If you’re the parent of a teen driver in Arizona, you probably have a lot of questions about the rules they need to follow behind the wheel. Arizona has specific laws to help keep young drivers safe and to keep you from worrying every time they head out. In this article, we’ll break down the key teen driving laws in Arizona, so you can feel confident that your teen is ready to drive safely and responsibly.
What Are the Laws and Rules for a 16-Year-Old Driver in Arizona?
The primary laws governing teen drivers in Arizona are the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Law and the Provisional License Law. The GDL Law introduces a step-by-step process, starting with the learner’s permit rules, followed by provisional license rules.
In Arizona, the process of getting your teen’s driver’s permit and license is designed to ease them into driving, helping them gain experience before they hit the road on their own. Teens can apply for a learner’s permit at age 15 and 6 months, provided they’ve passed a vision test and a written exam. The permit allows them to drive with a licensed adult driver in the car who is at least 21 years old. For example, teens can drive to school with a permit, but only if they are accompanied by a licensed adult.
They must hold their learner’s permit for at least six months and complete 30 hours of supervised driving before they can apply for their provisional driver’s license at age 16. Then, once your teen turns 16, they can apply for this license. The Provisional License Law applies once teens pass their driving test and can drive independently, but with restrictions. This ensures that young drivers have enough practice and experience under their belt before getting behind the wheel alone. Let’s go through these restrictions by answering some of the most common questions.
Can a 16-Year-Old Drive with Passengers or Friends in Arizona?
They’re allowed to drive without a supervising adult, but only under certain conditions. For the first six months, they can’t drive with more than one passenger under 18 who isn’t an immediate family member. This helps prevent distractions, which are one of the biggest causes of accidents among teen drivers.
After the first six months, the restriction on the number of passengers is lifted. However, even after that initial period, it’s important to talk with your teen about the risks of driving with multiple friends in the car. More passengers can still mean more distractions, and it’s always a good idea to remind your teen to stay focused behind the wheel, no matter how many friends are riding along.
Nighttime Driving Limitations for 16-Year-Olds
Arizona law also restricts 16-year-olds from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless they’re traveling for work, school, or a family-related activity. These hours are considered the riskiest for young drivers, as fatigue and impaired driving are more common during late-night hours.
In Arizona, the curfew for 16-year-olds is set to limit the risks they face when driving late at night. A 16-year-old with a provisional driver’s license cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling for work, school, or a family-related event. This curfew helps keep young drivers safe, as nighttime driving is statistically more dangerous for teens. By the time a driver turns 18 in Arizona, they are no longer subject to the teen driving curfew.
Navigating the rules for teen drivers can feel like a lot to keep track of, but knowing the ins and outs of Arizona’s driving laws can give you the peace of mind you need as a parent. The goal is to help your teen gain the experience and confidence they need behind the wheel while ensuring they follow the rules that keep everyone safe.
Penalties for Violating Teen Driving Laws in Arizona
Teens found violating Arizona’s driving laws can face various fines, penalties, and even license suspension, depending on the nature of the offense. Common violations and their associated fines include:
- Curfew Violation: If a teen driver is caught driving between midnight and 5 a.m. without a valid exception (such as traveling to or from school or work), they could face a fine of up to $100. Repeated violations can result in extended license suspensions.
- Passenger Limit Violation: Driving with too many passengers under the age of 18 (who aren’t immediate family members) can lead to fines ranging from $25 to $100. This violation could also impact the teen’s ability to drive freely, as additional restrictions may be imposed.
- Failure to Comply with Provisional License Restrictions: If a teen driver fails to follow the restrictions set by their provisional license, such as driving without a supervising adult when required or exceeding passenger limits, fines of $50 to $200 may be applied.
In addition to fines, points are added to the teen’s driving record for certain violations. For example, driving past curfew or exceeding passenger limits may result in 2 to 3 points on their record. Accumulating too many points can lead to suspension or revocation of the teen’s driving privileges.
- License Suspension: Teens who violate these laws repeatedly or commit serious violations (such as reckless driving or driving under the influence) can face license suspension. Depending on the severity of the offense, the suspension could last anywhere from 30 days to several months. For example, if a teen accumulates 8 or more points within 12 months, their license may be suspended for up to 3 months.
These fines, points, and suspension penalties can have a significant impact on a teen’s ability to drive, as well as future insurance rates. If your teen is facing suspension or other consequences due to driving violations, it’s important to consult with a legal expert who can help navigate the process and potentially reduce or mitigate the penalties.
What to Do After a Teen Driving Accident in Arizona
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a teen driver or your teen is involved in an accident in Arizona, it’s important to act quickly and make sure your rights are protected. Teen driving accidents often come with unique complexities, and knowing how to handle the situation can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. Here are the key steps to take after a teen driving accident:
- Ensure Safety and Call Authorities: The first step is to ensure everyone is safe and call 911 immediately. If there are any injuries, medical assistance should be a top priority. Law enforcement will document the scene and file an official report, which can be crucial in determining fault later.
- Document the Scene: Gather as much information as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident, getting witness statements, and exchanging insurance and contact details with the teen driver. Be sure to note the time, location, and any circumstances that may have led to the accident, such as road conditions or distractions.
- Consider Teen Driving Laws and Liability: When dealing with a teen driver, understanding Arizona’s teen driving laws is essential. If the teen was in violation of any laws, like driving past curfew or carrying too many passengers, it can affect the determination of liability.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: After an accident, report the incident to your insurance company. If the teen driver was at fault, your insurance provider will typically work with them to determine the liability and compensation. However, if the teen was in violation of any driving laws, the insurance company might adjust its evaluation of the situation.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the accident resulted in significant injuries or property damage, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help assess the situation, including whether the teen’s violations contributed to the accident, and guide you through the claim process.
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Teen Driving Accidents
If your teen is involved in an accident or you’ve been involved in an accident with a teen driver, our experienced lawyers are here to guide you through the complexities of these cases. Teen driving accidents often involve unique challenges, such as determining liability and compensation. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and determine how violations of Arizona’s teen driving laws may have contributed to the incident.
We’ll work directly with insurance companies, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly, and if necessary, pursue legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable. With our expertise, you can rest assured that every aspect of your case is carefully reviewed, and we’ll fight to secure the best possible outcome for you.