Beginning this past Sunday, July 1, 2018, a new Arizona law went into effect banning cell phone use for teen drivers under the age of 18.

Teenagers with a driver’s permit or a new graduated drivers license will need to keep their hands on the wheel and off the cell phone.

Here’s what you need to know:

During the permit phase and in the first six months of the graduated license phase, teens cannot use a cell phone while driving. What a good idea!

Effective July 1, 2018

  • Instruction Permit holders may not use a wireless communication device for any reason except during an emergency in which stopping the vehicle is impossible or will create an additional emergency or safety hazard.
  • For the first six months, a person that holds a Class G license may not drive a motor vehicle using a wireless communication device for any reason except:
    • during an emergency in which stopping the vehicle is impossible or will create an additional emergency or safety hazard.
    • when using an audible turn-by-turn navigation system under specified conditions.

Violators can face a fine and an extension of the 6-month restricted driving period. The question is after the six-month time frame is over, are teen drivers allowed to text or check social media while driving?

Well, other than this new law, the state of Arizona has no comprehensive distracted driving law. Individual municipalities such as Oro Valley, Tucson, and Pima County have enacted distracted driving laws.

Arizona remains one of two states not to have a comprehensive distracted driving law. The Arizona legislature has tried to adopt one for over 13 years, but the measure continues to fail.

So new teen drivers, don’t text and drive for the first six months. After the six months is up, continue to operate your car safely and put your phone down while you are behind the wheel. Hopefully, Arizona’s adult drivers will do the same.