School Zone Laws in Arkansas

It’s time for a crash course in Arkansas’s school zone laws. Whether on a bus or in the crosswalk, school zone laws in Arkansas help protect our school-aged children. By the end of this read, you’ll be able to ace the test on “AR School Zone Laws.”

First, let’s define the term “school zone.” What is it, and how can you know if you’re in one?

Where Does a School Zone Begin and End?

A school zone in Arkansas begins 300 feet before the school building/grounds and continues 300 feet beyond.

Your city should have signs posted to clearly mark the start and finish of each school zone. Some will have flashing lights, but the following laws apply whether or not flashing lights are present.

“A school zone in Arkansas begins 300 feet before the school building/grounds and continues 300 feet beyond it.”

School Zone Speed Limits in Arkansas

What’s the speed limit in a school zone? The speed limit in Arkansas is 25 mph for a school zone.

The Arkansas Code includes a specific section on speed limits in school zones. Arkansas law states, “No person shall operate a motor vehicle in excess of twenty-five miles per hour (25 m.p.h.) when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building.”

Interested in reading more? Visit AR Code § 27-51-212.

Understanding the Law on School Zone Speeds

There are quite a few conditions listed in Arkansas’ statute, so let’s break it down. This law depends on two factors:

1. time of day
2. presence of children

If a) you’re passing through during school hours (approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in most districts) AND b) children are present and outside the building, the Arkansas school zone law is in effect.

You should slow to 25 MPH once you enter the school zone (remember, 300 feet before and after you reach the building). Don’t increase your speed until you’re safely out of the zone.

If you drive past the school on a weekend, or during a weekday when absolutely no children are outside the building, this speed limit does not apply. But why not use a school zone as a reminder to check your speed and proceed with caution, no matter the time of day?

“You should slow to 25 MPH once you enter the school zone.”

Cell Phone Use in AR School Zones

Can I use my cell phone in an Arkansas school zone? It’s illegal to use a handheld device in a school zone.

Under the Fewer Distractions Means Safer Driving Act, “A driver of a motor vehicle shall not use a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building.”

You can view the full Arkansas statute at AR Code § 27-51-1609.

Understanding the Law on Cell Phones in School Zone

Texting while driving is illegal everywhere in Arkansas, so keep your texting thumbs where we can see them. Voice calls are a bit more complex: there are separate laws for drivers under the age of 18, ages 18-21, and 21 or older.

Arkansas school zones, however, are the great equalizer. It is illegal for any driver, of any age, to use a handheld device (AKA: cell phone) while passing through a school zone. That includes text messages and voice calls.

If you absolutely must take that call on your daily commute, hands-free devices are acceptable in school zones for drivers over the age of 18. Hands-free devices include wireless headphones or your car’s Bluetooth speaker system, which allow you to make a voice call while keeping both hands on the wheel.

“It is illegal for any driver, of any age, to use a handheld device (AKA: cell phone) while passing through a school zone.”

Additional School Zone Laws in AR

Along with the speed limit laws inside the school zone, there are additional laws set in place for extra protection:

The first is that school zones include an additional 300 feet on either side of the building/grounds. This makes sure people slow down before getting closer to the school to keep kids safe while crossing.

Another law states that appropriate signage must be shown. Signs should say “SCHOOL ZONE: 25 MPH WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT.” There should be additional signage outside both ends of the additional 300 feet area. At the beginning to indicate it’s time to slow down and at the end to indicate the school zone has ended.

It is the duty of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the county road department, or the city street department to maintain the streets and signs near and around the school zone.

Additionally, the maximum speed limit shall never be increased above the limitation provided in the set law amount of 25 miles per hour.

And finally, the maintenance and replacement of school zone signs will be held to the same standards as “STOP” signs and other warning signs.

Passing School Buses in Arkansas

Let’s talk about school buses in Arkansas. And let’s start with what the law states:

Arkansas law specifies that “When a school bus stops and displays its alternating red warning lights for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers, every operator of a motor vehicle or motorcycle meeting or overtaking the school bus from any direction shall bring the motor vehicle or motorcycle to a complete stop before reaching the school bus.” Read the full text at AR Code § 27-51-1004.

Additionally, a statute called Isaac’s Law states “A person commits negligent homicide if he or she negligently causes the death of another person, not constituting murder or manslaughter, as a result of operating a vehicle … while passing a stopped school bus in violation of § 27-51-1004.”

Isaac’s Law is named in honor of an elementary student, Isaac Brien. Isaac was killed in 2004 after exiting his school bus.

Negligent homicide is a Class C felony in Arkansas.  

Understanding the Law on School Bus Safety

What does this law mean for you? If a school bus stops and displays flashing red lights, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop before reaching the bus. This applies to every driver coming from any direction. Once the bus begins moving again, you can, too.

What about highway roads? There is an exception to this law, but it doesn’t apply to many Arkansas highways.

The exception states that if the road is a multi-lane highway with a dividing strip or median, opposing traffic is not required to stop. A dividing strip is defined as a barrier or section in which cars can’t drive. Therefore, a turn lane does not qualify as a dividing strip.

Even on a five-lane highway with a turn lane, all drivers must stop for buses.

For even more common practices to increase school zone safety, visit our other posts:

• Flashing Red, Kids Ahead!
• When Should You Stop for a School Bus?

“If a school bus stops and displays flashing red lights, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop before reaching the bus.”

What’s the Punishment for Violating School Zones Laws in Arkansas?

Speeding through school zones is dangerous. There’s so much at risk with speeding already. Adding a busy street and kids into the mix just increases the danger. If you find yourself being pulled over in a school zone, there can and will be consequences.

Any of the following fines or punishments can happen based on your track record in a school zone:

First Offense

First-time offenders can be punished in one of three ways.

The first includes a fine of no less than twenty-five dollars ($25) and no more than one hundred dollars ($100). Next, you can be imprisoned in jail for no less than one (1) day and no more than ten (10) days. The final way you can be punished is by receiving both punishments above, the fine and jail time.

Second Offense

Second-time offenders can be punished in one of three ways.

The first includes receiving a fine of no less than fifty dollars ($50) and no more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The second punishment you could receive is being imprisoned in the county jail for no less than five (5) days and no more than twenty-five (25) days. The third punishment you could receive is both the punishments above.

In addition, if found guilty in court, offenders will lose their driving privileges for at least six (6) months.

Third Offense & Up

If you find yourself violating the law more than twice, the punishments get much worse. Violations can seriously hurt your record.

Repeat offenders can be given a fine of no less than twenty-five dollars ($25) and no more than one thousand dollars ($1000). Repeat offenders can be put in jail for no less than twenty-five (25) days and no more than six (6) months.

Additionally, repeat offenders will lose driving privileges, if found guilty in court, for at least one (1) year.

For more information, or to answer any questions, you can visit Justia Law for all traffic and road offense information.