Arkansas Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
Arkansas regulates what can be mounted on or attached to a vehicle's windshield through three statutes in Arkansas Code Title 27, Chapter 37, Subchapter 3. The law prohibits nontransparent materials that obstruct the driver's view but does not impose a blanket ban on all windshield-mounted devices.
Arkansas Windshield Obstruction Law
Arkansas Code 27-37-302 prohibits driving any motor vehicle with "any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material" on the windshield, side windows, or rear windows if it obstructs the operator's view or the safe operation of the vehicle. Certificates or papers required by law to be displayed are exempt.
The 4.5-Inch Rule
Arkansas Code 27-37-304 provides the specific measurement standard. It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with any substance or material (except rearview mirrors and law-required decals) attached to the windshield at any point more than 4.5 inches above the bottom of the windshield if the material obstructs the operator's view or safe operation of the vehicle.
The critical qualifier is "if it obstructs." Arkansas does not automatically ban all devices mounted above 4.5 inches. Enforcement depends on whether the item actually impairs the driver's visibility.
Front Door Windows
The same statute prohibits any material on front door windows except substances or materials installed by the manufacturer. This means aftermarket tinting or mounted devices on front door windows are restricted.
GPS and Phone Mounts
Arkansas law does not specifically address GPS devices or phone mounts by name. Under the 4.5-inch rule, a GPS or phone mount placed within the bottom 4.5 inches of the windshield is permitted as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view. Mounting a device higher on the windshield, such as behind the rearview mirror, creates legal risk if an officer determines it causes an obstruction.
The safest placement for a GPS or phone mount in Arkansas is on the dashboard or within the lower 4.5-inch windshield zone.
Dashcam Rules
Arkansas does not have a specific statute addressing dashcams or video event recorders. A dashcam is treated the same as any other windshield-mounted device under 27-37-304. It is permitted as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view. The most legally secure placement is behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard.
Windshield Tinting
Arkansas Code 27-37-306 governs windshield tinting:
- A tint strip ("eyebrow") may be applied to the top edge of the windshield but cannot extend more than 5 inches downward from the top center
- Vehicles with aftermarket tinting must display a label on the front glass to the operator's left with the installer's name, phone number, and a compliance affirmation
- Law enforcement vehicles may have windshield tinting that permits at least 50% light transmission
Medical Exemption
Motorrists diagnosed with qualifying conditions (including albinism or lupus) may obtain a physician's certification exempting them from standard tinting requirements. The certification must be carried in the vehicle and is valid for 3 years.
Exemptions
| Exemption | Authority |
|---|---|
| Rearview mirrors | Ark. Code 27-37-304 |
| Law-required decals and certificates | Ark. Code 27-37-302, 27-37-304 |
| Factory-installed tinting (federal compliant) | Ark. Code 27-37-304(b) |
| Out-of-state registered vehicles | Ark. Code 27-37-304(a)(2) |
| Law enforcement vehicles (50% VLT minimum) | Ark. Code 27-37-306 |
| Medical exemption (physician certified, 3 years) | Ark. Code 27-37-306 |
| Chauffeur-driven sedans (special tint allowances) | Ark. Code 27-37-307 |
Penalties
| Violation | Classification | Maximum Fine | Maximum Jail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield obstruction (27-37-304) | Class C misdemeanor | $500 | 30 days |
| Illegal window tinting (27-37-306) | Class B misdemeanor | $1,000 | 90 days |
| General equipment violation (first offense) | Violation | $100 | 10 days |
| General equipment (second within 1 year) | Violation | $200 | 20 days |
| General equipment (third+ within 1 year) | Violation | $500 | 6 months |
Illegal window tinting charges can be filed against both the installer and the vehicle operator.
Recent Changes (2025)
Act 271 of 2025 (HB1452), signed March 12, 2025, amended Ark. Code 27-37-307 regarding window tinting on chauffeur-driven sedans. This change does not affect standard passenger vehicles.
Act 327 of 2025 (HB1596) doubled fines for moving traffic violations in mobile highway work zones. A windshield obstruction citation written in a work zone may carry enhanced penalties.
No changes to the core windshield obstruction statutes (27-37-302 and 27-37-304) were enacted in the 2025 session.
More Arkansas Laws
Sources and References
- Ark. Code 27-37-302 - Windshields to be Unobstructed(law.justia.com)
- Ark. Code 27-37-304 - Obstruction of Interior Prohibited(law.justia.com)
- Ark. Code 27-37-306 - Light Transmission Levels(law.justia.com)
- Arkansas DFA - Violations and Points(dfa.arkansas.gov).gov
- Arkansas HB1452 / Act 271 of 2025(arkleg.state.ar.us).gov