This bill amends Arizona statutes to increase fees and assessments related to traffic violations and court fines. It requires a $9 surcharge on all court-authorized diversion programs, such as defensive driving schools, and adds a $4 penalty assessment to every civil or criminal traffic fine. Additionally, the legislation strengthens the court's ability to address nonpayment by allowing judges to issue arrest warrants or order jail time for willful failure to pay fines, fees, or restitution. The bill also mandates annual reporting on the collection rates of these monetary obligations to state officials.
This bill requires the Arizona Department of Transportation to submit an annual report by July 31 detailing progress in reducing wait times at motor vehicle offices and speeding up vehicle registration renewals by mail. The report must be sent to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and should follow the same format used in previous years. This provision directly affects Arizona residents who wait for services at motor vehicle divisions or renew their vehicle registrations through the mail, as it mandates government transparency regarding service efficiency.
This bill requires the Arizona Department of Transportation to submit an annual report by July 31 detailing progress in reducing wait times at motor vehicle offices and speeding up mail-in vehicle registration renewals. The report must follow a format similar to previous submissions made to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
HB 2417 allows courts to order drivers convicted of specific speeding offenses to install a speed-limiting device on their vehicle instead of facing license suspension. It applies to first-time excessive speeding convictions, drivers accumulating points requiring a one-year suspension, second speeding offenses within 24 months, and minors' first speeding offense. Drivers must pay for installation and maintenance, and device providers must electronically verify compliance (including no tampering) to the state. Failure to maintain the device results in license suspension and a class 1 misdemeanor charge.
This bill changes Arizona's photo radar enforcement rules for traffic violations like speeding or red-light running. Drivers who receive a violation notice from a photo enforcement system do not have to identify the driver or respond to the notice. The maximum civil penalty is capped at $75, and the violation cannot result in driver license suspension, higher insurance rates, or affect insurance renewals. Law enforcement must review evidence before issuing citations, and photo enforcement companies cannot determine if a violation occurred.
SB 1531 creates a new "distracted driving special plate" program in Arizona, requiring a $32,000 upfront payment to the Department of Transportation by December 31, 2026, before the plates can be issued. The donor designs the plates (subject to department approval) and may combine it with personalized plate requests. For each plate issued, a $25 fee is charged, with $17 directed to a "distracted driving special plate fund" (to be deposited into the State Highway Fund). This program directly affects vehicle owners who pay the fees and seek these special plates, but only after the initial $32,000 payment is made. The bill does not change distracted driving laws or enforcement.
Arizona's SB 1284 amends traffic laws to require drivers who fail to stop completely at red lights (violating A.R.S. § 28-645(A)(3)(a)) to attend a state-approved driver safety education program instead of facing standard fines. This applies to violations resulting in serious injury or death (covered under A.R.S. § 28-672), where courts must order the program and community restitution. The bill updates penalty structures for red-light running offenses, replacing typical citations with mandatory education for repeat or severe violations. It directly affects drivers convicted of red-light violations causing injury or death, shifting focus from fines to safety education.
HB 2109 amends Arizona's distracted driving law to prohibit holding or texting on portable wireless devices while driving, with specific exceptions for hands-free navigation and emergency use. It establishes civil penalties of $75-$149 for first offenses and $150-$400 for repeat violations, adding a $150 penalty if a violation causes a motorcycle accident. The bill also preempts local regulations, ensuring statewide enforcement starting January 1, 2021, and requires warning signs at state highway entrances. This bill directly affects all drivers in Arizona and is currently pending in the legislature (prefiled, first reading).
SCR 1004 is a resolution that, if approved by Arizona voters, would prohibit the use of photo enforcement systems for traffic law enforcement. The bill defines "photo enforcement system" as a device using radar or sensors linked to a camera to capture license plate images for identifying traffic violations. It amends Arizona Revised Statutes to repeal existing provisions permitting such systems and adds a new prohibition. This measure would directly affect law enforcement agencies and drivers by banning automated traffic ticketing without an officer present.
HCR 2004 is a proposed referendum measure that would prohibit the use of photo enforcement systems for traffic violations in Arizona. It defines "photo enforcement system" as devices combining radar/sensors with cameras to capture license plate images for identifying traffic lawbreakers. If approved by voters, this measure would amend Arizona law to ban such systems, directly affecting law enforcement agencies and traffic enforcement practices. The resolution requires voter approval to become law, as stated in its preamble.
