Arkansas drivers will face stiffer fines, see new flashing green lights on work vehicles, and find updated information in the driver’s manual as three new laws go into effect Tuesday, all aimed at improving safety in highway work zones.
The laws, passed during the 2025 Arkansas Legislative Session, target both short-term “mobile” and long-term “static” work zones, with a focus on protecting road workers and educating the public.
Fines double in mobile work zones
Under Act 327, formerly House Bill 1596, fines for moving traffic violations now double in mobile work zones. Until now, only violations in stationary work zones were subject to the increased penalty.
A mobile work zone is defined as any short-term work area on a highway or road — including operations like debris removal, striping or pothole patching — where construction personnel from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, cities, counties or contractors are present.
To help alert drivers, Arkansas Department of Transportation work trucks will now display signs reading “mobile work zone/fines double.” As with stationary work zones, proper signage and lights are required to notify drivers.
Green lights improve visibility
Act 209, formerly House Bill 1475, allows the use of green flashing lights on road construction and maintenance vehicles operated by the Arkansas Department of Transportation or local agencies. The change follows a pilot program that showed green lights help improve visibility during bright sunlight, fog or bad weather.
Roadway construction and maintenance vehicles may now use amber, white or green lights, or any combination of those colors, in oscillating, flashing or rotating emergency or warning lights.
Work zone safety added to driver’s exam
Act 117, formerly Senate Bill 78, requires the Arkansas Driver’s Manual and the written licensing test to include expanded material on work zone safety.
New content will include:
— Hazards and penalties for unsafe driving in work zones.
— Statistics and testimonials from construction workers and their families.
— Tips on awareness and speed reduction.
— A question-and-answer section about safe driving in work zones.
The goal is to better prepare new drivers and reinforce the importance of caution around road crews.
For full bill texts and more information, visit arkleg.state.ar.us.
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