation and USD 400 for a second or later violation, plus USD 150 more if the violation results in an accident with a motorcycle. The table shows the lowest first-offence amount.
- Section 28-914 assigns no points and bars agencies from using a violation to suspend a licence except as provided in 28-3312. Whether the Motor Vehicle Division records points was not found in a source read.
Sources
- Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 28-914 - Use of portable wireless communication device while driving; prohibition; civil penalty; state preemption; definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 28-3174 - Class G licence; restrictions (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 to 149 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| California | Banned | Hands-free allowed | Base fine USD 20 (first) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | ⚠ Not yet verified | Allowed | USD 25 (first violation) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nevada | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Utah | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph (prima facie)
- 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
- 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.