Your license can be suspended or revoked in Arkansas for a variety of offenses like driving without insurance, fleeing the scene of an accident, or being cited multiple times for not wearing your seatbelt. Driving with a suspended Arkansas license is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties—including imprisonment.
Driving is a privilege, not a right. It’s a privilege that can be suspended or even revoked if you’re not careful or violate certain laws. Jerry
, the car insurance
shopping app, has done a deep dive into The Land of Opportunity and its license suspension regulations, including how it can affect the cost of car insurance in Arkansas:
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?
Since “suspension” and “revocation” both refer to losing your driver’s license, they often get confused. In reality, they have two different meanings! Let’s break them down:
A license suspension is when you temporarily lose driving privileges for a set period
A license revocation is a permanent loss of driving privileges unless you reapply for your license
The Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles
can suspend or revoke driver’s licenses for several reasons ranging from multiple seat belt violations to vehicular manslaughter. What can your license be suspended for in Arkansas?
Your license can be suspended for a wide range of offenses. Here are some of the most common violations to avoid so you never have to worry about losing your driving privileges.
1. If you drive with a suspended license or without a license
This one should be obvious, but if your license is suspended, do not drive! Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of your suspension. Not only that, but you could face up to five years in prison.
Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you on the road.
2. If you fail to appear for a traffic summons
Your license could be suspended if you fail to appear in traffic court. This will stay in effect until you appear in person and complete the sentence ordered by the court. Be sure to stay organized with any court dates so that you don’t run into this issue.
3. If you have a physical or psychological impairment
The Office of Motor Vehicles’ Chief Administrator may order a re-examination if they have reason to believe you are not fit to drive. Your license may be suspended if the re-examination concludes that you are not able to drive safely.
4. If you flee the scene of an accident
If you flee the scene of an accident or are involved in a hit-and-run, your license will be suspended. It’s easy to panic, but you’ll only be making the situation worse. Remember to always stop when involved in an accident whether you’re at fault or not — it's required by state law.
5. If you collect too many violation points
When it comes to moving violations, the state of Arkansas operates on a point system. If you accrue 14 or more points on your current record, your license will be suspended. The period of suspension is as follows:
14 to 17 points: three-month suspension
18 to 23 points: six-month suspension
24 or more points: one-year suspension
6. If you have excessive seat belt violations
Your Arkansas driver’s license may be suspended if you are cited multiple times for not wearing a seatbelt. This is the easiest one to avoid. Be smart, be safe, and buckle up!
7. If you commit a violation that causes death or serious injury
Any non-DUI-related traffic citation that causes death or serious bodily injury to another driver or passenger can result in the revocation of your license. Drive carefully and obey Arkansas’s traffic laws to prevent this serious consequence.
8. If you improperly use your license
Your Arkansas driver’s license may be suspended if your license is used illegally to commit fraud when you apply for a license, use a fake or altered license, or use someone else's license.
9. If you have a BAC over 0.08 or refuse a breathalyzer test
Your Arkansas driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are caught driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% or higher
, you will be charged with a DUI
. The amount of time your license is suspended will depend on the seriousness of the violation and whether it is your first offense or not. Check out the breakdown below:
1st offense DWI/DUI: six months
1st offense BAC test refusal: six months
2nd offense within five years: two years
3rd offense within five years: two and a half years
4th offense within five years: four years
10. If you don’t maintain Arkansas car insurance
All motor vehicles driven in Arkansas must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended. Arkansas requires drivers to carry minimum amounts of both property damage liability
and personal injury protection (PIP)
insurance to legally hit the road. How to save money on car insurance in Arkansas
Whether your driving record is good or bad, you can still find a great rate on car insurance with the Jerry
app. Not only is Jerry the #1 rated insurance app, but it’s also the most convenient way to save money on insurance. Signing up is free and takes just about 45 seconds. As a licensed broker
, Jerry’s team searches through quotes from 50+ top insurance companies to get you the best rate. With average monthly savings of $73, Jerry is the guru you need by your side after an Arkansas license suspension. “My speeding ticket raised my insurance to $310/month. Jerry
got me full comprehensive coverage on two vehicles for $144/month through Progressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try.” —Brandon D.
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers