The Arkansas Driver's License Point System: How to Keep a Clean Record

When you earn your Arkansas driver's license, you're also given a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities as a driver. To encourage safe driving and track high-risk individuals, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) uses an Administrative Point System. [11]

Understanding this system from the very beginning is crucial. Every moving traffic violation you're convicted of adds points to your record. Accumulate too many, and you could face serious consequences, including the suspension of your license.

How Does the Arkansas Point System Work?

The concept is straightforward: the state assigns a point value to different moving violations. The more serious the traffic offense, the more points are added to your permanent driving record. [11] These points serve as a red flag to the DFA, indicating a pattern of unsafe driving. [11, 27]

Points stay on your record for 36 months (3 years) from the date of conviction. [27] If you accumulate too many points within that timeframe, the DFA will take administrative action.

Point Values for Common Traffic Violations

While the DFA has a comprehensive list, here are the point values for some common violations in Arkansas:

• Speeding:
  • Up to 10 mph over the limit: 3 points [25]
  • (More significant speeding violations will carry higher point values)
• Reckless Driving: 8 points [25]
• Failure to Obey a Traffic Signal/Sign: 3 points [14]
• Following Too Closely: 3 points [14]
• Passing a Stopped School Bus: 8 points [14]
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Refusing a Chemical Test: These are among the highest point violations, often 14 points or more, and come with immediate, separate, and severe criminal penalties including license suspension, fines, and jail time. [14, 25]

It is important to remember that paying the fine for a ticket is an admission of guilt, and the conviction will be reported to the DFA to add points to your record. [25]

The Consequences: What Happens When You Accumulate Points?

The DFA takes action based on the number of points you have on your record.

• 10-13 Points: You will receive a warning letter in the mail from the DFA. [11, 27, 32] This letter serves as a formal notice that you are approaching a dangerous threshold and need to improve your driving habits immediately.

• 14 or More Points: This is the critical threshold. If you accumulate 14 or more points, the DFA will send you a notice for a proposed license suspension and schedule you for a mandatory administrative hearing. [11, 25, 27]

The Administrative Hearing

If you are required to attend a hearing, a Hearing Officer will review your driving record and discuss the violations with you. Based on the hearing, the officer has several options:

• No Action: If the circumstances warrant it.
• Probation: You may be allowed to continue driving under strict conditions.
• Restriction: Your license may be restricted (e.g., for driving to work or school only).
• Suspension: Your driving privileges will be suspended for a set period.

If you fail to attend your scheduled hearing, your license will be automatically suspended. [11, 25]

License Suspension Periods

The length of the suspension is based on your total points:

• 14 to 17 points: Potential suspension for up to 3 months. [25, 27]
• 18 to 23 points: Potential suspension for up to 6 months. [25, 27]
• 24 or more points: Potential suspension for up to 1 year. [25, 27]

Reinstating your license after a suspension involves paying significant fees and fulfilling any other requirements mandated by the DFA. [14]

How to Keep Your Record Clean

The best defense is a good offense—in this case, safe and defensive driving.

1. Obey All Traffic Laws: This is the simplest and most effective way to avoid tickets and points.
2. Drive Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions, and never assume what another driver will do.
3. Don't Just Pay the Ticket: If you receive a ticket, don't assume paying the fine is your only option. Consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and potential ways to contest the ticket or mitigate the consequences.
4. Check Your Driving Record: You can order a copy of your driving record from the DFA to stay informed about your status. [15]

Your driver's license is a privilege. By understanding and respecting the Arkansas point system, you can protect that privilege, keep your insurance rates down, and ensure you remain a safe and responsible member of the driving community.