Arizona Lawmaker Pushes to End Special Traffic Immunity for Legislators

Arizona Representative Quang Nguyen is taking a stand against what he sees as an unfair privilege for state lawmakers. He has introduced a proposal to remove the special protection that currently allows legislators to avoid traffic tickets while the Legislature is in session. If approved by voters, the change would mean lawmakers have to follow the same rules of the road as everyone else.

Right now, Arizona’s Constitution protects legislators from arrest for most minor offenses, including traffic violations, while they are working at the Capitol. Nguyen believes this exemption creates an unfair double standard and is calling for its removal.

“Elected officials shouldn’t have special privileges that let them break the law without consequences,” said Nguyen in a press release. “The people we represent have to follow traffic laws, and we should too. If a lawmaker gets caught speeding or running a red light, they should face the same penalties as everyone else.”

Nguyen, who leads the House Judiciary Committee, says the proposal is about accountability and fairness. He believes lawmakers should not be above the rules they create and enforce.

“No one should get a free pass when it comes to obeying traffic laws,” Nguyen said. “We are lawmakers, not lawbreakers.”

The proposal will soon be debated in the Arizona House of Representatives. If it passes, voters will have the final say in the next general election.

Nguyen has been a strong advocate for government transparency. His latest effort is part of a broader push to ensure elected officials are held to the same standards as the public they serve.