Your Phone Behind The Wheel
A.R.S. 28-914 — hands off the phone, with a civil penalty of $75 to $149 for a first violation
Not in the hand. Unless the vehicle is parked or stopped as the traffic laws allow, a driver may not physically hold or support a portable wireless communication device or a stand-alone electronic device, or write, send or read a text-based communication on one. An earpiece, headphone or wrist device for a voice call is allowed.
Voice commands that direct a text, and hands-free use for navigation, GPS or information related to driving, are outside the prohibition, as is a device that works without either hand except to switch a function on or off.
| Violation | Civil penalty |
|---|---|
| ViolationFirst | Civil penaltyAt least $75 but not more than $149 |
| ViolationSecond or later | Civil penalty$400 |
| ViolationResulting in an accident with a motorcycle | Civil penaltyAn additional $150 |
It does not apply to a driver using the device to report illegal activity or summon emergency help, to emergency and law enforcement drivers in their official capacity, or to licensed radio operators and certain work radio users.
Sources for this section (1)
- A.R.S. 28-914 — Use of portable wireless communication device while driving
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.