New Texting Law- Effective January 1, 2021

As if you needed another reason to not text and drive in Arizona, here it is- As of January 1, 2021, you will be fined anywhere from $75 to $149. Repeat offenders could be fined anywhere from $150 to $250. 

This is a law that was passed back in 2019. Since then, officers have been giving warnings to drivers who have been caught texting and driving, but no fines have been dished out. Starting January 1st, that all changes.

The law prohibits drivers from using cellphones or other electronic devices while driving, unless they are being used in hands-free mode.

There are two exceptions to this law: You can use your device at stoplights or to call 911. If you’re using it for another reason or any other time while operating your vehicle, then you’re going to get fined.

Don’t Do It

The main reason you should not text and drive is for the same reason you shouldn’t drink and drive: you’re going to kill other people and yourself. It’s not a responsible thing to do and no text is that important. Save the texting for when you’re not driving.

Even if you don’t kill someone, you’re probably going to injure someone or wreck your car. This is only going to increase insurance rates across the board. No one wants higher insurance rates and no one wants to get fined from the government and no one wants to kill anyone. So do yourself a big favor and stop texting and driving!