Arkansas Traffic Ticket Penalties

In Arkansas, a traffic ticket (assuming you don’t successfully fight the ticket in court) usually leads to a fine and demerit points being assessed to the motorist’s driving record. Accumulating too many points within a certain period of time can lead to license suspension.

Below you’ll find the fines, points, and other consequences for some of the most common traffic violations in Arkansas. But the specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

What are the Fines, Points, and Jail for Arkansas Speeding Tickets?

The penalties for a speeding violation generally depend on how many prior speeding tickets the driver had within the past year and the amount by which the driver exceeded the speed limit.

Two Types of Speed Limits in Arkansas

Arkansas has two types of speed limits: basic and absolute. The basic speed limit prohibits driving faster than is reasonable and prudent given the existing weather and road conditions. An absolute limit is simply the maximum speed—which is usually posted—that a motorist can drive on a certain roadway or portion thereof. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-201 (2024).)

Costs and Penalties for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Speeding Ticket and Excessive Speeding

First Speeding Ticket within a Year in AR:

• Offense Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $100
• Jail - Up to 10 days

Second Speeding Ticket within a Year in AR:

• Offense Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $200
• Jail - Up to 20 days

Third Speeding Ticket within a Year in AR:

• Offense Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $500
• Jail - Up to 6 months

Speeding More than 15 Miles per Hour Over the Limit in AR:

• Offense Classification - Class C Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $500
• Jail - Up to 30 days

(Ark. Code Ann. § 27-50-302 (2024); Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-102 (2024); Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-201 (2024); Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-401 (2024).)

Double Fines for Violations in Construction Zones

Generally, the fines are doubled for speeding violations that occur within a construction zone. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-50-408 (2024).)

Traffic Violation Points for Arkansas Speeding Tickets

A speeding violation will result in points going on the motorist's driving record. The number of points for a speeding violation ranges from three to eight depending on the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit. Here's the breakdown:

• 3 points for not more than 10 miles per hour over the limit
• 4 points for 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit
• 5 points for 21 to 30 miles per hour over the limit, and
• 8 points for at least 31 miles per hour over the limit.

Points stay on a driver's record for 36 months and accumulating 14 or more points will result in license suspension.

What Are the Fines, Jail, and Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Arkansas?

Stop sign and stop light tickets generally carry the same penalties in Arkansas.

Arkansas's Stop Sign and Red Light Rules

At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a limit line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. In Arkansas, making a right turn at a red light is permitted provided there’s no sign at the intersection explicitly prohibiting it.

Costs and Penalties for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Stop Sign or Red Light Ticket in Arkansas

First Stop Sign or Red Light Violation within a Year:

• Offense Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine and Surcharge - Up to $100
• Jail - Up to 10 days
• Points - 3

Second Stop Sign or Red Light Violation within a Year:

• Offense Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine and Surcharge - Up to $200
• Jail - Up to 20 days
• Points - 3

Third Stop Sign or Red Light Violation within a Year:

• Offense Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine and Surcharge - Up to $500
• Jail - Up to 6 months
• Points - 3

(Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-102 (2024); Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-201 (2024); Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-401 (2024).)

How Much Will a Distracted Driving Ticket Cost in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, distracted driving tickets carry only fines. In other words, this type of violation won't result in jail time or points. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-1504 (2024).)

Arkansas's Texting and Cell Phone Laws

Arkansas’s distracted driving laws prohibit all drivers from texting while driving and put restrictions on cell phone use that depend on the driver’s age.

Drivers at least 21 years old. Drivers who are at least 21 years old can use a handheld phone while driving but must use hands-free technology when using a phone in a school zone or highway work zone.

Drivers 18 to 21 years old. Drivers who are at least 18 years old and younger than 21 years old can use a cell phone while driving only with hands-free technology.

Driver under 18 years old. Drivers who are younger than 18 years old generally can’t use a cell phone while driving.

Fines for a First and Second Texting or Cell Phone Ticket in Arkansas

(Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-1504 (2024).)

Double Fines for Violations in Construction Zones or Involving Accidents

And fines are doubled for violations that involve collisions or take place in a highway work zone. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-50-408 (2024).)

What Are the Fines, Jail, and Points for Driving Without a License in Arkansas?

The penalties for driving without a license in Arkansas depend on the type of violation. Basically, driving without a license comes in three varieties: driving without a valid license, driving without a license in your possession (though you have one), and driving following a revocation or suspension. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-303 (2024).)

Costs and Penalties for Driving Without a License in Arkansas

License not in Possession in AR:

• Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $500
• Jail - Up to 90 days

Unlicensed Driving in AR:

• Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $500
• Jail - Up to 6 months

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in AR:

• Classification - Misdemeanor
• Fine - Up to $500
• Jail - Up to 6 months

(Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-201 (2024); Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-401 (2024).)

Getting an Unlicensed Driving Ticket Dismissed

Motorists who can show the court that they had a valid license at the time of the citation can get their ticket dismissed.

Additional Suspension Period for Driving While Revoked or Suspended

Anyone caught driving on a suspended license faces an additional suspension period.