Arkansas speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the main Arkansas default speed limits.
• You can explain when the 25 mph school zone limit applies.
• You can describe what to do when a school bus stops with red lights flashing.
• You can apply the move over law and the work zone rules.
• You can explain when you may use the left lane of a multilane highway.

What you need to know and understand

• The limit is 30 mph in an urban district unless signs say otherwise.
• Controlled-access highways with at least four divided lanes outside urban areas may be posted up to 75 mph, and 65 mph applies on controlled-access highways in urban areas.
• If a county judge has not set a limit, a county road is 40 mph.
• Near a school during school hours when children are outside, the limit is 25 mph. It does not apply on interstates.
• You must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing, in either direction, unless the bus is across a median at least 20 feet wide.
• Passing a stopped school bus brings a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
• When workers are present in a work zone, fines for moving violations double.
• On a multilane highway, the left lane is for passing, preparing for a left exit, or when other lanes are closed or unsafe.

Speed limits set by Arkansas law

Most other roads are set by posted signs, and the posted sign is what counts on that stretch of road, so watch for every speed limit sign.

• 30 mph in urban districts.
• 25 mph past a school or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside.
• 40 mph on county roads where the county judge has not set a different limit.
• 65 mph on controlled-access highways in urban areas.
• Up to 75 mph on rural controlled-access highways with four or more divided lanes, with 70 mph for commercial motor vehicles.

School buses: the 20-foot median rule

When a school bus stops with red lights flashing, every driver must stop, whether behind the bus, coming toward it or at an intersection. Stay stopped until the lights go off and the bus moves. The only exception is when the bus is on the other side of a median 20 feet wide or more. If the median is narrower, all lanes stop. Killing someone by illegally passing a bus can be charged as a felony under Isaac's Law.

Move over and work zones

When an emergency vehicle approaches with siren and flashing lights, pull to the right edge and stop. If you are in an intersection, clear it first. When you pass a stopped police car, ARDOT vehicle, utility truck or tow truck with lights on, move to the lane farthest away. If you cannot change lanes safely, slow down. Breaking the move over law can lead to a fine, jail and a license suspension of up to six months.

Work zones may be standard or mobile, and work vehicles can show flashing green, yellow or white lights. With workers present, fines double and can reach $5,000, and holding your phone counts as a moving violation. Speed cameras help officers enforce interstate work zones.

Common mistakes

• Assuming 25 mph applies in school zones all day. It applies during school hours when children are present and outside.
• Driving past a school bus on a four-lane road with no median. Without a 20-foot median, all lanes stop.
• Cruising in the left lane of an interstate. Arkansas law limits it to passing and a few exceptions.
• Speeding up once you think a work zone has ended. Keep the reduced speed until you see a regular speed limit sign.

Test yourself: Arkansas speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Arkansas Driver’s License Age Waiver Explained
• Arkansas Driving Test
• Arkansas Intermediate License