SR-22 Insurance in Arkansas
When Arkansas requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: 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. Arkansas DFA, Office of Driver Services, Safety Responsibility
| SR-22 filing | 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. |
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| Driving without insurance | 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. Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 27-22-103 |
More Arkansas car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Arkansas
- Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Arkansas
- Transferring a Car Title in Arkansas
- All Arkansas car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Arkansas, and for how long?
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.
What is the penalty for 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.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.