For more than 70 years, McMath Woods has represented Arkansans injured on our roads and highways. Founded in 1953 by former Arkansas Governor Sid McMath and legendary trial lawyer Henry Woods, our firm has built a reputation for careful investigation, trial-ready advocacy, and principled accountability.
Motorcycle crashes remain among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions. While Arkansas law gives riders certain freedoms, it also imposes specific responsibilities that directly affect safety and legal outcomes after a crash. In this blog, we’ll cover Arkansas motorcycle laws and how they play a critical role in determining fault, insurance coverage, and compensation if you are injured.
A Practical Overview of Arkansas Motorcycle Laws
Arkansas motorcycle laws govern licensing, safety equipment, passengers, insurance, and impaired driving. These rules are enforced statewide and can materially affect a personal injury claim after a collision.
At a high level, Arkansas law provides that:
- Motorcycle operators must hold a Class M license
- Riders must be at least 16 to obtain a full Class M license
- Riders ages 14–15 may qualify for a restricted Class MD license
- Riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet
- Riders 21 and older may legally choose whether to wear a helmet
- Eye protection is required for all riders
- Daytime headlights must be used
- Passengers must be at least 8 years old
- No more than two people may ride on a motorcycle
- Motorcyclists must carry minimum liability insurance
- DUI laws apply equally to motorcycles and passenger vehicles
Arkansas Helmet Laws
Arkansas does not have a universal helmet law, as the state repealed its all-ages helmet requirement in 1997. Only riders and passengers under 21 are legally required to wear protective headgear (Arkansas Code § 27-20-104 (2024) - Standard equipment required).
While helmet use is optional for adults, public health data consistently shows that helmets significantly reduce fatalities and traumatic brain injuries.
A study examining Arkansas trauma data found that after the repeal of the universal helmet law, non-helmeted motorcycle deaths increased substantially, along with rates of severe head and neck injuries and overall medical costs (The negative impact of the repeal of the Arkansas motorcycle helmet law - PubMed).
From a legal standpoint, helmet use (or non-use) can also become a disputed issue in injury claims—particularly when insurers attempt to shift blame to injured riders.
Required and Recommended Protective Gear
The same Arkansas laws cited above require all motorcyclists to wear protective eyewear, such as goggles, glasses, or a face shield, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield.
Arkansas DPS advises that eye protection should:
- Be securely fastened
- Provide an unobstructed field of vision
- Be shatter-resistant
- Allow airflow to prevent fogging
Beyond eyewear, safety agencies strongly recommend additional protective equipment to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash, including:
- Helmets
- Abrasion-resistant clothing
- Gloves
- Over-the-ankle footwear
Licensing and Age Requirements for Arkansas Riders
Arkansas imposes tiered licensing requirements for motorcyclists:
- Class MD license: Available to riders ages 14–15, limited to motorcycles of 250cc or less.
- Class M license: Available at age 16 and one month, allowing unrestricted operation.
Applicants must pass written knowledge exams, vision testing, and motorcycle skills testing. Completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course may waive the skills test requirement. Failure to hold the proper license can affect both criminal liability and civil recovery after a crash.
Insurance and Financial Responsibility Laws
Arkansas requires motorcycle owners to carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage
Given the severity of motorcycle injuries, many riders carry higher limits or add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves from negligent drivers with inadequate insurance.
Arkansas DUI Laws Apply Fully to Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists in Arkansas are subject to the same impaired-driving laws as all other motorists:
- A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher constitutes driving while intoxicated
- Riders under 21 are subject to lower thresholds
- Arkansas law also prohibits operating a motorcycle while impaired by drugs—whether illegal substances, prescription medications, or a combination of drugs and alcohol
Convictions can result in:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Mandatory treatment programs
- Incarceration
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at McMath Woods Today
Motorcyclists are often unfairly stereotyped as reckless. That bias can influence insurance adjusters, investigators, and even juries. At McMath Woods, we counter that narrative with facts, expert analysis, and trial-level preparation.
Our firm is not a high-volume practice. We intentionally limit our caseload so injured clients work directly with experienced trial lawyers—not case managers. Every case is prepared as if it will be tried, because that readiness drives accountability.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, McMath Woods can help you determine whether the crash was preventable, who may be legally responsible, and what full and fair compensation may look like under Arkansas law. Contact us today to speak directly with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
