Arizona Considers Harsher Penalties for Texting While Driving

New bill could raise second offense fines to $400 to curb distracted driving

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill that would significantly increase the penalties for texting or using a handheld device while driving. The proposed legislation would raise the fine for a second offense to $400, up from the current $75 to $150. The bill also includes an additional $150 fine if distracted driving results in a collision with a motorcycle. Supporters say the harsher penalties are needed to change driver behavior and improve road safety.

Why it matters

Distracted driving is a major safety concern, contributing to a significant number of crashes and fatalities each year. While Arizona's current law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has had some impact, many drivers continue to engage in the dangerous behavior. Increasing the financial penalties is seen as a way to further discourage texting and phone use behind the wheel.

The details

The new bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Teresa Martinez, would keep the first offense fine at $75 to $150 but raise the penalty for a second violation to $400. Each subsequent offense would also cost $400. An additional $150 fine would be added if the distracted driving resulted in a collision with a motorcycle. The bill also prohibits watching, recording or streaming from a device while driving, even if the driver is not holding the device.

  • The bill passed the Arizona House on February 24, 2026 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
  • If signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs, the new penalties would take effect later in 2026.

The players

Rep. Teresa Martinez

A Republican state representative from Casa Grande who sponsored the bill to increase penalties for texting while driving.

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state police agency that has written more citations for the phone ban in 2026 compared to the previous year.

ABATE of Arizona

A motorcycle advocacy group that helped develop the idea for the increased penalties, particularly the additional fine for collisions with motorcycles.

Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs

Another motorcycle advocacy group that worked with ABATE to propose the bill's provisions.

Joe Young

A spokesperson for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety who believes the increased fines and enforcement could help improve driver safety.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want anybody getting hurt. Distracted driving causes a lot of accidents.”

— Rep. Teresa Martinez, Bill Sponsor (azcentral.com)

“We routinely look for violations of the hands-free law and actively address those violations. Distracted-driving violations contribute to a significant number of our collision statistics, and we encourage our officers to use their time to seek and address the offenders of those violations.”

— Sgt. Justin Ramsay, Glendale Police Department (azcentral.com)

“From a policy standpoint, we can only address the things we can address, things like holding cell phones. The proposed increase in the fine for the violation plus a robust education and 'visible' enforcement program would likely help improve driver safety.”

— Joe Young, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (azcentral.com)

What’s next

If the bill passes the Arizona Senate, it will go to Governor Katie Hobbs for her signature. If signed into law, the new penalties would take effect later in 2026.

The takeaway

Arizona's efforts to curb distracted driving through increased penalties and enforcement highlight the ongoing challenge of getting drivers to put down their phones behind the wheel. While the proposed $400 fine for repeat offenders is a significant increase, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to change driver behavior and make the state's roads safer.