ARS 28-3151: Driver license requirement
The complete text of A.R.S. § 28-3151 on driver license requirement, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
Recognized By
As Seen On
Recognized By
Full Text of A.R.S. § 28-3151
A.R.S. § 28-3151 is the Arizona statute on driver license requirement. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
A. Unless exempt pursuant to this chapter, a person shall not drive a motor vehicle or vehicle combination on a highway without a valid driver license and proper endorsement as prescribed by this chapter.
B. A person who is licensed under this chapter is entitled to exercise the privilege granted by this chapter on highways and is not required to obtain another license to exercise the privilege by a county, municipal or local board or a body with authority to adopt local police regulations.
C. A person may not drive an off-highway vehicle in this state without a valid driver license as prescribed by this chapter. If a minor who is under twelve years of age violates this subsection, a citation shall be issued to the parent or legal guardian of the minor and not to the minor. If a minor who is at least twelve years of age and under sixteen years of age violates this subsection, a citation may be issued to the minor or to the parent or legal guardian of the minor, but not to both.
D. For the purposes of this section, “highway”:
1. Means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained by the federal government, the department or a city, town or county if any part of the way is open to the public for the purposes of vehicular travel other than exclusive off-highway vehicle use.
2. Does not include routes designated for off-highway vehicle use.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-3151, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/20/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Related Statutes in Title 28 — License Suspension and Revocation
- A.R.S. § 28-3473 — Driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license
- A.R.S. § 28-3476 — Falsification of license
- A.R.S. § 28-3480 — Operation in violation of restriction
How § 28-3151 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 28-3151 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
Call 623-321-4699 for a confidential consultation, 24/7.
Awards & Recognition
Our recognition for Phoenix criminal defense defense is independently verified, click any award to confirm it:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Elite Lawyer 2026 – Criminal Defense
- Super Lawyers – Southwest
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
When you are looking for the best Phoenix criminal defense lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 28-3151?
A.R.S. § 28-3151 is the Arizona statute on driver license requirement. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 28-3151?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/20/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.