Arkansas suspends your license when you accumulate 14 points within a 3-year period, or 20 points within a 5-year period

Arkansas uses a points system to track traffic violations. Each violation you receive adds a certain number of points to your driving record. When your points reach 14 in any 3-year window, the state automatically suspends your license. If you accumulate 20 points within 5 years, that also triggers a suspension. The suspension length depends on how many times you have been suspended before.

The state does not send you a warning before the suspension takes effect. Once you hit the threshold, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Driver Services mails you a notice. Your license becomes invalid on the date stated in that notice, which is typically 10 days after the letter is mailed. You cannot legally drive after that date.

Key Takeaways

  • Fourteen points in 3 years or 20 points in 5 years triggers an automatic license suspension in Arkansas.
  • Each traffic violation carries a specific point value — speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is 3 points, while reckless driving is 8 points.
  • Your first suspension lasts 90 days; a second suspension within 5 years lasts 6 months; a third or later suspension lasts 1 year.
  • You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving the notice.

How points are assigned to different violations

The point value depends on the type of violation. Minor infractions like speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit add 3 points. Speeding 11 to 20 mph over adds 6 points. Speeding more than 20 mph over adds 8 points. Reckless driving, improper passing, and following too closely each add 8 points.

More serious violations carry higher point values. Driving under the influence (DUI) adds 8 points on a first offense. Leaving the scene of an accident adds 12 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license adds 6 points. Minor violations like an expired registration or broken taillight add 1 point each.

You can view your current point total by contacting the Arkansas Office of Driver Services or checking your driving record online through their website. Knowing your point balance helps you understand how close you are to suspension.

How long your license stays suspended

The suspension length depends on whether this is your first suspension or a repeat offense. Your first suspension lasts 90 days. During this time, you cannot legally drive. You must wait the full 90 days before you can request reinstatement.

A second suspension within 5 years lasts 6 months. A third or later suspension lasts 1 year. These timeframes are measured from the date your license was suspended, not from the date you receive the notice. Once the suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Office of Driver Services before you can drive again.

If you receive violations while your license is suspended, additional points may accumulate on your record. This can lead to a longer suspension or a revocation (a permanent or indefinite loss of driving privileges) rather than just another suspension.

Requesting a hearing before suspension takes effect

When you receive the suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing. You must submit your request within 10 days of the date on the notice. The hearing gives you a chance to present your side before the suspension becomes official.

To request a hearing, contact the Arkansas Office of Driver Services in writing or by phone. Include your driver's license number, your name, and the date of the suspension notice. You can argue that the points were recorded incorrectly, that a violation should not have been assigned the point value it received, or present other relevant circumstances.

The hearing officer will review your record and your argument. They may uphold the suspension, reduce the points, or dismiss the suspension entirely. However, if the violations are clearly documented and the points are correctly calculated, the hearing officer will likely uphold the suspension. A hearing does not may provide a different outcome, but it is your opportunity to be heard before the suspension takes effect.

How to get your license reinstated

After your suspension period ends, you cannot straightforward start driving again. You must formally request reinstatement from the Arkansas Office of Driver Services. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for your suspension. For a points-based suspension, the fee is typically around $100, though you should confirm the current amount with the office.

You may also be required to pass a written driving test or vision test before reinstatement is granted. The office will notify you of any testing requirements when you request reinstatement. Some suspensions also require you to show proof of liability insurance before your license is restored.

Once reinstatement is approved and you have paid the fee, the office will mail you a new license or a reinstatement document. You can then legally drive again. Keep in mind that your points do not disappear after reinstatement — they remain on your record for the full 3-year or 5-year period from the violation date.

Points drop off your record over time

Points do not stay on your driving record forever. Arkansas removes points based on how long ago the violation occurred. Most violations drop off after 3 years from the date of the violation. Some violations, particularly serious ones like DUI, may remain on your record longer.

This means that if you have 14 points and one of those violations is 3 years old, that point will be removed once the 3-year mark passes. If removing that point brings your total below 14, you will no longer be in suspension territory. However, if you receive new violations before old points drop off, you can quickly accumulate enough points to trigger a suspension again.

You can request a copy of your driving record from the Arkansas Office of Driver Services to see exactly when each violation will drop off. This helps you plan and understand when your point total will naturally decrease.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Arkansas is a criminal offense. You can be arrested, fined, and potentially jailed. A first offense typically results in a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time of up to 30 days. Repeat offenses carry steeper penalties.

If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you will also face additional points on your record — usually 6 points. This can extend your suspension or lead to a revocation instead. You may also face civil liability if you cause an accident while driving illegally.

If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or essential purposes, you may be able to request a limited driving permit from the court. This permit allows you to drive only for specific purposes, such as getting to work or medical appointments. You must petition the court and show that the suspension causes undue hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record before 3 years?

No, Arkansas does not allow you to remove points early through traffic school or defensive driving courses. Points remain on your record for the full 3-year or 5-year period. Your only option is to wait for them to drop off automatically or to request a hearing if you believe the points were assigned in error.

What is the difference between suspension and revocation?

A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can request reinstatement. A revocation is indefinite or permanent — you lose your driving privileges for a longer period and may need to retest or meet additional requirements to get your license back. Revocations typically result from serious violations like multiple DUIs or driving with a suspended license.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Arkansas suspension?

Yes, Arkansas counts violations from other states through the Interstate Compact agreement. If you receive a ticket in another state, that violation and its points will be reported to Arkansas and added to your driving record. The point value may differ slightly depending on how Arkansas classifies the out-of-state violation.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

You may be able to obtain a limited driving permit through the court if you can show that the suspension causes undue hardship — for example, if you need to drive to work and have no other transportation. You must petition the court in the county where you live. The court has discretion to grant or deny the permit based on your circumstances.

How do I check my current points total?

Contact the Arkansas Office of Driver Services by phone or visit their website to request your driving record. You can also visit a local driver services office in person. There is usually a small fee to obtain your record, typically $5 to $10. Your record will show all violations and their point values from the past 3 to 5 years.