Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas

Driving uninsured carries a mandatory fine of $100 to $250 for a first offense, $250 to $500 for a second offense, and $500 to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail for a third or later offense. The judge may dismiss the charge if the driver shows coverage was in effect at the time of the arrest. If the driver cannot show coverage when the case is decided, the court orders the vehicle's registration suspended until proof of coverage is presented to the Office of Motor Vehicle, and a $20 reinstatement fee must be paid.

A driver who cannot show a proof-of-insurance card at a traffic stop or arrest, or whose coverage does not show up on Arkansas's online insurance verification system, is presumed to be uninsured unless shown otherwise. The insurance card (or temporary proof from the insurer) may be shown on paper or electronically on a cell phone or other portable device. A driver who later proves coverage was in effect at the time of the stop pays a $25 fine (plus court costs) for failing to present proof. Registration and renewal require current insurance on the vehicle's VIN that meets Arkansas liability requirements.

Arkansas's Office of Driver Services uses a safety responsibility system after crashes: an SR-1 accident report must be filed within 30 days when property damage to any one person exceeds $1,000 or anyone is injured or killed, regardless of fault. A driver must then show financial responsibility — proof of liability insurance meeting state requirements, a deposit of security set by the Department, a signed release, a court finding of non-liability, a notarized covenant not to sue, an accepted installment agreement, proof the other party was reimbursed, or a bankruptcy petition listing the parties. A driver may request a hearing within 20 days of receiving a notice of security requirement or suspension.