What are the speed limits under Arizona Motor Vehicle Laws?
Arizona law 28-701 sets the speed limit in a business or residential district at 25 mph. AZ
... [Show More] law 28-702.04 sets the speed limit on the interstate in urbanized areas (pop. of 55,000 or greater) 65 mph. In non-urbanized areas, the interstate speed limit is 75 mph. The speed limit may be lower in certain metropolitan areas. AZ law sets the maximum speed limit in a school zone at 15 mph.
Arizona as well as many other states, requires drivers to always drive at a safe, reasonable and prudent speed. This means the driver of a motor vehicle may be required to drive at a speed lower than the posted limit. This applies when the roadway is slippery, visibility is poor, or traffic conditions are such that it is unsafe to drive at the posted speed limit. This also includes pedestrian traffic. For example, a driver may be cited for driving the posted speed limit when it is not safe to do so.
What precautions should you take when entering an intersection on a green light?
Always look for oncoming traffic. Use good defensive driving techniques to anticipate red light runners. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles that may have entered the intersection. If starting out from a stopped position hesitate a couple of seconds before accelerating to give additional time for the intersection to clear. Someone behind you may honk their vehicles horn, but better to be honked at than dead.
What is an intersection?
Under AZ law 28-601, an intersection means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling on different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. If a highway includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of each road of the divided highway by an intersecting highway is a separate intersection. If the intersecting highway also includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of two roadways of the highways is a separate intersection.
What traffic law violations are primarily associated with traffic collisions?
Speeding, DUI, failure to yield the right of way, and failure to reduce speed or control speed. Remember that speeding is responsible for approximately 30 percent of all the fatal collision in the United States. 38 percent of the fatalities are due to impaired driving and that the majority of collisions occur at intersection as a result of someone usually failing to yield the right-of-way.
Is attention frequently associated with traffic collisions?
As drivers, we are distracted by many things that have nothing to do with driving. Things like eating, grooming, listening to the radio, or cassette or CD, looking at billboards, reading, and even sex can distract drivers. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report indicates that the majority of collisions in the United States are due to driver distraction. The same report reveals that driver error is responsible in 99 percent of all collisions.
A pedestrian usually has the right of way. True or false?
AZ law 28-792 states pedestrians who are walking across streets have the right of way over motor vehicles if they are walking lawfully within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. AZ law 28-794 states that blind pedestrians always have the right of way. AZ law 28-796 states that where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on the left side of the road or its shoulder, facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction. Pedestrians should also remember to wear light clothing. Reflective self-adhesive strips that can be added to clothing or portable flashing lights attached to clothing can assist motorists in helping to see pedestrians.
Is it OK to pass a car going less than 15 mph in a school zone?
AZ law 28-701 makes it a violation to pass a vehicle that is traveling the posted speed limit in a school zone. It is also a violation to pass the front of another vehicle in a school zone even if the other vehicle is traveling below the posted speed limit. This is why it is very important to give yourself additional travel time so you do not feel rushed and more apt to violate the law.
When driving in blowing dust or fog, a driver should use a car's low beams. True or false?
Arizona has varied climates that produce adverse road conditions that affect driving. Summer winds pick up dry, loose dirt particles and form dust storms. The reddish-brown cloud will, at times, limit a driver's visibility to zero. Drivers may panic and stop their vehicle in the traffic lane, causing a rear-end collision. If you encounter a dust storm, immediately reduce the speed of your vehicle and drive carefully off the highway. Stop your vehicle as near to the right-of-way fence as possible. Turn your vehicle's lights off and wait until the dust storm has passed. The dust storm is usually followed by rain, which is a signal to resume your trip. You should tune in to local radio stations for up-to-the-minute weather and road condition reports.
The maximum speed limit in a school zone is 15 mph. True or false?
AZ law 28-797(E) does set the limit at 15 mph. Our children are our most valuable resource and as drivers, it is our responsibility to be cognizant of the school zones that are in the areas where we travel.
What is a "gore area?" Is it ok to drive over it?
AZ law 28-644 describes a "gore area" as the area that is between a through roadway and an entrance ramp or exit ramp, and that is defined by two wide solid white lines that guide traffic entering or exiting a roadway. Gore areas do not include a safety zone. It is illegal to drive over a "gore area."
When you parallel park, the vehicle's wheels should be no further than how many inches from the curb?
AZ law 28-874 states a parked vehicle's wheels can be no more than 18 inches from the curb. Parallel parking is not as prevalent as if once was. Many states no longer even require parallel parking as part of the driver license road examination. A good defensive driver will practice parallel parking so they are prepared in the event they are required to perform this maneuver. [Show Less]