Arizona's hands-free driving law took effect January 1, 2021. Under A.R.S. § 28-914, drivers cannot physically hold a phone or other electronic device while the vehicle is moving. That means no texting, no scrolling social media, no recording video, and no holding the phone to your ear, even if you're not looking at the screen.
Hands-free use is permitted. You can answer calls or use navigation features as long as you're not physically holding the device. A single tap or swipe to activate a hands-free function is allowed; continuous manual interaction is not. The one clear exception is using the device to call 911 in an emergency.
The fines
A first violation carries a fine of $75 to $149. Subsequent violations carry fines of $150 to $250. Citations also go on your driving record.
Why this matters for injury claims
If a driver who was holding a phone causes a crash, that statutory violation is evidence of negligence. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means fault can be shared, but a driver caught violating the hands-free law will carry significant fault regardless of other circumstances. Cell phone records and carrier data can confirm whether a driver was actively using a device at the time of impact, and that evidence is obtainable through legal process in civil litigation.
Our car accident attorneys handle distracted driving claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.