Arizona Auto Insurance Law

By Richard Cunninghamm

What does financial responsibility mean?
Like all other states, Arizona has financial responsibility laws which means that if you are involved in an accident you will be asked to present proof of your ability to cover the cost of damages caused up to a minimum amount. To comply with this law most drivers buy automobile liability insurance.
What type of automobile liability insurance am I required to have according Arizona Auto Insurance Law ?
Arizona Auto Insurance Law requires that you have Bodily Injury liability and Property Damage Liability
What are the minimum liability limits?
According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, the minimum amount of liability coverage needed for personal injury is $15,000 person and $30,000 per accident.
The minimum amount of liability coverage needed for property damage is $10,000. This will usually appear on the policy in the form 15/30/10.
When will I be required to present proof of Insurance?
Within 30 days of registration. If you've had an accident you will be required to present proof of Insurance/financial responsibility at the time of the accident. Further, the State requires that you have proof of insurance at all times in your vehicle. In most cases a card issued by the insurer is sufficient.
Will my insurer required to verify the validity of my insurance policy?
Yes. According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, if you've had an accident or you have been arrested, your insurance company will be required to verify that your policy is in good standing. Your insurance company must also inform the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicle if you cancel or fail to renew your policy. And according to Arizona computer data law, insurance companies are required to submit their entire list of policies in force, which the State may compare with registrations.
What are the penalties for non-compliance to the financial responsibility law?
A $250 fine.
What are the laws governing AZ liability insurance
Liability insurance in Arizona is based on the tort liability system. This means that if you were involved in an accident that is not your fault you and/or your passengers have the right to sue the party at fault for pain and suffering, and for other out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs.

ARIZONA DUI/DRUNK DRIVING LAWS
What is the BAC (blood alcohol content) limit is the state of Arizona?
The BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for the state of Arizona is .08
Will I have my license revoked or suspended if my BAC is above 0.08?
According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, yes. If you are pulled over by an officer and your BAC test result returns a reading above .08 you will face an on-the-spot driver's license revocation or suspension. Further, if you refuse to take the BAC test your license will still be revoked or suspended.
What is the implied consent law?
Like most states, Arizona has the implied consent law. This law is base on the premise that because you choose to drive on the streets and highways of the state, you have given your consent to submit to the BAC and or urine test to ascertain alcohol or drug levels.
What is the penalty for violating the implied consent law?
The mandatory penalty for violation of the implied consent law in Arizona is suspension or revocation of one's driving privilege.
Are preliminary breath tests permitted my law in Arizona?
According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, yes. In states where it is permitted by law, sometimes an officer will do a preliminary breath test on-the-spot to confirm that you are actually under the influence. An alcosensor machine, a hand-held device, is often used. Although its results are not admissible in court, if the machine returns a positive reading, you may be taken to a police station the take the actual BAC test.
What is DUI Plea Bargain?
In a DUI plea bargain, the driver charged with DUI agrees to plea guilty to a lesser charge than one for which she could stand trial. When this happens, she receives a more lenient sentence, and/or have certain related charges dropped. The DUI plea bargain is prohibited in Arizona.
What is the open container law?
The open container law makes it illegal for the driver and passengers to have unsealed alcohol containers in an automobile passenger compartments.

ARIZONA SEAT-BELT LAWS
Are seat-belt laws enforced in the State of Arizona?
Yes. As of January 1, 1991, driver and all passengers are required to wear seat-belts in the State of Arizona.
Are seat-belt laws primary or secondary in Arizona?
Seat-belt laws in Arizona are NOT primary. Primary enforcement means that an officer may stop an automobile and issue a ticket for violation of the seat-belt law. Secondary enforcement means that the officer may issue a ticket for not using seat-belt if and only if the driver was stopped for some other violation.
What are the fines for noncompliance to seat-best laws in AZ?
$10

LAWS GOVERNING OLDER DRIVERS
Am I required to perform medical, knowledge, road, or vision retests when I renew my license?
Retesting for all drivers is usually required for vision, road retesting is only required under certain conditions. For example, if you've had too many accidents over a certain period of time.
Is my doctor required to report a physical condition that may affect my ability to drive safely?
NO
Is there an age limit on driver's license renewals
Yes. 70 years.

LAWS GOVERNING TEENAGE AND YOUNGER DRIVERS
Do teenage drivers require graduated licensing?
YES. All states have graduated licensing (a rigorous learning period before full driving privileges are granted) laws for drivers 15 to 18 years old.
For what period of time are teenagers required to maintain a learners permit?
For a minimum of six (6) months.
Are teens required to own an intermediate or provisional driver's license before they a granted full driving privileges?
No.
Do young drivers have certain restrictions on night driving?
No.
Can teenage drivers carry the maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle?
Yes.
OK. What about BAC (blood alcohol content) level? Are there restrictions on that too?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer is yes. Although the BAC level for other drivers is 0.08, Arizona drivers under the age of 21 years with a BAC level greater that 0 (yes zero) could be charged with DUI.

Richard Cunningham is a successful entrepreneur and publisher of several profitable websites on Auto Insurance Quotes. Visit his site to learn more about Arizona Auto Insurance.