What Arkansas Law Changed About Suspended Licenses in 2020

Arkansas passed Act 570 in 2020, which changed how the state handles driver's license suspensions and made reinstatement faster and less expensive for certain violations. The law primarily reduced reinstatement fees and created a pathway for people to restore driving privileges sooner if they met specific conditions. The changes applied to suspensions for traffic violations, unpaid fines, and failure to appear in court — not to suspensions tied to DUI convictions or serious criminal offenses.

Under the 2020 law, Arkansas lowered the reinstatement fee from $100 to $50 for most suspensions. The state also allowed people to request a hearing to challenge a suspension or demonstrate they had resolved the underlying issue — such as paying a fine or completing a required course — before the full suspension period ended. This meant you could potentially restore your license months earlier than the original suspension term allowed.

The law did not eliminate suspensions or make them automatic. It changed the cost and timeline for getting your license back once you had addressed the reason for the suspension in the first place.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas Act 570 reduced reinstatement fees to $50 for most traffic-related suspensions, down from $100.
  • You can request a hearing to show you have resolved the violation — such as paying fines or completing traffic school — and potentially restore your license before the full suspension period ends.
  • The law applies to suspensions for unpaid fines, failure to appear, and traffic violations, but not to DUI or criminal suspensions.
  • You must contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to request a hearing or pay the reinstatement fee.
  • Proof of resolution — a receipt showing fines paid, a completion certificate from traffic school, or a court document — is required before reinstatement.

Which Suspensions may have access to for Early Reinstatement Under Act 570

Act 570 applies to suspensions issued by Arkansas for traffic violations, unpaid court fines, and failure to appear in court. If your license was suspended because you did not pay a speeding ticket, failed to show up for a court date, or accumulated unpaid traffic fines, you fall under the law's scope. You can request a hearing to demonstrate you have paid the fines or resolved the court issue, and the state may restore your license before the original suspension term expires.

The law does not cover suspensions related to DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving convictions that resulted in criminal charges, or suspensions tied to drug offenses. Those suspensions follow different rules and longer timelines. If your suspension is tied to a criminal conviction or substance-related offense, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration directly to learn what options exist for your specific case.

Administrative suspensions — those issued automatically when you fail a breathalyzer test or refuse a chemical test — also fall outside Act 570's reinstatement pathway. Those suspensions have their own hearing process and fee structure.

How to Request a Hearing to Restore Your License Early

To request a hearing under Act 570, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. You can reach them by phone at (501) 682-7060 or visit their office in Little Rock. When you call, explain that your license is suspended and you want to request a hearing to show you have resolved the underlying violation.

The Driver Services Division will tell you what documents you need to bring. Typically, this means proof that you have paid outstanding fines — a receipt from the court or a payment confirmation — or documentation that you completed a required course, such as traffic school or a defensive driving program. If your suspension was for failure to appear, you will need proof that you appeared in court or that the case was resolved.

You do not need a lawyer to request a hearing, though you can bring one if you choose. The hearing is informal and conducted by a hearing officer who reviews your documents and decides whether to recommend reinstatement. If the officer agrees that you have resolved the issue, the state will restore your license, and you will pay the $50 reinstatement fee at that time.

The Reinstatement Fee and What It Covers

The $50 reinstatement fee is the cost to restore your driving privileges once you have resolved the violation. This fee is separate from any fines you owe to the court. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines first; the $50 fee is what you pay to the state to reactivate your license after the fines are settled.

The fee applies whether you request an early hearing or wait out the full suspension period. If you wait until the suspension naturally expires, you still pay $50 to reinstate. The difference is timing: requesting a hearing lets you restore your license sooner if you have already resolved the underlying issue.

Payment can be made in person at the Driver Services Division office, by mail, or by phone. The division will provide payment instructions when you contact them about your hearing request.

Timeline for Hearing and Reinstatement

The state does not publish a fixed timeline for scheduling hearings, and wait times vary depending on the division's workload. When you call to request a hearing, ask how long the wait typically is in your area. In some cases, you may be able to schedule a hearing within two to four weeks; in others, it may take longer.

Once your hearing is held and the officer recommends reinstatement, you can usually pay the $50 fee and have your license restored the same day or within a few business days. The exact timeline depends on whether you pay in person or by mail.

If you do not request a hearing and straightforward wait for the suspension to expire on its own, the timeline is set by the original suspension order. You will see the expiration date on your suspension notice. Once that date passes, you can pay the $50 reinstatement fee and restore your license without a hearing.

What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license in Arkansas is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250. A second offense within five years carries up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $500. A third or subsequent offense can result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension period. The state may add additional months to your suspension or impose a new suspension on top of the existing one. You may also face civil liability if you are involved in an accident while driving with a suspended license, and your insurance company may deny coverage.

If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, explore alternatives such as public transportation, carpooling, or a temporary work permit. Some employers can request a limited driving permit from the state for work-related travel, though this requires employer documentation and state approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?

Arkansas does not issue temporary driving permits for traffic-related suspensions. However, if you need to drive for work, your employer can request a limited work permit from the Driver Services Division. You will need a letter from your employer stating the business necessity. The state reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis and does not grant them automatically.

What if I cannot afford the $50 reinstatement fee?

The Driver Services Division does not waive the reinstatement fee, but you can ask about payment plans when you contact them. Some offices may allow you to pay in installments or defer payment if you demonstrate financial hardship. Call (501) 682-7060 to discuss your situation with a representative.

Do I have to go in person for the hearing, or can I do it by phone or mail?

The Driver Services Division handles hearings on a case-by-case basis. Some offices conduct hearings by phone or mail if you submit your documents in advance. When you request a hearing, ask whether an in-person appearance is required or whether you can participate remotely. Having your documents organized and ready to submit will speed up the process.

If I pay my fines, will my license automatically reinstate?

No. Paying your fines resolves the underlying violation, but you must still request a hearing or wait for the suspension period to end, then pay the $50 reinstatement fee to restore your license. Paying fines alone does not reinstate your driving privileges.

Does Act 570 explore if my suspension is from another state?

No. Act 570 applies only to suspensions issued by Arkansas. If your license was suspended by another state, you must contact that state's driver licensing agency. Arkansas will recognize the suspension and will not reinstate your license until the other state lifts its suspension.