Arkansas

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Arkansas.For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

Arkansas

AV legislation

Authorizes AV testing with a human operator depending on level of vehicle automation.

Arkansas

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).

Arkansas

Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Helmets required for riders under 21. Universal helmet law repealed 1997.

Arkansas

Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

8 years

Arkansas

Provisions for Mature Drivers

70 and over: choice of 4- or 8-year renewal

Arkansas

DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

Arkansas

Marijuana Possession and Use

Legal for medical use

Arkansas

Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Arkansas

Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

Arkansas

Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

Arkansas

Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

65 (60 on specified roads)

Arkansas

Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

65 (60 on specified roads)

Arkansas

Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

Arkansas

Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

Arkansas

Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes

Arkansas

Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for all convictions

Arkansas

Open container laws

Yes

Arkansas

Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

Arkansas

Increased penalty for high BAC

Arkansas

Administrative license suspension on first offense

6 months

Arkansas

Child Restraint Required

5 yrs and under and under 60 lbs

Arkansas

Adult Safety Belt Permissible

6-14 yrs or 60 lbs and over

Arkansas

Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Arkansas

Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

Arkansas

Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

Arkansas

Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

None

Arkansas

Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

Arkansas

Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 4 a.m.

Arkansas

Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

Arkansas

Type of Law

Primary

Arkansas

Who is Covered?

15 and over

Arkansas

In What Seat?

Front

Arkansas

All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers under 18. Secondary law.

Arkansas

Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

Arkansas

Hand-Held Ban?

School and work zones only. Primary law.

Arkansas

All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

Arkansas

Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

Arkansas

Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

School zones or rail crossings, though a police officer must be present and issue citation at time and place of violation

Arkansas

Red Light Cameras: State Law

None

Arkansas

Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

n/a

Arkansas Criminalizes Drowsy Driving, But How Effective Is That?

Pam Fischer, author of GHSA's report on the issue, speaks to the challenges of enacting and enforcing drowsy driving laws.

Read more about Arkansas Criminalizes Drowsy Driving, But How Effective Is That?

Autonomous Vehicle Laws: Arkansas

Authorizes AV testing with a human operator depending on level of vehicle automation.

Read more about Autonomous Vehicle Laws: Arkansas

Drowsy Driving Laws: Arkansas

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).