It’s easy to take in the desert landscape in Arizona when you choose to drive through the state. There are a few rules and regulations that you should know before exploring, especially if you are venturing out of the cities.
Driving Rules and Regulations
General
- Wearing seat belts is required for all vehicle occupants.
- Children under 8 years old are required to be placed in an appropriate child passenger seat.
- Use of cell phones for talking or texting is illegal while driving.
- Uncontrolled intersections: When approaching an intersection with an inoperative traffic control signal or no traffic light, stop sign or yield sign, come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and proceed only when the roadway is clear. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, both must stop and the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.
- Use of headlights between sunset and sunrise is compulsory.
- When approaching a school bus that is picking up or dropping off passengers, you must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus, regardless of your direction of travel.
- Children under 12 are not permitted in the front seat unless younger children are already secured in the back seats of the vehicle.
- Pedestrians always have the right of way, even if crossing illegally or jaywalking.
- Arizona has HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes. It is illegal to drive in these lanes with less than two people Monday through Friday during the posted times.
Speed Limits
With a variety of landscapes, from flat desert to mountains, you will encounter a range of speed limit zones in Arizona. Within cities, school zones generally have a limit of 15 mph, and business districts are restricted to 25 mph. Be sure to also look out for construction zones with strict speed limits.
| Within city limits: | 20-25 mph |
|---|---|
| Undivided rural road: | 45-65 mph |
| Divided rural road: | 55-65 mph |
| Freeway within city limits: | 55-65 mph |
| Freeway outside city limits: | 65-75 mph |
Overtaking & Turns
- When you need to pass a vehicle that is traveling in the same direction as you always pass on the left.
- U-turns are allowed unless otherwise marked. However, you are not allowed to make a U-turn on a freeway.
- Right turns on red are allowed unless otherwise prohibited by a sign. You must come to a full stop before proceeding.
Sixt Car Rentals in Arizona
Now that you know some tips on driving here, it’s time to hit the road. We have locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale that allow you to explore the cities and surrounding areas and neighboring states. You can drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Or explore some of the scenic cities like Sedona with its rock formations.
