Arkansas Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

Minimum Driving Age

In Arkansas, individuals can obtain a Learner’s License at 14 years old. (drivingnwa.com)

Learner’s Permit Rules

To acquire a Learner’s License, applicants must:

• Be at least 14 years old

   

• Pass a written knowledge test and vision exam

   

• Provide parental consent

   

• Submit the required identification documents

   

• Pay the applicable fee(Nolo)

   

While holding the permit, the driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat at all times.

License Types

Arkansas offers several types of driver’s licenses:

• Class D (Non-Commercial License): Standard license for drivers aged 18 and above.

   

• Class M (Motorcycle License): For operating motorcycles; minimum age 16.

   

• Class MD (Motor-Driven Cycle License): For operating motor-driven cycles (50cc – 250cc); minimum age 14.

   

• Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL): For operating commercial vehicles; includes Class A, B, and C licenses. (Ark, Arkansas Finance Dept)

   

Required Documents for Driving

To obtain a driver’s license or permit in Arkansas, applicants must provide:

• Proof of Identity: Original or certified birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, or passport card.

   

• Social Security Number: Provide your complete Social Security number (no document needed).

   

• Two Proofs of Arkansas Residency: Documents showing current Arkansas residence (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).

   

• Parental Consent: For applicants under 18.

   

Source: Arkansas DFA – Licenses, IDs & Permits

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws

Arkansas law requires:

• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 15 years old.

   

• Child Restraints:

   

  • Children under 6 years old and weighing less than 60 pounds must be secured in a child safety seat.

     

  • Children aged 6 and above or weighing 60 pounds or more can use a seatbelt.(Rainwater, Holt & Sexton)

     

Source: Arkansas Highway Safety Office – Learn the Law

Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules

Arkansas prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone for texting, typing, emailing, or accessing the internet while driving, regardless of the driver’s age. This is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can initiate a traffic stop solely for this violation. Fines can range up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses. (Arkansas Department of Public Safety)

DUI/DWI Thresholds and Penalties

In Arkansas, a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher constitutes Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Penalties include:

• First Offense:

   

  • Fine between $100 and $500

     

  • Community service

     

  • 90-day driver’s license suspension

     

• Second Offense:

   

  • Fine between $200 and $1,000

     

  • Minimum 30 days community service

     

  • One-year driver’s license suspension(lemley-law.com, The Telegraph, NCDD)

     

Source: Arkansas DFA – DUI/DWI Offenses

Speed Limits

Default speed limits in Arkansas are:

• Urban Interstates: 65 mph

   

• Rural Interstates: 75 mph

   

• Divided Highways: 65 mph

   

• Undivided Highways: 60 mph(Hertz)

   

Source: Hertz – Arkansas Driving Guide

Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws

Arkansas law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, and points added to the driver’s record.

Points System

Arkansas assigns points for traffic violations. Accumulating 10 or more points can result in license suspension. Examples of point assignments:

• Speeding (10-20 mph over limit): 3 points

   

• Reckless driving: 8 points

   

• Failure to yield: 3 points

   

Source: Arkansas DFA – Violations and Points

Insurance Requirements

Arkansas requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $25,000: Bodily injury liability for one person

   

• $50,000: Bodily injury liability for two or more persons

   

• $25,000: Property damage liability

   

Source: Nationwide – Arkansas Car Insurance Coverage

Renewal Frequency and Testing

Arkansas driver’s licenses are valid for 8 years. Drivers can renew their licenses up to 90 days before expiration. If a license has expired for less than 31 days, it can be renewed without additional testing. However, if the lapse exceeds 31 days, the driver must retake both the written and road tests. (Arkansas Finance Dept, CoPilot)

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