As you’re driving down an Arizona road, you should see plenty of road signs alerting you to the speed limit. In general, though, speed limits are set at:

• 15 mph in school zones

• 25 mph in business or residential areas

• 65 mph everywhere else.

These limits are changed if conditions require a lower speed. Hazards like railroad crossing, curves, and hills can cause the speed limit to be lower. In addition, you can be pulled over for speeding if you are going faster than what is prudent according to the weather or highway conditions.

Speeding laws vary according to how fast you are driving over the speed limit. While if you are just a few miles over the limit you might be let go with a warning or given a very minimal fine. However, if you’re traveling at “excessive speeds”, you could be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor. Excessive speeds include:

• Over 35 mph in a school zone or approaching a school crossing

• Over 20 mph more than the posted limit

• Over 45 mph in an area not posted with a speed limit sign

• Over 85 mph in ANY location

Arizona also has some special speed laws that you must consider:

• You cannot drive a vehicle with rubber tires at speeds over 10 mph

• You cannot drive a motorcycle at speeds higher than 35 mph if your motorcycle does not have a headlamp.

• You cannot drive at such slow speeds that you are blocking the safe, normal flow of traffic.

• Fines are doubled for speeding in state work zones.