27-50-301. Applicability of criminal code.
27-50-302. Classification of traffic violations.
27-50-303. Violations involving drivers' licenses.
27-50-304. Penalties for misdemeanors.
27-50-305. Penalty for violation of 1959 amendatory act.
27-50-306. Additional penalties on conviction of moving traffic violations.
27-50-307. Negligent homicide.
27-50-309. Racing on public highways.
27-50-310. Use of officially designated school bus colors or words “school bus” unlawful.
27-50-311. Penalties for large trucks exceeding speed limits.
Cross References. Felonies, § 5-1-106.
Misdemeanors, § 5-1-107.
Effective Dates. Acts 1911, No. 134, § 20: effective on passage.
Acts 1937, No. 300, § 165: Mar. 23, 1937. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby ascertained and determined by the General Assembly that the proper regulation of traffic on the highways is a necessary function of the State Government, and that the loss of life and property under the present laws creates an emergency. Therefore, this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall go into effect immediately upon its passage and approval.”
Acts 1953, No. 135, § 4: Feb. 24, 1953. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that a number of vehicles formerly used as school buses are now being used by private persons and are not being used in the transporting of children to and from schools and that these vehicles are painted a distinctive color used by schools for school buses, and/or have the words “School Bus” marked thereon, therefore wrongfully causing motorists to believe these vehicles are school buses, and as a result causing the slowing and delay of traffic and endangering the safety of motorists. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall take effect and be in force from and after the date of its passage and approval.”
Acts 1955, No. 174, § 3: Mar. 8, 1955. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the crime of negligent homicide is a lesser degree of the crime of involuntary manslaughter; that this Act is necessary to include this in the criminal laws of this State. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall take effect and be in force from the date of its approval.”
Acts 1955, No. 186, § 3: Mar. 10, 1955. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is declared by the General Assembly of Arkansas that general confusion exists among the judges and attorneys of this State as to the law concerning reckless driving; that this Act seeks to clear up that confusion. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall take effect and be in force from the date of its approval.”
Acts 1961, No. 143, § 2: approved Mar. 1, 1961. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, the accident rate, as a result of traffic violations, is increasing and trial judges need adequate preventive restrictions to impose upon drivers, it is found that this Act is in the furtherance of the administration of justice and is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, welfare, and safety, and an emergency is hereby declared and this Act shall be in force and effect from and after its passage.”
Acts 1981, No. 918, § 3: Mar. 30, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that existing statutes establishing criminal penalties for hit and run accidents are conflicting and duplicating and that this Act is immediately necessary to eliminate such confusion. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”
Acts 1983, No. 549, § 19: Mar. 21, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly that the act of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating alcoholic beverages or drugs constitutes a serious and immediate threat to the safety of all citizens of this State, and that increasing the penalty for this dangerous conduct may serve as a deterrent to such behavior. Further, it is found that increased income derived from the levying of such penalties can best be utilized to provide immediate alcohol and drug safety and rehabilitation and treatment programs both to prevent an increase in the use of intoxicating alcoholic beverages and drugs and to rehabilitate persons convicted of related offenses. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”