Assigned to PS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2235
signs; lane use; civil penalty
Purpose
Establishes a civil penalty of $200 for driving a vehicle on the left half of a roadway at a
slower speed than normal traffic and requires warning signs to be posted on specified portions of
the Interstate 8 (I-8), Interstate 10 (I-10) and Interstate 40 (I-40).
Background
On all roadways of sufficient width, a person must drive a vehicle on the right half of the
roadway, except: 1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
2) when the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair; 3) on a
roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic; or 4) on a roadway designated and signposted
for one-way traffic. On all roadways, a person driving a vehicle at a less than normal speed of
traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing must drive the vehicle in the
right-hand lane or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except
when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing
for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway (A.R.S. § 28-721).
Unless otherwise provided, failure to adhere to state traffic laws constitutes a civil traffic
violation which carries a civil penalty of up to $250 (A.R.S. §§ 28-121 and 28-1598).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Subjects a person who drives at a slower than normal speed of traffic in the farthest left lane
and fails to overtake and pass another vehicle to a civil penalty of $200.
2. Requires the Arizona Department of Transportation and each local authority to place signs in
Arizona on the portions of I-8, I-10 and I-40 on which there are two lanes for use by motor
vehicles traveling in the same direction that direct slower traffic to travel in a lane other than
the farthest left lane.
3. Requires the sign to read left lane for passing only, slow traffic keep right, be 48 inches in
height and width and either:
a) include a warning that reads $200 fine on the sign; or
b) is accompanied by a smaller sign that reads $200 fine.
4. Makes conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date. FACT SHEET
H.B. 2235
Page 2
House Action
TI 1/29/25 DPA 6-1-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/17/25 47-12-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 3, 2025
KJA/slp