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Arkansas Car Insurance

Driving on the roads of “the natural state” can be beautiful, but drivers always need to keep an eye out for various modes of transportation. From 18 wheelers to motorbikes, accidents can happen.

Failure to provide proof of car insurance can result in fines, or even jail time.

Arkansas Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance

The penalties for driving without car insurance in Arkansas include: Mandatory fines for first offense range from $50 to $250 for the first offense, $250 to $500 for the second offense and $500 to $1,000 for the third offense.

A driver who is convicted of a third or subsequent offense may be incarcerated up to one year in the county jail.

What is Considered Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Arkansas?

According to the Arkansas Insurance Department, Arkansas‘s car insurance laws require all drivers to present proof of liability insurance when they register their vehicle. Arkansas vehicle owners with cars registered in their name must be able to certify that they have insurance and that it meets state minimum requirements

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Arkansas DUI/DWI Laws and Penalties

Arkansas DUI laws state that drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more are considered to be driving under the influence.

First Arkansas DUI:

• Imprisonment: 1 day – 1 year. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: Minimum 7 days
• Community Service: May be ordered in lieu of imprisonment
• Fines: $150 – $1,000
• Driver’s License Suspension: 120 days. If BAC .15% or higher: 180 days
• Ignition Interlock Device: Permitted immediately if allowed.
• Alcohol Treatment or Education Program: Required

Second Arkansas DUI within 5 years:

• Imprisonment: 7 days – 1 year. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: 30 days – 1 year
• Community Service: May be ordered in lieu of imprisonment to serve a minimum of 30 days community service. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: minimum 60 days
• Fines: $400 – $3,000
• Driver’s License Suspension: 24 months
• Ignition Interlock Device: Interlock Restricted License available after 1 year
• Alcohol Treatment or Education Program: Required

Third Arkansas DUI within 5 years:

• Imprisonment: 90 days – 1 year. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: 120 days – 1 year
• Community Service: May be ordered in lieu of imprisonment to serve a minimum of 90 days community service. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: minimum 120 days
• Fines: $900 – $5,000
• Driver’s License Suspension: 30 months
• Ignition Interlock Device: Interlock Restricted License available after 1 year
• Alcohol Treatment or Education Program: Required

Fourth Arkansas DUI within 5 years (Felony):

• Imprisonment: 1 year – 6 years. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: 2 years – 6 years
• Community Service: May be ordered in lieu of imprisonment to serve a minimum of 1 year community service. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: minimum 2 years
• Fines: $900 – $5,000
• Driver’s License Revocation: 4 years
• Vehicle Seizure: If fourth offense is within 3 years of first DUI offense, state may seize and put up for sale vehicle with proceeds going to the state.

Fifth or Subsequent Arkansas DUI within 5 years (Felony):

• Imprisonment: 2 years – 10 years. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: 3 years – 10 years
• Community Service: May be ordered in lieu of imprisonment to serve a minimum of 3 years community service. If passenger under 16 in vehicle: minimum 2 years
• Fines: $900 – $5,000
• Driver’s License Revocation: 4 years

Arkansas Cell Phone Driving Laws and Texting While Driving Laws

Arkansas bans texting for all drivers. It also bans cell phone use for drivers aged 18-20. This use can be the reason for a traffic stop.

Arkansas SR-22 Insurance Documents

Arkansas SR-22 insurance documents are required for drivers who have been convicted of driving without auto insurance. An SR-22 form may need to be filed for three years with the Office of Driver Services, showing proof of financial responsibility. This filing is usually required after the suspension of your driving privileges has been lifted. Your insurer can electronically file SR-22 insurance documents to the state of Arkansas for drivers that are required to keep and show valid auto liability insurance.