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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED #2
ADOT; revisions.
Purpose
Outlines revisions to various transportation requirements, including requirements relating to high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV lanes), driver licenses and primitive roads. Establishes 23 special license plates and corresponding funds. Requires contracts between law enforcement agencies and businesses that use camera systems to identify motor vehicles to contain provisions to prohibit the business from selling or disseminating data collected by the camera system to third parties.
Background
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has exclusive control and
jurisdiction over state highways and routes, state-owned airports and all
state-owned transportation systems and modes. ADOT must register vehicles and
aircrafts, license drivers, collect revenues, enforce vehicle and aviation
statutes and perform related transportation planning functions (A.R.S.
§ 28-332).
A person may not drive a vehicle carrying fewer than two persons, including the driver, in an HOV lane at any time that the use of the HOV lane is restricted to vehicles carrying two or more persons, except for: 1) a motor vehicle with an alternative fuel vehicle special plate or an alternative fuel vehicle sticker at any time, regardless of occupancy level; 2) during the performance of a tow truck operator's duties; 3) a person driving a motorcycle; 4) a person driving a public transportation vehicle; and 5) an authorized emergency vehicle that is in use by a first responder in the line of duty (A.R.S. § 28-737).
ADOT must require a licensee to update the licensee's photograph or to provide a report to ADOT based on an ADOT performed vision test or an examination by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or by a physician licensed to practice medicine, if the license has not been updated during the preceding 12 years. The Director of ADOT (Director) may require a licensee to up the licensee's license at any time during the 12-year period (A.R.S. § 28-3173).
The county board of supervisors or the governing body of a city or town may designate a public road within the governing body's jurisdiction as a primitive road if the road was opened before June 13, 1990, and was not constructed according to county standards. A governing body must place signs identifying a road as a primitive road in adequate locations to warn the public. Neither a governing body nor the governing body's employees are liable for damages or injuries resulting from the use of a road that has been designated as a primitive road, except as prescribed for intentional injuries or gross negligence. A governing body may not designate a state or county highway as a primitive road (A.R.S. § 28-6706).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes
1. Adds blood transport vehicles to the list of vehicles that may use the HOV lane during restricted hours.
2. Specifies that a blood transport vehicle using the HOV lane while carrying fewer than two persons must display a removable sign or decal on each side and on the rear of the vehicle that indicates that the vehicle is transporting human blood or human blood products.
ADOT Licensing Requirements
3. Adds any other information required by ADOT to the list of information that must be included in an application for an instruction permit or driver license.
4. Replaces the requirement that an application for a nonoperating identification license include a brief description of the applicant, whether the applicant has been licensed before and specified information relating to a previous license, with the specification that ADOT may require other identifying information from the applicant, as necessary.
5. Requires a licensee to update the licensee's photograph every 16 years, rather than 12 years.
6. Removes the ability of a licensee to update the licensee's license by providing a report based on a vision test or examination to ADOT in lieu of updating the licensee's photo as prescribed.
7. Adds court ordered evidenced-based psychotherapy for persons whose driver license or driving privilege is suspended or revoked to the list of programs that the person must complete or be satisfactorily participating before ADOT can terminate the suspension, issue a new license or issue a special ignition interlock restricted license to the person.
8. Specifies that ADOT may not issue a new license or special ignition interlock restricted license to a person whose license or driving privilege has been revoked as outlined until the person has completed or is satisfactorily participating in a specified court-ordered program, rather than only until the person has completed the program.
9. Removes the specification that a person under 18 years old who commits a moving civil traffic violation or moving criminal traffic offense must hold a driver permit or license to be subject to the prescribed penalties for persons under 18 years old.
Designation of State Highways and Routes as Primitive Roads
10. Allows the Director to designate a state highway or route as a primitive road.
11. Requires ADOT to place signs on each road that is designated as a primitive road in adequate locations to warn the public.
12. Requires primitive road signs to contain the statement: primitive road, caution, use at your own risk. This surface is not regularly maintained.
13. Specifies that neither the State or State's employees are liable for damages or injuries resulting from the use of a primitive road, except for intentional injuries or gross negligence caused by an employee acting within the scope of the employee's duties.
Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate
14. Requires ADOT to issue a skin cancer prevention special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
15. Establishes the Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director of ADOT (Director).
16. Requires the Director to annually allocate Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Arizona and incorporated in Arizona since 2011;
b) provides skin cancer prevention education, preventative examinations, sun protection and hygiene products to promote skin cancer prevention awareness at outlined locations;
c) arranges for the construction of permanent sun shade structures at schools, churches and community parks for protection from heat and from sun damage; and
d) has a mission to organize volunteer medical professionals, medical residents and other community volunteers and medical school, college and high school students to promote skin cancer prevention awareness and education at community events and to improve the quality of life in both urban and rural areas in Arizona.
Diabetes Awareness Special Plate
17. Requires ADOT to issue a diabetes awareness special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
18. Establishes the Diabetes Awareness Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
19. Requires the Director to annually allocate Diabetes Awareness Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Arizona;
b) supports persons that are living with diabetes and their families through a support network crafted by diabetics; and
c) provides education and resources to inform the general public about diabetes.
Small Business Advocate Special Plate
20. Requires ADOT to issue a small business advocate special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
21. Establishes the Small Business Advocate Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
22. Requires the Director to annually allocate Small Business Advocate Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Arizona and has been in existence for at least 50 years;
b) serves as a statewide nonpartisan advocate and resource hub for small businesses in Arizona; and
c) provides education resources to entrepreneurs, including workshops, mentorship programs and events that are designed to provide relevant knowledge and skills.
Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate
23. Requires ADOT to issue a recycling refurbished electronics special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
24. Establishes the Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
25. Requires the Director to annually allocate Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) responsibly collects electronic waste in Arizona;
b) refurbishes and distributes computing and communication devices to Arizona residents; and
c) educates and provides workforce development.
Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate
26. Requires ADOT to issue an adaptive sports and recreation special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
27. Establishes the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
28. Requires the Director to annually allocate Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was founded in 2018;
b) provides adaptive equipment for water sports and train volunteers to assist persons with physical or cognitive disabilities regardless of age to access water sports in Arizona; and
c) promotes physical wellness, emotional healing and a sense of belonging.
Blood and Biologics Special Plate
29. Requires ADOT to issue a blood and biologics special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
30. Establishes the Blood and Biologics Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
31. Requires the Director to annually allocate Blood and Biologics Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) secures and stewards charitable gifts to connect blood and biologics donors with recipients;
b) uses financial contributions and gifts to improve lives by providing essential blood products, clinical services, medical consultation and innovative research; and
c) engages with sponsors for community blood drives and mobile bloodmobiles.
Astronomy Center Special Plate
32. Requires ADOT to issue an astronomy center special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
33. Establishes the Astronomy Center Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
34. Requires the Director to annually allocate Astronomy Center Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is governed by an independent board of trustees;
b) manages long-term endowment goals or short-term targeted donations for an observatory that pursues the study of astronomy in Arizona; and
c) supports the work of an astronomy observatory located in the Flagstaff area.
Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate
35. Requires ADOT to issue a law enforcement charity organization special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
36. Establishes the Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
37. Requires the Director to annually allocate Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) supports law enforcement officers that serve in a city with over a million persons;
b) provides employee assistance, benevolence assistance and scholarships to members of law enforcement; and
c) creates a cycle of support that benefits both law enforcement and the broader community.
Law Enforcement Support Special Plate
38. Requires ADOT to issue a law enforcement support special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
39. Establishes the Law Enforcement Support Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
40. Requires the Director to annually allocate Law Enforcement Support Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) collects and distributes donations to families of fallen or injured law enforcement officers in Arizona through a memorial fund;
b) fundraises for support of law enforcement operational units, including canine and mounted units;
c) engages in community fundraising and events, including annual toy drives, commemorative merchandise and car wash fundraisers; and
d) requires sponsorship by a current member for new membership in the entity.
Search and Rescue Special Plate
41. Requires ADOT to issue a search and rescue special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
42. Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
43. Requires the Director to annually allocate Search and Rescue Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was established in the 1980s;
b) supports Arizona sheriffs in fulfilling the sheriff's statutory search and rescue responsibilities; and
c) develops training standards, enhances search techniques and promote consistency among search and rescue volunteers, county coordinators and supporting agencies.
Returning Warrior Special Plate
44. Requires ADOT to issue a returning warrior special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
45. Establishes the Returning Warrior Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
46. Requires the Director to annually allocate Returning Warrior Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) started a program in 2005 to financially assist veterans that are experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs to transition back into civilian community;
b) provides veterans with community assistance;
c) helps veterans coordinate with veterans affairs facilities; and
d) supports mental health initiatives for veterans.
Community Healthy Living Special Plate
47. Requires ADOT to issue a community healthy living special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
48. Establishes the Community Healthy Living Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
49. Requires the Director to annually allocate Community Healthy Living Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that has:
a) a mission to strengthen the community by connecting all people to their potential and purpose;
b) programs for persons of every age and life stage;
c) at least 15 centers across Arizona; and
d) been in existence for over 120 years.
Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate
50. Requires ADOT to issue a historic electric vehicle special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
51. Establishes the Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
52. Requires the Director to annually allocate Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) has a mission to inspire a shift to sustainably powered by electric transportation;
b) provides an interactive experience for visitors;
c) showcases the history of electric vehicles through a large collection of historic electric vehicles; and
d) has been in existence since 2014.
Kindness Charity Special Plate
53. Requires ADOT to issue a kindness charity special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
54. Establishes the Kindness Charity Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
55. Requires the Director to annually allocate Kindness Charity Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that has:
a) been in existence since 2003;
b) at least 1,000 active members that volunteer with the organization; and
c) a mission to inspire the people of Arizona to practice intentional kindness through art, education and community connection.
Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate
56. Requires ADOT to issue an elk and other wildlife special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
57. Establishes the Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
58. Requires the Director to annually allocate Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) engages with volunteers and contractors to maintain and restore habitat and wildlife water projects in Arizona;
b) coordinates and manages youth programs, including conservation, hunting and outdoor activities;
c) facilitates big game and other outdoor experiences for Arizona's wounded veterans; and
d) conducts outreach and cultivates partnerships to promote and advocate for public education on wildlife policies, biology-based habitat management and land stewardship.
Youth Education Charity Special Plate
59. Requires ADOT to issue a youth education charity special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
60. Establishes the Youth Education Charity Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
61. Requires the Director to annually allocate Youth Education Charity Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Scottsdale;
b) was incorporated in 1986;
c) consists of members that support the organization monetarily or through regular volunteer activities; and
d) provides grants to nonprofits in Maricopa County and provides scholarships, grants and programming to public education school and students.
Police Service Dogs Special Plate
62. Requires ADOT to issue a police service dogs special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
63. Establishes the Police Service Dogs Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
64. Requires the Director to annually allocate Police Service Dogs Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) has a membership consisting of police service dog handlers and trainers;
b) promotes and assists in the use of police service dogs in prevention of crime and detection of crime;
c) promotes educational programs related to the use of police service dogs; and
d) provides assistance to law enforcement agencies that wish to implement police service dogs.
Golf Tournament Charity Special Plate
65. Requires ADOT to issue a golf tournament charity special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
66. Establishes the Golf Tournament Chairty Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
67. Requires the Director to annually allocate Golf Tournament Charity Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was established after 1966;
b) oversees the operations and sales arm of a professional golfers' association tour event;
c) is comprised of over 50 active business and professional members; and
d) promotes and funds local youth athletic program in the Tucson area.
Distracted Driving Special Plate
68. Requires ADOT to issue a distracted driving special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
69. Establishes the Distracted Driving Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
70. Requires the Director to annually allocate Distracted Driving Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) has a mission of raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving;
b) has a goal of educating, empowering and protecting drivers, passengers and pedestrians by promoting focused and responsible driving habits; and
c) conducts community outreach and public campaigns and provides programs to reduce traffic accidents caused by cell phones, fatigue and other distractions while driving.
Public Education Foundation Special Plate
71. Requires ADOT to issue a public education foundation special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
72. Establishes the Public Education Foundation Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
73. Requires the Director to annually allocate Public Education Foundation Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) shines a spotlight on the work and education of public school educators, staff and administrators through programs, including the A+ School of Excellence and Teacher of the Year;
b) supports pathways to excellence with academic programs for students and training for teachers and administrators through outlined programs; and
c) has a belief that public education is a great equalizer that gives all students the chance at a high-quality education and successful future.
Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate
74. Requires ADOT to issue a Grand Canyon National Park special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
75. Establishes the Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
76. Requires the Director to annually allocate Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Arizona;
b) has operated in Arizona for over 20 consecutive years; and
c) is an official philanthropic partner of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Congressional Medal of Honor License Plate
77. Specifies that ADOT must issue no more than three distinctive license plates to the registered owner of a person motor vehicle that submits proof that the registered owner is a bona fide Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
78. Prohibits ADOT from collecting any registration fees or vehicle license tax for each original or any renewal of a Congressional Medal of Honor special license plate.
Bronze Star Medal License Plate
79. Requires ADOT, on January 1, 2026, to issue distinctive license plates to:
a) a person that submits satisfactory proof to ADOT that the person is a veteran and a bona fide Bronze Star Medal recipient; or
b) an immediate family member of a person that has been issued a Bronze Star Medal license plate.
80. Requires ADOT to collect a $25 fee, in addition to registration fees, for each original Bronze Star Medal license plate and deposit the $25 into the Veterans' Donations Fund.
81. Requires ADOT to charge a $5 fee for each annual renewal of the Bronze Star Medal license plate.
Silver Star Medal License Plate
82. Requires ADOT, on January 1, 2026, to issue distinctive license plates to:
a) a person that submits satisfactory proof to ADOT that the person is a veteran and a bona fide Silver Star Medal recipient; or
b) an immediate family member of a person that has been issued a Silver Star Medal license plate.
83. Requires ADOT to collect a $25 fee, in addition to registration fees, for each original Silver Star Medal license plate and deposit the $25 into the Veterans' Donations Fund.
84. Requires ADOT to charge a $5 fee for each annual renewal of the Silver Star Medal license plate.
Special Plate Administration
85. Requires each person that pays the $32,000 implementation fee to design the special plate for which the person paid the fee.
86. Subjects the design and color of the outlined special plates to the approval of ADOT.
87. Allows the Director to combine a request for any of the outlined special plates with a request for a personalized special plate.
88. Specifies that a combined request must be submitted in a form prescribed by the Director and is subject to the fees for both the specific special plate and the personalized special plate.
89. Specifies that, of the $25 fee required to obtain or renew a special plate, $8 is an administration fee and $17 is an annual donation.
90. Requires ADOT to deposit all special plate administration fees in the State Highway Fund and transmit the special plate donations to the applicable special plate fund.
91. Requires the first $32,000 in each special plate fund to be reimbursed to the entity that paid the implementation fee.
92. Caps, at 10 percent, the annual amount of special plate fund monies that may be used to administer each fund.
93. Specifies that each special plate fund is continuously appropriated.
94. Requires the State Treasurer, on notice from the Director, to invest and divest monies and credit monies earned to the applicable special plate fund.
Miscellaneous
95. Requires a contract between a law enforcement agency and a business that uses a camera system that has the sole purpose of identifying motor vehicles to include a provision that prohibits the business from selling or disseminating any data collected by the camera system to third parties.
96. Replaces the requirement that ADOT publish a notice of intent to allow the disposition of a junk vehicle once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the junk vehicle was found, with the requirement that ADOT publish the notice of intent on ADOT's website for at least 30 days.
97. Removes the specification that an alternative fuel vehicle must be issued an alternative fuel special plate or sticker to be classified as an alternative fuel vehicle for purposes relating to the vehicle license tax.
98. Allows the Director to provide notice of an assessment for failure to register an aircraft to the aircraft owner by electronic transmission.
99. Removes the requirement that a notice of an assessment for failure to register an aircraft be only in writing and be delivered to the aircraft owner in person or by mail.
100. Repeals the honorary consular official special plates.
101. Requires ADOT to recall the honorary consular official special plates and to issue a standard license plate to each person who received an honorary consular official special plate.
102. Defines blood transport vehicle as a motor vehicle that is owned or operated by a nonprofit general blood banking operation, a nonprofit blood bank or a nonprofit blood bank's agent and that is transporting blood or blood products between collection points, hospitals or blood storage centers.
103. Defines evidence-based psychotherapy as psychotherapy services that are offered by a licensed psychologist who integrates the best available scientific research with clinical expertise based on the context of the patient's characteristics, culture and preferences.
104. Defines apply and application as the process in which a person provides required information in a manner prescribed by ADOT for services rendered by ADOT.
105. Makes technical and conforming changes.
106. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by the House of Representatives
1. Requires a contract between a law enforcement agency and a business that uses a camera system solely for identifying motor vehicles to include a provision prohibiting the business from selling or disseminating any data that is collected by the camera system to third parties.
2. Restores the existing requirement that an application for an instruction permit or driver license state prescribed information.
3. Establishes 23 special license plates and related funds.
4. Outlines administrative requirements relating to the 23 prescribed special plates and the corresponding funds.
5. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Senate Action House Action
ATT 2/10/26 DP 6-2-2 TI 3/25/26 DPA 6-0-1-0
3rd Read 2/26/26 18-10-2 3rd Read 4/28/26 45-12-2-0-1
3rd Read* 6/12/26 33-22-5
*on reconsideration
Prepared by Senate Research
June 12, 2026
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