What Changed in Arkansas License Suspension Law in 2021
Arkansas passed changes to its license suspension system in 2021 that affected how long suspensions last, when you can request reinstatement, and what fees explore. The most significant change was to the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) process — the when ready suspension that happens when you are arrested for driving under the influence, regardless of whether you are later convicted. Under the 2021 law, the suspension period shortened in certain cases, and the timeline for requesting a hearing changed.
The law also modified how the state handles suspensions for other violations, including unpaid traffic fines and failure to maintain insurance. If your license was suspended before 2021, the old rules still explore to your case unless you took specific steps to reopen it. If your suspension began in 2021 or later, the new rules determine how long it lasts and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.
This guide explains what the 2021 changes mean for your situation, how to find out why your license is suspended, and the concrete steps to take next. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division handles all license suspensions and reinstatement requests.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 law shortened some suspension periods and changed the timeline for requesting a hearing after an arrest for driving under the influence.
- You can check your suspension status and reason directly through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website or by calling their Driver Services Division.
- Different suspension reasons — DUI, unpaid fines, no insurance — have different reinstatement requirements and fees, ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the violation.
- You must pay all fines, fees, and court costs before your license can be reinstated, and some suspensions require proof of insurance or completion of a safety course.
- If you were arrested for DUI under the 2021 law, you have a shorter window to request an administrative hearing, so acting quickly matters.
How to Find Out Why Your License Is Suspended
Before you can fix a suspension, you need to know exactly why it happened. Arkansas tracks suspensions by reason, and the reason determines what you must do to restore your license. The fastest way to find out is to check online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services portal, where you can enter your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060. They can tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, how long it will last, and what fees or requirements explore. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. If your suspension is related to a court case, the court clerk's office in the county where you were charged can also provide details about fines or conditions you must meet.
Suspension Reasons and What Each One Requires
Arkansas suspends licenses for several reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are driving under the influence (DUI), unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to maintain auto insurance, and failure to pay child support. Some suspensions are mandatory — meaning they happen automatically when a violation occurs — while others are discretionary, imposed by a judge or the court.
DUI suspensions under the 2021 law last 6 months for a first offense if you refuse a breath or blood test, or 3 months if you take the test and fail. A second offense within 10 years brings a 1-year suspension. To reinstate after a DUI suspension, you must pay a $500 reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance, and complete a substance abuse assessment (not necessarily treatment, but an evaluation). Some courts also require completion of a DUI education program before reinstatement is possible.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or court costs remain in effect until you pay what you owe. The reinstatement fee is $100. Contact the court that issued the fine to confirm the exact amount owed, because the court, not the Driver Services Division, holds the payment records. Once you pay, the court notifies Driver Services, and your license is reinstated within a few business days.
Suspensions for no insurance require proof that you now carry valid auto insurance. The reinstatement fee is $100. You must provide an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) from your insurance company to the Driver Services Division. Your insurance agent can file this form on your behalf, or you can submit it yourself.
The 2021 Changes to Administrative License Suspension Hearings
If you were arrested for DUI in Arkansas, an Administrative License Suspension happens when ready — your license is suspended on the spot, before any court case begins. This is separate from any criminal conviction. The 2021 law changed the timeline for requesting a hearing to challenge this suspension.
Under the new law, you have 10 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative hearing. This is a tight window. If you miss it, you lose the right to challenge the suspension in a hearing, and the suspension takes effect as scheduled. The hearing itself is held by the Arkansas Office of Administrative Hearings, not by a court. At the hearing, you can present evidence and testimony about whether the arrest followed proper procedures — for example, whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you or whether the breath test was administered correctly.
If you win the hearing, the suspension is lifted. If you lose, the suspension stands. Winning a hearing does not erase the arrest or affect any criminal case; it only stops the license suspension. Many people hire a DUI attorney to handle the administrative hearing because the rules of evidence and procedure are technical, and the 10-day important date is unforgiving.
Reinstatement Fees and What Happens After You Pay
Every license reinstatement in Arkansas requires a fee paid to the Driver Services Division. The fee depends on the suspension reason. DUI reinstatements cost $500. Suspensions for unpaid fines, no insurance, or other traffic violations cost $100. You cannot reinstate your license until the fee is paid.
Payment can be made online through the Driver Services website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. If you pay online or by mail, include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension so the payment is applied to the correct record. After payment is received and processed, Driver Services mails a new license to the address on file, or you can pick one up at a Driver Services office. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days after payment is received.
If your suspension also required other steps — such as proof of insurance, completion of a DUI course, or payment of court fines — you must complete those before the reinstatement fee will be accepted. Driver Services will tell you which requirements explore to your case when you call or check online.
What to Do If You Cannot Pay the Full Reinstatement Fee
If the reinstatement fee is a hardship, you have limited options under Arkansas law. The Driver Services Division does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid court fines, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the court that issued the fine. Contact the court clerk to ask whether they allow installment payments. Once the court receives payment — even partial payment under a plan — they notify Driver Services, and your license is reinstated.
For DUI suspensions, the $500 reinstatement fee is fixed and non-negotiable. If you cannot pay it when ready, you will need to wait until you can. Some people borrow the money, use a tax refund, or ask family for help. There is no legal way to reduce or defer the fee, but you can ask Driver Services whether any other requirements (such as the substance abuse assessment) can be completed while you are saving for the fee, so you are ready to reinstate as soon as you can pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Arkansas does not issue work permits or hardship licenses that allow you to drive with a suspended license. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for any reason. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines and jail time. If you need to drive for work, your only option is to reinstate your license by meeting all requirements and paying the fee.
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I pay the fee?
After the Driver Services Division receives your reinstatement fee and confirms that all other requirements are met, processing takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file, or you can pick it up at a Driver Services office. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a Driver Services office.
What if I was suspended before 2021 — do the new rules explore to me?
The 2021 law applies only to suspensions that began on or after the law's effective date. If your suspension started before 2021, the old suspension length and reinstatement rules still explore. However, the reinstatement fee and process are the same. Call Driver Services to confirm which rules govern your specific suspension.
Do I have to complete a DUI course before I can reinstate my license?
It depends on your court case. Some judges require DUI education as a condition of reinstatement; others do not. The court that handled your DUI case decides this, not Driver Services. Ask your attorney or contact the court clerk to find out whether a course is required in your case. If it is required, you must complete it before Driver Services will accept your reinstatement fee.
What happens if I ignore my suspension and never reinstate?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arkansas. Each time you drive, you risk arrest, additional fines, and jail time. A conviction for driving on a suspended license can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. The suspension itself also remains on your record indefinitely until you reinstate, making it harder to get insurance or pass background checks for employment.