PHOENIX — Arizona lawmakers have moved to stiffen penalties for drivers who use cellphones while behind the wheel, increasing the fine for a second distracted-driving offense to $400 under a law championed by state Rep. Teresa Martinez.
Higher penalties aimed at changing behavior on the road
The measure keeps the first offense penalty range at $75–$149, but raises the punishment if drivers are cited again. Under the new rules, a third offense can result in a suspension of driving privileges, and an additional $150 may be tacked on when cellphone use contributes to a crash involving a motorcycle.
"You don't know who's going to get in an accident behind you. Why? Because you're on your phone texting and driving," Martinez said, arguing lawmakers should give people a warning before imposing stiffer consequences.
Martinez, who sponsored the bill, framed the effort as a measured response — keeping a lower penalty on the first citation while escalating consequences for repeat behavior. The law follows alarming state figures: in 2024, distracted driving was linked to 66 deaths on Arizona roadways, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Support from safety advocates and attorneys
Motorcycle safety groups and attorneys who handle distracted-driving cases praised the tougher penalties, saying they hope higher fines will deter dangerous habits.
- First offense: $75–$149
- Second offense: $400
- Additional penalty if a motorcycle crash is involved: $150
- Third offense: potential driver's license suspension
Managing Attorney Nasser Abujbarah of the Phillips Law Group said the change is a positive step for road safety, while Mick Degn, executive director of the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation, said stronger consequences may be necessary to slow risky behavior.
What drivers should know
The law leaves the first offense as a relatively modest fine to give motorists a chance to correct their behavior, according to Martinez. But repeated violations will carry a much heavier financial hit and could eventually put a license at risk. The statute also explicitly increases penalties when cellphone use helps cause a motorcycle crash — a move that drew particular attention from motorcycle safety advocates.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First | $75–$149 |
| Second | $400 |
| If crash involves motorcycle | Additional $150 |
| Third | Possible license suspension |
As Arizona works to lower its distracted-driving toll, the new law reflects a broader push among state leaders and safety groups to shift driver behavior through a mix of warning and escalating penalties.
