Quick Answer
In Arkansas, any adult 18 years or older who is not a convicted felon or otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm can carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle without a permit. The handgun may be fully concealed (in a glovebox or console) or carried in plain view.
The "Journey Exemption" Ghost
If you research Arkansas vehicle carry laws online, you will likely encounter wildly conflicting information regarding a "Journey." It is critical to understand why this confusion exists to protect yourself during traffic stops.
The Old Law
AR Code § 5-73-120(c)(4)
Historically, it was a crime to carry a weapon in Arkansas. The only exception for drivers without a permit was if they were on a "journey"—defined as traveling outside their home county.
The Current Law
Act 746 (Permitless Carry)
Act 746 fundamentally changed the law. It is now only a crime to carry a weapon if you have the unlawful intent to employ it as a weapon against a person. Because self-defense is lawful intent, permitless vehicle carry is now legal statewide, regardless of whether you are on a "journey."
Traffic Stops & Duty to Inform
Arkansas has an aggressive Duty to Inform law, but it is written specifically into the administrative code for permit holders (Ark. Admin. Code 130.00.8-3-2). If you have an Arkansas CHCL or a recognized out-of-state permit, you must immediately notify an officer that you are armed when pulled over. If you are carrying permitless, the statute is legally muddy—but failing to immediately disclose the firearm frequently results in escalated, tense traffic stops.
Traffic Stops & Legal Protections
Because Arkansas's permitless carry statutes were established via legislative revisions rather than a clean new bill, some local jurisdictions and officers still attempt to enforce the old "Journey" requirements on out-of-state drivers. A misunderstanding during a traffic stop can result in a wrongful weapons charge.
CCW Safe provides a dedicated 24/7 emergency hotline, vetted local defense attorneys, and unlimited defense funds to protect your freedom against aggressive local prosecution and wrongful arrest.
Employer Parking Lot Protections
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 11-5-117, employers cannot ban you from keeping a legally possessed firearm in your private vehicle in the employee parking lot. However, this protection only applies if you hold a valid Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL). If you are carrying permitless, your employer can legally fire you for having a gun in your car. If you do have a CHCL, the gun must be locked out of sight inside the vehicle to maintain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can out-of-state visitors carry a loaded gun in their car in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas's permitless vehicle carry laws apply to both residents and non-residents. Any person who is not legally disqualified from owning a firearm can carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle while traveling through the state.