Drowsy Driving
Currently only two states, New Jersey and Arkansas, have laws expressly addressing drivers who drive drowsy and subsequently injure or kill someone. See below for details.
Laws last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2023.
| Arkansas | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Drowsy Driving Law
Effective 2013. Defines fatigue as being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours "or in the state of being asleep” (Arkansas General Assembly, 2013). |
Drowsy Driving Law
AKA "Maggie’s Law," effective 2003. Statute deems driving “while knowingly fatigued as recklessness” and defines fatigued as “being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.” (New Jersey Legislature, 2002). |
Effective 2013. Defines fatigue as being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours "or in the state of being asleep” (Arkansas General Assembly, 2013).
AKA "Maggie’s Law," effective 2003. Statute deems driving “while knowingly fatigued as recklessness” and defines fatigued as “being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.” (New Jersey Legislature, 2002).
Drowsy Driving
Currently only two states, New Jersey and Arkansas, have laws expressly addressing drivers who drive drowsy and subsequently injure or kill someone.
In 2016, GHSA published a first-of-its-kind report, Wake Up Call! Understanding Drowsy Driving and What States Can Do, outlining the issue of drowsy driving and providing suggestions for best practices for states to consider implementing. More information on the history and impact of both laws can be found within the report.
Laws last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2023.