Arizona Passes Hands-Free Law
Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona has signed legislation prohibiting drivers from using or holding a cellphone.
Arizona's Gov. Ducey has signed a law that will prohibit the use of cellphones by drivers in the state.
Photo via Ryan Harvey/Flickr.
Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona has signed legislation prohibiting drivers from using or holding a cellphone, reports KTAR News.
The new law, which was signed April 22, makes it illegal to physically hold or support with any part of the body a mobile phone or other portable device while behind the wheel. Devices that can be used in a hands-free mode or are integrated with the vehicle's control interface are exempt.
House Bill 2318, which is now law, carries with it a minimum fine of $75 and up to $149 for a first offense. Subsequent violations can mean fines of at least $150 but no more than $250, reports Arizona Capitol Times.
The new law goes into effect in January 2021. It will override existing local statues in various cities like Phoenix, Tempe and Surprise. Until the law goes into effect, officers will issue warnings to get the public ready to abide by the statewide regulation, note reports.
The new law does make exceptions for motorists who are parked — they can call or text at will. In addition, drivers stopped at a traffic light or waiting for a train to clear a railroad crossing are exempt, notes the Capitol Times.
Finally, fleet drivers with commercial licenses communicating with a dispatcher are not subject to the law, according to the report.
More Safety
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →