No driver needs to be told that driving too fast is a violation of the law. Citations for excessive speed are the most common traffic tickets issued by Arizona law enforcement officers.
A less-well-known provision of our traffic code makes it unlawful to drive too slowly. The law recognizes that slow moving vehicles also can be safety hazards.
It is against the law in Arizona to drive at a speed so slow as to interfere with the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. The only exceptions to this requirement are for safety considerations, and situations where the law compels slower than normal speeds. Those who drive too slowly may cause accidents and injury, just as those who drive too fast sometimes do.
Government agencies in Arizona are authorized under some circumstances to create minimum speed limits. Drivers may not drive below these postal minimum limits unless safety or the law otherwise compels it.
With or without posted minimum limits, however, it generally is unlawful to drive so slowly as to impede or block the normal flow of tragic.
A special section of the law applies to slow-moving vehicles on two-lane high ways. If passing on a particular stretch of road would be unsafe, slower drivers sometimes are required to pull off the road and allow other vehicles to pass.
If five or more vehicles are lined up behind a driver who is traveling more slowly than the normal flow of traffic, the slow driver must leave the road when it is safe to do so.
After all trailing vehicles have passed, the driver may return to the road. This procedure must be repeated whenever at least five vehicles are lined up behind the slow driver.
Drivers must recognize the importance of complying with speed limit laws.
Unreasonably slow speed is as unlawful as excessive speed. Both increase the risk of automobile accidents and personal injuries. |
