AR SB3

Eliminates the permit requirement for farm vehicles exceeding maximum width limits when used for normal farm purposes (hay harvesting equipment, plows, tractors, bulldozers, combines) if operated by the owner/lessor or their employee during daylight hours within 50 miles of origin and not on interstate or fully controlled access highways.

Allows farm machinery dealers and repair persons to transport oversized equipment without permits when making deliveries or pickups, subject to the same daylight and 50-mile radius restrictions.

Permits movement of oversized farm equipment on U.S. Highway 63 over the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area (between State Highway 149 and State Highway 14 exits) even if it becomes designated as part of the Interstate Highway System, provided the equipment was previously permitted to operate there.

Authorizes the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to issue permits for earthmoving equipment (tractors with dirt pans) to travel on state highways beyond 50 miles with escort vehicles, liability insurance, and convoy restrictions (maximum 3 vehicles, maximum 2 dirt pans per tractor), with the same U.S. Highway 63 exception.

Allows motor homes and camping trailers to exceed maximum width limits if the excess width is caused only by noncargo-carrying appurtenances (awnings, support hardware) extending no more than 6 inches beyond the vehicle body, without requiring a permit.

Declares an emergency effective June 1, 2015, citing agriculture's importance to Arkansas and the need to accommodate farming activities.