Points, tickets and licence suspension in Arkansas
Arkansas keeps track of moving violations with a point system run by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Driver Services. Each conviction adds points to your record, and enough points can lead to a hearing and the loss of your license.
For teen drivers the stakes are higher. A serious violation or at-fault crash can stop you moving up to the next license stage, even before you reach the point limits.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain how Arkansas assigns points for moving violations.
- You can state when a warning letter is sent and when a hearing is scheduled.
- You can name some of the highest-point violations.
- You can explain how tickets affect a teen driver's license upgrades.
- You can describe what to do if you receive a ticket.
What you need to know and understand
- Moving violations carry 3 to 8 points depending on how serious they are.
- DFA mails a warning letter when a ticket brings you to 10 points.
- At 14 points or more, a hearing is scheduled automatically.
- A hearing officer can place you on probation or suspend your license, and if you miss the hearing your license is suspended automatically.
- Reckless driving, passing a stopped school bus, leaving the scene of a crash and fleeing police are among the 8-point violations in DFA's table.
- To move from a learner's to an intermediate license, you need no serious violation or at-fault crash in the previous six months; for a Class D at 18, the previous 12 months.
- Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt. It is a promise to appear in court or pay before the court date.
- Some alcohol offenses lead to separate suspensions under DUI and DWI rules rather than points.
How points add up
Every moving violation conviction is reported to DFA and given a point value. Many everyday mistakes, such as failing to yield, failing to signal or improper turns, sit at the lower end. Speeding codes vary with how fast you were going. The most dangerous behavior carries the most points.
- Conviction reported: points are added to your Arkansas record.
- 10 points: DFA sends a warning letter so you know sanctions are close.
- 14 points or more: an automatic hearing with a DFA hearing officer.
- Outcome: probation or suspension of your driving privilege. Skipping the hearing means an automatic suspension.
Extra risks for teen drivers
- A serious violation or at-fault crash in the six months before you apply can delay your intermediate license.
- You need a clean record for the 12 months before applying for an unrestricted Class D at 18.
- Breaking GDL rules such as the phone ban, passenger limit or 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew can bring tickets that count against you.
- Alcohol offenses carry their own suspensions: 90 days for a first underage DUI and 60 days for a first minor in possession.
If you are stopped and ticketed
Pull over safely to the right, keep your hands on the wheel and stay in the car. Show your license, proof of insurance and registration when asked. If you disagree with a ticket, do not argue at the roadside; contact the court named on the citation. Refusing to sign a citation when required can lead to arrest and bond. Our deeper guide on the Arkansas intermediate license explains how violations affect teen drivers.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a few small tickets do not matter. At 3 points or more each, a handful can reach the 10-point warning level.
- Ignoring a DFA hearing notice. Missing it means an automatic suspension.
- Arguing with the officer at the roadside instead of using the court process.
- Forgetting that a ticket just before your 16th or 18th birthday can delay your next license.
Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Arkansas
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Driver Improvements page and Violations and Points table (Arkansas DFA Office of Driver Services); Learner's and Intermediate License page (Arkansas DFA Office of Driver Services); Underage Offenses page (Arkansas DFA Office of Driver Services); Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 10, October 2026, section on traffic stops (Arkansas State Police). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Arkansas licensing agency.