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.