Arkansas Car Insurance Laws

We’re happy to help you and fellow Arkansans find affordable car insurance to get you driving legal for less¹.

Before you buy auto insurance, it’s important to know Arkansas’s car insurance laws so you can make sure you’re meeting the legal requirements for your state.

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 for $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 to cover property damage to other’s property.

Arkansas Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance

In the state of Arkansas, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without proof of insurance or financial responsibility. The driver must maintain proof of continuous insurance throughout the registration period. 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.

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.

Cheap Car Insurance in Arkansas

If you are looking for cheap car insurance in the Natural State, Good2Go Auto Insurance^® may be able to help. We help you find low down payments and easy monthly payment options to get you on the road for less.

Start Your Free Arkansas Quote Online.

¹Consult with an attorney to see if it is illegal to drive without insurance in your state. Quote times on partner sites may vary. Prices vary based on the state where you reside, the coverage limits you purchase, and other underwriting factors