ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona law banning cellphone use for teen drivers goes into effect Sunday

Jun 26, 2018, 4:55 AM | Updated: 11:34 am

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX — A new law for some teen drivers in Arizona goes into effect this weekend.

Unless it’s an emergency – or they’re using turn-by-turn voice directions – those with a Graduated Driver License (GDL) cannot use wireless communication devices, like cellphones, while driving.

Violators will face fines and an extension of their six-month graduated driver period.

“GDL laws are about protecting teen drivers, giving them time to develop their driving skills in low-risk settings,” said Michelle Donati, spokeswoman for AAA Arizona. “Our hope is that (the new law) will spark a new dialogue about road safety with families and ultimately create safer roads for everyone.”

The cellphone restriction, which goes into effect Sunday, is subject to secondary enforcement. That means a driver must be pulled over for another traffic violation first before being cited.

Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, said it’s important for teenagers to develop good driving habits from day one.

“All too often DPS troopers witness the devastation caused by distracted drivers,” he said. “Our troopers will continue to patrol throughout the state targeting all behavior that endangers the public, including distracted driving.”

Gov. Doug Ducey signed the legislation in April 2017.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than half of teen drivers report using a cellphone while driving.

Teen drivers have the highest crash rate of any age group in the United States. They also are among the most avid users of wireless communication devices.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

9 minutes ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

55 minutes ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

9 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

10 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

11 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizona law banning cellphone use for teen drivers goes into effect Sunday