Can speeding be a criminal offense in Arizona?

Rushing is a fact of life

It’s a problem we all face–too many things to do and not enough time to do them. Between work, family, and social life, most of us find ourselves running around town just trying to stay on top of it all

Some of use may spread ourselves too thin, and we barely have time to get from place to place. So, many people have become accustomed to driving over the speed limit.

The consequences of speeding

You may think that speeding is harmless, but it isn’t. In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. Besides potentially being fatal, some other consequences of speeding are:

  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Higher risk of losing control of the vehicle
  • Occupant protection equipment–like airbags–becomes less effective
  • More severe crashes with more severe injuries

Speeding excessively is incredibly dangerous

Most people who speed usually go over by about five or 10 miles per hour. While this is less safe than staying within the speed limit, excessive speeding is what has the direst effects.

We’ve all seen them. That one car that goes zooming by–at least 20 miles per hour over the speed limit–with no regard for the people around them. They dart between lanes, desperately trying to get ahead. When motorists drive that fast, they’ll be incredibly lucky if they don’t get in a crash.

Excessive speeding in Arizona

Because of how dangerous driving at excessive speeds is, it is a criminal offense in the state of Arizona. The criteria for excessive speed are:

  • Exceeding 35 MPH approaching a school crossing
  • Exceeding the posted speed limit in a business or residential area by more than 20 MPH
  • Exceeding 45 MPH if no speed limit is posted in these areas
  • Exceeding 85 MPH in other locations

What are the consequences?

According to state law, anyone who is found committing any of the above violations will be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor. People convicted on this charge will serve 30 days in jail and could be charged up to $500 in fines.