Trucking Regulations in Arkansas
Complete guide to weight limits, speed limits, permits, chain laws, and special rules for commercial truck drivers operating in Arkansas.
Max Gross Weight
80,000 lbs (73,280 lbs on non-interstate highways)
Truck Speed Limit
65 mph on I-40/I-30 through Little Rock
Diesel Tax
$0.285 per gallon diesel + federal
Weight & Size Limits in Arkansas
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs (73,280 lbs on non-interstate highways) |
| Max Axle Weight | 20,000 lbs single axle, 34,000 lbs tandem |
| Max Trailer Length | 53 ft trailer, 65 ft overall |
| Max Width | 102 inches |
| Max Height | 13'6" |
Speed Limits for Trucks in Arkansas
Rural Interstate
70 mph
Urban Interstate
55 mph
Truck-Specific
65 mph on I-40/I-30 through Little Rock
Fuel Tax & Tolls in Arkansas
Diesel Fuel Tax
$0.285 per gallon diesel + federal
Toll Roads & Bridges
No toll roads in the state.
Chain Laws & Weather Requirements
No chain law. Winter weather events are infrequent but do occur in Ozark Mountain areas.
Oversize & Overweight Permits
ArDOT Permits Division. Single-trip permits available online. Annual permits for qualifying carriers. Movement restricted during holidays.
Port of Entry & Weigh Stations
Weigh stations on I-30, I-40, and I-55. Open seasonally and during targeted enforcement. PrePass accepted.
Special Rules for Arkansas
Hazmat Route Restrictions
Hazmat restricted through downtown Little Rock tunnels. Arkansas River bridge crossings have specific hazmat protocols. Designated routes for explosives and radioactive materials.
Rest Area & Parking Rules
Rest areas allow overnight parking up to 8 hours. Truck parking is limited at some I-40 rest areas. No state anti-idling law.
DOT Inspection Frequency
Moderate. Arkansas State Police Motor Carrier division conducts random inspections. Higher enforcement during harvest season on poultry and agriculture routes.
Looking for Trucking Jobs in Arkansas?
Browse CDL driver positions and connect with carriers operating in Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Trucking Regulations
What is the maximum truck weight on Arkansas highways?
Arkansas allows 80,000 lbs on interstate highways following federal limits. Non-interstate state highways are limited to 73,280 lbs. Poultry haulers may obtain special permits up to 84,000 lbs on designated routes due to the state's large poultry industry.
What are the truck speed limits in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows 70 mph on rural interstates and 55 mph in urban areas. Trucks are limited to 65 mph through the Little Rock metro area on I-40 and I-30. Some two-lane highways have 55 mph limits.
Are there any special trucking rules in Arkansas?
Arkansas has special weight exemptions for poultry haulers and bridge weight restrictions on many rural state highways. The Ozark Mountain region has steep grade advisories and some hairpin turns that require extra caution for long combinations.
Does Arkansas have toll roads?
No, Arkansas has no toll roads, bridges, or turnpikes for commercial vehicles. All interstates and state highways are toll-free.
How do I get an oversize permit in Arkansas?
ArDOT issues single-trip and annual oversize/overweight permits through their permits division. Applications can be submitted online. Holiday movement restrictions apply for oversize loads, and escort vehicles are required for extra-wide loads.