Teen Driver Safety in Arizona

1. What legislative measures have been taken to improve teen driver safety in Arizona?


In an effort to improve teen driver safety in Arizona, the state legislature has adopted several measures. In 2017, Arizona passed a “GDL Law” which requires teen drivers to go through a graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) process before obtaining a full driver’s license. This includes a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving, and a minimum of 6 months without a teen passenger when driving. Additionally, drivers under 18 are banned from using cell phones while driving, and the use of any type of electronic device is prohibited for newly licensed drivers ages 15-17. Finally, teens under age 18 are prohibited from driving between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2. How does Arizona measure up against other states in terms of teen driver safety?


Arizona ranks 11th in teen driver safety according to a 2019 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Arizona has some of the safest roads in the nation, with a fatality rate of 12.4 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared to a national average of 14.4. The state has also implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which has been proven to reduce fatal teen crashes by 11%.

3. What are the most common causes of teen driver fatalities in Arizona?


The most common causes of teen driver fatalities in Arizona are:
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Ignoring traffic signs and signals
• Failing to wear a seat belt
• Over-correcting while turning or changing lanes
• Following too closely
• Driving too fast for conditions.

4. What proactive steps can parents in Arizona take to ensure their teens are safe drivers?


Parents in Arizona can take the following proactive steps to ensure their teens are safe drivers:

1. Set a good example by wearing your seat belt and adhering to traffic laws.

2. Educate your teen about the importance of safe driving practices, such as not drinking and driving, not using a cell phone while driving, and always wearing a seat belt.

3. Monitor your teen’s driving, such as keeping track of and limiting the number of hours they are driving and setting firm rules about passengers in the car.

4. Sign a parent-teen driving agreement that outlines expectations for safe driving behavior.

5. Enroll your teen in a defensive driving course that teaches strategic and defensive driving skills.

6. Make sure your teen’s license is up-to-date and all required tests have been passed before allowing them to drive alone.

7. Talk to your teen about the consequences of unsafe driving, such as hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, jail time, and criminal records.

5. Does Arizona have any teen driver education programs in place?


Yes, Arizona does have a teen driver education program in place. The program is called the Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL) and it is designed to provide teens with the opportunity to gain driving experience in a safe and controlled environment. The program includes supervised learning behind the wheel, as well as classroom instruction. The program also provides teens with the opportunity to earn a learner’s permit and eventually a driver’s license.

6. Are there any laws in Arizona that require teens to complete driver education courses?


Yes, there are laws in Arizona that require teens to complete driver education courses. In order to get an Arizona driver’s license, anyone under the age of 18 must complete a state-approved driver education course. The course must be approved by the Arizona Department of Transportation and is typically offered through high schools or commercial driving schools.

7. What are the primary laws governing teen driving in Arizona?


The primary laws governing teen driving in Arizona are as follows:

1. Minimum Age Requirement: Arizona law requires that all new drivers aged 15 1/2 to 18 must complete a graduated driver’s license (GDL) program.

2. Instructional Permit: Drivers aged 15 1/2 to 16 years must hold an instructional permit for at least six months before they can apply for a provisional license.

3. Supervised Driving Hours: Drivers aged 15 1/2 to 16 years must log at least 30 hours of supervised driving before they can apply for their provisional license. At least 10 of these hours must be driven at night.

4. Passenger Restrictions: Drivers under the age of 18 may not transport any passengers who are under the age of 18, except for family members, unless accompanied by an adult supervisor who is 21 or older.

5. Cell Phone Restrictions: Arizona law prohibits all drivers under the age of 18 from using cell phones while operating a vehicle, even if hands-free devices are used.

6. Curfew Restrictions: Arizona state law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from operating a vehicle between midnight and 5 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.

8. What are the current penalties for teen drivers who violate driving laws in Arizona?


The current penalties for teen drivers in Arizona who violate driving laws vary depending on the offense and the age of the driver. Generally, for drivers between 15 and 18 years of age, the penalties can include fines, license suspensions/revocations, points on your record, mandatory completion of a defensive driving or traffic school program, community service, and possible jail time.

9. Does Arizona have any restrictions on when and where teenage drivers may operate a vehicle?


Yes. In Arizona, teenage drivers under the age of 18 must abide by the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which places restrictions on when and where they may operate a vehicle. These restrictions include:

• A passenger limit of one person in the vehicle for the first six months after receiving a license, unless that person is an immediate family member.
• A nighttime driving curfew of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., unless driving for a job or school activity.
• Prohibiting teenage drivers from engaging in any kind of distracted driving, such as using a cellphone while operating a vehicle.

10. What are the consequences for teens who violate distracted driving laws in Arizona?


Consequences for teens who violate distracted driving laws in Arizona vary by county. Generally, teens who violate these laws will face a fine and/or points added to their driver’s license. They may also be required to attend driving school or have their license suspended. In some cases, a judge may also order probation or community service.

11. Does Arizona require a minimum number of supervised driving hours for teen drivers?


Yes, the state of Arizona requires a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving for teens with a learner’s permit. The hours must be completed in no less than six months.

12. Are there any restrictions on the number of passengers that teens can carry while driving in Arizona?


Yes. In Arizona, teens with a Level 1 or Level 2 graduated driver license (GDL) may not carry more than one passenger under the age of 18 who is not an immediate family member.

13. What is the minimum age for teens to get a learner’s permit in Arizona?


In Arizona, the minimum age for teens to get a learner’s permit is 15 years and 6 months.

14. Are there any laws in Arizona that require teens to wear seat belts while driving?


Yes, the Arizona Revised Statutes requires all drivers and passengers in vehicles to wear a safety belt. This requirement applies to all occupants, regardless of age.

15. Does Arizona have any nighttime restrictions for teenage drivers?


Yes, Arizona has nighttime restrictions for teenage drivers. Drivers aged 15-17 are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

16. Does Arizona allow teens to use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving?


No, Arizona does not allow teens to use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. The state has a total ban on using any handheld device while operating a motor vehicle.

17. How can parents and guardians help their teens become better drivers in Arizona?


Parents and guardians can help their teens become better drivers in Arizona by making sure they complete an approved driver’s education course, practice safe driving habits, and follow the rules of the road. They should also talk to their teens about the dangers of distracted driving, such as texting while driving, and remind them not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, parents and guardians should encourage their teens to take advantage of any available defensive driving courses or other programs that can help them become better drivers.

18. Is there any available data on teen driver fatalities in Arizona over the past 5 years?


Yes, the Arizona Department of Transportation provides data on teen driver fatalities in Arizona over the past 5 years. The data can be found in their Crash Facts Report at https://azdot.gov/mvd/statistics/arizona-crash-facts.

19. Are there any state-funded incentives available to encourage responsible teen driving in Arizona?


Yes, Arizona offers several state-funded incentives to encourage responsible teen driving. These include the “Graduated Driver Licensing” (GDL) program which provides additional layers of supervision for younger drivers, the “Driver Education and Training” (DET) program which provides free or discounted driver education courses for teens, and the “Teen Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Program” which provides grants to organizations that focus on preventing teen motor vehicle crashes. Additionally, Arizona offers a “Financial Responsibility Law” which requires all drivers to have some form of auto insurance.

20. Does Arizona have any programs that provide discounts on auto insurance for teen drivers?


Yes, the Arizona Department of Insurance does offer a discount program for teen drivers. The Teen Driver Safety Program is for teens ages 15-19 who complete a defensive driving class. Upon completion, they can receive a discount of up to 25% on their auto insurance.