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Arkansas Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Conditional: In Arkansas, texting and social-media use while driving is banned for all drivers (A.C.A. 27-51-1504).

ConditionalVerified Jul 30, 2026

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In Arkansas, texting and social-media use while driving is banned for all drivers (A.C.A. 27-51-1504). Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device at all; drivers 18–20 are hands-free only. All drivers — including adults — are additionally barred from using a wireless device when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present (27-51-1605) and in a highway work zone (27-51-1606).

Official source: ardot.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Arkansas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

LouisianaRestricted
Louisiana bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect August 1, 2025 (HB 519 / Act 288). R.S. 32:59 bars operating a wireless device while driving; 32:300.5 was repealed.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
MississippiConditional
Mississippi bans texting while driving but not handheld calls. Miss. Code 63-33-1 bars texting and social media use on a handheld phone while driving. Adults may still hold the phone to talk.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: billstatus.ls.state.ms.us · Full Mississippi rule →
MissouriRestricted
Under Missouri's Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, handheld use is banned for all drivers — hands-free only. Enforcement began January 1, 2025. RSMo 304.822 bars holding an electronic communication device.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OklahomaConditional
Oklahoma bans texting while driving for all drivers: no composing, sending or reading a text, email, photo or video (47 O.S. 11-901d). …
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: oscn.net · Full Oklahoma rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee requires all drivers to go hands-free: it is unlawful to physically hold or support a wireless device while driving (TCA 55-8-199).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Full Tennessee rule →
TexasConditional
Texas bans reading, writing, or sending texts or other electronic messages while driving (Tex. Transp. Code 545.4251). …
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov · Full Texas rule →

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