Arkansas Headlight & Wiper Law
Two rules, both real. Headlights on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and any time you can't see 500 feet ahead, and separately whenever your wipers are clearing rain, snow, or precipitation (Ark. Code §27-36-204). Fine tops out at $25. The wiper piece is secondary. A trooper can't stop you for that alone — but the night and 500-foot rules are primary, so run full low beams, not DRLs, in any weather.
When you light up in Arkansas
Two rules, both real. Headlights on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and any time you can't see 500 feet ahead, and separately whenever your wipers are clearing rain, snow, or precipitation (Ark. Code §27-36-204). Fine tops out at $25. The wiper piece is secondary. A trooper can't stop you for that alone — but the night and 500-foot rules are primary, so run full low beams, not DRLs, in any weather.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, plus any other time persons and vehicles aren't clearly discernible at 500 feet (Ark. Code §27-36-204).
- No separate daytime work-zone headlight statute and no DRL mandate. DRLs don't satisfy §27-36-204 because your tail lamps stay dark — use full headlamps at night and in any wiper-worthy weather. Dim high beams for oncoming and followed traffic; high beams in fog or heavy rain are separately barred.
Arkansas Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Arkansas?
When are headlights required in Arkansas?
What is the headlight fine in Arkansas?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-27-transportation/ar-code-sect-27-36-204/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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