Driving In Arizona

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in Arizona.

Telephone Numbers

In an emergency dial 911.
In some of the very small Arizona communities it is necessary to dial 0 to be connected to the emergency services.

Speed Limits
Speed limits are measured in miles per hour (MPH).

Urban Interstates

55mph/88kph

Rural Interstates

75mph/120kph

Other limited access roads

55mph/88kph

Other roads

55mph/88kph

Approaching school crossings

15mph/24kph

Business or residential areas

25mph/40mph


Limited access roads are multiple laned, with restricted access using exit and entrance ramps rather than intersections. Interstate highways are national limited access roads which connect metropolitan and industrial areas.

Driving Tips and Road Information

Climate:

  • Spring - Cooler in the mountain regions, and warm in the desert, a more hospitable climate than the summer months and not usually extremes of temperature.
  • Summer - July and August can present sudden thunderstorms amidst the extreme heat, so be aware that if you experience this since roads can become hazardous, and warning signs for flooding are genuine.
  • Autumn (Fall) - As with spring, cooler in the mountain regions, and warm in the desert.
  • Winter - Be aware that the night can bring temperatures of below freezing.  In winter you will need chains when travelling in Northern Arizona.

Road conditions:
For up to date details regarding Arizona road conditions visit the Department of Transportation website or the Arizona Department of Public Safety road conditions page.

Car Rental:
It is normally possible for foreign visitors to use their native driving licence within the U.S.A. for a period of up to one year. Be aware that the minimum age permissible to rent a car in Massachusetts is generally 25 years. Often there are additional costs involved if you are a younger driver. Most car rental companies in the U.S.A. require you to have held your licence for a minimum of one year.  You will need a valid credit card for payment. If you are going to rent a car, it is wise to clarify the details and requirements prior to your departure to avoid any problems.

Insurance:
It is difficult to find companies who will insure foreign visitors, because of the issues surrounding assessment of previous driving record. For this reason, you will be treated as if you have no previous driving experience, and the cost will be high as a consequence.
Insurance companies who do sell auto insurance to foreign visitors:
GMAC Insurance: (800) 468-3466: http://www.gmacfs.com
Orion Auto Insurance Co: (800) 334-0090: http://www.orionauto.com/orionauto

Progressive Insurance Co: (800) 288-6776: http://www.progressive.com
If you are staying for 6 months or more you can reduce insurance premiums by getting an American drivers licence.
If you have a rental/hire car, insurance is much more economical and will not incur higher insurance rates.  For this you will need to be over 21 years, hold a valid driving licence from your own country, present your passport and have a major, recognised, credit card.

Disabled Drivers:
The requirements for a disabled parking permit varies across the U.S.A, some states accept international permits whilst others require you to obtain a temporary local permit. To confirm the requirements of the state(s) you are visiting contact the local tourist board:

Alcohol:
The legal drinking age in Arizona is 21, under that you must neither buy nor consume it.

Places to visit:

  • The Grand Canyon
  • Phoenix, Tucson and Sedona - the main resort areas.
  • Painted Desert
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Monument Valley
  • Four Corners Region - home of the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations.
  • Lake Powell

Main National Highways:

  • Interstate 40: Runs across Arizona from the Californian border at Mohave Valley to the border with New Mexico north of the Petrified Forest National Park.
  • Interstate 17: Runs between Flagstaff and Phoenix.
  • Interstate 10: Runs from the west at the Californian border, through Phoenix , Tucson and eastwards into New Mexico.
  • Interstate 8: Runs from California at Yuma into Arizona to meet highway 10 at Casa Grande.
  • Interstate 19: Runs southwards from Tucson into Mexico.
  • Highway 60: Runs from the New Mexico border east of Eager, west to Show Low, down into Globe, through Phoenix, up to Wickenburg and then, down to I-10 just before Quartzite.
  • Highway 70: Runs from Globe, through Safford and into New Mexico.
  • Highway 89: Runs from the border with Utah at Page down into Flagstaff to connect with Interstate 17. It then runs between Interstate 40 west of Williams and down through Prescott to join highway 93 north of Wickenburg.
  • Highway 93: Runs between Wickenburg and heads northwards to the Hoover Dam.
  • Highway 95: Runs from San Luis into Yuma and then up to Quartzite.

Safety Dangers include:

  • Drowsiness while travelling on long roads and across vast distances.
  • Human fatigue.
  • Dehydration on long journeys - take lots of water (be aware your radiator may require topping up).
  • Rattlesnakes: will not attack unless provoked but keep well clear. Mating season is April-May, when encounters are more likely.
  • Black widow spiders, scorpions, tarantulas: can be found in the desert, tarantulas are less of a threat but keep well away.
  • Large lizards called Gila Monsters also live in Arizona and are poisonous; they are black and orange in colour, but it is unlikely that you will see one.

Precautions:

  • Always use sun protection and remember to rehydrate your body with water, never allow yourself to become thirsty.
  • If you take your shoes off whilst out and about, check for scorpions before you put them back on.

Breakdown:
Check with your own automobile association for possible affiliations with associations abroad. For information about the American Automobile Association visit their website at: http://www.aaa.com/.

Requirements

Minimum driving age:
You must be at least 16 years old to drive in Arizona.

Driving licences:
In the U.S.A you are not required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you hold a valid driving licence that is in English, although often you are required to have held your licence for a minimum of one year. In the U.S.A and Canada driving licence’s include the drivers photograph, so if you are from a country where this is not the case it is wise to also carry your passport to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays should you have to produce it. If you are from the U.K. remember to take both parts of your driving licence (photo card and paper licence with the further details).

Visas:
The U.S.A participates in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, whereby if you are visiting for a period of 90 days or less for the purpose of tourism or business you will not require a visa.  The countries who qualify are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
All other visitors are not exempt from carrying a visa.

Seatbelts:
All occupants of a vehicle must wear a seatbelt.

Useful Links and Further Information

Local Tourism:
Visit the Arizona Tourism website - http://www.arizonaguide.com/home.asp.

Gay/Lesbian:
Visit the Arizona Gay and Lesbian Community website - http://www.visitgayarizona.com

Important Note: Each state has different driving laws, be sure to look up the individual laws. If you drive in the USA, remember that each of the 50 states has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. Fortunately, most of the laws are the same, but some states have slightly different rules. When you rent a car, you should ask the agent if there are any special driving rules in that state. When driving in multiple states, check a tour book for any special driving rules in each state.


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