Car seat laws vary more than most parents expect, and Arkansas is no exception. Below are the current Arkansas requirements for rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, boosters, and seat belts, verified against the official Arkansas Department of Public Safety.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Arkansas requires a child passenger safety seat for children under 6 AND under 60 lbs; a child who is at least 6 or at least 60 lbs may use a seat belt alone. Fines run $25–$100 per violation.
Arkansas car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Arkansas law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Not specified in statute (orientation not mandated by law). |
| Forward-facing | Not specified in statute. |
| Booster seat | A child less than 6 years of age AND weighing less than 60 pounds must be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. A child who is at least 6 years old OR weighs at least 60 pounds may be restrained with a seat belt alone — the statute does not separately mandate boosters. |
| Seat belt only | Age 6 or 60 lbs (whichever comes first). All children under 15 must be properly secured in the vehicle. |
Fines and penalties in Arkansas
Fine: Not less than $25 nor more than $100 per violation.
Front seat rules in Arkansas
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: .
The official law
- Statute: Ark. Code §§ 27-34-101–108 (Child Passenger Protection Act); penalty at § 27-34-103
- Official source: Arkansas Department of Public Safety
Arkansas car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Arkansas?
Fine: Not less than $25 nor more than $100 per violation.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Arkansas?
A child less than 6 years of age AND weighing less than 60 pounds must be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. A child who is at least 6 years old OR weighs at least 60 pounds may be restrained with a seat belt alone — the statute does not separately mandate boosters. Age 6 or 60 lbs (whichever comes first). All children under 15 must be properly secured in the vehicle.
Does Arkansas law require rear-facing car seats?
Not specified in statute (orientation not mandated by law).
Can my child ride in the front seat in Arkansas?
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: .
Where can I read the official Arkansas car seat law?
Statute: Ark. Code §§ 27-34-101–108 (Child Passenger Protection Act); penalty at § 27-34-103 Official source: Arkansas Department of Public Safety.
Check another state
Driving across state lines? Requirements change at the border — use our interactive car seat law checker to look up any state by your child’s age, weight, and height.
Related state guides:
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Child passenger safety laws change — always verify current requirements with your state’s DMV, highway safety office, or the official statute linked below before making decisions.