Arkansas Motorcycle Laws & Helmet Requirements

Arkansas' current helmet law:

27-20-104.

Standard equipment required.

(a)  After July 5, 1977, all motor-driven cycles and all motorcycles used upon the public streets and highways of this state shall be equipped with the following standard equipment: 

(1)  At least one (1), but not more than two (2), headlights which, in the dark, shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') in front; 

(2)  A red reflector on the rear, which shall be visible from a distance of three hundred feet (300') to the rear when directly in front of a lawful upper beam head lamp of a motor vehicle; 

(3)  A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear must be used in addition to the red reflector provided above; 

(4)  Good hand or foot brakes; 

(5)  A horn in good working order, but no bell, siren, or whistle shall be permitted; 

(6)  A standard muffler; and 

(7)  Handholds and support for the passenger's feet when designed to carry more than one (1) person, unless it is equipped with a sidecar. 

(b)  All passengers and operators of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles used upon the public streets and highways of this state shall be equipped with the following equipment under standards set forth by the Office of Motor Vehicle: 

(1)  Protective headgear unless the person is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and 

(2)  Protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields. 

(c)  The provisions of this section shall not apply to three-wheel motorcycles equipped with a cab and a windshield which do not exceed twenty horsepower (20 hp) when such motorcycles are used by municipal police departments. 

(d)  After July 5, 1977, all motorized bicycles used upon the public streets of this state shall be equipped with the following standard equipment: 

(1)  At least one (1), but not more than two (2), headlights which, in the dark, shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least two hundred fifty feet (250') in front; 

(2)  A red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from a distance of one hundred fifty feet (150') to the rear when directly in front of a lawful upper beam head lamp of a motor vehicle; 

(3)  A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of two hundred fifty feet (250') to the rear must be used in addition to the red reflector provided above; 

(4)  Good hand or foot brakes; 

(5)  A horn in good working order, provided that no bell, siren, or whistle shall be permitted; and 

(6)  A standard muffler. 

History. Acts 1959, No. 201, § 3; 1967, No. 296, § 1; 1973, No. 78, § 1; 1977, No. 561, § 2; 1985, No. 972, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-1703; Acts 1997, No. 453, § 1.

ABATE of Arkansas

ABATE of Arkansas is a nonprofit organization that serves as the main motorcyclists' rights group in the state. They are dedicated to:

• Lobbying and Education: Actively working with elected officials and educating the public to promote motorcycling with a safe and positive image.

• Safety and Awareness: Promoting, practicing, and teaching motorcycle safety and awareness.

• Community: Providing membership benefits, organizing entertainment and community service projects, and coordinating numerous motorcycle rides and runs across Arkansas.