Traffic Stops
A.R.S. 28-1595 — stop when signaled, show the license, and a passenger's name only on reasonable cause
Stopping is required. A driver who knowingly fails or refuses to stop after a visual or audible signal or instruction from a peace officer is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. The signal may be given by hand, emergency light, voice, whistle or siren.
An officer may stop and detain a person as is reasonably necessary to investigate an actual or suspected traffic violation committed in the officer's presence, and may serve the traffic complaint.
After stopping, the driver exhibits a driver license. A driver who is not licensed provides evidence of identity on request: full name, date of birth, residence address, a brief physical description, and signature. Failing or refusing either is a class 2 misdemeanor.
A passenger's identity, on reasonable cause. A person other than the driver commits the same class 2 misdemeanor by refusing to provide evidence of identity on request only when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that person has violated the transportation title.
A driver cited for not having or not showing a license is not responsible, and is not convicted, if the driver produces a legible license or authorized duplicate that was valid at the time. An officer may not stop a driver or cite anyone for a seat belt violation alone, without reasonable cause to believe another motor vehicle law was broken.
Sources for this section (4)
- A.R.S. 28-1595 — Failure to stop or provide driver license or evidence of identity
- A.R.S. 28-3169 — Possession and display of driver license; defense
- A.R.S. 13-3883 — Arrest by officer without warrant
- A.R.S. 28-909 — Vehicle restraints required; exceptions; civil penalty
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.