Arizona’s new road laws hit motorcyclists and distracted drivers alike

For Tucson area drivers and motorcyclists, Arizona’s latest traffic law changes create tougher consequences for two behaviors that often collide on busy roads: riding between moving vehicles and using a phone behind the wheel. The changes took effect Sept. 12, bringing reckless driving charges for certain forms of motorcycle lane splitting and higher penalties for repeat distracted driving. The laws apply statewide, including on Tucson and Oro Valley streets, highways and freeways, where motorists and riders must now pay closer attention to the difference between legal traffic movement and conduct that can lead to criminal charges.

Under House Bill 2941, sponsored by Rep. Lupe Contreras and signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs on June 22, a motorcyclist can be charged with reckless driving for riding between lanes or rows of moving traffic. Passing another vehicle while remaining in the same lane can also qualify. Before the change, those actions generally resulted in a traffic ticket. A first conviction is now a class 2 misdemeanor, carrying a possible sentence of up to four months in jail and a fine of as much as $750. A judge may also require the rider to surrender a license, while the conviction is reported to the Arizona Department of Transportation, which can suspend driving privileges for up to 90 days.

The consequences become more serious for repeat offenders. A rider convicted again within 24 months, or someone with an earlier conviction for an offense such as DUI, racing or aggressive driving, can face a class 1 misdemeanor. That classification allows for up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. It also requires at least 20 days behind bars and can result in a one year license suspension. The law does not eliminate Arizona’s lane filtering rules, which have been in place since 2022. A two wheeled motorcycle may still move between stopped vehicles when traffic is stopped, the roadway has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction, the speed limit is no more than 45 mph and the motorcycle is traveling no faster than 15 mph. Filtering is not allowed on freeways.

The distinction matters for Tucson riders who may encounter stopped traffic on surface streets, as well as for drivers who see motorcycles moving through congestion. Neil Berke, who has ridden for more than 50 years and now commutes by motorcycle, said the behavior covered by the new law creates risks for everyone nearby. He compared a motorcycle weaving through lanes to a car repeatedly swerving across traffic. Berke said the increased punishment could make riders reconsider risky decisions. At the same time, he warned that motorcycles are easy for drivers to miss and urged motorists to look more than once before changing lanes or turning.

Julie Festerling, who regularly sees motorcycles move between vehicles on freeways, said the maneuver can be startling because drivers may not expect a motorcycle to appear beside them. Her concern is shaped by personal loss. In November 2019, a distracted driver caused a crash that killed her daughter, Caitlin, and Caitlin’s boyfriend, Paul. Festerling and Paul’s mother later founded Phones Down Just Drive, a nonprofit focused on teaching students and new drivers about distracted driving. She said a driver looking at a phone may not react quickly enough if a motorcycle moves into the driver’s path, making the combination especially dangerous.

The distracted driving changes raise the cost for drivers who continue using phones after a first violation. The initial offense remains a fine of $75 to $149, but a second offense now carries a $400 fine, up from the previous range of $150 to $250. By the third offense, a driver’s license can be suspended. The law also prohibits live streaming or recording video while driving, even when the device is not being held. An additional $150 penalty may be imposed when phone use contributes to a crash involving a motorcycle. The changes target more than texting, covering other ways drivers turn their attention from the road to a screen.

The danger is reflected in statewide crash data. ADOT reported that distracted driving contributed to 66 deaths on Arizona roads in 2024. Another report cited more than 8,000 drivers involved in distraction related crashes in Arizona in 2025. Rep. Teresa Martinez, who introduced the distracted driving legislation, said the goal was to give drivers a chance after a first violation while making repeat behavior more costly. Martinez also described the issue as personal, saying her son nearly died after another driver failed to yield and struck him, causing severe facial injuries.

Motorcycle safety advocates and legal professionals supported the stricter penalties, while emphasizing that enforcement will determine whether the changes improve behavior. Nasser Abujbarah of the Phillips Law Group said stronger consequences could help make roads safer. Mick Degn, executive director of the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation, said higher fines may get drivers’ attention and called the law a beginning rather than a complete solution. Advocates also urged motorcyclists to wear helmets and ride as though nearby drivers do not see them. Festerling said education must accompany punishment, with parents setting an example by putting their phones away while driving.

Several other changes are included in Arizona’s broader traffic law updates. Companies face limits on what they can charge to boot vehicles, and drivers now need to update their license photos every 16 years instead of every 12. Beginning Jan. 1, motorcycle owners must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement to renew a motorcycle registration. Riders have until the end of the year to meet that requirement. For Tucson drivers and riders, the immediate message is straightforward: moving between active lanes on a motorcycle can now carry criminal penalties, while repeated phone use can cost hundreds of dollars or a license. Choosing to slow down, stay visible and keep attention on traffic may prevent both a citation and a life changing crash.