What You Need to Know About Arizona’s Excessive Speed Law
Speeding violations are common in Arizona, but not all speeding tickets are the same. Some can carry serious legal consequences, including criminal charges. One of the most significant speeding violations in Arizona is Excessive Speeding, often referred to as criminal speeding.
At R&R Law Group, we frequently defend clients facing excessive speed charges. In this post, we’ll break down Arizona’s Excessive Speed Statute (A.R.S. § 28-701.02), what it means for you, and how we can help if you’ve been charged.
What is Considered Excessive Speed in Arizona?
Arizona law defines excessive speeding under three main circumstances:
- Speeding in a school zone – Exceeding 35 mph when approaching a 15 mph school crossing zone.
- Speeding in a business or residential area – Exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 20 mph, or if no speed limit is posted, exceeding 45 mph.
- Speeding anywhere else – Exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 20 mph in any other location.
Key Changes in the Law
Previously, driving 85 mph or more anywhere in Arizona was considered excessive speed. However, the law was updated a few years ago, and now the key factor is exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph, regardless of the overall speed.
Common Situations Leading to Excessive Speed Charges
We often see excessive speed charges in the following scenarios:
- Highway speeding – Many Arizona highways have a 75 mph speed limit. If you’re caught going 100+ mph, you could be charged with excessive speed.
- Passing maneuvers – Drivers sometimes accelerate quickly to pass a slower vehicle, such as a semi-truck, on a two-lane road. This brief speed increase can lead to a citation.
- Long, open stretches of road – Arizona’s flat highways can make it easy to unintentionally speed, especially in areas where law enforcement frequently monitors speeders.
What Are the Penalties for Excessive Speeding?
Excessive speeding is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor, which is the lowest level of misdemeanor in Arizona but still a criminal offense.
Potential consequences include:
- Fines and court costs
- Up to 30 days in jail (though rare for first-time offenders)
- Three points added to your driving record
- Possible impact on insurance rates
Additionally, if you are cited for excessive speed, you cannot also be charged with a civil speeding violation under A.R.S. § 28-701 (reasonable and prudent speed law). However, both violations carry the same three-point penalty on your driving record.
How to Fight an Excessive Speeding Charge in Arizona
If you’re facing an excessive speed charge, you don’t have to handle it alone. Many factors can affect the outcome of your case, including:
- Radar and speed detection accuracy – Was the officer’s equipment properly calibrated?
- Speed zone signage – Were speed limits clearly posted?
- Traffic and environmental conditions – Were there mitigating circumstances that led to your speed?
At R&R Law Group, we handle excessive speed and other traffic-related cases daily. We understand the nuances of Arizona traffic law and can help reduce or even dismiss your charges when possible.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been cited for excessive speed in Arizona, don’t wait to seek legal advice. At R&R Law Group, we offer free case evaluations to help you understand your legal rights and options, schedule now or give us a call at (602) 497-3088.
