“Spring break affords just enough time for Arizonans to explore sites across the Southwest, but failing to learn the laws in our bordering states can easily spoil a vacation,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Some violations can carry a hefty fine, so familiarizing yourself with key traffic laws before you cross state lines can help keep you on the road instead of the side of it.”
To help keep motorists’ road trips as smooth as possible, AAA has listed key traffic laws all motorists should be aware of. This list includes laws from states that regularly make Arizona’s top auto travel destinations, and many of them differ from Arizona traffic laws.
California |
|
Hand-held cell phone ban |
Only hands free cell phones are allowed. Teen drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use a cell phone, even with hands free devices. |
Text Messaging Ban |
Drivers are prohibited from texting or emailing when driving. |
Child Passenger Restraints |
All children under the age of 6 and under 60 pounds are to be restrained in a child passenger restraint system in the rear seat. |
Move Over |
Drivers are required to slow down and vacate the lane closest to a stationary emergency response vehicle flashing emergency lights, if safe to do so. This also includes tow trucks and Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) vehicles. |
Pick-Up Truck Bed |
Riding in the cargo area of a pick-up truck is not permitted. |
Seat Belts |
Seat belts are required for drivers and all passengers. In addition, this is a primary enforcement law, meaning drivers can be pulled over for not wearing a safety belt. |
Colorado |
|
Hand-held cell phone ban |
Teen drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use a cell phone, even with hands free devices. |
Text Messaging Ban |
Drivers are prohibited from texting when driving. |
Child Passenger Restraints |
All children under the age of 8 shall be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat. |
Move Over |
Drivers must reduce speed and, if safe to do so, vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles and tow vehicles. |
Seat Belts |
Seat belts are required for drivers and front seat passengers. Children up to age 16 must be in a proper restraint system, regardless of position in the vehicle. |
Nevada |
|
Child Passenger Restraints |
All children under the age of 6 and under 60 pounds are to be restrained in a child passenger restraint system in the rear seat. |
Move Over |
Drivers must reduce speed and, if safe to do so, vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicle and tow vehicles. |
Pick-Up Truck Bed |
Riding in the cargo area is not permitted for children under the age of 18. |
Seat Belts |
Seat belts are required for drivers and all passengers. |
New Mexico |
|
Hand-held cell phone ban |
Albuquerque and Santa Fe prohibits drivers from using hand-held cellular phones |
Child Passenger Restraints |
All children under the age of 12 must be properly secured in a child passenger restraint device or properly fitting seat belt. |
Pick-Up Truck Bed |
Riding in the cargo area is not permitted for children under the age of 18. |
Seat Belts |
Seat belts are required for drivers and all passengers. |
Texas |
|
Text Messaging Ban |
Austin prohibits drivers from text messaging or using mapping direction on an electronic communications device. |
Child Passenger Restraints |
Children under 8 and less than 57 inches must be secured in a child passenger safety seat system in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction. |
Pick-Up Truck Bed |
Riding in the cargo area is not permitted for children under the age of 18. |
Move Over |
Vacate the lane next to a stationary emergency vehicle or slow down to a speed not to exceed 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. |
Seat Belts |
Seat belts are required for drivers and all passengers. |
Sonora, Mexico |
|
Proceedings |
In Mexico, you are assumed guilty until proven innocent. This means that if you are arrested for any reason, you may be jailed until you can prove your innocence. |
Auto Insurance |
U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. If a collision occurs, a Mexico auto policy is the only form of insurance the authorities will accept as evidence of financial responsibility. If you cannot provide Mexico auto insurance, you could be arrested and sent to jail. |
Speed Limits |
Speed limits are posted in kilometers rather than miles per hour. |
Arizona |
|
Text Messaging Ban |
City of Phoenix has a ban on texting while driving. |
Child Passenger Restraints |
All children under the age of 5 are to be restrained in a child passenger restraint system. |
Move Over |
Drivers are required to slow down and vacate the lane closest to a stationary emergency response vehicle flashing emergency lights, if safe to do so. |
Pick-Up Truck Bed |
Riding in the cargo area of a pick-up truck is permitted. |
Seat Belts |
Seat belts are required for driver and front seat passengers. Children under 16 are required to be in seat belts in all seats. |
Motorists interested in purchasing Mexico auto insurance can do so at any AAA branch office or by visiting http://www.az.aaa.com/insurance/mexico.htm.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, auto repair, discounts and financial services to AAA members. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.
