 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
pedestrians; selling goods; begging; medians
Purpose
Prohibits a pedestrian from selling goods, soliciting donations or begging on a painted or raised traffic island or median and outlines penalties for violations.
Background
A person commits obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare if they recklessly interfere with the passage of any highway or public thoroughfare by creating an unreasonable inconvenience or hazard, or by intentionally using a pedestrian signal sign to stop the passage of traffic or to solicit a driver for a donation or business (A.R.S. § 13-2906).
A class 1 misdemeanor carries a sentence of imprisonment not to exceed six months and a fine not to exceed $2500, as determined by the court (A.R.S. §§ 13-707 and 13-802).
Unless otherwise provided, failure to adhere to state traffic laws is a civil traffic violation, which carries a civil penalty not to exceed $250 (A.R.S. §§ 28-121 and 28-1598). A civil penalty is also subject to various surcharges totaling 78 percent of the base penalty and $44 in additional assessments (JLBC).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a pedestrian from selling goods, soliciting donations or begging if the pedestrian is on a painted or raised traffic island or median.
2. Allows a peace officer to only issue a warning to the pedestrian for a first violation.
3. States that a pedestrian is responsible for a civil traffic violation for a second offense.
4. Classifies a third or subsequent violation as a class 1 misdemeanor.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 13, 2023
ZD/KS/sr