How to Get Your Arkansas License Back After Suspension

What Causes a License Suspension in Arkansas

In Arkansas, your license gets suspended — meaning you cannot legally drive — when you violate specific traffic laws or fail to meet requirements the state sets. The most common reason is accumulating too many points on your driving record within a set time. Arkansas uses a points system where traffic violations add points; reach 14 points in 24 months and your license suspends automatically.

Other suspensions happen for reasons unrelated to driving behavior. If you do not pay a traffic fine, miss a court date, fail to maintain car insurance, or do not pay child support, Arkansas can suspend your license. A suspension also occurs if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), refuse a breath test, or cause an accident without insurance. Each reason has different rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to get your license back.

Key Takeaways

Arkansas suspends licenses for accumulating 14 points in 24 months, unpaid fines, missed court dates, lack of insurance, or DUI convictions.
The length of suspension depends on the reason — some last 30 days, others six months or longer.
You must contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division to find out why your license was suspended and what steps to take.
Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, provide proof of insurance, or complete a required program before you can request reinstatement.
You cannot legally drive during a suspension, even with a suspended license in your wallet.

How Long Your Suspension Lasts

The suspension period in Arkansas depends entirely on why your license was suspended. A suspension for accumulating points typically lasts 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second offense within three years, and 90 days for a third or subsequent offense. If you were suspended for unpaid fines or a missed court date, the suspension stays in place until you resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine or appear in court.

DUI-related suspensions are longer and more complex. A first DUI suspension lasts a minimum of six months; a second DUI within ten years means a one-year suspension; a third or subsequent DUI results in a two-year suspension. If you refused a breath or blood test, the suspension is even longer — one year for a first refusal, two years for a second refusal within ten years. Insurance-related suspensions stay active until you provide proof of coverage to the state.

Steps to Reinstate Your License

Before you can drive legally again, you must take specific actions based on why your license was suspended. Start by contacting the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in Little Rock. They will tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you must complete before reinstatement is possible.

If your suspension was for points, you typically must wait out the suspension period and then request reinstatement. If it was for unpaid fines, you must pay them in full — contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the amount and payment method. If it was for a missed court date, you must appear in court or contact the court to reschedule. For insurance-related suspensions, you must obtain a policy and file an SR-22 form (proof of financial responsibility) with the state. For DUI suspensions, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and pay a reinstatement fee.

Once you have completed all requirements, you can request reinstatement by mail, phone, or in person at a Driver Services office. There is usually a reinstatement fee — the amount varies depending on the reason for suspension. After reinstatement is approved, your license is valid again and you can legally drive.

Points and How They Affect Your License

Arkansas assigns points to your driving record based on the violation. A speeding ticket might add three points; reckless driving adds six points; a DUI adds eight points. These points stay on your record for three years from the violation date. If you accumulate 14 or more points within any 24-month period, your license suspends automatically.

You can reduce points on your record by taking a defensive driving course. Completing an approved course removes up to four points from your record, though you can only use this method once every 12 months. Some traffic violations do not add points — parking tickets and equipment violations, for example — but moving violations almost always do. Checking your driving record regularly helps you know how close you are to suspension.

DUI Suspensions and Additional Requirements

A DUI suspension in Arkansas involves more than straightforward waiting and requesting reinstatement. You must complete an alcohol education program approved by the state — typically an eight-hour course for a first offense. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The length of time you must use this device depends on your offense history.

You must also pay a reinstatement fee to the state, which is separate from any court fines or fees you owe. Some people are required to obtain an SR-22 form, which proves to the state that you carry liability insurance. Until all these requirements are met, your license will not be reinstated, even after the suspension period ends.

Driving During a Suspension Is Illegal

Once your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for any reason — not to work, not to the store, not to a medical appointment. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arkansas. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years means a fine of $500 to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

If you are caught driving during a suspension, you will face additional charges on top of the original reason for suspension. Your license suspension will likely be extended, and you may face criminal penalties. If you need to drive during a suspension, you can request a limited license (also called a hardship license) from the Driver Services Division, though these are granted only in specific circumstances and require a formal request.

Requesting a Limited License During Suspension

Arkansas allows limited licenses in some cases, but only if you meet strict requirements. A limited license lets you drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — but nowhere else. To request one, you must submit a written petition to the Driver Services Division explaining why you need to drive and how the suspension creates a hardship.

Limited licenses are not automatic and are granted at the discretion of the state. You must show that you have a legitimate need to drive and that no other transportation is available. If approved, your limited license is valid only for the specific purposes listed and only during the hours specified. Driving outside these limits is still illegal and carries the same penalties as driving on a fully suspended license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out why my license was suspended?

Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at 501-682-7060. You can also visit their website or go to a Driver Services office in person. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?

No, you cannot legally drive for any reason during a suspension. Driving to work is a criminal offense. You can request a limited license from the Driver Services Division, but approval is not may provide and requires a formal written petition showing hardship.

What is an SR-22 form and do I need one?

An SR-22 is proof of financial responsibility — it shows the state that you carry liability insurance. You need one if your suspension was related to an accident without insurance or a DUI. Your insurance company files it with the state; you do not file it yourself.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license?

Reinstatement fees vary by the reason for suspension, ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. Contact the Driver Services Division to find out the exact fee for your situation. You must pay this fee in addition to any court fines or other costs.

Can I get my points removed from my driving record?

Points stay on your record for three years. You can remove up to four points by completing an approved defensive driving course, but you can only use this method once every 12 months. After three years, points drop off automatically.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.