Arizona Truck Driver Phone Law
Arizona already has you under the federal hand-held ban before you touch the state line (49 CFR 392.82). Arizona's own hands-free law matches it for everyone: since January 1, 2021 no driver may hold a phone or write, send, or read a text, and cops can stop you for that alone (A.R.S. §28-914). The civil fine runs $75 to $149 first, then $150 to $250. State law here is as strict as the federal floor, so there is no gap to slip into.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Arizona’s rule for all drivers
Arizona already has you under the federal hand-held ban before you touch the state line (49 CFR 392.82). Arizona's own hands-free law matches it for everyone: since January 1, 2021 no driver may hold a phone or write, send, or read a text, and cops can stop you for that alone (A.R.S. §28-914). The civil fine runs $75 to $149 first, then $150 to $250. State law here is as strict as the federal floor, so there is no gap to slip into.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Full hands-free law (effective Jan 1, 2021): no physically holding a phone, and no writing, sending, or reading a text, for any driver. Primary enforcement (A.R.S. §28-914).
- Fine: Civil penalty of $75 to $149 for a first offense and $150 to $250 for a second or later. A violation that causes a crash carries steeper exposure.
- Points: It is a civil penalty rather than a points offense in most cases. Your federal exposure stands — 392.82 is a CSA serious violation, and two in any 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Arizona Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Arizona?
What is the phone fine in Arizona?
Is texting while driving illegal in Arizona?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00914.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Arizona
Check Arizona before you roll
Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →