Are you aware that the Arkansas seat belt law makes not buckling up a primary offense? Whether you are driving on I-40 through Little Rock or on Highway 71 near Fort Smith, law enforcement can pull you over for a seat belt violation alone.
Here are nine things every Arkansas driver needs to know in 2026.
1. All Drivers and Front Seat Passengers Must Buckle Up
Under Arkansas Code Title 27, Section 27-37-702, each driver and front seat passenger in any motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in Arkansas must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt properly secured to the vehicle.
2. It Is a Primary Enforcement Law
Arkansas has primary enforcement, which means law enforcement officers are legally permitted to stop a vehicle and issue a citation solely because a seat belt law is being violated. No other traffic offense needs to be committed for this type of stop to occur.
3. The Fine Is Up to $25, Plus Local Surcharges
The penalty for not wearing a seat belt in Arkansas is a fine of up to $25. Certain local jurisdictions may add their own surcharge, but the total amount of both state and local fines may not exceed $45 under Arkansas Code Section 27-37-706. No demerit points are added to your license for this violation.
4. Children Under 15 Must Be Buckled Up Everywhere
Arkansas law mandates that all passengers under the age of 15 be secured by a seat belt, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle. Rear-seat adults are encouraged to buckle up, but it is not a legal requirement.
5. Restricted License Drivers Change the Rules
Anyone riding with a teen driver who has a learner’s or intermediate license, or a person driving with a restricted license, must also wear a seat belt, regardless of which seat they are riding in.
6. Young Children Have Strict Car Seat Requirements
Children under 6 who weigh less than 60 pounds must ride in a car seat. The fine for failing to properly secure a child in a vehicle ranges from $25 to $100.
7. Booster Seat Rules Apply Up to Age 8
Children 5 to 8 years old and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must use a booster seat. Children 8 years and older or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall can use an adult seat belt.
8. Several Exemptions Apply
Exemptions under Arkansas Code 27-37-702 include passenger automobiles manufactured before July 1, 1968, passengers and drivers with a physician-certified physical disability that contraindicates seat belt use, children properly restrained under the Child Passenger Protection Act, and drivers who are rural letter carriers of the U.S. Postal Service while performing their duties.
9. Seat Belt Evidence Cannot Be Used Against You in Court
Arkansas law does not permit either side to introduce evidence that a party was not wearing a seat belt as a defense to paying damages caused by a car accident. This protects injured Arkansans from having their compensation reduced solely because they were not buckled up.
Final Takeaway for Arkansas Drivers
The Arkansas seat belt law is one of the strictest in the region. A simple citation today can become a far more serious matter following a crash. Always buckle up, keep every child properly restrained, and consult a licensed Arkansas attorney if you have questions after an accident.