The following Arkansas legislation pertains to Transportation.
- 6-19-108. Bus Driver Certification – A driver or operator of a school bus either privately or publicly owned is required to pass a series of tests to determine physical fitness and driving ability. In addition, all school bus drivers will receive 24 hours of pre-Inservice training and 3 hours of annually training in accordance with the regulations established by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.
- 6-19-116 and 6-19-117. School Bus Safety Equipment -- All buses operated by public or private schools must meet certain safety standards including installation of a flashing white strobe light, a crossing gate, and appropriate mirrors.
- 6-19-119. School Bus Passengers – All passengers are required to be seated while the school bus is in operation.
- 5-39-214 and 5-73-119. School Bus Safety -- Restricts entry of a school bus by anyone over 18 who enters a school bus with criminal intent, disrupts driver, or refuses to leave is a Class B misdemeanor. It is a Class A felony to possess a deadly weapon and seize control of a bus operated by public or private school. It is against the law to possess a firearm on the property of any public or private school, on a school bus, or at a designated school bus stop.
- 20-78-225 Child Care Facilities by DHS Child Safety Alarms --All agencies or child care facilities licensed by the DHS that transport children need to have child safety alarm devices installed on vehicles designed or used to transport more than seven passengers and one driver.
- 27-51-1605 and 6-19-120. Wireless Telephone Use --- Restrictions in school zones -- (a) Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, a driver of a motor vehicle shall not use a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building. (b) A driver of a motor vehicle who is passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building may use a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle for an emergency purpose. Bus drivers are prohibited from operating a school bus while using a cellular telephone.
