Arkansas Liability Insurance Requirements
The state of Arkansas requires liability insurance to protect other drivers in the event of an accident. The minimum limits are:
- $25k Per Person Bodily Injury
- $50k Per Accident Bodily Injury
- $25k Property Damage
While these limits are minimum they are rarely recommended levels of coverage. Ask your insurance agent what they recommend based on your financial position. Failure to have proper insurance can result in a suspension of a driver's license. Proof of insurance must be present while driving a motor vehicle.
Arkansas now accepts electronic proof of insurance during traffic stops.
Suspended License Information and Reinstatement
License suspension and revocation information is shared with all 50 states. You cannot issue a driver's license if you have an active suspension. There is no notification when the suspension has ended as that information is on the letter you receive when action is first taken. In order to reinstate your license know your eligibility date and specific reinstatement requirements. This information can be found on the letter or from the information at the court hearing.
Arkansas uses a point system to identify problem drivers. Points are assigned for the different traffic violations including 3 points for traffic signal failure to 8 points for reckless driving. If you rack up 10-13 points a warning letter will be mailed and if over 13 points is attained suspension will be proposed. Be sure to know how many points you have and consult the state if you have questions on your status.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Arkansas
If a driver is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or refused the chemical test they will have seven days to request an administrative hearing. If during the hearing the driver is confirmed to have been driving with BAC of .08% or higher, refused the chemical test, or driving while intoxicated the driver's license will be suspended for 6 months.
How many days will my license be suspended for refusing the chemical test?
The first offense to refuse a chemical blood alcohol test is 180 days suspension.
Arkansas SR22 Insurance Information
If you are required to file an SR22 for the state of Arkansas contact an insurance company or agent who is licensed to sell insurance in Arkansas. You will be required to carry state minimum liability limits and continue the insurance policy for the duration of your specific court requirement. If you do not own a car ask your insurance company about a non-owner SR-22 policy.
Most offenses will require you to have this insurance for three years from the end date of any revocation. DWI and Refusal convictions SR-22 is required for five years from the end date of the first offense. SR22 insurance must be maintained for the life of the driver if there is Unsatisfied Judgment or after the fourth DWI or Refusal conviction.
Do not let the insurance policy lapse or cancel as the provider will notify the state and your license will be suspended again. The SR22 is an add on to a standard auto insurance policy that guarantees the state will be notified of any change in status and is commonly referred to as a future financial responsibility filing. You can change insurance companies but be sure to get a new SR22 filed before the old one is cancelled.
Arkansas SR-21 Accident Report
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in $1000+ of property damage or injury/death of any person regardless of fault you must complete a form SR-21. This form must be submitted within thirty days of the accident.
Requirements after an accident
- Complete SR-21 proof of liability insurance
- Written release of liability signed by the other party in accident
- A covenant not to sue signed by the other party which must be notarized
- Written statement which has been accepted by the appropriate parties to the payment of damages in installments
- For more requirements contact Safety Responsibility at 501-682-7098.
