Arizona law change means a common driving habit could leave you at risk of a $500 fine
Published on Dec 09, 2025 at 5:14 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Dec 09, 2025 at 5:14 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Claire Reid
If you happen to find yourself driving through Arizona in the near future, then you’ll need to be aware of a new road rule that could land you with a fine.
New road rules and changes to the law can happen at any time, so motorists need to keep an eye on developments.
In Florida, this year, officials passed a new law to crack down on super speeders, meaning anyone caught driving 50 miles per hour over the speed limit could be hit with up to 30 days in jail plus a $500 fine.
Meanwhile, Arizona has recently introduced a new road rule that could catch some drivers out.
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Here’s what you need to know about the new road rule in Arizona
Back in February, officials in Arizona proposed Amendment HB2235, which would outlaw a fairly common driving habit.
Supporters of the amendment said it would make the roads safer.
One legal expert told the Arizona Free Press that it could decrease accidents, prevent traffic jams, and even lower rates of road rage incidents.
Fast-forward a few months to June, and the proposal had been accepted and was implemented.
So what does Amendment HB2235 mean for Arizona road users?
The new rule means that it’s now illegal for drivers to be in the left lane if they’re not driving the speed of traffic.
The law states that anyone driving ‘less than the normal speed of traffic’ on any of Arizona’s roads must stick to the right-hand lane ‘except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway’.
If you’re found breaking the rule, you could be hit with a $500 fine.
Alongside that, Arizona’s Supreme Court has also made it legal for cops to search any vehicle that has been spotted breaking the new law.
And don’t even think about using your phone behind the wheel
Officials from the Arizona Department of Public Safety recently released a statement reaffirming the current law on using a smartphone while driving.
The statement came after Tesla boss Elon Musk suggested that drivers would be able to use their phones while using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD), depending on a few factors, such as traffic and driving conditions.
However, several police forces and public safety offices released statements responding to Musk’s comments.
“Texting and driving/talking (while holding a phone) is still illegal, along with using any other portable wireless communication device while driving,” a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety said.
So now you know.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
