Arkansas Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)

A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of Arkansas. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.

Arkansas statutes do not address footwear requirements for drivers. Driving barefoot is not prohibited and is considered legal. No specific regulations or penalties exist regarding barefoot driving.

State Law

None

Practical Considerations

None

Penalties

N/A

Arkansas law does not permit lane splitting. Under Arkansas Code §27-51-301, motorcycles must be operated within a single lane, and there is no statutory authorization for lane splitting. Lane splitting is treated as an unsafe driving practice.

Lane Splitting Rules

N/A

Lane Filtering Rules

N/A

Penalties

Violations may be charged as reckless driving or improper lane usage, with fines and possible license penalties.

License Requirements

None

License Plate Covers are legal with restrictions in Arkansas. No significant legislative changes since the law was last amended in 2021 to allow for certain obstructions like trailer hitches and bike racks.

Usage Rules

Legal if plate remains legible

Purchase & Sale

Legal to sell

Penalties

Plates must still be readable.

Age Restriction

N/A

Radar detectors are legal in Arkansas for use in private vehicles. Arkansas law does not prohibit possession or use of radar detectors.

Passenger Vehicle Use

Legal to possess and use.

Commercial Vehicle Rules

Legal to sell and purchase.

Penalties

N/A

Age Restriction

None

Radar jammers are federally illegal in all states including Arkansas under FCC regulations. There have been no recent legislative changes in Arkansas regarding laser jammers.

State Law

Radar jammers: federally illegal. Laser jammers: legal

Federal Law

Laser jammers may be sold; radar jammers illegal

Penalties

Federal penalties for radar jammers. Laser jammers are unregulated.

Age Restriction

N/A

Right turn on red is legal in Arkansas after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. No significant changes to the right-on-red law have been reported in 2023-2024.

General Rule

Legal after complete stop

Exceptions & Restrictions

N/A

Penalties

Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.

Driver Requirements

N/A

Studded Snow Tires are legal in Arkansas. The law has been stable for many years with no recent amendments to the usage dates or stud specifications.

Usage Rules

Legal during winter season only

Seasonal Restrictions

Legal

Penalties

Fines for use outside the permitted season.

Age Restriction

N/A

Window Tinting is legal in Arkansas. Windshield tinting is only allowed on the top 5 inches. These rules are found in Arkansas Code § 27-37-306.

Tint Limits (VLT %)

Permitted if tint meets minimum VLT requirements (25% or more).

Medical Exemptions

Legal to sell tint films; must comply with state standards.

Penalties

Fines up to $100 and requirement to remove illegal tint.

Age Restriction

None