Think You Can Text While You Drive? Think Again.
In January 2021, Arizona enacted the “Arizona Hands-Off Law,” which makes it illegal to use standalone electronic devices that are not in hands-free mode while driving your vehicle. This is inclusive of cell phones as well as tablets, gaming devices, and music players.
This law prohibits texting, reading, watching videos, photographing, talking with your phone to your ear, and other similar actions.
Still permitted, however, is taking phone calls via hands-free means (Bluetooth, earpiece, etc), using a GPS navigation system (including starting and stopping the route), and calling emergency services. You are also permitted to use your phone or other device while you are stopped at a red light.
The official statute for the Arizona Hands-Off Law is A.R.S. 28-914, which can be read in full here.
While the penalty for violating this statute is a civil offense, rather than criminal, anyone caught by law enforcement for this distracted driving can be fined up to $250.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
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At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.