State comparison · Updated October 2026
Arkansas vs. Tennessee Driving Laws (2026)
Arkansas and Tennessee differ on 5 of 9 topics we track: max speed limit, phone law, learner's permit age, car sales tax and helmet law.
On a trip from Little Rock to Nashville crosses the border, and 5 of the rules change on the way. Main routes are I-40 on the Arkansas side and I-40 on the side of Tennessee; the capitals, Little Rock and Nashville, set the laws for their side.
What changes most: top speed limits differ by 5 mph apart. Residents of Fayetteville heading to Memphis, or vice versa, live under both rulebooks: Arkansas's on I-30 and Tennessee's following the border on I-24. Use the Arkansas vs Tennessee guide if you shop for a car between Little Rock to Nashville.
On a weekend drive from Little Rock to Nashville, pack a helmet and proof of insurance, set navigation ahead of time, and look for a change from 75 to 70 mph after crossing.
| Topic | Arkansas | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 75 mph | 70 mph |
| Phone law | Texting ban only | Hands-free law |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 14 | Permit at 15 |
| Car insurance | 25/50/25 | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 6.5% | 7% |
| 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: Arkansas vs Tennessee
Speed limits: Arkansas vs Tennessee
The rule is faster in Arkansas on max speed limit, with Arkansas at 75 mph and Tennessee at 70 mph. Open-road interstates are posted at 75 mph in Arkansas and 70 mph in Tennessee. Leaving Little Rock on the way to Nashville, check the posted limit following the border.
Cell phone and texting laws: Arkansas vs Tennessee
Arkansas is looser on phone law, with Arkansas at texting ban only and Tennessee with hands-free law. What you can do with a phone in Little Rock may be illegal in Nashville.
Driving age and teen license laws: Arkansas vs Tennessee
The law is earlier in Arkansas on learner's permit age, with Arkansas with permit at 14 and Tennessee at permit at 15. Teens in Little Rock visiting Nashville must follow Tennessee's permit laws while in the state.
Owning a car side by side: Arkansas vs Tennessee
Arkansas vs Tennessee: Arkansas and Tennessee have the same law for 25/50/25 for car insurance, No regular inspection for car inspection and 30 days for new resident deadline.
Car sales tax: Arkansas vs Tennessee
Arkansas is lower on car sales tax: Arkansas at 6.5% and Tennessee at 7%. On a $30,000 car, state tax is about $1,950 in Arkansas versus $2,100 in Tennessee. Car hunters in Fayetteville and Memphis owe car tax of the state where they register, not the dealer's.
Motorcycle side by side: Arkansas vs Tennessee
Arkansas vs Tennessee: Arkansas and Tennessee have the same rule for Not allowed for lane splitting.
Helmet law: Arkansas vs Tennessee
Arkansas is looser on helmet law, with Arkansas with under 21 and Tennessee at all riders. Motorcyclists riding from Little Rock toward Nashville switch to Tennessee's helmet law at the line.
Moving or buying across the border
- Arkansas vs Tennessee: relocating from Arkansas to Tennessee gives you 30 days for the car registration and 30 days for a license.
- Moving from Tennessee to Arkansas: 60 days for registration and 30 days to switch licenses.
Arkansas vs Tennessee: common questions
Where can you drive faster, Arkansas or Tennessee?
Arkansas (75 mph vs. 70 mph).
Is it cheaper to buy a car, Arkansas or Tennessee?
Arkansas costs less at the state level (6.5% vs. 7%).
Do I need a helmet in both Arkansas and Tennessee?
Arkansas: Under 21; Tennessee: All riders.