What is criminal speeding in Arizona?

Question

Accepted Answer

Criminal speeding in Arizona — called "excessive speed" — is a criminal charge, a class 3 misdemeanor, not a civil traffic ticket .

A driver commits it in any of three ways:

1. Exceeding thirty-five miles per hour when approaching a school crossing .
2. Exceeding the posted speed limit in a business or residential district by more than twenty miles per hour — or, if no speed limit is posted there, exceeding forty-five miles per hour .
3. Exceeding the posted speed limit by more than twenty miles per hour in any other location .

Because this is a criminal offense rather than a civil ticket, a person charged under this section may not also be issued a civil complaint under section 28-701 for the same conduct .