Arkansas Driving Laws 2026: Speed Limits, DUI BAC Limits and Road Rules for the Permit Test

What are the default speed limits in Arkansas when no sign is posted? Arkansas law sets 30 mph in urban districts and 40 mph on county roads when the county judge has not established another limit. Qualifying controlled-access highways outside urban areas may be posted up to 75 mph for noncommercial motor vehicles. The permit test is 25 questions; you need 80% to pass. Key rules: the DWI limit is 0.08% for adults and 0.02% for drivers under 21, headlights are required when windshield wipers are needed, and the Move Over law requires drivers to move to the farthest lane away from a covered stopped roadside vehicle when possible or slow down when a lane change is unsafe.

1. Speed Limits: Arkansas Default & Posted Speed Laws

What is the speed limit in a residential area in Arkansas, and what happens if no sign is posted? Speed limits are set by state law; when no sign is visible, these default limits apply:

Key test point: Speed limits are the maximum under ideal conditions. You must slow down in rain, fog, heavy traffic, or at night even if you are under the posted limit. This is called the Basic Speed Law.

2. Right-of-Way Rules: 4-Way Stop, Intersections & Pedestrians

Who has the give, never something you take.right-of-way at a 4-way stop in Arkansas, and do pedestrians always go first? Right-of-way questions are among the most frequently tested; remember: right-of-way is something you

4-way stop (all arrive at once)

Driver to the right

4-way stop (one arrives first)

Driver who arrived first

Roundabout / traffic circle

Vehicles already inside the circle

Emergency vehicles (lights/siren)

Emergency vehicle, pull to the right and stop

Pedestrians in crosswalk

Pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk

T-intersection (no signs)

Through road traffic; drivers on the dead-end must yield

Yield sign

Cross traffic and pedestrians always

Merging onto a highway

Traffic already on the highway

3. Intersections & Turns: Turn Signal Laws & Red Light Turn Rules

Can you turn right on red in Arkansas, and how far in advance must you signal a turn? Intersection and turn rules are heavily tested, including when left turns on red are legal. If possible, the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide says to signal at least 100 feet before a turn.

Right turn on red

Permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

No right turn on red

When posted, you must wait for a green light before turning right.

Left turn on red

Only allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop.

Left turn from two-way street

Start from the left lane; end in the left lane of the cross street.

Right turn

Stay as close to the right curb as possible; end in the right lane.

U-turns

Obey posted No U-Turn signs and do not make a U-turn where the maneuver is prohibited.

4. Lane Usage Rules: Center Turn Lane, Yellow Lines & Lane Change Laws

When can you use the center turn lane in Arkansas, and what do solid versus broken yellow lines mean for passing? Lane rules determine where you drive and when you can cross a line, all commonly tested on the knowledge exam.

Center turn lane (CTSL)

Reserved for left turns. A vehicle turning left from an intersecting street or driveway may use the center turn lane as part of the maneuver to gain access or merge into traffic, but it may not be used as an acceleration lane.

Solid white line

A solid white line along the side of the roadway marks the outer edge of the road.

Solid yellow line (your side)

Passing is prohibited across a solid yellow line; it may be crossed to turn into a driveway when no opposing traffic is approaching.

Broken yellow line

Passing allowed when safe.

Solid + Broken yellow centerline

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side.

5. Passing & Overtaking: No Passing Zone Rules & Illegal Passing Laws

When is it illegal to pass another vehicle in Arkansas, and how close to an intersection can you pass? Passing is one of the most dangerous maneuvers on the road, Arkansas law sets strict distance and visibility rules:

• Only pass on the left, using the oncoming lane, when it is safe and legal.
• Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, or curve where your view is limited. Look for the No Passing Zone pennant sign.
• The vehicle being passed must not speed up while you are overtaking.
• Return to your lane before coming within 200 feet of oncoming traffic.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, this applies in both directions on undivided roads.
• You may pass on the right only when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is a usable lane to the right.

6. Following Distance: 2-Second Rule & Safe Driving Distance Arkansas

What is the safe following distance in Arkansas, and how does weather change it? Arkansas uses the 2-second rule to determine whether you are following too closely under normal conditions. Some situations require more space, and the state study guide notes that a four-second rule may be needed.

7. School Buses & Emergency Vehicles: Stop Arm Laws & Move Over Law Arkansas

Do you have to stop for a school bus on a divided highway in Arkansas, and what is the fine for passing one illegally? These are two of the most frequently tested topics on the Arkansas permit exam.

School Buses

• When a school bus stops with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roads.
• Oncoming traffic is not required to stop only when the opposing roadway is separated from the bus by a median that is 20 feet or more wide.
• If the median is less than 20 feet wide, all lanes of traffic must stop.
• You must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.
• Penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus in Arkansas: a misdemeanor with a fine of $250 to $1,000, with additional penalties possible under Arkansas law.
• Railroad crossings: School buses must stop at ALL railroad crossings, with or without passengers, even if no lights are flashing and no train is visible. This is a frequently tested rule.

Emergency Vehicles

• When you see or hear an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) with lights or siren: pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Do not block intersections.
• Move Over Law (Arkansas): When passing a covered stopped roadside vehicle on a multi-lane road, move to the farthest lane or position away when possible. If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, reduce speed and exercise due caution.

8. Alcohol, Drugs & the Law: Arkansas DWI Laws, BAC Limits & Implied Consent

What is the legal BAC limit in Arkansas for drivers under 21, and can you refuse a breathalyzer? Arkansas DWI laws cover every driver category with different limits and strict implied consent penalties.

9. Seat Belts & Child Restraints: Arkansas Seat Belt Law & Fine Liability

Who gets the ticket if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt in Arkansas, the driver or the passenger? Arkansas is a primary enforcement state, meaning officers can stop you solely for a seat belt violation.

10. Parking Rules: No Parking Zones & Distance Laws in Arkansas

How far from a cannot park:fire hydrant must you park in Arkansas, and is it legal to park on a bridge? These distance rules are frequently tested and easy to miss if you have not studied the specific numbers. Know where you

• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
• Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal
• Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
• On a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, or on a bridge
• Where signs prohibit parking; a red curb marks a fire zone, while a yellow curb can mark a loading zone or another parking restriction
• Double parking (alongside a vehicle already parked at the curb)
• Headed downhill: turn wheels toward the curb. Headed uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from curb. Uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the shoulder.

11. Driving in Bad Weather: Rain, Ice, Fog & Hydroplaning Rules Arkansas

Are headlights required when it is raining in Arkansas, and what should you do if your car starts to hydroplane? Arkansas weather can change fast, especially in the Ozarks and River Valley; these rules tell you exactly how to adjust.

• Headlights required in Arkansas whenever windshield wipers are in use due to rain, snow, or fog.
• In heavy fog, use low beams, high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
• If you start to hydroplane, ease off the gas gently. Do not brake hard or turn sharply.
• In icy conditions, brake gently well in advance. Start slowing earlier than normal. Leave extra following distance.
• If your car goes into a skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not overcorrect.
• Never use cruise control on wet, icy, or slippery roads.

12. License Points & Suspensions: Arkansas Point System & Violation Penalties

How many points does a speeding ticket add to your Arkansas license, and at what point do you lose it? Arkansas assesses points for moving-traffic convictions within a 36-month period, and Driver Services may take action based on the number of points accumulated.

13. Headlight Rules: When to Use High Beams & Dimming Distance Laws

When must you dim your high beams in Arkansas, and how far away does an oncoming car need to be? Arkansas law specifies exact distances for dimming: high beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and low beams used when following another vehicle closer than 200 feet.

Key test point: Oncoming = 500 feet. Following = 200 feet.

14. Night Driving Rules: Overdriving Headlights & Low Visibility Driving Tips

What does "overdriving your headlights" mean in Arkansas, and why is it dangerous? Driving at night significantly increases crash risk; these rules cover visibility, speed, and wildlife hazards specific to Arkansas roads.

15. Distracted Driving & Cell Phone Laws: Texting While Driving Fine Arkansas

Is it legal to use your phone while driving in Arkansas, and can a cop pull you over just for texting? Arkansas has specific primary-enforcement laws targeting handheld device use, with stricter rules for permit and intermediate license holders.

Key test point: Texting while driving is a primary offense in Arkansas, police do not need another reason to pull you over. This distinction frequently appears on the knowledge exam.

16. Railroad Crossings: Stop Distance Rules & School Bus Laws at Crossings

How far from the tracks must you stop at a railroad crossing in Arkansas, and what vehicles must always stop even when no train is coming? Railroad crossing rules are tested on the Arkansas knowledge exam; know exactly when to stop and how far back.

Key test point: Never drive around or under a lowered crossing gate, it is illegal and extremely dangerous. Wait until gates are fully raised and all tracks are clear.

17. Roundabout Rules: Right-of-Way, Lane Selection & How to Drive a Roundabout

Who has the right-of-way in a roundabout in Arkansas, and which direction do you drive? Roundabouts are increasingly common across Arkansas and appear on the knowledge exam; the most missed question is about who yields when entering.

Key test point: The most common wrong answer on roundabout questions is thinking you have right-of-way when entering. You never do, yield to traffic already inside.