Do I need a car in Phoenix, and how do I register one and insure it?

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Outside central Tempe and the light-rail corridor, yes, you need a car; the Valley is built around driving. Register a vehicle with the Motor Vehicle Division soon after you settle, with the title, an emissions test for most vehicles in the Phoenix area, and proof of Arizona insurance at or above the state minimum. Valley Metro runs buses and a light-rail line through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa that works well along its corridor, but most jobs, schools and shops are only practical by car, and summer heat makes walking between them unrealistic for much of the year. Plan on one car per working adult. To register, the MVD needs the vehicle title or out-of-state registration, a vehicle inspection for cars arriving from elsewhere, an emissions test for most vehicles registered in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas (the newest model years are exempt), and proof of insurance; registration fees include an annual vehicle licence tax based on the car’s value. Appointments, renewals and address changes run through the online portal. Arizona requires liability insurance of at least 25,000 dollars per person and 50,000 per accident for injuries and 15,000 for property damage; lenders require full coverage. Insurers and agents are licensed by the state insurance department, where you can check a licence. For daily driving, the state traveller information service shows live freeway conditions and the weekend closures that reshuffle Phoenix traffic.

Do I need a car in Phoenix, and how do I register one and insure it?

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