3 New Arizona Laws Going Into Effect In January: What To Know

ARIZONA — A new year brings with it new laws across the state of Arizona. From texting while driving to a slight increase in minimum wage, here's everything you need to know about three new laws as you head into 2021.

1. Hands-Free Arizona

Starting immediately on Jan. 1, law enforcement will be cracking down on distracted driving. While several Arizona cities have had similar laws of their own, the state legislature pushed a bill through after the death of Officer Clay Townsend, who was killed during a traffic stop by a distracted driver.

According to the law, drivers can only access and use their phones if they are in hands-free mode. Exceptions will be made for drivers accessing their device at stoplights and calling 911 during an emergency. Drivers will also be allowed to stop and start a call, and use the GPS function on a phone to navigate.

Violators will be fined $75 to $149 and repeat offenders face $150 to $250 in fines.

2. Recreational Marijuana

Starting in 2021, all Arizona adults will be able to possess up to one ounce of marijuana without facing any criminal charges after Proposition 207 passed in the Nov. 3 election. While the law went into effect on Nov. 30, the Arizona Department of Health Services must develop rules and licensing for recreational marijuana outlets. That process will begin in 2021.

Proposition 208, regarding a tax increase to support Arizona schools, also passed on Nov. 3. The tax increase won't go into effect until 2022, however.

3. Minimum Wage Increase

The Arizona Republic reported that the state's minimum wage will increase by 15 cents an hour beginning in January, bringing the total to $12.15 an hour. The last increase was on Jan. 1, 2020, which brought it up to $12. The rise is due to a 1.3 percent increase in Arizona's cost of living over the past year, the newspaper said.

Federal workers, Arizona state workers and employees of small businesses with an annual revenue below $500,000 will be exempt from the new law. Restaurant servers and other employees paid in tips can be paid up to $3 less an hour than the minimum wage, but only if the tip income makes up the difference.