Arkansas § 5-65-208 - Motor vehicle and motorboat accidents — Testing required.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-65-208 — Motor vehicle and motorboat accidents — Testing required., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-65-208. Motor vehicle and motorboat accidents — Testing required.
When the driver of a motor vehicle or operator of a motorboat on the waters of this state is involved in an accident resulting in loss of human life, when there is reason to believe death may result, or when a person sustains serious physical injury, a chemical test of the driver's or operator's breath, saliva, or urine shall be administered to the driver or operator, even if he or she is fatally injured, to determine the presence of and percentage of alcohol concentration or the presence of a controlled substance, or both, in the driver's or operator's body. A chemical test under this section shall be ordered as soon as practicable by one (1) of the following persons or agencies: The law enforcement agency investigating the accident; The physician in attendance; or Other person designated by state law. The person who conducts the chemical test of the driver's or operator's breath, saliva, or urine under this section shall forward the results of the chemical test to the Division of Arkansas State Police, and the division shall establish and maintain the results of the chemical tests required by subsection (a) of this section in a database. The information in the database shall reflect the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in which: Alcohol was found to be a factor, including the percentage of alcohol concentration involved; Controlled substances were found to be a factor, including a list of the controlled substances found, the specific class of the controlled substance, and the amount; and Both alcohol and a controlled substance were found to be factors, including the percentage of alcohol concentration involved, as well as a list of the controlled substances found and the amount. The result of a chemical test required by this section shall be reported to the division and may be used by state and local officials for: Statistical purposes that do not reveal the identity of the deceased person; or Any law enforcement purpose, including prosecution for the violation of any law. A test of a person's blood under this section to determine the person's alcohol concentration, controlled substance content, or other intoxicating substance content in his or her blood requires a warrant based on probable cause that the person was operating or in actual physical control of a motorboat on the waters of this state or a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-65-208
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-65-208 cover?
Section 5-65-208 ("Motor vehicle and motorboat accidents — Testing required.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arkansas § 5-65-208?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-65-208" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 5-65-208 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.