SB1626 amends Arizona’s traffic code governing lane usage and slow-moving vehicles. The bill keeps the general rule that drivers must travel on the right side of the roadway, but it specifically reinforces the requirement that a vehicle moving slower than the normal speed of traffic must use the right-hand lane or stay as close as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing or preparing for a left turn. A violation of this subsection remains subject to a possible two-point assessment on the driver’s record.
The bill also preserves existing exceptions for passing, construction zones, three-lane roadways, one-way streets, and the special rule allowing golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles in certain age-restricted communities in unincorporated areas of counties with populations over three million. In addition, it requires defensive driving school and traffic survival school curricula, as well as Department of Transportation educational and testing materials, to include information about the right-side driving and slow-vehicle rules in subsections A and B.
Impact
SB1626 would amend A.R.S. § 28-721, the statute on driving on the right side of the roadway, by clarifying and reinforcing the obligations of slower-moving drivers to keep right and by maintaining the existing two-point penalty for violations. It affects Arizona drivers generally, defensive driving schools, traffic survival schools, and the Department of Transportation’s education and examination materials. The bill does not create a new traffic offense, but it strengthens the statutory framework around left-lane and slow-vehicle compliance.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had mixed but generally favorable support in committee. It was reported from the Senate Public Safety Committee on a 4-3 vote, indicating some division, while it was later placed on the Rules Committee’s passed-for-consideration list. The Judiciary and Elections Committee action was a withdrawal, which may indicate procedural movement rather than a substantive vote. No transcript excerpts are available, so the discussion record does not show detailed public arguments, but the committee vote pattern suggests the measure was supported by a narrow majority and faced some opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether the bill is a necessary traffic-safety clarification or an unnecessary restriction on lane use. Supporters likely view it as a way to reduce left-lane obstruction, improve traffic flow, and educate drivers about existing rules. Opponents may be concerned about enforcement discretion, the two-point penalty, or whether the statute already adequately addresses slow drivers. The special carve-out for golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles in age-restricted communities is also a distinct policy feature, though the available record does not show specific debate over it.