ARIZONA NEWS

DPS educating Arizona drivers about upcoming texting and driving ban

Dec 8, 2020, 4:35 AM | Updated: 7:41 am

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)...

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Public Safety is educating drivers about the risks of distracted driving before a new law takes effect after the first of the year.

Starting Jan. 1, it will be illegal in Arizona to talk or text on a cellphone while driving unless using a hands-free device. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s signed the law in April of 2019 enacting a ban on texting and driving.

“We have stopped and warned over 15,000 drivers and educated them about the new law while providing them with pamphlets about the do’s and don’ts,” Arizona Department of Public Safety Spokesman Bart Graves told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

This law prohibits drivers from using a cellphone or a stand-alone electronic device while driving unless it is being used in a hands-free mode. That includes any kind of device, like cell phones, tablets, music and gaming devices.

Drivers will be in violation of the law if they are caught holding a phone to make a call, reading or sending text messages, and holding or supporting a device with their body.

Anyone breaking the rule could be fined between $75 and $149 for a first violation and between $150 and $250 for each following violation.

There are some exceptions to the new law.

“GPS navigation as well and what we mean by that is that you can have the navigation itself in your vehicle but it has to be hands free and of course if you’re in real trouble you can make an emergency call,” Graves said.

Arizona State Sen. Kate Brophy McGee introduced the bill in late January of 2019 following the death of Salt River Police Officer Clayton Townsend.

Townsend was struck by a car while conducting a traffic stop on Loop 101.

The driver admitted that he was texting and driving when the crash occurred. Nearly two years after the incident, a grand jury indicted Jerry Don Sanstead Jr. in the Jan. 8, 2019, death of Townsend.

Tempe, Glendale, Fountain Hills, Phoenix, Surprise and El Mirage all have some form of law against drivers using cellphones or other handheld devices.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona News

mugshots of suspects connected to scottsdale stabbing...

KTAR.com

2 arrested after stabbing incident at extended stay hotel near Old Town Scottsdale

Two people were arrested over the weekend following a stabbing incident at an extended stay hotel near Old Town Scottsdale, authorities said.

9 hours ago

cop lights...

KTAR.com

2 injured, including MCSO deputy, after collision in Glendale

Two people, including a county deputy, were injured Wednesday morning following a collision involving two vehicles in Glendale.

9 hours ago

Phoenix firefighters work to extinguish fire. (Phoenix Fire Department)...

Brandon Gray

At least 21 displaced after alley fire spreads to Phoenix homes

At least 21 people have been displaced after two house fires Tuesday evening near the area of 16th and Oak streets. 

9 hours ago

Stock photo of a rainbow Pride flag. Tempe, Arizona, police are investigating an incident where the...

Brandon Gray

‘Hate has no place in Tempe:’ City Hall Pride Flag burned, police investigating

Tempe police are investigating an incident where the City Hall Pride flag was taken from a flagpole and burned Wednesday. 

9 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/City of Apache Junction Government)...

Delaney Penn

Apache Junction rehabilitates monumental sign that was damaged due to wildfires

Apache Junction has rehabilitated a monumental sign on the northeast entrance of State Route 88 that was damaged by wildfires.

9 hours ago

(Twitter Photo/@azfooodbanks)...

KTAR.com

Maricopa County resource directory to be absorbed by 211 Arizona

Maricopa County resource directory Find Help Phoenix will soon be absorbed by 211 Arizona to continue providing resources to individuals.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

DPS educating Arizona drivers about upcoming texting and driving ban