This bill proposes several updates to Arizona's highway speed restriction statutes. It introduces new language that allows for the designation of derestricted speed zones on state highways, where no maximum speed limit applies to non-commercial vehicles during specific times, while maintaining an eighty miles per hour limit during nighttime hours. The bill also establishes criteria for designating these zones, including location outside urbanized areas, low crash rates, and adequate infrastructure. Additionally, it mandates annual safety audits of these zones and requires public education campaigns to inform drivers of the new regulations.

The bill repeals the existing section 28-702.04 and amends various sections to incorporate the new provisions regarding derestricted speed zones. It clarifies that violations in these zones can result in civil penalties, with specific amounts for first and second offenses. The bill also emphasizes that the maximum speed limit for interstate highways outside urbanized areas remains eighty miles per hour unless altered by the director based on traffic investigations. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance safety while providing more flexibility in speed regulations on certain highway segments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-701, 28-701.02, 28-702, 28-702.01, 28-702.02, 28-702.04, 28-703, 28-624, 28-707, 12-116.01, 12-116.02, 28-1559, 28-1598