Arkansas Hit and Run Laws (2026 Guide)

Last verified: January 2026. This article reflects current Arkansas Code Title 27 and recent case law.

📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)

Quick Summary

  • Property damage under $1,000: Class B misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail.
  • Property damage $1,000 to $10,000: Class A misdemeanor, up to one year in jail and $2,500 fine.
  • Damage over $10,000 or injury/death: Class D felony, up to six years in prison and $10,000 fine.
  • 30-minute rule: You must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of an accident.
  • License revocation: Mandatory for felony hit and run convictions.
  • Statute of limitations: Three years for civil claims.

References:

Arkansas Code 27-53-101 Through 27-53-103 Explained

Traffic accident scene

Arkansas law requires drivers involved in any accident to immediately stop and fulfill specific obligations. The three key statutes work together to define your legal duties.

AR Code 27-53-101: Accidents Involving Injury or Death

When an accident results in injury or death:

  • Stop immediately at the scene or as close as reasonably possible
  • Remain until fulfilling all requirements under 27-53-103
  • Do not move the vehicle unless instructed by law enforcement

Failure to comply is a Class D felony.

AR Code 27-53-102: Property Damage Accidents

When an accident results only in property damage:

  • Stop immediately and park in a safe position
  • Notify law enforcement within 30 minutes
  • Fulfill requirements under 27-53-103

AR Code 27-53-103: Duty to Give Information

You must provide to the other party, law enforcement, or person attending the victim:

  • Your name and address
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Driver’s license upon request
  • Reasonable assistance to any injured person

These requirements do not apply if you are incapacitated or severely injured.

Penalties for Hit and Run in Arkansas

Judge's gavel representing legal penalties

Property Damage Classifications

Damage Amount Classification Maximum Penalty
Under $1,000 Class B Misdemeanor 90 days jail, $1,000 fine
$1,000 to $10,000 Class A Misdemeanor 1 year jail, $2,500 fine
Over $10,000 Class D Felony 6 years prison, $10,000 fine

Injury or Death

  • Classification: Class D felony
  • Prison: Up to six years
  • Fine: Up to $10,000
  • License: Mandatory revocation

Vehicular Homicide

If motive is established (such as road rage), charges may escalate to:

  • Classification: Class B felony under 5-10-105
  • Prison: Up to 20 years
  • Fine: Up to $15,000

Negligent Homicide

If the death resulted from:

  • Driving under the influence
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Passing a school bus

Charges may include negligent homicide, a separate felony.

Arkansas Crash Statistics

Understanding Arkansas traffic data provides context for these laws:

  • Crash trend: Since 2015, the number of crashes on Arkansas roadways has increased by 18%.
  • Fatal crashes: Arkansas State Police tracks all fatalities through their Fatal Crash Summary system, available at ark.org.
  • Recent incidents: Five people were killed in vehicle crashes during a single four-day period (Saturday through Wednesday) according to recent police reports.
  • Interstate hazards: I-30 and I-530 are frequent locations for serious accidents, including work zone fatalities.

Notable Arkansas Hit and Run Cases

Highway Worker Death Case (2024)

A North Little Rock woman was arrested by Arkansas State Police in connection with the hit and run death of an Arkansas Department of Transportation employee working in an I-30 work zone. The case highlighted the severe penalties for fleeing after striking workers in highway construction zones.

Florida Man Extradition (2025)

In July 2025, Arkansas State Police took custody of a Florida man charged in a fatal October 2023 hit and run stemming from a road rage incident. The suspect was extradited from Florida, demonstrating that fleeing across state lines does not prevent prosecution. This case showed how road rage can elevate standard accident charges to more serious offenses.

Interstate 530 Hit and Run (2025)

On December 30, 2025, Arkansas State Police investigated a hit and run on Interstate 530 South near the 34-mile marker. The ongoing investigation demonstrates the state’s commitment to pursuing hit and run offenders on major highways.

What to Do After an Accident in Arkansas

For Drivers: What NOT to Do

  • Never flee or leave the scene
  • Never admit guilt or say “it was my fault”
  • Never move a vehicle if death or serious injury occurred (unless instructed by law enforcement)

For Drivers: What You MUST Do

  • Call or notify law enforcement within 30 minutes
  • Stop immediately and park safely
  • Render reasonable assistance to injured persons
  • Exchange required information
  • Collect eyewitness statements and details
  • Contact an attorney before making detailed statements

For Victims

  • Document everything: vehicle description, plate number, damage, driver appearance
  • Take photographs of the fleeing vehicle and scene
  • Gather witness contact information
  • Report to law enforcement immediately
  • Keep all medical receipts and records
  • Consult with an attorney about civil claims
  • Contact insurance after speaking with your attorney

Fault Determination in Arkansas

Arkansas uses a modified comparative fault system:

  • Fault is assigned as a percentage to each party
  • Your percentage of fault reduces your damages recovery
  • If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages

Why this matters: Admitting fault at the scene can eliminate your ability to recover damages. Let investigators determine fault based on evidence.

DUI and Hit and Run in Arkansas

DUI traffic stop

DUI and hit and run are separate offenses, meaning you may face multiple charges. The combination significantly increases penalties:

  • DUI charges under Arkansas law
  • Hit and run charges (felony if injury or death)
  • Potential negligent homicide charges
  • Enhanced sentencing for multiple offenses

Legal Defenses for Hit and Run

Fear for Safety

If you reasonably feared for your life or safety, you may leave the scene and immediately report to law enforcement. Under 5-10-104, acting in self-defense when you reasonably believe the other person intends serious physical injury is not a crime.

Lack of Knowledge

If you did not know you hit a person or property, this may serve as a defense. However, investigators will examine vehicle damage and surveillance footage. Only use this defense if you genuinely did not feel or hear the impact.

Incapacitation

If you were injured and physically unable to fulfill the statutory requirements, this exemption may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hit and run always a felony in Arkansas?

No. Property damage under $10,000 without injury is a misdemeanor. Felony charges apply when damage exceeds $10,000, injury occurs, or death results.

What is the statute of limitations for hit and run in Arkansas?

Victims have three years from the incident date to file a civil lawsuit. Criminal statutes of limitation vary by offense classification.

What damages can victims recover?

Civil claims may include: diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.

How long do I have to report an accident?

You must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of a property damage accident.

Can prosecutors pursue additional charges beyond hit and run?

Yes. Arkansas hit and run laws do not prevent prosecutors from pursuing other charges such as vehicular homicide, manslaughter, DUI, or reckless driving.