📅 2026 Update: Changes in Arkansas DUI/DWI Laws

Since the original article was written, there have been no significant changes to Arkansas DUI/DWI laws from 2024 to 2026. The core penalties and procedures remain the same. Readers can find the updated information below, along with the original article further down the page.

🚨 Recent Fees and Costs

A $150 reinstatement fee is required after a DUI/DWI conviction to get your driver’s license back. This fee has not changed since the last update.

📋 Requesting a Hearing

If you want to contest a DUI/DWI-related license suspension, you must submit a hearing request. This request needs to be sent to the Office of Driver Services within seven days of receiving the suspension notice.

🕒 License Suspension Timing

If you do not request a hearing, the license suspension becomes effective 30 days after you receive the notice. It's important to pay attention to these deadlines to avoid automatic penalties.

📜 Reinstatement Requirements

To reinstate a suspended license after a DUI/DWI, you must finish an approved alcohol education or treatment program and pay the reinstatement fee. This requirement remains unchanged and is crucial for regaining driving privileges.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • No significant changes to DUI/DWI laws from 2024 to 2026.
  • $150 reinstatement fee for license reinstatement after a conviction.
  • Hearing request must be made within seven days of suspension notice.
  • License suspension effective 30 days after notice if no hearing is requested.
  • Completion of an approved program is required for license reinstatement.

💡 Tips for Dealing with DUI/DWI Situations

Review the details of your specific situation with an attorney. This ensures you understand the implications of your case.

📝 Understand BAC Limits

Know the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in Arkansas. For adults over 21, the limit is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%, and for those under 21, it’s 0.02%.

📅 Act Quickly on Hearings

If you receive a notice of suspension, act quickly. You have just seven days to submit a hearing request if you want to contest the suspension.

📚 Complete Required Programs

To reinstate your license, complete an approved alcohol education or treatment program. This step is mandatory before you can pay the reinstatement fee.

⏳ Be Aware of Suspension Periods

Understand the length of your license suspension based on your offense. The first offense carries a 6-month suspension, while subsequent offenses result in longer suspensions.

🚫 Ignition Interlock Devices

Be prepared for the possibility of needing an ignition interlock device. This device may be required for license reinstatement after a DUI/DWI conviction.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What happens if I refuse a chemical test?

Refusing a chemical test after a DUI/DWI arrest results in an automatic license suspension. The first refusal leads to a 180-day suspension.

📅 How long does a DUI/DWI stay on my record?

A DUI/DWI conviction generally stays on your record for several years. This can affect insurance rates and future driving privileges.

⚖️ Can I appeal a DUI/DWI conviction?

Yes, you can appeal a DUI/DWI conviction. However, the process can be complex and may require legal assistance.

🕒 How can I reinstate my license after a DUI?

To reinstate your license, complete an approved alcohol education program and pay the $150 reinstatement fee.

📜 What are the penalties for underage DUI?

For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% to 0.079% results in a DUI charge. A BAC of 0.08% or higher leads to a more severe DWI charge.

🚨 What is the penalty for a third DUI offense?

A third DUI offense within five years can result in 90 days to 1 year in jail, fines between $900 to $5,000, and a 30-month license suspension.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to DUI/DWI

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of DUI/DWI laws, including penalties and procedural requirements. These rulings can impact how laws are enforced and interpreted.

For more insights, browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



Guide to Arkansas Traffic Fines



 

Arkansas Traffic Fines


 



If you are facing traffic fines in Arkansas courts, you may be wondering how much your ticket is going to cost you.  While it is possible to estimate your fine based on state regulations, it is important to remember that Arkansas traffic fines are largely dependent on judge's discretion and the municipality's laws where you are stopped.  



 



 



Because of this, the only way to find out how much your traffic fine in particular will be is to look at your ticket or call the phone number listed on your ticket.  You may be able to find your particular municipality's traffic fine schedule online, but if you cannot, a phone call to traffic court will usually put you in touch with someone who can tell you about the fee schedule or fax you a copy.



 



 



Civil Infractions and Misdemeanors



 



 



Not all traffic offenses are equal.  While some traffic offenses penalize you only with Arkansas traffic fines and points on your license, others could actually land you in jail.  Offenses that can result in jail are called misdemeanors, and those that cannot result in jail are called civil infractions.  Typically, your traffic citation will list whether you are being charged with a civil infraction or a misdemeanor.



 



 



If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you will not only be responsible for paying all applicable Arkansas traffic fines, you will also face jail time of up to a year depending on the offense.  Traffic offenses that can lead to a misdemeanor charge in Arkansas include driving with a revoked license, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or even speeding.



 



 



Speeding Tickets



 



 



Speeding tickets are the most common source of Arkansas traffic fines.  More than almost any other traffic violation, speeding results in penalties that can vary quite widely depending on the jurisdiction you were stopped in and the particular circumstances that resulted in your traffic stop.



 



 



If you were driving recklessly, you may be charged with further offenses and receive jail time in addition to Arkansas traffic fines.  You may also face jail time if you are a habitual speeder or if you caused an accident.  First-time speeders are likely to receive substantially lower penalties and may even be able to have their Arkansas traffic fines eliminated by going to traffic school.  



 



 



On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a traffic fine in Arkansas unless there are aggravating factors.    Arkansas traffic fines for speeding (and all other moving violations) double if you commit the offense in a work zone.



 



 



Texting While Driving



 



 



A relatively new traffic offense in Arkansas is texting while driving.  You can be given Arkansas traffic fines of up to $100 if you are texting.  Teenagers can even be given fines for using hands-free devices.  This law, “Paul's Law,” was designed to keep Arkansas motorists safer and dates to 2009.  Texting while driving is a civil infraction, so while you will be subject to Arkansas traffic fines, you will not face any jail time for it.