No, Arkansas law prohibits any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, including applying makeup, under AR Code § 27-51-210 (2023). The Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Department of Transportation enforce distracted driving statutes, with local jurisdictions like Little Rock and Fayetteville issuing citations for visible negligence. Violations may incur fines up to $1,000 under municipal ordinances, though statewide penalties remain capped at $100 unless aggravated by collision risk.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Arkansas
- AR Code § 27-51-210 (2023): Prohibits operating a vehicle while engaging in activities that impair control, explicitly including “personal grooming” as a form of distracted driving.
- Local Ordinances (e.g., Little Rock Municipal Code § 17-15): Authorize police to cite drivers for “visible distraction” if makeup application is observed, with fines escalating to $500 for repeat offenses.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The Arkansas Highway Safety Office plans to adopt stricter distracted driving guidelines in 2026, aligning with NHTSA’s “hands-free” model, potentially reclassifying makeup use as a primary offense.
Enforcement prioritizes visible negligence—e.g., holding a mirror or applicator—over incidental gestures. Courts may dismiss charges if the driver demonstrates no actual impairment, but Arkansas’ comparative negligence framework (AR Code § 16-64-122) could reduce liability in accident claims if makeup use is documented.