Arkansas driving guide

If you’re visiting Arkansas, you’re in for a treat. From its rugged landscape to the shimmering rivers, there’s plenty to explore in the Natural State. But you’ll need to know the rules of the road before you can embark on your epic adventure.

Learn all about speed limits, driving requirements and toll roads in Arkansas with our handy driving guide.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Arkansas and other states
• Driving conditions 

Quick rules of the road

• Right of way – When approaching an intersection, drivers must give way to traffic on the right. The same applies at a four-way or three-way stop – the car that approaches first has the right of way.
• Headlights – Drivers are legally required to use their headlights during night-time hours, from sunset to sunrise. Headlights can be illuminated during the day if weather conditions are bad (rain, snow, fog) or when driving through mountainous roads.
• Driving with a cellphone – Restrictions on driving with a cellular device vary depending on age:
  • Drivers under 18 are strictly prohibited from using a cellphone while driving, regardless of handheld or hands-free mode.
  • Drivers aged 18-21 cannot use a handheld cellphone while driving, but using hands-free technology is permitted.
  • Drivers aged 21 and over can use a cellphone while driving - except in school zones or highway work zones. In these areas, only hands-free technology is allowed.

Speed limits in Arkansas

The speed limit in Arkansas varies depending on the type of road and your vehicle. The truck speed limit in Arkansas is reduced on rural freeways and interstates.

Toll roads in Arkansas

There are currently no toll roads in Arkansas. The Natural State is one of only 18 states in America with no toll roads. So, whether you’re on a rural interstate or a divided highway, you won’t pay a penny. 

Driving ages and license requirements in Arkansas

• The minimum legal driving age in Arkansas is 14 years old for a learner’s license. They must be accompanied by a licensed driver at all times.
• Learner drivers aged 16-18 can apply for an intermediate license once they’ve held their learner’s license for six months without any traffic violations or accidents.
• Drivers can apply for a regular unrestricted license at the age of 18. However, they must have held their intermediate license for at least one year.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Arkansas is 18 with Hertz. To rent a 12-passenger van or truck, you must be 21 and over.

If you’re a young driver and eager to get on the road, our rental guide for under 25s covers some useful tips and guidance.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Arkansas

In your vehicle, you should carry:

• Documents – An owner’s manual, car repair information, license, insurance and registration
• Repairs and maintenance – Tire jack, adjustable wrench, jump cables, tire pressure gauge, duct tape
• Cleaning supplies – Paper towels, shopping bags, water bottles
• Safety – First aid kit, flashlight, reflective triangles, screwdrivers
• Spare parts – Spare tire, spare fuses and spare bulbs.

For a list of items that you can and can’t carry in your Hertz car, please check your rental agreement.

Arkansas speed violations, infractions and penalties

Exceeding the speed limit in Arkansas can lead to serious penalties, including a fine, license suspension and jail time. The severity of the penalty depends on the circumstances, but generally, these include:

• First violation – A first-time speeding violation within the first year of obtaining a license can result in a $100 fine and/or 10 days in jail.
• Second violation – Accruing a second speed violation within a year can land you a $200 fine and up to 20 days in jail.
• Third violation – A third speeding ticket within a year carries up to $500 in fines and a maximum of six months in jail.

Going over the speed limit by more than 15mph is a class C misdemeanor. Drivers could be charged a $500 fine and a maximum of 30 days in jail.

Speeding violations in construction zones carry a double fine. The court can also suspend the driver’s license for up to one year.

Driving with children in Arkansas

Car seat requirements in Arkansas aren’t as specific as other states. However, the law says that children under 15 should be properly secured. This means:

• Infants and toddlers – Must be restrained in a child passenger safety seat until they either reach six years old or at least 60 pounds.
• School-age children – Over 60 pounds or six years old can ride without a safety seat but must still wear a seatbelt.

Arkansas law enforcement also recommends the following car seats and restraints:

• Rear-facing seats until a child reaches one year old or 20 pounds.
• Forward-facing seats until a child reaches four years old or 40 pounds.
• Booster seats for children younger than eight years old and under 4’9”.

Gas prices in Arkansas

The average gas price in Arkansas is $3.25 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.08 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Chevrolet Malibu, it works out at $0.12 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated November 4, 2022.

Electric car charging in Arkansas

There are currently 172 publicly available EV charging stations and five NEVI-compliant stations in Arkansas. The state is set to receive further electric charging stations every 50 miles near an interstate exit through federal funding. So, if you’re a green-conscious driver, there are plenty of options available.

Driving between Arkansas and other states

Arkansas offers some of the best scenic routes to explore by car, but why stop there? Our one-way rental service allows you to pick up your car rental in one state and drive elsewhere, without having to worry about a return trip.

That means you can journey to Arkansas’ neighboring states – like Missouri, Texas and Louisiana – and drop off the car with ease.

Driving conditions in Arkansas

The Arkansas climate is classed as humid sub-tropical, with significant precipitation and no specific dry season. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 34°F to 93°F. Heavy snow is rare in the Natural State but can reach six inches in the north-west.

With such a moderate climate, you can enjoy a road trip year-round and take in the best this state has to offer at a time that suits you.