To encourage obedience to the Arizona speed limit, the state imposes various punishments for speeding. Despite those efforts, law enforcement officials still issue over 17,000 citations for speeding annually in Phoenix alone.
Safe drivers appreciate timely reminders about the law and their rights. Learn the criminal punishments for breaking the AZ speed limit and how you can get justice after an accident involving excessive speeding.
Arizona Speed Limit Guidelines To Protect Residents
The statewide maximum speed limit statutes in Arizona are currently 65 mph on urban interstate highways, 75 mph on rural interstates and 25 mph in residential areas or business districts. However, specific locations in Maricopa County cities, such as Peoria, Laveen and Tolleson, typically have their own posted speed limits that may be lower.
The Arizona Department of Transportation posts realistic speed limits on the basis of engineering and traffic investigation. The goal is to set the speed at or below the pace 85% of drivers tend to travel while still allowing vehicles to make safe stops and maneuvers.
The Consequences of Violating the AZ Speed Limit
The worst consequence, in Arizona, of disobeying the speed limit is a traffic accident that brings property damage and bodily injuries. If you or a loved one was a victim of a speeding accident, you can call the Phoenix car accident lawyers at Sargon Law Group for compassionate and competent representation to help you recover damages.
Furthermore, speeders can receive traffic citations and criminal charges. Also, auto insurance providers are likely to increase premiums for an infraction or an accident.
Arizona Speed Limit FAQs
How Fast Can You Drive in Arizona?
Drivers must always obey the posted speed limit and may not exceed it unless they are authorized vehicles responding to an emergency.
The maximum posted speed on urban highways is 65 mph and 75 mph on rural highways. However, sections of a highway may have lower posted speed limits where necessary.
How Much Over the Speed Limit Can You Go in Arizona?
No one should exceed the posted speed limit except for duly authorized first responders. Exceeding the speed limit could incur a civil citation or a charge of criminal speeding, which is a class 3 misdemeanor.
Criminal speeding occurs when a driver:
- Exceeds 85 mph on any road
- Exceeds the posted speed limit by 20 mph
- Exceeds 35 mph when approaching a school zone
- Exceeds 45 mph in a business or residential district
While speeding is never a felony on its own, the harshest penalties include three points on one’s license, a possible license suspension, up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days of jail time.
What Is the Arizona Residential Speed Limit?
The speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph and 15 mph at a school crossing.
Drivers must remember that these statutory speed limits do not overrule a posted speed limit. Where a street has a lower posted speed limit, the driver must obey the sign.
Contact Sargon Law Group for Help After an Arizona Speed Limit Accident
If you suffer an accident because someone exceeded the speed limit in Arizona, you likely have the right to compensation. Contact us at Sargon Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll help you determine your next steps for pursuing justice.