Arizona's highways and roadways stretch across deserts, pine forests and near national treasures like the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest . All of those roadways must be navigated under the same traffic laws.

Among these statutes are state laws that mandate drivers pay attention to road signs during flooding and another that regulates riding horses on Arizona roadways.

Arizona has more than 75,000 miles of roadways, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Whether you are a native of Arizona, or just traveling through for spring training , here's a look at some of the state's most unusual traffic laws that you need to know to avoid a ticket.

Is it illegal to cut through a parking lot in Arizona?

Arizona state law mandates drivers can't purposely bypass going through a stop sign or stoplight, according to ARS 28-651.

"A person shall not drive on or through any private property, road or driveway to avoid obedience to traffic rules or traffic control devices," reads the state law.

While it may be tempting to sneak through that corner gas station to bypass a red light at a four-way intersection, you could face a traffic violation if you do so.

Liability insurance is required under state law

State law mandates drivers in Arizona must have the minimally available level of car insurance to legally travel on state roadways.

Drivers must have insurance on their vehicle for bodily injury and property damage, known as a liability policy .

Motorcyclists must wear protective eyegear

Motorcycle riders in Arizona enjoy vast desert roadways and near year-round weather conditions for riding. There are a few specific laws that mandate how to legally ride in the state.

Every motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle rider in Arizona is required to wear protective eyewear, such as glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield, unless the motorcycle or ATV is equipped with a windshield, according to ARS 28-964 .

The law also mandates all motorcycle riders under the age of 18 wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times when riding a motorcycle or ATV.

DUI laws: Harsh penalties for driving under the influence

Arizona is home to some of the nation's strictest laws on drunk driving .

Penalties for those who are convicted of a DUI include jail time, several thousand dollars in fines and a device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects too much alcohol in the driver's breath.

A standard DUI is defined as the driver's blood alcohol content between the legal limit of 0.08% and 0.15%. For those who drive cabs, ride-share or commercial vehicles, the legal limit is 0.04%.

Drivers with blood alcohol content below the 0.08% limit could still be charged under the standard DUI law if a law enforcement officer believes they are impaired to the slightest degree.

Penalties are even stiffer under the state's extr eme DUI laws.

'Stupid motorist' law makes sense for Arizona weather

Arizona's summer storms that come with the monsoon season, coupled with winter rains, create frequent flooding throughout the state that can prove deadly for motorists.

State law penalizes drivers who ignore warning signs about flooded roadways, leaving the drivers financially responsible for a potential rescue if they deliberately drive around warning signs.

Frequently referred to as Arizona's stupid motorist law, ARS 28-910 , the law mandates that the expense of rescuing a driver, along with towing a vehicle stranded by floodwaters, would be billed to the driver up to $2,000.

Slow drivers must stay out of left lanes

ARS 28-721 states that drivers should keep use of the left lane for special conditions.

The law adds that drivers traveling slower than the posted speed limit should do so in the right lane.

A push in the state Legislature for House Bill 2235 would address this particular issue, adding signage and fining drivers who poke along below the posted speed limit while in left lanes.

Horse riders must follow driving rules

ARS 28-625 stipulates that a person riding an animal, such as a horse, or operating a horse-drawn vehicle, has the same rights and must follow the same laws as a driver of a vehicle.

But "by the very nature" of those riding horses or driving drawn vehicles, they may not be allowed on certain roadways, such as interstate highways.

Don't drive in reverse on Arizona roads

According to ARS 28-891 , it's illegal to drive in reverse on Arizona roads unless it is safe to do so.

This includes freeway entrances and exits, access roads or other roadways.

Republic reporters Elena Santa Cruz, Ray Stern, Olivia Rose and Robert Anglen contributed to this article.

Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at [email protected]. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ.