Photo: Formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For the first 6 months on an Arizona Class G graduated license, you cannot drive from midnight to 5 a.m., carry more than one passenger under 18, or use a wireless device while driving. Each rule has exceptions. This explainer is for Arizona teens aged 16 and 17 and their parents, and is based on the Arizona statute that sets the rules (A.R.S. 28-3174).
Arizona Class G restrictions at a glance
| Rule (first 6 months) | What it means | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Night limit | No driving 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. | A parent or legal guardian with a Class A, B, C or D license in the seat beside you; or driving directly to or from a sanctioned school activity, work, a sanctioned religious activity or a family emergency |
| Passenger limit | No more than 1 passenger under 18 | Your siblings; or a parent or legal guardian with a Class A, B, C or D license beside you |
| Wireless devices | No use of a wireless communication device while driving | An emergency where stopping is impossible or would create more danger; audible turn-by-turn navigation if you do not type the destination or touch the device while driving |
The restrictions end at 6 months, or on your 18th birthday if that comes first.
Who can get an Arizona Class G license?
You can apply if you are under 18 and:
- you are at least 16
- you have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months (not needed if you hold a valid license from another jurisdiction)
- you have met the practice requirement: approved driver education, or certified supervised hours (see the Arizona 30-hour supervised driving log)
- you pass the license exam, or have the road test waived through approved driver education
Arizona teen curfew: what counts as an exception?
The trip has to be directly to or from school-sponsored activities, work, religious activities or a family emergency. A detour to a friend’s house on the way home does not count.
If you are cited, the citation is dismissed if you bring the court a written, notarized letter by the court date. It must come from the right person:
- your parent or guardian, for any of the exceptions
- the school activity, the employer or the religious activity, for those trips
For the passenger rule, a notarized letter from your parent or guardian confirming the passengers were your siblings gets the citation dismissed.
Can a Class G driver use a phone for GPS in Arizona?
Only audible turn-by-turn navigation, and only if you set the destination before you drive and do not touch the device while moving. No calls, hands-free or not, and no texting.
The same no-device rule applies while you hold the instruction permit. Once the restriction ends, the statewide hands-free law still applies to you. See hands-free and texting laws for US drivers.
Can police pull you over just for a Class G violation?
No. Officers may not stop you or cite you for the curfew, passenger or device rules unless they have reasonable cause to believe you broke another motor vehicle law. If you are stopped for something else, the Class G violation can be added.
Penalties for breaking Class G restrictions
| Violation | Maximum civil penalty | Effect on your license |
|---|---|---|
| First | $75 | Restriction extended by 30 days |
| Second | $100 | Restriction extended by 60 days |
| Third or later | $100 | 30-day suspension |
Extensions and suspensions still have to be served even if you turn 18 in the meantime.
Other tickets as a teen driver in Arizona
Separately from Class G rules, any moving violation committed while under 18 has its own consequences:
- First: you must complete Traffic Survival School.
- Second: 3-month suspension.
- Third: 6-month suspension.
Alcohol is stricter again: see Arizona DUI rules for new drivers.
Common questions
Can I drive my friends after getting my license in Arizona?
One passenger under 18 is allowed in the first 6 months. Passengers aged 18 or over do not count toward the limit.
Can I drive home from work after midnight?
Yes, if you are driving directly from your place of work.
Does the curfew apply if my older sibling is in the car?
The curfew exception is only for a parent or legal guardian with a license in the seat beside you, or one of the listed trips.
When can I upgrade to a Class D license?
On or after your 18th birthday, unless your Class G is suspended for moving violations.
Do the rules apply after 6 months?
No, unless a violation extended them. The statewide hands-free law still applies.
Related guides
- Learning to drive in Arizona: the full guide
- Arizona road test and third party testing
- Arizona MVD permit test guide
- GDL laws by state compared
Sources
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3174 Class G driver licenses; restrictions; civil penalties; motorcycles” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3154 Instruction permit for a class D or G license” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-3321 Moving violations by persons under eighteen years of age” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona State Legislature, “A.R.S. 28-914 Use of portable wireless communication device while driving” (azleg.gov)
- Arizona Department of Transportation MVD, “Permit and License Requirements” (azdot.gov)