MOTORIZED SCOOTERS BANNED
New regulation:
Applies to any "motorized vehicle that is self-propelled by a motor or engine," whether it be gas or electric, and can reach the speed of up to 50 mph, are banned on any kind of public land - that includes parks and alleys - and can only be used on private property with the written consent of the owner… according to the ordinance
Those who violate the rules will be subject to a traffic citation, just as drivers who speed or fail to yield at a stoplight are. And parents whose children are cited are just as liable - even if they didn't know their kids were using the skateboards in an inappropriate manner, or place.
MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS
Motorized skateboard use is primarily covered by city laws. In general, city laws require riders to be at least 14 years old, follow traffic signs and rules and wear a helmet while riding a motorized skateboard.
PHOENIX
The Phoenix City Council approved a ban on ALL motorized skateboards, scooters and motorized play vehicles. They cannot be operated on public right of ways, including ALL streets and sidewalks.
TEMPE
No person can operate a toy vehicle (less than 5 horsepower) on city streets (Section 19-23). Tempe City codes also state that no person other than the owner of the motorized skateboard is authorized to ride it and that no passengers are allowed on it.
GLENDALE
- Prohibits the operation of any motorized skateboard by any person under 14
- Requires children 14 and over to carry a consent form signed by their parents at all times while riding it
- Restricts the operation of motorized skateboards on city streets to daylight hours (not before 7 am and not after 8pm)
- Restricts the speed of motorized skateboards to 25 miles per hour
- Prohibits carrying of passengers when the motorized skateboard is in motion
- Prohibits riding a motorized skateboard in a crosswalk
- Prohibits the operators of motorized skateboards from causing excessive noise
- Requires all motorized skateboard operators under 18 years old to wear helmets
- Violation of this city law is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2500 and six months in jail.
MESA
Parental permission form is required to be carried at all times by children riding motorized skateboards.
- Children under 14 are prohibited from riding motorized skateboards.
- Prohibits riding motorized skateboards on sidewalks and on any private property where owners prohibit it.
- Motorized skateboards cannot go on roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour and can only be operated from 7am to 8pm.
- Users cannot carry fuel or any other packages while riding it, nor alter the fuel system by adding fuel packs.
- Mesa also requires motorized skateboard riders under 18 to wear a helmet, shoes (no sandals!) and goggles.
- Violations can result in a fine of up to $300.
Check with your local police department to find out about laws concerning motorized skateboards in your community.
SEATBELTS
The law says that everyone in the front seat of a vehicle has to wear a seat belt. Sometimes a seat belt is called a vehicle restraint. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that any passenger in the front seat under the age of sixteen uses the vehicle restraint. (ARS 28-909)
This includes the following:
- Have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
- If only a lap belt is installed where the occupant is sitting, have the lap belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
If you are under 21 years of age and are in possession of an alcoholic substance, you can be found guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. If you are under 21 years of age, it is against the law to drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while there is any spirituous liquor in your body (A.R.S. § 4-244(34)).
A person under 21 years old who asks someone else to purchase, sell or furnish them with alcohol is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor and could receive a penalty of a maximum of 30 days in jail, a $500 fine plus surcharges (A.R.S. § 13-802) and suspension of a drivers license or permit (A.R.S. § 4-241(D)).
A person under 21 years old who uses false identification to buy or be furnished with alcohol is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor and could receive a penalty of 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine plus surcharges (A.R.S. § 13-707) including suspension of a drivers license or permit (A.R.S. § 4-241(C),(E)).
LEARNER'S PERMIT
Did you know that if you are under 18 years of age, you need the consent and signature of an adult to apply for a permit and that the adult can be held responsible and liable should something happen while you are operating a motor vehicle? Under the law, a person who signs the application of a minor for a permit or license can be held responsible and liable for damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of a minor while driving a motor vehicle.
Applying for a Permit: A.R.S. §28-3154
1. You must be at least 15 years and 7 months to apply for a permit for a Class D driver’s license. Beginning on January 1, 2000 you will be need to apply for a permit for a Class G Driver’s license. House Bill 2438 changed the driver’s license for 16-18 year-olds from a Class D to a Class G license. This went into effect on January 1, 2000.
2. You must pass a written exam to obtain a permit.
3. A permit only entitles you, the permittee, to drive a motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle, on public highways for 12 months. While you are driving you must:
A. Have your permit in your possession.
B. Be accompanied by a person with a driver’s license.
C. Have the licensed driver sitting beside you while you are driving.
4. You must be at least 15 years and 7 months old to apply for a permit for a Class M license which is to operate a motorcycle (A.R.S. 28-3156).
5. A permit for a Class M license is valid for 6 months.
Cancellation of license: A.R.S. §28-3162
A person or parent who signs that application of a minor for a drivers license may file a written request to cancel the driver license of a minor.
Unlicensed minor liability: A.R.S. §28-3163
An owner or owners of a motor vehicle who causes or who knowingly permits an unlicensed minor to drive a vehicle on a highway or who gives and or furnishes a motor vehicle to an unlicensed minor are liable, along with the minor for damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the minor in driving the vehicle.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
In 2011, the Arizona Legislature DID NOT PASS SB 1538, a bill that makes it a traffic violation with possible fines and penalties if a person is texting while driving. Learn more about SB 1538, by going to the Arizona State Legislature's website.
The LawForKids.org "Debate it!" legislature would have passed this bill.
However beware that simply because something is not prohibited under Arizona state law, it may still be illegal under the local law of a particular city or county. For example, the City of Phoenix has a law making it illegal to send text messages while driving: Phoenix City Code 36-76.01. Tucson also has a law prohibiting texting while driving, Code 20-160. To check your city's laws, visit the city website; most cities either post their codes and ordinances online, or link to a site that houses their laws.
JOYRIDING
Joyriding is defined as borrowing someone’s car, bicycle, boat, or motorcycle without permission and with the intention of just using it for a while.
Even if you are just a passenger, you are still responsible and if the vehicle gets damaged you may have to pay.
Other penalties for joyriding are counseling, community service, probation, house arrest, detention, or having your driver’s license or permit taken away.
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.