Crashes, insurance and registration in Arkansas

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the steps to take at a crash scene.
• You can explain when to call police and when to file an SR-1 report.
• You can state Arkansas minimum liability insurance limits.
• You can list what you need to register a vehicle.
• You can help an injured person safely until help arrives.

What you need to know and understand

• If you are involved in a crash, you must stop and, if possible, move the vehicle out of the traffic lanes.
• Notify police immediately if anyone is hurt or killed or property damage is over $1,000.
• Do not leave the scene of a crash with injury or death until police have the information they need.
• If you hit a parked vehicle, you must try to find the owner.
• DFA says an SR-1 accident report must be filed within 30 days if anyone is hurt or killed or property damage to any one person is over $1,000. The study guide gives a higher figure, so confirm with DFA.
• Arkansas minimum liability insurance is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for injury or death, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Registering a vehicle requires proof of insurance, proof of assessment and proof that personal property taxes are paid, among other papers.
• You must show your license, insurance and registration when a police officer asks for them.

At the scene: step by step

1. Stop at or near the scene. Move your car off the road if you can, so it does not block traffic.
2. Turn off the ignition of damaged vehicles and do not smoke nearby, in case fuel has leaked.
3. Stay out of traffic lanes and away from any downed power lines.
4. Warn other traffic with hazard lights, flares or warning devices, keeping them away from spilled fuel.
5. Call police with the exact location and mention any fire, fuel spill or downed lines.
6. Exchange names, addresses, license numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers and vehicle details, and collect witness names.

Helping the injured

Check for breathing, then for bleeding. Press directly on a bleeding wound. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire. Do not give them anything to drink, and keep them warm with a coat or blanket to help prevent shock. Let trained responders take over as soon as they arrive. If you are only passing a crash, keep driving carefully rather than stopping to look.

Insurance and registering a car

Arkansas requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/25. That means $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for all injuries in one crash and $25,000 for property damage. Higher limits give you more protection. Keep proof in the car; paper or an electronic card is accepted on test day.

To register a vehicle at a State Revenue Office, DFA lists the title, bill of sale, odometer statement, proof of assessment, proof that property taxes are paid and proof of insurance. After buying a vehicle you have 60 days to register it, and late registration adds penalties.

Common mistakes

• Driving away after a minor bump with a parked car. You must try to find the owner.
• Standing in traffic lanes to look at damage.
• Forgetting to file the SR-1 within 30 days when it is required.
• Letting insurance lapse on a car you use for practice or the road test.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Arkansas

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Arkansas Driver’s License Age Waiver Explained
• Arkansas Driving Test
• Arkansas Intermediate License