Laws - View Law: DRIVER'S LICENSE

NEW DRIVER'S LICENSE LAW - EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008! 

This law applies to anyone who gets their permit or driver’s license after June 30, 2008.

See the Motor Vehicle Division for specific information on these new laws.

Graduated Instruction Permit (A.R.S. § 28-3154)

Requirements

·        Teen is at least 15 years and 6 months old AND

·        Passes all parts of the exam other than the driving test for D or G licenses

Rules

·        The permit driver can drive on the public highways for 12 months if

o       The driver has the permit with him or her AND

o       The driver is with a person who is at least 21(with a valid license) and is in the front seat next to the driver.

Class G (Graduated) Driver’s License (A.R.S. § 28-3174)

Requirement

·        Driver is at least 16, but less than 18 years old and meets the other MVD requirements.

Rules for the first six months (A.R.S. § 28-3174 (D), (E) and (F))

·        The driver cannot drive on a public highway between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless:

o       The driver is with a parent or legal guardian (with a valid license) who is in the front seat next to the driver.

o       The driver is driving directly to or from a school sponsored activity, employment, a sanctioned religious activity, or a family emergency

·        The driver cannot drive on a public highway at any time with more than one passenger under the age of 18, unless:

o       The passenger’s are the driver’s siblings

o       The driver is with a parent or legal guardian (with a valid license) who is in the front seat next to the driver.

·        The driver can only be stopped if the peace officer has reasonable cause to believe that the driver is violating a motor vehicle law of Arizona other than this one.

Consequences (A.R.S. § 28-3174 (G))

·        First violation

o       maximum penalty of $75

o       Rules are extended for 30 extra days

·        Second violation

o       Maximum penalty of $100

o       Rules extended for 60 extra days, but 30 days for the first violation may be added on for a total of 90 days.

·        Third violation

o       Maximum penalty of $100

o       Suspended license for 30 days

o       If the driver already has a suspended license for a moving violation or traffic offense then the 30 days is added on to the suspension.

Class M (Motorcycle) Instruction Permit (A.R.S. § 28-3156)

Requirement

·        Teen is at least 16 years and 6 months old AND

·        Passes all parts of the exam other than the motorcycle skill test and all MVD requirements.

Rules

·        Can drive a motorcycle when the permit driver has the class M permit

·        The permit is valid for 7 months

·        Cannot drive a motorcycle

o       On a controlled access highway (A.R.S. § 28-601)

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