Greenwood Police DepartmentGreenwood Arkansas Police Department

In an effort to make Arkansas roadways safer, the State Legislature has passed a bill to prohibit drivers from typing, text messaging, emailing, or accessing the internet with a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle. Distracted driving contributes to a number of automobile accidents each year and it is hoped this new law will reduce accidents by focusing drivers attention on the roadway and not their phones.

The new law is a primary violation which means drivers may be stopped for texting while driving if they are observed by a law enforcement officer. 

In an effort to make Arkansas roadways safer, the State Legislature has passed a bill to prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from typing, text messaging, emailing, or accessing the internet with a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle. Less experienced drivers are more suceptible to distractions inside of the vehicle, and distracted driving contributes to a number of automobile accidents each year and it is hoped this new law will reduce accidents by focusing drivers attention on the roadway and not their phones.

The Legislature also placed limits on the use of phones by drivers between the age of 18 and 21. These drivers may only use a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle.

The new law is a secondary violation which means drivers may not be stopped for texting while driving if they are observed by a law enforcement officer, but can be cited by the officer if stopped for another violation. 

In order to give police officers and prosecutors effective tools to deal with the dangerous consequences of street racing, the State Legislature has created a statute to address this important issue. Persons who drive in, ride in, or coordinate a drag race on a public roadway are now guilty of a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up a year in jail and a 2,500.00 fine.

Drag races do not take place in a vacum and the crowds that gather around these illegal races help foster and promote an environment conducive to racing. This statute also added the offense of observing a drag race which is a Class B misdemeanor to help law enforcement reduce the number of persons who would encourage street racing.