Regulates photoreceptor cell deactivation. Arr1 and Arr2 proteins are mediators of rhodopsin inactivation and are essential for the termination of the phototransduction cascade. Expressed specifically and abundantly in the photoreceptors. Inner and outer segments, and the inner plexiform regions of the retina. Phosphorylated, but does not undergo light-induced phosphorylation. Belongs to the arrestin family.