Five bills that could affect how you drive

Of all the proposals from lawmakers at the Arizona Capitol, perhaps none intersect more with residents’ day-today lives than rules about driving.

This year, members of the Legislature have proposed new laws regarding car seats, penalties for wrong-way drivers, people driving on suspended licenses and other changes.

Here are bills that are still moving through the Legislature that could affect drivers on roads across Arizona.

1. Wrong-way driving

Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, proposed House Bill 2243 this session to curb the number of wrong-way drivers. If the bill becomes law, someone who drives the wrong way on a highway would face a $500 fine and be required to attend traffic survival school. If they are driving under the influence of alcohol, they could be charged with a Class 5 felony and face up to 18

months in prison.

Although the bill has passed committees with some opposition, most lawmakers agree they need to take some type of action. The Arizona Department of Transportation reported nearly 740 wrong-way drivers on Arizona freeways last year.

Status: Passed the House, and passed the Senate Transportation and Technology and Judiciary committees; awaits a full Senate vote.

2. New car seat regulations

If HB 2071 becomes law, children under 40 pounds and 40 inches tall would have to sit in a rear-facing car seat. The change not only protects a child from an airbag, it also protects their spine in an accident.

The bill was proposed by Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen, after hearing concerns from constituents about child safety in vehicles, one of whom said her child had died in an accident.

While testifying in a committee hearing on the bill, Bolding said it would bring Arizona up to national standards and ensure that children are safe riding in vehicles. These height and weight standards come from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Status: Passed the House, awaits a hearing from the Senate Health and Human Services and the Commerce and Public Safety committees.

3. Increasing minimum vehicle liability insurance

Senate Bill 1075, sponsored by Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, would increase the minimum requirements for vehicle liability insurance.

These statutes haven’t changed since 1971, and McGee said an update, as has happened in other states, is needed

“This is another cellar dweller honor of ours in that we have not increased these rates for 46 years,” McGee said in a Senate Transportation Committee hearing in January.

The bill would aims to help those who cannot afford to pay the remainder of damages left over from an accident involving a driver who is only insured at the minimum state requirement, she said.

Raising the minimums will help people to not fall into a financial hole due to an accident that was not their fault, Brophy McGee said.

Status: Passed the Senate, awaits hearing from the House Banking and Insurance Committee.

4. Changing drug testing protocol

If passed, SB 1210 would require someone involved in an accident that causes death or serious injury to submit to a blood alcohol or drug test if an officer has probable cause to believe the person caused the accident or if the person was issued a traffic violation.

Sen. Judy Burges, R-Sun City, introduced the bill after concerned constituents shared stories of tragic accidents.

The family of Joe Smith has been a vocal supporter of the proposal.

While returning from a high school graduation celebration trip in California in June 2016, Smith, 18, was killed a crash on Interstate 10. He and three friends were stopped near Quartzsite due to traffic and a semitruck hit them and passengers in another car from behind.

Two people were killed and four had serious injuries. The truck driver blamed fatigue and appeared tired, according to records. He was not tested for drugs or alcohol.

Status: Awaiting hearing from the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

5. Driving on a suspended license

People who drive on a suspended or revoked license could face stricter penalties if HB 2522 becomes law. The bill, proposed by Rep. Maria Syms, R-Paradise Valley, would suspend the driving privileges of someone driving without a license for 10 years, which is double the current rate.

The bill focuses on repeat offenders and those whose licenses have been suspended or revoked for serious reasons like a DUI. It also makes suspensions consecutive, not concurrent, and would increase the severity of criminal charges. Status: Awaiting hearing from the Senate Transportation and Technology Committee.