Arkansas Motorcycle Insurance and Requirements

Arkansas requires a motorcycle owner/operator to title, register and insure his motorcycle before riding it on the road. The owner/operator is also required to abide by certain safety rules to ride on public roads. Even off road motorcyclists must abide by certain rules, including helmet laws.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Arkansas requires you to carry motorcycle insurance. Arkansas does not have other methods of proving financial responsibility. If you choose to carry insurance, you can buy as much coverage as you think you may need — or what makes you comfortable — or you can just purchase the minimum. The minimum requirement is:

• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident
• $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people in one accident
• $25,000 for property damage

If the police stop you, you will need to show proof of coverage, so always carry your insurance card with you. The State of Arkansas uses an insurance verification program. The program requires your insurance carrier to report any policy lapses to the Office of Motor Vehicles. You may be subject to a variety of reinstatement fees and may have your registration revoked if you do not keep proof of insurance.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

If you get caught driving without insurance, not only will your registration be suspended, but your driver’s license may also be suspended. You will get a ticket for no insurance in addition to a ticket for the offense for which the police stopped you.

If you can show that you did have proof of insurance when the police stopped you and issued the ticket, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.

You may also have to pay fines for driving without insurance, plus fines for having your license and/or registration reinstated.

Make sure you pay your motorcycle insurance premiums on time. If you can afford to pay it for a year, pay it up front so you don’t have to worry about monthly payments. Some insurance companies also allow automatic electronic funds transfers from your bank or will automatically charge your debit or credit card.

How Does Arkansas Define a Two-Wheeled Vehicle?

The Office of Motor Vehicles defines a two-wheeled vehicle for registration and insurance purposes as a vehicle with up to three wheels, a seat or saddle and an engine that has a displacement of over 250 cc. You have a motor-driven cycle if your vehicle has up to three wheels, a seat or saddle, and an engine displacement of less than 250 cc. A motorized bicycle has an automatic transmission and an engine size of less than 50 cc.

Safety Requirements and Their Affects on Insurance

The State of Arkansas requires riders — whether an operator or passenger — to wear a helmet if you are under 21 years of age. Eye protection is also required. If you carry a passenger, your motorcycle must have a passenger seat and passenger foot pegs. There are no restrictions on helmet speakers. The State of Arkansas allows random periodic safety inspections. The law requires that you have at least one mirror on your motorcycle. There are no handlebar height restrictions, so you can have those super high ape hangers in the State of Arkansas. The police can pull you over if they think your bike may not be safe, and can give you an on-the-spot safety inspection.

Motorcycle Endorsement

The State of Arkansas accepts motorcycle endorsements and RiderEd completion cards from other states. If you are moving to Arkansas and have the endorsement or proof of completion from another state, have the Office of Motor Vehicles transfer the endorsement on your license to your Arkansas license.

Off Road Riding

If you want to ride off road you are not required to wear a safety helmet or eye protection, but if you are racing or jumping, you should wear both, especially if you are just learning or are practicing new jumps. The State of Arkansas requires anyone under 12 years of age to have a responsible adult — someone at least 18 years of age — nearby while riding on public lands. You are not required to take the rider education course to ride off road; and you do not need a license. Mufflers are required on off road bikes. Headlights and taillights are required after sunset. Your off road motorcycle must be registered and titled, but you do not need to have insurance.