Arkansas Traffic Laws Overview

Driving in Arkansas comes with specific legal responsibilities and expectations. The state enforces numerous traffic laws to ensure safety on public roads. These include rules about right-of-way, speed limits, seat belts, insurance, and DUI regulations. Understanding these laws is essential for avoiding penalties and ensuring safe driving practices.

General Road Rules

Arkansas law mandates that all drivers obey traffic signals, signs, and markings. The state follows the Uniform Rules of the Road, which means traffic laws are generally consistent with those in other states. Drivers must yield the right-of-way when required, drive on the right side of the road, and signal their intentions before turning or changing lanes.

Learn more about specific right-of-way situations in our guide to Arkansas Right-of-Way Rules.

Speed Limits

Arkansas has defined speed limits based on the type of road and surrounding environment:

Urban areas: 30 mph unless posted otherwise
Two-lane roads outside urban areas: 55 mph
Interstates and controlled-access highways: 70 mph for cars, 65 mph for trucks

Driving faster than the posted limit or too fast for current conditions can result in speeding tickets or more severe penalties in cases of reckless driving.

Seat Belt and Child Safety Laws

Arkansas requires all front-seat occupants to wear seat belts. Children under 15 must be properly restrained, and child safety seats are required for those under six years old or weighing less than 60 pounds. Violating these laws may result in fines and points on your license.

DUI and DWI Laws

Driving under the influence is taken very seriously in Arkansas. A Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of:

0.08% or more is considered DUI for drivers over 21
0.02% or more can lead to penalties for drivers under 21
0.04% is the limit for commercial vehicle operators

First-time offenders may face license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education, and possible jail time. Penalties increase significantly for repeat offenses.

Distracted Driving and Mobile Devices

Arkansas prohibits texting while driving for all drivers. Additionally, the use of handheld devices is banned for drivers under 18 and restricted for drivers 18–20 unless using a hands-free device. School and highway work zones also have stricter enforcement.

Car Insurance Requirements

Every vehicle operated on public roads in Arkansas must be insured with minimum liability coverage:

$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage

You can find full details in our breakdown of the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Arkansas.

Proof of Insurance

Drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times. Acceptable forms include an insurance card, electronic proof on a smartphone, or a declaration page. Police officers may request proof during traffic stops or accidents.

Driving Without Insurance

Operating a vehicle without valid insurance is illegal and carries serious consequences. First-time offenders may face fines and license suspension. Additional violations can result in higher penalties and vehicle registration revocation.

Explore the full scope of Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas.

Points and Penalties

Arkansas uses a point system to track driving violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. For instance:

Speeding: 3–8 points
Reckless driving: 8 points
Failure to yield: 3 points

Keeping your record clean not only helps you avoid suspension but can also lower your insurance premiums.

Arkansas drivers must stay aware of and compliant with state traffic laws, from speed limits and seat belt requirements to insurance mandates. Doing so not only prevents legal trouble but also contributes to safer roads for everyone.