The new law for drivers in Arkansas is a ban on the use of handheld devices, including a ban on the use of cellphones work zones.
If caught using a phone or other handheld device in work zones, the fines double.
Also in Arkansas, roadway construction and road maintenance vehicles can use flashing green lights to improve their visibility.
Also information on safe driving in Arkansas work zones have also been added to the Arkansas driver's manual and driver's license written exam.
Other new laws for drivers in Arkansas include the blue envelope program, CDL work authorization and electronic device penalties.
A driver that causes serious injury or death from an accident while they were using a handheld device is now guilty of a Class A misdemeanor which is part of Act 445.
Commercial drivers in Arkansas are also now required to prove U.S. work authorization and English proficiency.
And the blue envelope program is a program that is available to now assist drivers and people on the autism spectrum during interactions with law enforcement.
Arkansas law specifies which types of vehicles may have flashing lights or rotating beacons and what colors are permissible.
Under House Bill 1596, now Act 327 of 2025, fines for moving traffic violations—such as speeding or reckless driving—will now be doubled in mobile work zones.
A static work zone is what you would consider more traditional, as contractors, ARDOT workers are out there on the roadways doing some long term work.
But road workers are also out there patching holes, picking up trash, striping roads and it's just as dangerous.
And law enforcement officers in Arkansas statewide also will work together to enforce texting and distracted driving laws and remind the drivers that you should put the phone away or pay.