New Arkansas Law Bans Phone Use in Work Zones: What Drivers Need to Know

Arkansas Enforces Hands-Free Driving in Construction Zones Starting Today

Beginning August 5, 2025, drivers in Arkansas are officially prohibited from using handheld electronic devices while traveling through highway work zones. This new hands-free law, passed as part of Act 445, is now being actively enforced statewide and drivers who ignore it could face serious fines and consequences.

The law is designed to protect roadside workers and prevent car accidents caused by distracted driving. With construction season in full swing across the state, including major projects near Fort Smith, drivers should be fully aware of what the law requires and what it could mean if they’re involved in a crash or injure a worker.

At Walker Law Group, we represent both injury victims and injured workers. Here’s what this new hands-free law means for drivers, construction crews, and personal injury claims in Arkansas.

What the New Hands-Free Law Prohibits

Under the updated traffic code, drivers may not use handheld cell phones or other portable electronic devices while passing through active construction or maintenance zones. This includes:

• Texting or typing messages
• Making or answering calls without a hands-free device
• Scrolling or interacting with social media
• Browsing the internet or using GPS apps manually

Hands-free systems, like Bluetooth headsets or in-dash voice-activated controls, are still permitted, as long as the driver remains focused on the road and obeys posted signage.

Violating the new law can result in fines of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for repeat violations. However, if the violation causes an accident or injury, penalties can be much more severe.

Why This Law Matters for Road Safety

Construction zones are already high-risk areas. Reduced lanes, sudden stops, and close proximity to workers make them dangerous for everyone, especially when drivers aren’t paying full attention. According to ARDOT, distracted driving is a leading cause of work zone crashes in Arkansas.

The law’s enforcement is intended to:

• Reduce the number of work zone collisions
• Protect highway construction workers and maintenance crews
• Hold distracted drivers accountable for preventable accidents

If a driver using a phone injures someone, whether another driver, a passenger, or a road worker, they may now face stronger legal consequences, including civil liability for the injuries they cause.

How the Law Affects Car Accident Claims

For those injured in a work zone accident, this law could play a significant role in determining fault. If a distracted driver caused the crash while violating the hands-free law, that action may be considered negligence. Victims may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repairs

If you were injured in a crash that occurred in a construction zone and suspect the other driver was distracted, our car accident attorneys can help investigate. Dashcam footage, witness statements, or phone records can be used to support your claim and demonstrate the other driver’s liability.

What This Means for Injured Road Workers

Construction and road maintenance workers put their lives at risk every day. Distracted drivers are one of the biggest threats they face. If you’re a worker who was struck by a vehicle while on the job, you may have two potential legal paths:

• A workers’ compensation claim for medical costs and lost wages through your employer
• A third-party personal injury claim if the driver was negligent

Under Arkansas law, road workers injured in the line of duty are generally entitled to workers’ comp benefits. These are available regardless of who was at fault and can cover treatment, temporary disability payments, and vocational rehab. You can learn more about your rights on our workers’ compensation page.

In some cases, a negligent driver, especially one who was texting or talking on the phone, may also be held personally responsible through a civil lawsuit. This allows injured workers to recover additional damages, including compensation for pain, permanent impairment, and more.

How to Protect Yourself After a Work Zone Crash

Whether you’re a motorist or a roadside worker, if you’ve been involved in an accident in a construction zone, here are the steps to take:

• Call 911 and report the crash immediately
• Request medical attention even if your injuries seem minor
• Take photos or videos of the crash site, signage, and road conditions
• Get contact information for any witnesses or other involved drivers
• Avoid admitting fault and let the investigation determine what happened
• Speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement or giving a recorded statement

Many distracted driving crashes are avoidable. If someone broke the law and caused harm, they should be held accountable, especially when that harm involves a vulnerable road worker or another driver simply passing through.

We're Here to Help Injured Drivers and Workers in Fort Smith

At Walker Law Group, we support Arkansans injured by careless or distracted drivers. Whether you were struck while working on a roadside crew or hit by someone using a phone in a construction zone, we’re ready to help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.

We handle both personal injury and workers’ comp claims, which means we can fully assess your legal options and develop the best strategy for your recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a work zone accident or have questions about the new Arkansas hands-free law, contact us today. We’re here to protect your rights, hold reckless drivers accountable, and help you move forward with confidence.