Seat belts and child seats in Arkansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The driver and front-seat passengers must wear a safety belt, and police may stop a vehicle for this alone; the fine is up to $25 plus court costs. A child under 6 who weighs under 60 pounds must be in a child passenger safety seat, and all children under 15 must wear appropriate restraints. This is the state driver licence study guide summary of the law, not the statute text.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | No [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | A child who is less than 6 years of age and who weighs less than 60 pounds shall be restrained in a child passenger safety seat properly secured to the vehicle. All children under age 15 must wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Passenger cars | Since 30 June 2009 police may stop a vehicle because the driver or a front-seat passenger is not wearing a safety belt (primary enforcement). [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | A fine of up to $25, plus any court costs or fees. [2] |
Notes
- The guide states the adult belt duty for the driver and front-seat passenger; children under 15 must wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion.
Sources
- Arkansas Department of Public Safety: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 9 (September 2024), Arkansas Seat Belt Law and Child Passenger Protection Act (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 November 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arkansas Department of Public Safety: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Edition 9 (September 2024) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Arkansas and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Yes | Under 15 only | Under 6 and under 60 lb: child seat; under 15 restrained | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Louisiana | Yes, every occupant | Yes, every occupant | Seats by age; adult belt from age 9 or when outgrown | Under 13 in rear seat when available | No if airbag active and rear seat available (under 6/60 lb) |
| Missouri | Yes, driver and front-seat passengers | No for adults; children under 16 must be secured | Seat under 4 or 40 lb; booster to age 8, 80 lb, 4 ft 9 in | No general front-seat rule; overflow children sit behind | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Mississippi | Yes, operator and passengers | ⚠ Not yet verified | Seat under 4; booster age 4-6 under 4 ft 9 in or 65 lb | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Only children under 8 (restraint system) | Under 8, unless over 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tennessee | Yes | Only passengers under 18 | Booster ages 4 to 8 and under 4 ft 9 in | Rear seat if available (to age 8) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | Under 8, unless taller than 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ 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
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- 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.