Hauling livestock across Arkansas roads comes with a specific set of legal obligations that go well beyond simply loading animals into a trailer and driving away. Whether you raise cattle on a small family farm or operate a commercial hauling business, the state holds you to clear standards covering trailer registration, structural safety, road dimensions, driver licensing, and animal welfare during transport.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines, quarantined animals, and even suspended operations. This guide walks you through every major compliance area so you can haul confidently and legally throughout the Natural State.
Livestock Trailer Registration and Identification Requirements in Arkansas
All motor vehicles and trailers are required to register before operating on any highway in the state of Arkansas, except those normally exempt by law, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, electric trolleys, and vehicles owned by the Government of the United States. For most livestock trailer owners, that means completing registration before your first trip on a public road.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) requires most trailers to be registered before they can be legally operated on public roads. Proof of ownership is necessary, typically through a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new trailers or a properly assigned title for used ones. You can complete registration at your local county tax assessor offices or the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission’s offices, depending on the jurisdiction…