Texting while driving? Big fines ahead

The state Department of Transportation is reminding Arizonans that texting behind the wheel is about to get costly.

On Jan. 1, the final phase of the state’s texting and driving ban will take effect. Drivers caught texting will be subject to civil penalties under the hands-free law. First violations will carry a fine between $75 and $149. Subsequent violations can be as much as $250, plus applicable surcharges.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation in April 2019 banning the use of hand-held mobile devices, like cell phones and tablets, while operating a vehicle. It is illegal for drivers to talk or text on a device not engaged in hands-free mode on all state roadways.

Distracted driving causes thousands of preventable crashes every year, according to ADOT. In 2019, at least 10,491 Arizona drivers involved in crashes were engaged in distracted driving behavior. Authorities say the figure is likely much higher, however, because drivers often don’t admit to being distracted in a crash. Or they may have died in the crash.

“There’s no good reason to text and drive,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said in a news release. “Plenty of people think they’re excellent drivers and they can multitask behind the wheel. They’re all wrong. Frankly, people become dangerous drivers when they shift their attention from the road ahead to the tiny screen on their phone. Distracted driving must stop.”

Three months ago, the agency launched “Distracted Drivers Terrify Me,” an awareness campaign that underscores the dangers by pointing out that even some of the most fearless people around – snake handlers, rodeo bullfighters and high-flying electrical linemen and window washers – are terrified by distracted drivers. The campaign has been aired on television, social media and other platforms.