Arkansas CMV Compliance Guide
AR DOT regulations for commercial motor vehicles
ArDOT Highway PoliceOfficial AR DOT websiteOverview
Arkansas Highway Police, a division of ArDOT, is responsible for commercial motor vehicle enforcement. The state is a major freight crossroads with I-40 (east-west) and I-30/I-49 (north-south) carrying significant truck traffic. Arkansas has a well-established commercial vehicle enforcement program with a focus on weight enforcement due to its extensive rural road network.
Inspection & Enforcement Program
Arkansas operates multiple permanent weigh stations and deploys mobile enforcement teams. The Highway Police perform Level I through Level III inspections statewide. The state has been recognized for high-quality inspection programs and active participation in FMCSA partnership programs.
Weight Limits & Oversize/Overweight
Arkansas follows the standard federal weight limits of 80,000 lbs GVW on Interstate highways. On state highways, weight limits may vary and are posted by route. The state has a significant number of weight-restricted bridges on secondary roads. Arkansas issues overweight permits through ArDOT for loads exceeding standard limits.
Arkansas-Specific Requirements
- Arkansas enforces a state-specific commercial vehicle registration requirement for intrastate carriers.
- The state has weight-restricted bridges on many secondary routes. Carriers should check route restrictions before dispatching on non-Interstate roads.
- Arkansas participates in the PRISM program, tying carrier safety performance to registration.
Contact
ArDOT Highway Police: (501) 569-2000
Federal Requirements That Apply in Arkansas
In addition to Arkansas-specific regulations, all federal DOT and FMCSA requirements apply to commercial vehicles operating in AR. These guides cover each federal requirement in detail:
This information is provided as a general reference. State regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Arkansas DOT or your compliance advisor before relying on any information presented here.