Home / Crime and Justice / Arizona Criminalizes 108 MPH Speeding
Arizona Criminalizes 108 MPH Speeding
5 Jul
Summary
- Driving 108 mph in Arizona is a criminal offense, not just a ticket.
- A driver was arrested for speeding to watch a reality show.
- Criminal speeding carries potential jail time and a permanent record.
In Arizona, driving at 108 mph is a serious criminal offense, a class 3 misdemeanor, carrying potential jail time and a criminal record. This contrasts with most states where speeding is a civil infraction. The law criminalizes speeds over 85 mph or more than 20 mph above the posted limit in residential areas.
A recent incident involved a driver clocked at 108 mph in a 65 mph zone, reportedly rushing home to watch "Love Island." She was arrested for criminal speed and reckless driving, and her vehicle was impounded for 20 days. The reckless driving charge, a class 2 misdemeanor, is more severe, potentially leading to license suspension.
Excessive speed dramatically increases kinetic energy, making stopping and swerving significantly more difficult and dangerous, especially on roads like SR-347. This incident is part of a pattern, with other high-speed arrests on the same route prompting increased enforcement efforts by the Department of Public Safety.
Beyond fines and potential jail time, the consequences include significant financial burdens from towing and storage fees for the impounded vehicle. A criminal conviction also impacts insurance rates, potentially requiring an SR-22 filing and leading to much higher premiums for an extended period.
