Driving

Alcohol

Arizona is a zero-tolerance state for underage drinking and driving. If you’re under 21, it’s illegal to drive or be in control of a vehicle with any alcohol in your system. (ARS 4-244)

What are the possible consequences?

  • Suspension of your driver’s license
  • Increased insurance rates or loss of insurance
  • Possible DUI charges depending on the situation

If you’re under 21 and found in possession of alcohol, even if you’re not drinking it, you can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. (ARS 4-244)

What are the possible consequences?

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Up to a $2,500 fine
  • Community service
  • Mandatory alcohol education or diversion programs
  • Suspension of your driver’s license or permit

If you ask a friend, sibling, or stranger to buy or give you alcohol, you’re committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. (ARS 4-241)

What are the possible consequences?

  • Up to 30 days in jail
  • A $500 fine (plus surcharges)
  • Suspension of your license or permit

Trying to buy alcohol with a fake ID, or using someone else’s ID, is a Class 1 misdemeanor. (ARS 4-421)

What are the possible consequences?

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Up to a $2,500 fine
  • Driver’s license suspension

Driving Laws

Content coming soon.

License

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 negligence or willful misconduct of a minor while driving a motor vehicle.

Stage 1: Applying for an Instruction Permit 

Requirements: Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old. Must pass a vision test and written test. The test may be taken online at home with guardian supervision.

Restrictions: Must have a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front seat of the car at all times.

Possible Consequences: Up to 4 months in jail, up to 2 years of probation, fines up to $750, and community service.

 

Stage 2: Graduated License

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old. Must have held the Instruction Permit for at least 6 months. Must pass a road test or complete a driver education program.

Restrictions: For the first 6 months, no driving between 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM unless accompanied by a guardian. For the first 6 months, no more than 1 passenger under 18 unless accompanied by a guardian. More than 1 is permitted if the passengers are siblings. Restrictions don’t apply once a driver turns 18.

Possible Consequences: License suspension, mandatory traffic school, and fines up to $100.

 

Stage 3: Operator License

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old. Not required to obtain.

Hands Free Law

Driving while using your phone is dangerous and it’s also illegal. Here's a breakdown of the law so you can stay safe and prevent serious consequences.

What You Can’t Do:

  • Hold your phone in your hand or support it with your body (even on your shoulder)
  • Text, type, or scroll through messages
  • Watch or record videos
  • Take photos or use your camera
  • Scroll through social media 

 

What You Can Do:

  • Use Bluetooth or speakerphone to make calls
  • Use voice commands (like Siri or Google Assistant)
  • Tap once to start or stop GPS
  • Swipe to answer or end a call
  • Use your phone while stopped at a red light or stop sign
  • Call 911 or report a crime in an emergency

 

What Are the Possible Consequences (ARS 28-914):

  • First violation: $75 - $149 fine
  • Second or subsequent violation: $150 - $250 fine 
  • Those who violate this law could also face a criminal penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine for causing a crash that results in serious injury or death.

 

Quick Tip: Before you drive, set your music, GPS, and Do Not Disturb mode on your phone so you’re not tempted to touch it!

Searches

When the police want to search you, your car, or your home, it’s important to understand your rights.

What Are Your Fourth Amendment Rights?

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means the police need probable cause before they can search you, your belongings, or your property.

 

What Is Probable Cause and Why Does It Matter?

Probable cause means the police have real facts or evidence that make it likely a crime has happened. For example, if an officer sees drugs in your car during a traffic stop, that gives them probable cause to search.

 

When Do Police Need a Search Warrant?

Police need a search warrant to search your property. To get a warrant, they must show the judge they have probable cause. The warrant explains exactly where they can search and what they’re allowed to take.

 

When Can Police Search Without a Warrant?

  • Consent: If you say “yes” to a search, police don’t need a warrant. You have the right to say “no” if they ask for permission.
  • Plain View: If police see illegal items in plain sight, they can take them without a warrant.
  • Search After Arrest: If you’re arrested, police can search you and the area right around you.
  • Vehicle Exception: Police can search your car without a warrant if they have probable cause, like:
    • Seeing drugs or weapons
    • Smelling marijuana
    • Witnesses telling them something
    • You admit to having something illegal
    • Safety concerns for officers