SB 1533 Summary

• Establishes a $1,000 penalty assessment on every fine, penalty, and forfeiture imposed for racing violations (A.R.S. § 28-708), with funds deposited into a new drag racing prevention enforcement fund administered by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

• Creates the drag racing prevention enforcement fund to support law enforcement efforts to prevent racing on streets and highways and to enforce racing statutes, with monies continuously appropriated and available for distribution to local law enforcement agencies.

• Enhances penalties for obstructing highways or public thoroughfares under A.R.S. § 13-2906, making second or subsequent violations within 24 months a class 1 misdemeanor (increased from class 3 misdemeanor).

• Authorizes vehicle removal and immobilization or impoundment for violations of reckless driving (§ 28-693), racing (§ 28-708), and obstructing highways (§ 13-2906) when a peace officer reasonably believes continued driving poses serious bodily injury or death risk.

• Reduces the impoundment period to 7 days for vehicles impounded under the highway obstruction violation, while maintaining the standard 30-day impoundment period for other violations.