| Information for day to day living in Phoenix and Arizona | ||||||||
As with any new adventure, there are things you need to know to make a move to Arizona seamless. There are so many things to keep in mind, that we tried to narrow it down to what we thought are the top eight categories
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Driving and Navigating the roads in Arizona is pretty simple. Most area roads are in a grid system, with Grand Avenue cutting through the metro area at an angle across the grid. Once in a while, a road may end and then start up again before and after one of the city mountains. North/South roads are mostly numbered with Central Avenue being the zero point. West of Central Avenue, the major roads are numbered avenues. For example 75th Ave. East of Central the major roads are numbered streets. For example 75th Street. Right turn on red lights is permitted as long as the traffic is clear and there is no sign posted to the contrary. Safety to drivers and pedestrians is very important to the community. Many intersections have cameras to detect red light runners. They will snap a photo and the offender will receive a ticket, so be careful. There are also many freeway areas that have radar controlled cameras that will also snap a photo with the speeder receiving a ticket in the mail. Licensing in Arizona is very straightforward. State law requires all residents to have a valid drivers license in order to operate a motor vehicle. An Arizona drivers license is also required if any of the following applies:
New Residents must obtain an Arizona drivers license as soon as is practical. There is not a grace period. The applicant must prove they are eligible to hold a drivers license in another state. Arizona uses a national computerized system to verify this information. When applying for an Arizona license, the applicant is also required by the Driver's License Compact Law. Arizona licenses do not expire until the user is 60 years of age, but everyone must update their photo and take an eye test every 12 years. After age 55, new licensees will be issued a five year license. Fees vary depending on the length of the license being issued. To apply for a license, an applicant must bring three forms of identification. At least one of them must be a picture id. If you are licensed in another state, you are required to bring your out-of-state license along with two other forms of id, take the vision test and pay the fee. No written test is required. Unless the out-of-state license has been revoked, expired or cancelled for 1 year or more, a driving test is not required. For information for a new driver or a driver under the age of eighteen, please visit the official Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division web site. State Identification Cards are available for non-drivers. They can be issued at any Driver's License Examining Station. The cost is a one-time fee of $12. This fee may be waived if you are older than 65 or are disabled. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Arizona. For first-time convictions, you will serve at least 10 days in jail and pay at least $250 in fines. You'll also have to attend an education class and possibly complete hours of community service. Penalties increase substantially with the severity of the intoxication and the frequency of DUI convictions. Your second (or subsequent) conviction will result in at least 90 days of jail time, at least $500 in fines, and you'll lose your license for a whole year. Community service, educational courses, and an ignition interlock device (see below) might also be part of your sentence. Extreme DUI, or having a BAC of 0.15% or more, will result in much harsher penalties, even on a first conviction. If you're under 21, the penalties are even more severe. Arizona has adopted a Zero Tolerance stance with minors and drinking. If you're found driving with any detectable amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, your license will automatically be suspended for 30 days. As part of a program to discourage repeat offenders, Arizona law allows the MVD to require a person convicted of one or more DUI's to install an "ignition interlock device," a vehicle-specific alcohol breath test that immobilizes the vehicle until a measured breath sample determines that that driver has not been drinking. The program is typically reserved for people who have been convicted of multiple DUI's or whose BAC was 0.15% or higher at the time of their arrest. For more information about DUI's in Arizona visit the Motor Vehicle Division web site. Organ Donors may include this information on your Drivers license. The permission can be revoked any time by signing the back of your drivers license. School Zones in Arizona require a 15 mph speed limit while "approaching a school crossing". There is also no passing in a school zone. School Bus Rules require drivers to come to a full stop and remain stopped when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing lights and an extended "stop" sign. Drivers must remain stopped until the signals are off and the stop sign pulled in. This requirement applies to vehicles moving in either direction. Seat belts must be worn at all times by the driver and front seat passengers in cars built after 1972. Children under age 5 weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in child passenger restraints. Parents can be fined if their children are not properly restrained. Remember, with the summer heat, seat belt buckles become very hot. Carry a small spray bottle with you to help cool them or a small towel to protect tender skin. Keeping safe on road trips is an important consideration in the desert. Always keep a jug of water for drinking and one for the car if you should need it. Keep extra oil, a tire jack, a tow chain, old carpeting with strong backing, and a small box of non-perishable food such as power bars. Be sure that someone knows what your travel plans are. Remember to drink plenty of water while in the desert - don't just have it with you!. See also Insurance |
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Arizona Society of Certified Public Accounts - will refer by specialty
Arizona Dental Association - will give three names in your area from which to choose
Maricopa County Medical Society - will refer by specialty. Also many hospitals will make referrals. To check for complaints, contact the Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Osteopathic Examiners.
The Arizona State Bar Association will provide lists of certified specialists in various areas of law such as bankruptcy, criminal, estates and trusts, family law, injury and wrongful death, real estate and tax or worker's compensation. 602.340.7300 Most courthouses have a computerized self-service center if someone wants to represent themselves. Arizona Modest Means Panel is for people who make too much money to receive free legal service, but still need help with legal issues. 602.266.2322 The Arizona Automobile Association will give free referrals to car-repair services that have AAA approval.
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| Firearms |
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If you have no felony record and no history of mental illness Arizona's gun laws allow you to buy a gun and wear it in view. Businesses have the right to prohibit you to enter their establishment or require you to check your weapon with them. Pistols and rifles must be carried openly unless the owner has a concealed weapons permit. Sawed-off shotguns and automatic weapons are prohibited. Minors must have a parent's notarized permission statement to carry guns. For detailed information please read this ATF.treas.gov document. |
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| Golf |
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With the wonderful year round weather we enjoy here in Arizona, golf is more than a pastime, it is a passion for many people. There are courses that are extremely challenging, and there are courses that are well suited to beginners as well. The Arizona Golf Association publishes a directory of golf courses giving detailed information on more than 250 courses throughout the state. 602.944.3035 |
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| Insurance |
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The state of Arizona publishes premium surveys for auto and homeowner's insurance. Complaint records are also available from the Insurance Department. There are well over 2500 licensed insurance companies in the state. To obtain the survey, send a self-addressed stamped business size (#10) envelope to:
Arizona does have a mandatory insurance law that requires all vehicle owners carry a specific amount of liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be kept in the vehicle at all times. When changing policies, you must notify the Motor Vehicle Division within 10 days of your new company, and policy number. |
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| Lottery |
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Approximately 50% of lottery proceeds are used for winnings, the rest, minus operating expenses, is used for education, transportation, parks, building and economic development. Tickets are sold at many retail businesses. Drawings are Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Arizona does participate in the multi-state Power ball lottery which guarantees a $10 million jackpot. |
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| Medical Care |
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There are many health care facilities in the Phoenix and in Tucson. The University of Arizona in Tucson is a national leader in the fields of cancer, heart surgery, and integrated healing. There is the Banner Health System, the Sun Health System, the Mayo Clinic, St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix and much more. For a comprehensive list, please visit The Agape Center's web site. |
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| Professional Sports |
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We are proud of all our sports teams and various arenas around town.
Because of Arizona's wonderful year round weather, we are fortunate to host many Major League (Cactus League) baseball teams for their spring training. For more information about playing schedules and venues, please visit this unofficial, yet comprehensive Cactus League web site. |
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