Car speed limits in Arkansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars may do 30 mph in an urban district and 75 mph on a controlled-access highway outside an urban area with at least four lanes divided by a median strip. The limit near schools is 25 mph during school hours when children are outside. Fines in a highway work zone are doubled when workers are present.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 75 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building. The limit does not apply on freeways and interstate highways. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Fines for all moving traffic violations in a highway work zone are doubled if workers are present and warning signs are posted in advance of the work zone. Reduced speed limits apply where posted. [3] |
Notes
- Applies to a controlled-access highway outside an urban area with at least four lanes divided by a median strip. The limit for commercial motor vehicles is 70 mph. Maximum limits become effective when signs are erected.
- The statutory text was read in an Attorney General opinion of 2016. The opinion says all three conditions (school hours, children present, children outside) must apply.
Sources
- Arkansas General Assembly: Act 784 of 2019 (HB1631): amendments to Arkansas Code § 27-51-201 (maximum speed limits) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arkansas Attorney General: Opinion No. 2016-005 on the school-zone speed limit (Ark. Code § 27-51-212) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Arkansas Department of Public Safety (Arkansas State Police): Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 (September 2024) (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 November 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Arkansas and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | 75 mph (rural, 4+ lanes) |
| Louisiana | 55 mph unless posted lower | 55 mph unless posted lower | 65 mph | 70 mph |
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Mississippi | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (two-lane highways) | 65 mph (four-lane highways) | 70 mph |
| Oklahoma | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by Transportation Commission | Up to 75 mph (interstate); 80 mph (turnpikes) |
| Tennessee | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (unless posted) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 70 mph (as low as 55 mph in cities) |
| Texas | 30 mph | 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads | — | 70 mph; up to 85 mph where set |
More rules in Arkansas
- Cannabis
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible Class C items only) · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with purpose to use it unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Same rule; switchblades named in definition
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 15 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.