Arizona (AZ) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Arizona, in 2008 a total of 3,533 teens between the ages of 15-19 were injured in car accidents where the teen was the driver. A total of 28 teens ages 15-19 died in car crashes in 2008. In all 28 accidents, the teen was the driver. The state of Arizona wants to reduce the number of teen accidents and fatalities, so in an effort to do so, the state offers several different “classes” of driver licenses. Teens cannot advance to any given class without satisfying some serious requirements ranging from a certain amount of practice hours behind the wheel to keeping a squeaky clean driving record. Continue reading to learn more about Arizona’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Arizona Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Arizona’s driver license classes are the same as Graduated Driver Licensing or GDL. Teen’s ages 16-18 can operate a motor vehicle with a Class G (Graduated) license. This means that the teen:

•    Has obtained a Graduated Instruction permit
•    Has held the instruction permit for six months
•    Has completed 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training. This includes 10 hours of nighttime driving

Graduated Instruction requirements and restrictions are as follows:

•    Teen must pass a written and vision test
•    Teen must be at least 15 ½ years of age
•    Teen must have a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times
•    Teen and parent or legal guardian must provide the DMV with all necessary application documents

Driver training must be completed with an approved driving instructor, organization, or school or under the supervision of apparent or guardian. Graduated Instruction permits are valid for 1 year.

When applying for a Graduated Instruction permit or Graduated License, teens must provide the following documentation to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Social Security card to verify identity - copies will not be accepted
•    Photo ID in the form of an Arizona ID card, US military ID card or passport
•    If no state or federal photo ID is available, the teen must provide an Arizona permit, birth certificate, w-2 form, bank card, school ID with photo, employee ID with photo or credit card (any three will do, but no less)

It is important to note that all documents must be originals or certified copies.

Once the teen has completed all Class G requirements and provided he has a clean driving record, he will be eligible to apply for an unrestricted Class D license at the age of 18.

Arizona Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

The Class G license carries the following restrictions:

•    For the first 6 months, the teen cannot drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless it is a family emergency, he is driving to or from work, a school sponsored activity, or religious activity. The teen can drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. in all other cases if a parent or legal guardian is seated in the front passenger seat.
•    Teen cannot transport more than one passenger under the age of 18 unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or if the passengers are the driver’s siblings.

The consequences for violating Arizona's teen driving laws are quite serious. You could lose your license and you might have to pay penalties up to $100.  A first violation will result in:

•    A maximum penalty of $75
•    Rules extended for 30 extra days

A second violation carries:

•    Maximum penalty of $100
•    Rules extended for 60 extra days, but 30 days for the first violation may be added on for a total of 90 days

A third violation will cost:

•    A maximum penalty of $100
•    License suspension for a total of 30 days

Arizona Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Arizona, cell phone use and driving while texting is legal, for now. House Bill 2191 is currently on the table in the Arizona Legislature. HB 2191 would prohibit cell phone use unless drivers have a hands-free device. Violators would face fines ranging from $50-$200. The Bill would include exemptions for emergency workers and medical providers.


Along with eleven other states, Arizona has banned cell phone use while driving a school bus.

Arizona Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Arizona, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. This is equal to as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict an Arizona teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher you face:

•    Probation
•    A juvenile court hearing
•    Driver’s license/privileges suspension for up180 days
•    Attendance in a counseling or education program
•    Fines up to $500
•    Community service work

Arizona Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Arizona, all drivers – teens or adults, must carry minimum liability coverage of at least 15/30/10. This means, you must carry at least $15,000 bodily injury for one person per accident, $30,000 for two or more persons per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel without supervision, Arizona auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year, with an average of $2,171 a year.

Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).