Don’t do it. There is a cost involved if you’re caught.
Jacksonville Police in Arkansas issued a urgent safety alert on April 06, 2025. They’re warning drivers to steer clear of flooded areas blocked by barricades. Ignoring barricades is not only a legal violation, but it puts yourself and others at risk.
Police Issue Warning About Driving Around Barricades
Ignoring these barriers is “extremely dangerous,” the department stressed. It can lead to severe consequences, including injury or death.
Police urged drivers to take alternative routes instead. This comes as flooding risks rise across the state.
Bypassing barricades not only endangers drivers but also first responders. Authorities are pleading for compliance to keep everyone safe.
The warning underscores a growing concern as Arkansas battles hazardous road conditions. Jacksonville PD says it’s a matter of life and death.
Arkansas Laws and Consequences for Driving Around Barricades
In Arkansas, Arkansas Code § 27-67-211 prohibits driving through, under, over, or around a traffic control device or barricade on a closed public highway, or removing it to enter a restricted area, with violations punishable by a fine of up to $100 and restitution for emergency response and equipment replacement costs.
Additionally, Arkansas Code § 5-72-110 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to drive on public or private levees without permission or to damage protective barricades, carrying penalties of up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, unless authorized by a lawful entity.
These laws aim to deter risky behavior and ensure public safety during emergencies like flooding.
