Drink-driving limits in Arkansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Drivers under 21 can be arrested at 0.02%, and commercial drivers at 0.04%. A first conviction brings a fine of $150 to $1,000 and possibly up to a year in jail.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: a person can be arrested for Underage Driving Under the Influence at an alcohol concentration of 0.02% in breath or blood. [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First conviction: a fine of $150 to $1,000 plus court costs; a sentence of up to one year in jail is possible and the licence could be suspended for 120 days (as stated in the state driver licence study guide). [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: a DWI offence committed in a commercial vehicle is recorded at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04, regardless of the class of driver licence held; CDL offences are handled at 0.04%. [2] |
Notes
- The state's official statute pages could not be read in this round, so nothing is stated for this field.
Sources
- Arkansas Department of Public Safety: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 9 (June 2024) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services: DUI/DWI Information (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Arkansas and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year jail, $150-1,000 fine |
| Louisiana | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety checkpoints | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: up to 6 months; fine up to $1,000 |
| Mississippi | 0.08% (21 and over) | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: $250-$1,000 / up to 48 h |
| Texas | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | Zero tolerance; 0.04% disqualifies | ⚠ Not yet verified | Min. 72 hours confinement (Class B) |
More rules in Arkansas
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts)
- 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.