What Changed in Arkansas Suspension Law in 2020

Arkansas passed significant changes to its license suspension system in 2020, primarily through Act 570, which altered how the state handles certain suspension cases and created new pathways for drivers to restore driving privileges. The law did not eliminate suspensions, but it changed which offenses trigger them, how long they last, and what options exist to get back on the road sooner.

The most important change for many drivers was the introduction of restricted driving privileges in cases where suspension would otherwise be mandatory. This means some drivers who would have lost full driving privileges under the old law can now request a limited license that allows them to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — even while their suspension is technically active.

A second major shift involved suspension length reductions for certain violations. Some first-time offenses that previously carried longer suspension periods were shortened, and the law created clearer timelines for when you become may be able to access to request reinstatement or a restricted license.

Key Takeaways

  • Act 570 allows drivers suspended for certain violations to request a restricted license that permits driving to work, school, medical care, or court programs instead of losing all driving privileges.
  • Suspension lengths for some first-time violations were reduced under the 2020 law, and may be able to access for reinstatement or restricted privileges came sooner than under previous rules.
  • You must request restricted driving privileges — the DMV does not issue them automatically, and the request must be made to the circuit court in your county.
  • The law applies differently depending on the reason for suspension, so the specific timeline and options available to you depend on which violation caused your suspension.
  • Reinstating your license after suspension requires payment of reinstatement fees and proof that the underlying issue (unpaid fines, completion of a program, or passage of time) has been resolved.

Which Suspensions may have access to for Restricted Driving Privileges

Not every suspension allows you to request a restricted license. The 2020 law expanded the list of offenses for which restricted privileges are available, but suspensions tied to certain serious violations — such as DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or suspensions ordered by the court as part of a criminal sentence — typically do not may have access to.

Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to maintain insurance are among those that may allow restricted privileges. Suspensions related to accumulating too many points on your driving record also fall into this category. However, the specific language of the court order or DMV notice that suspended your license will state whether you are may be able to access to request restrictions.

If your suspension notice does not clearly state whether restricted privileges are available, contact the circuit court clerk in the county where the suspension was ordered. They can tell you whether Act 570 applies to your case and what the next step is.

How to Request a Restricted License

To request restricted driving privileges under the 2020 law, you must file a petition with the circuit court in the county where the suspension was issued. You cannot request this through the DMV online or by mail to the state office — it must go through the local court system.

The petition should state the reason you need to drive (work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered program attendance), provide your current address and driver's license number, and explain why the restriction would not endanger public safety. Some courts have a standard form for this petition; others accept a written request. Call the circuit court clerk's office in your county to ask whether a form exists and whether there is a filing fee.

Once filed, the court will review your petition. If approved, you will receive an order that you then take to the Arkansas DMV along with your suspension notice. The DMV will issue a restricted license showing the specific purposes for which you may drive. Violation of the restriction — for example, driving to a location other than those listed — can result in additional penalties.

Suspension Lengths and Reinstatement Timelines Under Act 570

The 2020 law shortened suspension periods for some violations and clarified when you become may be able to access to request full reinstatement. The exact timeline depends on the reason for your suspension.

For suspensions due to unpaid fines or court costs, reinstatement is typically available once you pay the outstanding amount plus the reinstatement fee. For suspensions related to point accumulation or traffic violations, the law specifies a waiting period — often measured in months — after which you can request reinstatement by paying the fee and meeting any other conditions (such as completing a defensive driving course).

Suspensions tied to child support arrears require proof from the child support enforcement office that the arrears have been paid or that a payment plan has been established. Suspensions for failure to maintain insurance require proof of current coverage before reinstatement is possible.

Reinstatement Fees and Required Documents

Reinstatement is not automatic. You must submit a formal request to the Arkansas DMV, along with the reinstatement fee and proof that the condition causing the suspension has been resolved.

The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $100 to $200. You will also need to provide one or more of the following, depending on your case:

  • Proof of payment for unpaid fines, court costs, or child support arrears
  • A certificate of completion for a required defensive driving course or substance abuse program
  • Proof of current auto insurance if the suspension was for lack of coverage
  • A court order or letter from the suspending agency confirming that the condition has been met

Submit these documents and the fee to the Arkansas DMV by mail or in person at a local DMV office. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you will receive a new license or a notice that your suspension has been lifted and your original license is valid again.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement

Many drivers delay their own reinstatement by submitting incomplete paperwork or misunderstanding what proof is required. The most frequent error is paying fines directly to the court without notifying the DMV — the court and the DMV do not automatically share payment information, so the DMV may not know your fine has been paid unless you provide proof.

Another common mistake is requesting reinstatement before the waiting period has passed. If the law requires a 30-day or 90-day waiting period before you are may be able to access, submitting your request early will result in denial, and you will have to resubmit later. Check your suspension notice or call the DMV to confirm the exact date you become may be able to access.

Drivers also sometimes confuse restricted driving privileges with full reinstatement. A restricted license is temporary and does not restore your full driving privileges — it only allows you to drive for the specific purposes listed. Once the underlying issue is resolved (fines paid, program completed, waiting period passed), you must then request full reinstatement to drive without restrictions.

How Act 570 Differs From Previous Arkansas Law

Before 2020, Arkansas had fewer options for drivers facing suspension. Many suspensions were mandatory and lengthy, with no middle ground between losing all driving privileges and waiting out the full suspension period. Restricted licenses existed in limited circumstances, but Act 570 expanded them significantly.

The law also reduced suspension lengths for certain first-time violations and created clearer, faster pathways to reinstatement. Under the old system, some drivers had to wait the entire suspension period even if they had resolved the underlying issue (such as paying fines). The 2020 law allows reinstatement as soon as the condition is met, rather than requiring a fixed waiting period to pass.

Additionally, Act 570 made the reinstatement process more transparent by specifying what documents are required and establishing timelines for DMV processing. This reduced confusion and made it easier for drivers to understand exactly what they needed to do to restore their license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at all while my license is suspended in Arkansas?

Not unless you have a restricted license. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense. However, if your suspension qualifies under Act 570, you can request a restricted license that allows driving for specific purposes like work or medical appointments. You must request this through the circuit court — it is not automatic.

How long does it take to get a restricted license approved?

The court typically rules on your petition within one to three weeks. Once approved, you take the court order to the DMV, which issues the restricted license when ready or within a few days. The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from the time you file the petition.

What if I do not know which county court to file my petition in?

Check your suspension notice — it should list the county where the suspension was ordered. If it does not, contact the Arkansas DMV and provide your driver's license number; they can tell you which county issued the suspension. You can then call that county's circuit court clerk to ask about the petition process.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I have already paid my fines?

Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. It is a fee charged by the DMV to process your reinstatement request and restore your license. Typical reinstatement fees range from $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension.

Can my restricted license be taken away if I violate the restrictions?

Yes. Driving outside the permitted purposes (for example, driving to a location other than work or a medical appointment) is a violation and can result in additional charges, extended suspension, or loss of the restricted license. Stick strictly to the purposes listed on your restricted license.