The Gila River Police Department is warning drivers not to leave highways and cut across dirt roads in an effort to avoid traffic delays, according to InMaricopa.
In a social media post shared Thursday, the department said driving off the roadway to bypass congestion is a violation that can lead to citations, vehicle seizure and greater safety risks.
“Traffic got you feeling impatient? We get it… but the rules still apply,” the post said.
Photos included with the post show an officer issuing citations on a dirt road and a Nissan Pathfinder stuck in a dirt embankment.
The reminder comes as construction on State Route 347 continues to create delays for commuters traveling between Maricopa and the Phoenix area.
