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Safety Laws in Arkansas

Headlights
If you must use your windshield wipers to safely view your path of travel, you must also turn on your headlights.
Headlights must be turned on by 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, in addition to whenever visibility is less than 500 feet.
It's illegal to drive using only your parking lights.
Cell Phones and Texting
Cell phone use is banned for all drivers under 18. Drivers 18 and older, but younger than 21, are banned from using hand-held cell phones while operating in school and highway work zones.
Unless it's an emergency, school bus drivers aren't allowed to use cell phones, including hands-free versions, while driving a school bus.
All drivers, regardless of age, are banned from texting.
Helmets
Anyone riding on a motorcycle who is under the age of 21 must wear a helmet.
All riders, regardless of age, must wear protective eye gear, such as glasses or goggles, or have a transparent face shield.
Safety Belts
All front-seat occupants over the age of 14 must wear a selt belt. Anyone under 15 must wear an appropriate safety restraint, while children under six years old or 60 pounds must be properly fastened in an approved safety seat.
Reporting Drunk or Unsafe Drivers
While Arkansas doesn't have a statewide number to call to report problematic drivers, the state encourages you to report these types of drivers to your local law enforcement office.
Leaving Children or Pets Unattended
While the state doesn't have any specific laws concerning leaving children or animals unattended in vehicles, common sense dictates using extreme caution when doing so, especially during periods of excessive heat or cold. If you see an endangered child or animal, call 911 and give the vehicle location.
Child Car Seat Laws
Children under age six and under 60 pounds must be secured in a federally approved car seat or booster.
If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child's height, weight and age.
Other Topics in This Section
- Traffic Alerts
- 511 Traffic Systems
- Recalls
- Tire Recalls
- How Emotions Affect Driving
- Driving in Hazardous Conditions
- Teen Drivers: A Beginner's Guide
- Seniors: When To Turn Over The Car Keys
- Packing Your First-Aid Kit
- Seven Senior Safety Suggestions
- Wildlife on the Road
- When to Call Wildlife Rescue
- Taking A Mature Driver Course
- Medications & Driving
- Night Driving
- Hallucinations on the Road
- How To Drive Distraction Free
- Treating Motion Sickness
- Road Rage: How To Deal With It
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