Arizona has specific rules when it comes to speed limits. Whether you’re driving through a quiet neighborhood in Phoenix or speeding down a highway in the desert, it’s important to follow the posted speed limits. But speed laws in Arizona go beyond what’s written on the signs. Knowing how speed limits work can help you avoid tickets and stay safe.
How Arizona Speed Limits Are Set
Arizona follows the 85th-percentile rule when setting speed limits. This means the limit is based on the speed that 85% of drivers naturally go on a road during normal conditions. Lawmakers and engineers also consider road design, traffic flow, and crash history.
If no signs are posted, Arizona has default speed limits:
- 15 mph in alleys
- 25 mph in business or residential areas
- 65 mph on most highways
- 75 mph on rural interstate highways
These limits can change if local officials or engineers decide the conditions require a lower or higher limit.
School Zones and Construction Areas
Speed limits drop in school zones and construction areas. In most school zones, the limit is 15 mph when signs are flashing or children are present. Construction zones often have lower limits to protect workers. If you’re caught speeding in these areas, the fines are usually higher and sometimes doubled.
How Fast Is Too Fast?
In Arizona, going just one mile over the speed limit is still considered speeding. There is no official “buffer zone.” However, officers may give warnings depending on the situation. That said, you could still get pulled over and ticketed for even small amounts over the posted limit.
Driving too slowly can also be a problem. If you’re going far under the speed limit and blocking traffic, you might be cited for driving too slow or impeding the flow of traffic.
What Is Criminal Speeding?
Arizona has strict laws for people who drive way too fast. This type of violation is called criminal speeding, and it’s more serious than a regular ticket. You can be charged with criminal speeding if:
- You drive over 85 mph anywhere in the state
- You go more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit
- You drive over 45 mph in an area with no posted limit, like a residential or business district
- You go over 35 mph in an active school zone
Criminal speeding is a class 3 misdemeanor. It can lead to fines up to $500, license suspension, and even jail time.
How Speeding Is Enforced in Arizona
Officers in Arizona use different tools to check speed. These include:
- Radar and laser devices
- Police cars pacing other drivers
- Aircraft watching traffic from above
- Photo radar in cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix
Photo radar programs have helped reduce crashes in certain areas. For example, Scottsdale reported a 50% drop in crashes and a 40% drop in injuries where photo radar was used.
What Happens If You Get a Speeding Ticket?
If you’re cited for a civil speeding violation, you’ll face a fine and 3 points on your driver’s license. The fine usually ranges from $150 to $250. Too many points on your license can lead to higher insurance costs and possible suspension.
You may also have the option to attend Traffic Survival School, which can help reduce the impact on your license. If you’re charged with criminal speeding, you may have to appear in court and deal with much tougher penalties.
How Speeding Affects Car Accidents
Speeding plays a major role in traffic crashes across Arizona. In 2022, about one-third of traffic deaths in the state involved speeding. Driving too fast lowers your reaction time and makes crashes more dangerous. It also increases the chance of being held legally responsible if you’re in an accident.
In Phoenix, where traffic can be heavy, speeding puts everyone at risk. Whether it’s a fender-bender or a serious crash, speed often makes things worse. If you’ve been hit by a speeding driver, it’s important to talk to a lawyer who knows how to handle these cases.
Talk to a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer
Speeding laws are more than just numbers on a sign—they can affect your safety and your rights after a crash. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a car accident caused by a speeding driver in Phoenix, you don’t have to go through the process alone. A Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call CLS Law today at (855) 257-9467 to talk with an attorney who knows how Arizona speed laws affect your case.