If you’re planning a road trip out West, you already know the Grand Canyon State offers some of the best scenic routes in the United States. But what you may not know is that Arizona also has some terrible road conditions and heavy traffic congestion. Considering driving laws vary by state, things could get confusing for you very quickly once you’re behind the wheel.

We’ll look at the state’s road conditions, how bad traffic gets, and which laws you should be aware of to make your road trip to Arizona as memorable and peaceful as the surrounding natural landscape itself.

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The best routes for driving to Arizona

Whether you’re coming from the East Coast or driving just west of Arizona from

California

, we’ll help you find the best routes for your road trip. Here are some popular routes:

Las Vegas

—Grand Canyon (5 hours): This trip is short and sweet but ends with a glorious view of Grand Canyon National Park. And bonus, you can take the iconic Route 66 from Kingman to Ash Fork along the way!

Los Angeles

—Phoenix (6 hours):This is sure to be one of the most scenic drives from the Golden State. From Joshua Tree National Park to the gem and mineral town of Quartzite, expect to make several stops. And don’t forget your camera!

Austin

—Tucson (13 hours): Interstate 10 will take you from the Texas music capital to the breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert. On the way, you’ll drive through

El Paso

which also has a stunning scenic drive overlook. You can stop for a panoramic view of the city, as well as Ciudad Juarez across the Mexican border.

New York City

— (35 hours): This is going to be a long one! But driving from the Big Apple through America’s Heartland all the way to the gorgeous desert landscape on the other side of the country will be an experience you’ll never forget.

MORE:

10 best road trip cars to rent

How good are Arizona’s roads?

Though Arizona might be a scenic wonderland, the state’s roads aren’t in the best shape. The Grand Canyon State’s highway system is ranked 29th in the nation in overall cost-effectiveness and condition.

Arizona is also among one of the most expensive states for gas, which only ends up hurting your pockets as you drive through! But once you’re out of the bigger cities and driving through the magnificent desert, you might just forget these few drawbacks.

Does Arizona have toll roads?

Currently, Arizona does not have highway tolls. You can drive through the entire state without worrying about paying toll fees along the way.

But depending on your route, you may need to go through toll roads when driving to other nearby states. It’s always a good idea to bring extra cash and change with you on any road trip journey!

How bad is Arizona traffic?

Unfortunately, Arizona consistently ranks among one the most congested states in the United States. In fact, Arizonans end up wasting over 11 hours every year stuck in traffic congestion.

Which cities have the worst traffic? Here are a few of them:

Phoenix

Tucson

Flagstaff

If your road trip plans lead you through Arizona, plan ahead and make sure to avoid rush hour, especially in Phoenix! Make your journey as smooth as possible and avoid major cities from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Key Takeaway Plan your route ahead of time and avoid rush hour traffic to ensure a peaceful drive.

What are Arizona’s speeding laws?

Arizona has three types of speeding laws: basic speeding law, prima facie speed limits, and absolute speed limits. Let’s take a closer look at each definition and possible fines for breaking speeding laws.

Basic speeding law:You must drive at a safe speed depending on the circumstances. Going 60 mph on the highway on a sunny day would be considered safe, but going that same limit at night as it’s pouring rain would not be advised.

Prima facie speed limits: Also known as “presumed” limits, these are blanket speed limits that you must abide by, like going 15 mph when approaching school crossings or 25 mph in a business or residential district. Exceeding the presumed limit doesn’t automatically make you guilty—you will have a chance to plead your case in court.

Absolute speed limits: You must drive at or under the posted speed limit. Basically, if the sign says to go 60 mph, you are considered speeding if you go above 60 mph!

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Fines for speeding in Arizona

If you’re driving under 100 mph:

$250 for going 10 to 14 mph over the speed limit

$300 for going 15 to 19 mph over the speed limit

$350 to $450 for going 20+ mph over the speed limit

In Arizona, a

speeding violation

can be considered a class three misdemeanor if you drive over:

35 mph when approaching a school crossing

25 mph in a business or residential district with a posted limit

45 mph in a business or residential district with no posted limit

85 miles per hour in any location

The punishment for a class three misdemeanor can include up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500. Additionally, getting a speeding ticket can also

add demerit points to your driving record

—which can cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket! But have no fear,

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MORE:

The traffic tickets that have the greatest effect on your car insurance rates

What are Arizona’s alcohol laws?

For adults in Arizona, you can’t drive with a BAC over 0.08% or 0.04% for commercial drivers. The Grand Canyon State also has a “not-a-drop” law that makes it illegal for drivers under 21 years old to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems.

Remember, even if you simply have just one drink, it can still affect your ability to drive! It’s always the best option to get a ride home rather than risk your safety. If you want to learn more about impaired driving, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has

a helpful chart

that breaks down the number of drinks that can influence you by body weight.

But can you drive with alcohol in your car?

Arizona's open container laws

prohibit driving with an unsealed container of alcohol in the car. However, you can carry alcohol in your car as long as the alcoholic container is unopened with no broken seal and none of the contents are removed.

DUI violations

are no joke in Arizona. Alcohol offenses have severe repercussions, including fines, license suspensions, and possible jail time. So, to ensure a smooth road trip through the great state of Arizona, make sure you don’t drink and drive along your journey!

MORE:

DUI laws in Arizona

Can you use headphones while driving in Arizona?

Yes! In Arizona, wearing headphones while you drive is currently legal.

However, driving with headphones is illegal for the following individuals:

Child care providers

School bus drivers

Emergency responders

What are some of Arizona’s best road trips?

Now that we have the law part out of the way, it’s time to go back to planning that road trip! If you plan to drive through the Grand Canyon State soon, but are not sure what route(s) to take, check out our article on the five best Arizona road trips for outdoor lovers.

From the stunning Canyon de Chelly National Monument to the small town of

Flagstaff

, our list has several options to inspire road trippers as you explore the state of Arizona. And what’s a road trip without trying new foods along the way? Check out our article on a

food lover's road trip across Arizona

for some of the most delicious treats along your drive.

MORE:

Car loan in Arizona 2023

How to find affordable car insurance in Arizona

Make sure your vehicle is well protected with the right car insurance so you’re prepared for that often unavoidable Arizona traffic. And there’s no better place to get the best rates around than with the

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How does it work? All you have to do is download the Jerry app, answer a few basic questions, and in less than one minute, we’ll provide you with several customized quotes based on your old coverage—only better! If you decide to switch providers, Jerry’s team of expert agents will take care of the rest, including helping you cancel your old policy.

With Jerry, it’s all about saving you money without any of the usual hassles that come with comparison shopping. On average, Jerry users save over $800 on car insurance a year!

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What are the best and worst cities for driving in Arizona?

Poor road conditions combined with heavy traffic make Phoenix and Tucson the worst cities for driving in Arizona. However, Scottsdale and Gilbert rank among the better cities for driving.

How long does it take to drive across Arizona?

The east-west road trip through Arizona spans 337 miles, while the north-south route covers 389 miles. Either drive would take approximately 6 hours to complete, but if you’re stopping to take in the surrounding scenic views, you might want to rest somewhere for the night.

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