An overview of Arizona's bicycle laws, reviewed and cited to primary sources. Use the sections below to jump to a specific rule, or the Sources block at the end for the full citation list.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
Helmet rules
Required under age
No statewide age requirement
Applies to passengers
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Standard
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Penalty
No statewide bicycle helmet law. Some municipalities require helmets for minors — check local ordinances.
Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28, Chapter 3, Article 11 (Bicycles) is silent on sidewalk riding; A.R.S. § 28-627 reserves the authority to regulate bicycles on sidewalks to local jurisdictions. Phoenix City Code § 36-76.02 prohibits riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in any business district; Tucson Code § 20-146 prohibits sidewalk riding by anyone aged 10 or older in the central downtown area; Tempe and Scottsdale each maintain similar downtown carve-outs.
Arizona's DUI statute (A.R.S. § 28-1381) applies to operators of a 'vehicle,' but A.R.S. § 28-101 excludes 'devices moved exclusively by human power' from the definition of vehicle, which keeps bicycles outside the statute. Public-intoxication or related offenses may still apply.
Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front.
Rear requirement
Rear reflector only
Rear spec
Red rear reflector of an ADOT-approved type, visible from 50 to 300 feet when directly in front of upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to the reflector.
ADOT permits bicycle travel on the paved shoulders of rural Interstate segments where no reasonable alternative exists, including long stretches of I-10, I-8, I-17, I-19, and I-40. Bicycles are prohibited on Interstate segments within the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas (signed at on-ramps) and through tunnels.