HB2658 is a bill that seeks to amend Arizona's traffic laws by adding a new section that would prohibit pedestrians from congregating or soliciting in certain areas. Specifically, the bill would make it illegal for pedestrians to be on painted or raised traffic islands or medians, on exit or entrance ramps or roadways of controlled access highways, or in intersections without sidewalks or safe corridors for pedestrians.

The bill outlines a graduated enforcement approach: for a first violation, a peace officer can only issue a warning and not a citation; for a second violation, the individual would be responsible for a civil traffic violation; and for a third or subsequent violation, the person would be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill has been vetoed by the Governor, who cited concerns about infringing on freedoms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-798
House Engrossed Version: 28-798
Senate Engrossed Version: 28-798