New law bans texting and driving for teen drivers

Parents of new teen drivers should be aware of a new Arizona law that goes into effect Sunday.

Beginning July 1, 2018, AAA Arizona said a new restriction will be in place for teen drivers who hold a Class G license.

The law bans cell phone use behind the wheel for new drivers with a permit or GDL.

There are exceptions: emergency situations and when using turn-by-turn guided directions, according to AAA Arizona.

Governor Doug Ducey signed this legislation into law in April 2017.

“For our youth, these laws can act as a teacher. In fact, I’d be in favor of a law that goes further, banning texting while driving for all minors. Driving is a privilege for our youth, and they are still the responsibility of their parents, financially and otherwise, before the age of 18,” Gov. Ducey said.

The new ban applies to teens as young as 16 to 18 years old.

The new restriction is subject to secondary enforcement, which means novice teen drivers must first be pulled over for committing another traffic violation to be cited for using a wireless communication device. Violators will face fines and extension of the six-month restricted driving period.

A warning from local law enforcement.

“You are now driving behind a very heavy, large vehicle that can turn into a weapon if you are not watching the street,” Sgt. Lori Franklin, Yuma Police Department, said.

The ban is to help new drivers form healthy habits while operating a motor vehicle.

“Drive and text you could be the next one, be it an accident, be it losing your life, be it causing someone else to lose their life or serious injury. Just stay away from it, put it in a safe place, get to it when you get out,” Sgt. Franklin added.

AAA Arizona said this will help create a dialogue between teen drivers and parents.

“[Look] at your own driving habits and see, maybe there’s something you can do to model better and safer behavior for your teen driver,” Michelle Donati, AAA Arizona, said.

This comes at a time during the 100 Deadliest Days on the road. More than 1,050 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2016 during the 100 Deadliest Days, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to AAA.

Teen drivers have the highest crash rate of any other age group in the United States. They are also among the most avid users of wireless communication devices. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than half of teen drivers report using a cell phone while driving, a dangerous behavior for both the driver and everyone they share the road with.

For more information on Arizona’s GDL law, visit AZDOT.gov .