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Starting Jan. 1, Arizonans Can Get A $75 Fine For Using A Phone While Driving

In 2019, Arizona became one of the latest states to enact a statewide ban on using cell phones while driving. But that law delayed enforcement until January 1st, 2021. 

Starting Friday, law enforcement officers in Arizona will issue tickets to drivers who break any of the law’s provisions, as DPS spokesperson Raul Garcia explains. 

“What you cannot do is hold the phone and make a phone call," Garcia said. "You can’t hold your phone to text or do anything else on that phone. And you also can not hold that phone or device with your hand or any part of your body.”

The law allows drivers to use their phones in hands-free mode or through bluetooth, or to call 911. Drivers are also allowed to use their phones when stopped at a red light.

The fines range from $75 for a first offense to $250 dollars for a second offense.

Scott Bourque was a reporter and podcast producer at KJZZ from 2019 to 2022.