State comparison · Updated October 2026
Arkansas vs. Mississippi Driving Laws (2026)
Arkansas and Mississippi part ways on 4 of 9 laws we track: max speed limit, learner's permit age, car sales tax and helmet law.
A drive from Little Rock to Jackson takes you across the border, and 4 of these laws differ once you cross. Key roads include I-40 on the Arkansas side and I-55 on the side of Mississippi; the capitals, Little Rock and Jackson, write the laws for their side.
The biggest gap: the highest posted limits are 5 mph apart. People who live in Fayetteville heading to Gulfport, and back, follow both sets of rules: Arkansas's on I-30 and Mississippi's following the state line on I-20. Use the Arkansas vs Mississippi guide before driving from Little Rock and Jackson.
On a weekend drive from Little Rock to Jackson, pack a helmet and proof of insurance, plan the route ahead of time, and watch for a change from 75 to 70 mph after crossing.
| Topic | Arkansas | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 75 mph | 70 mph |
| Phone law | Texting ban only | Texting ban only |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 14 | Permit at 15 |
| Car insurance | 25/50/25 | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 6.5% | 5% |
| Car inspection | No regular inspection | No regular inspection |
| New resident deadline | 30 days | 30 days |
| Helmet law | Under 21 | All riders |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws compared: Arkansas vs Mississippi
Arkansas vs Mississippi: Arkansas and Mississippi agree on phone law (Texting ban only).
Speed limits: Arkansas vs Mississippi
The rule is faster in Arkansas on max speed limit: Arkansas at 75 mph and Mississippi at 70 mph. Rural interstates are posted at 75 mph in Arkansas and 70 mph in Mississippi. Heading away from Little Rock toward Jackson, expect the limit to change when you cross.
Driving age and teen license rules: Arkansas vs Mississippi
Mississippi is later on learner's permit age, with Arkansas with permit at 14 and Mississippi with permit at 15. Young motorists in Little Rock taking a trip to Jackson must follow Mississippi's teen restrictions while in the state.
Owning a car compared: Arkansas vs Mississippi
Arkansas vs Mississippi: Mississippi and Arkansas match on car insurance (25/50/25), car inspection (No regular inspection) and 30 days for new resident deadline.
Car sales tax: Arkansas vs Mississippi
Mississippi is lower on car sales tax: Arkansas with 6.5% and Mississippi at 5%. On a $30,000 car, state tax comes to roughly $1,950 in Arkansas and $1,500 in Mississippi. Buyers from Fayetteville or Gulfport pay car tax where the car is registered, wherever they buy.
Motorcycle side by side: Arkansas vs Mississippi
Arkansas vs Mississippi: Mississippi and Arkansas match on Not permitted for lane splitting.
Motorcycle helmet laws: Arkansas vs Mississippi
Mississippi is stricter on helmet law, with Arkansas at under 21 and Mississippi at all riders. Motorcyclists riding from Little Rock into Jackson switch to Mississippi's helmet law at the border.
Crossing the line for good
- Arkansas vs Mississippi: moving from Arkansas to Mississippi gives you 30 days to register the car and 60 days for a license.
- Going from Mississippi to Arkansas: 60 days to register and 30 days for a license.
Arkansas vs Mississippi: questions
Which has the higher speed limit, Arkansas or Mississippi?
Arkansas (75 mph vs. 70 mph).
Which state taxes vehicles less — Arkansas or Mississippi?
Mississippi costs less at the state level (6.5% vs. 5%).
Is a motorcycle helmet required in both Arkansas and Mississippi?
Arkansas: Under 21; Mississippi: All motorcyclists.