Using a mobile phone while driving in Arkansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Arkansas bans texting, e-mail and social networking use on a wireless device while driving for all drivers; voice calls are not covered, except in school zones and highway work zones when workers are present. Drivers under 18 may not use any phone, even hands-free, and drivers aged 18 to 20 may only use a hands-free device. A first offence carries a fine of USD 25 to 250.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; Passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present outside the building | Yes [1] |
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; Highway work zones when a highway worker is present | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $25.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | All drivers are banned from using a wireless device to write, send or read texts, e-mails or instant messages, or to access, read or post to social networking sites. Reading or entering a number or name to make a call, GPS navigation and emergencies are exempt. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use a handheld or hands-free phone or device while driving, except in an emergency. Drivers aged 18 to 20 may not use a handheld device for calls, texts or internet, but may use a hands-free device. [1] |
Notes
- Banned for all drivers: manually entering or reading text (texting, e-mail, instant messaging) on a wireless telecommunications device, and accessing, reading or posting to a social networking site. Reading, selecting or entering a phone number or name to make a call is not a violation. Exemptions include emergency use, reporting illegal activity, navigation by GPS and certain officials and health care providers. Voice calls are not covered by this section.
- A driver may not use a wireless telecommunications device (including for talking) when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building, except in an emergency. Law enforcement officers on duty are exempt. As read in Act 738 of 2019; later codification was not checked.
- A driver may not use a wireless telecommunications device (including for talking) in a highway work zone when a highway worker is present, except in an emergency. Law enforcement officers on duty are exempt. As read in Act 738 of 2019; later codification was not checked.
- A hands-free wireless telephone or device is excluded from the definition of wireless telecommunications device. Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless telecommunications device or a hands-free device while driving except in an emergency (§ 27-51-1603).
- First offence: not less than USD 25 nor more than USD 250; each subsequent violation: USD 50 to USD 500. If the violation involves a collision, the court assesses an additional fine of double the standard fine (§ 27-51-1506(b), as amended by Act 445 of 2023), and the court may order up to 100 hours of public service work.
- No source read states points for this offence.
Sources
- Arkansas State Legislature (Bureau of Legislative Research): Act 738 of 2019 (Senate Bill 534), an act to amend the law concerning distracted driving (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Arkansas and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: Texting only Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School zones: Banned in school zones Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Highway work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed (not under 18) | USD 25 to 250 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Louisiana | Banned | Hands-free calls allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and construction zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None |
| Tennessee | Banned | Allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School crossing zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | USD 25 to 99 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
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
- 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.