Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Arkansas

The State of Arkansas will suspend or revoke your driving privileges for many reasons, including alcohol-related offenses, poor driving behavior, too many points on your driving record, or criminal convictions. A suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges, but a revocation is a termination of those privileges. You can reinstate your license whether it’s revoked or suspended, but it’s generally more difficult and expensive to reinstate a revoked license.

Whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can’t legally drive until it’s reinstated. If you drive with a suspended or revoked license, you'll likely face criminal charges that could result in jail time, fines, and further suspensions or revocations.

What Does It Mean to Have Your License Suspended or Revoked?

When your license is suspended or revoked, it generally means that the state has taken away your driving privileges. In other words, while the suspension or revocation is in place, you can't lawfully drive.

Suspension vs. Revocation: How Most States Define Them

In many states, "revocation" and "suspension" mean the same thing. However, some states use the term "suspension" to mean a temporary loss of privileges and "revocation" to mean the permanent loss of privileges. But even in states where revocation is permanent, the driver can typically apply for reinstatement after a certain period.

How Arkansas Defines License Suspension and Revocation

In Arkansas, a suspension is considered a temporary loss of driving privileges, and a revocation is considered the termination of driving privileges. However, the only significant difference between the two is when it comes to reinstatement (see below).

What Are the Reasons for License Suspension or Revocation in Arkansas?

The Office of Driver Services can suspend or revoke your license for a range of driving or other offenses. Some of the more common reasons for suspension or revocation include alcohol- and drug-related offenses and accumulating points on your record for traffic violations.

DWI and Drug-Related License Suspension and Revocation in Arkansas

Some alcohol- and drug-related offenses can lead to license suspension or revocation. The list includes:

• driving while intoxicated (DWI), and
• refusing to submit to alcohol testing in violation of the state's implied consent laws.

In addition, drivers younger than 21 who are charged with driving with a blood alcohol content of .02% or more will face license suspension. (Ark. Code §§ 5-65-104, 5-65-205, 5-65-304 (2026).)

Arkansas Point System and License Suspension

Arkansas's Administrative Point System assigns points to various traffic violations, such as speeding and reckless driving. If you accumulate 14 or more points within 36 months, you'll be looking at license suspension. (27 CAR §§ 30-113, 30-117 (2026).)

Other Reasons for Suspension or Revocation in Arkansas

Several other reasons can lead to suspension or revocation, including:

• vehicular manslaughter convictions
• using a vehicle to commit a felony offense
• having 3 reckless driving convictions within 12 months
• failing to stop if you’re involved in an accident that kills or injures someone
• the Office of Driver Services finding that you’re habitually reckless or negligent when you drive
• being the driver in a crash involving injury, death, or significant property damage, or
• allowing your license to be used illegally, committing fraud when you apply for a license, using a fake or altered license, or using someone else's license.

In addition, the office may revoke your license if you’re in the United States illegally. (Ark. Code. §§ 27-16-905, 27-16-907 (2026).)

How Suspensions and Revocations Work in Arkansas

The length of a license suspension or revocation and the process for requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension depend on the reason for the revocation or suspension.

Length of Suspension and Revocation Periods

The time period of your suspension or revocation depends on factors such as the reason for the suspension or revocation and whether you have previous offenses or convictions. Driving while intoxicated, for example, carries a 6-month license suspension for the first offense and a 24-month suspension for a second offense within 5 years. Having too many points on your record can result in a suspension for up to one year, depending on the number of points you’ve accumulated. (Ark. Code § 5-65-104 (2026); 27 CAR § 30-117 (2026).)

Notice and Request for a Hearing

In some situations, the office must notify you if it suspends or revokes your license. You may request a hearing in writing within 20 days after you receive notice. In some cases, such as a points-based suspension, a hearing will be automatically scheduled. (Ark. Code § 27-16-907 (2026); 27 CAR § 30-117 (2026).)

DWI Suspensions

If you’re arrested for certain alcohol-related offenses, including DWI, police can seize your license immediately and issue you a receipt that will allow you to drive for 30 days, after which a suspension occurs. Again, you can request a hearing to review the proposed suspension, but your request for a hearing must be made within 7 days. (Ark. Code § 5-65-104, 5-65-402, 5-65-403 (2026).)

Hardship and Ignition Interlock Licenses in Arkansas

Arkansas drivers whose licenses have been suspended might be eligible for a restricted license that allows them to drive to work, school, or other essential places if they have no other means of transportation. (Ark. Code § 5-65-120 (2026).)

In some DWI cases, the office may allow drivers to install an interlock ignition device and drive while their licenses are suspended. Interlock ignition devices require drivers to blow into a device to ensure they aren’t intoxicated before driving. The devices might be required after the suspension period ends. (Ark. Code § 5-65-118 (2026).)

What Are the Penalties for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Arkansas?

You can be charged with a crime if you drive with a suspended or revoked license. The offense is a misdemeanor that carries:

• two days to six months in jail, and
• up to $500 in fines.

(Ark. Code § 27-16-303 (2026).)

And, if the original suspension or revocation was related to a DWI offense, the penalties are

• 10 to 90 days in jail, and
• up to $1,000 in fines.

(Ark. Code § 5-6-105 (2026).)

If convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license, the driver will also be given an extended period of suspension or revocation. (Ark. Code § 27-16-303 (2026).)

How Do You Reinstate a Revoked or Suspended License in Arkansas?

You can reinstate your license after your suspension period ends. If your license is revoked, you'll have to apply for a new license after you become eligible. (Ark. Code § 27-16-912 (2026).)

In addition to any other fees, the reinstatement fee is generally $100 multiplied by each order to suspend or revoke your license—meaning, your reinstatement fee might be more than $100 if multiple orders suspended or revoked your license. (Ark. Code § 27-16-508 (2026).)

Seeking Legal Help for Driving After Suspension or Revocation Charges in Arkansas

You should consider consulting a lawyer if you’re charged with driving after suspension or revocation. As you have learned, the crime can result in jail time, fines, and longer suspension or revocation periods. Your ability to get to work or school or to obtain insurance might be affected. Although the law provides the minimum and maximum penalties, in reality, your sentence will depend on the attitude toward the charge of judges and prosecutors in your city or county. An attorney who is familiar with these cases in your area is best able to advise you on your charges.