Mexico Trucker Online

LITTLE ROCK — Big rigs and other vehicles are no longer allowed to stop along interstate shoulders or controlled-access highways inArkansas — including on- and off-ramps — except during breakdowns and other emergencies.

A new state law went into effect this month, officially bringing to an end the practice of pulling over along highways in Arkansas. Officials said safety is the reason for Act 997 following several fatal accidents involving big rigs parked on roadside shoulders. However, a growing volume of traffic has made it more difficult for truckers to find parking space at rest areas

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National transportation officials contend that only emergency parking should be allowed along controlled-access highways, but there is no federal act prohibiting non-emergency stopping along highways.

Before Act 997, a driver could park and rest along the shoulder if there were no sign prohibiting it. Conviction under the new Arkansas law can lead to various fines, which makes it similar to legislation in other states.

Ellen Hill, a spokeswoman for the state Highway and Transportation Department, said the measure should help alleviate theft and vandalism of “No Parking” signs.

Arkansas Trucking Association President Lane Kidd said his group supported Act 997, but he criticized the state for cutting back the number of rest stops. The highway department has closed three of the state’s 24 rest areas since 1995, but parking spaces for trucks in those areas increased by 23 percent between 2003 and 2006.

“Drivers get sleepy, but there are a limited number of places to park,” Kidd said. He said his Little Rock-based group has asked that more rest areas be opened to provide more truck parking.Because of the requirements under the Hours of Service regulations, truckers often look to pull over at the same time, mostly at night, which puts a strain on parking, and drivers say they have to use the shoulder.

“That’s why states like Arkansas are taking steps to put up (signs) and pass legislation prohibiting it,” said Shane Artim, a spokesman for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.Arkansas State Rep. Bill Abernathy, D-Mena, sponsored the bill that became Act 997. He said the state will take steps to provide more parking for trucks.

“If we need more spaces, I expect the highway department will provide them,” Abernathy said. “That’s what it’s all about, keeping us all safe.”