Experience the Unique Timing of Arizona

The road sign along the Arizona highways cautioning road users about local time standards serves as a reminder that like all U.S. states, time in Arizona is subject to regulations by the United States Department of Transportation, as well as laws made by the state and tribal authorities.

The entire state of Arizona falls under the Mountain Time Zone, except for some parts that have a unique time observation, as explained below. As from 1968, Arizona stopped following the practice of daylight saving time, except in the Navajo Nation where DST is observed. The Hopi Reservation, surrounded by the Navajo Nation, also does not practice DST. Consequently, most parts of Arizona share the same time as their neighbors in California from March to November, when the Pacific Time Zone observes daylight saving time.

Not following DST puts Arizona at variance with most states in the country, but the Navajo Nation sets itself apart by conforming to DST practices. The Hopi Reservation is recognized as a distinct entity, not subject to the Navajo Nation's rule of setting the clocks back and forth. A peculiar drive along Arizona State Route 264 from Tuba City and during DST times will take you across six different time zones in under 100 miles.

Reasoning[revamp]

Arizona's sweltering weather renders the use of DST superfluous. The thinking behind not stretching daylight hours into the evening is that people tend to prefer activities that occur in the chilly morning temperatures.

The Navajo Nation, an indigenous autonomous territory, operates in accordance with the U.S. DST calendar. It is situated in northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah, and hence maintains exact time throughout tribal lands in spite of state limits.[3]

Legislative history[restructure]

On March 21, 1968, the Arizona legislature ratified the final version of SB 1, placing Arizona under standard time.[4]: 629 [5] The bill had been in progress since January of that year, and was presented by state Senators Tenney, Goetze, Porter, Halacy, Garfield, Campbell, Lewis, Gregovich, Giss, Crowley, and Holsclaw. It passed the Senate 25–3–2, and was later sanctioned by the House 49–1–10. It was approved by the then Governor Jack Williams on the same day.[5]

tz database[rework]

The tz database version 2023c comprises two Arizona entries:

Example[revise]

When daylight saving is inactive, the time in Phoenix and Albuquerque, New Mexico is the same (Mountain Standard Time), and both are one hour ahead of Los Angeles, California (Pacific Standard Time).

When daylight saving is active, the time in Phoenix (Mountain Standard Time) and Los Angeles (Pacific Daylight Time) is simultaneous, and both are an hour behind Albuquerque (Mountain Daylight Time).

The time in Navajo Nation matches the time in Albuquerque at all times.

Example of Times:

• Time 
• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Ref.
• Los Angeles
• Phoenix
• Navajo Nation
• Albuquerque
• Standard Time (winter)
• The following time schedule reflects both Pacific and Mountain Standard Time and takes into account Daylight Saving Time, allowing for Mountain Daylight Time during the summer season. The schedule includes the following times:

- 1 p.m. Pacific Standard Time

- 2 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

- 2 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

- 2 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (source: [6])

- 2 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time

- 2 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

- 3 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

- 3 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (source: [7])

The United States Department of Transportation has the responsibility of overseeing the nation's time zones, as well as ensuring the uniform observance of Daylight Saving Time. This is due to the fact that time standards are crucial for various modes of transportation. (source)

Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, except for the portion of the Navajo Nation within its borders. (source) This unique arrangement was put in place during the Twenty-Eighth Legislature, Second Regular Session, Second to Fourth Special Sessions and is enshrined in the Session Laws of the State of Arizona. (source) The Journal of the Senate, State of Arizona, 1968, Twenty-Eighth Legislature, Second Regular Session, Fourth Special Session also provides additional information on this matter. (source)

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