Arizona Senate Approves 80mph Speed Limit

Although laws have not yet been enacted, Arizona state senators’ recent votes could allow for 80-mph speeds on stretches of rural highway and prevent police officers from stopping motorists for not wearing seat belts.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

March 19, 2004

1 min to read

Although laws have not yet been enacted, Arizona state senators' recent votes could allow for 80-mph speeds on stretches of rural highway and prevent police officers from stopping motorists for not wearing seat belts.

Senators voted 18-12 to allow the Arizona Department of Transportation to raise the speed limit to 80 mph from the current 75 mph speed limit in certain areas. They also rejected a bill that would allow law enforcement to stop drivers solely for not wearing safety belts. Officers can ticket for not wearing them, but only if motorists are stopped for another violation.

"I'm perplexed at the Legislature. They are essentially saying 'no' to stronger seat belt laws and saying 'yes' to driving faster," says Michael Frias, deputy director of the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Topics:Traffic Enforcement Catching Speeders Patrol

More Patrol

Graphic announcing $25 million in law enforcement grants and resources over a photo of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with large blue-and-white headline text overlaying the building.

Patrol•July 23, 2026

Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.

POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips YouTube thumbnail asking, “What qualifies a device as rugged or fully rugged?” featuring a Panasonic Toughbook laptop on a dark street background.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•July 23, 2026

What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?

What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.

Leadership update graphic featuring Team Wendy President Vasilios Brachos standing in front of a display of protective helmets, with POLICE Law Enforcement Solutions branding and text announcing his appointment as company president.

Patrol•July 22, 2026

Avon Technologies Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President

Longtime ballistic helmet leader Vasilios Brachos has been selected to guide the next chapter of protection, innovation, and growth at Team Wendy.

BRINC fundraising announcement graphic featuring a response drone in flight, highlighting a $125 million funding round to expand 911 response drones for police and fire stations, led by Motorola Solutions Ventures with additional investors.

Patrol•July 16, 2026

Brinc Raises $125M to Put a 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

The latest round of funding, $125 million, can help fuel Brinc’s mission to deploy 911-response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States.

POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips video series graphic featuring a Garmont Tactical Contact Collection duty boot against a police vehicle with flashing lights. Includes “Watch Now” callout for the video series.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•July 9, 2026

Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement

Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.