Arkansas Driving Records

Driving records in Arkansas offer a snapshot of a person's driving history, covering everything from tickets to suspensions. These official reports, often called DMV driving records or driving history reports, may used by employers, insurers, and individuals for varying purposes.

Arkansas motor vehicle records are managed independently, like in every state, and privacy laws decide who may view them. Keeping an eye on your Arkansas driving records will help to ensure that your information is accurate and that you stay compliant with road safety regulations.

What Is an Arkansas Driving Record?

An Arkansas driving record is an official document that provides a detailed account of a person's driving history, including traffic violations, license suspensions, accidents, and other relevant incidents.

While commonly known as a driving record, some states may refer to it as a motor vehicle record (MVR) or driver history report. In Arkansas, it is officially called driving records. These records are created and maintained by several state entities, including the Office of Driver Services, a division of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT), and the state's court system.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records?

The main distinction between official driving records (MVRs) and public driving records is where the information is sourced and how it is used.

An official driving record is issued directly by the Arkansas Office of Driver Services per Arkansas Code Annotated (ACA) Section 27-50-901. It generally contains verified and up-to-date information on a driver's license status, traffic violations, suspensions, and accident history. This version is considered the most accurate and is often required for legal, employment, or insurance purposes.

In contrast, public driving records are generally provided by third-party websites like RecordsFinder. These sites are designed to offer a convenient, user-friendly alternative for individuals who need quick access to driving history details without going through state channels.

While they may not be a legal substitute for an official driving record, RecordsFinder typically compiles data from reputable public sources and presents it in a way that is fast, easy to access, and often more accessible for personal use.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You may need your driving record in Arkansas for several important purposes, including:

• Employment background checks: Employers, especially in transportation or delivery industries, often request driving records to evaluate a candidate's driving history and safety.
• Auto insurance rate assessments: Insurance providers in Arkansas may review driving records to determine risk levels and set policy premiums based on past violations or accidents.
• Court or legal requirements: A court may request your driving record if you are involved in a traffic case or license-related legal matter.
• Driver's license reinstatement: If your Arkansas license was suspended or revoked, you may need to submit your driving record to the Office of Driver Services as part of the reinstatement process.
• Personal review: Checking your own record allows you to verify its accuracy, track points from violations, and catch any errors that could impact your driving privileges.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

The details included in an Arkansas driver report may vary depending on the type of record requested. However, most records generally include the following information:

• Driver's personal information (name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number)
• Whether the license is valid, expired, suspended, revoked, or disqualified
• Details of convictions for moving violations, such as speeding or running a red light
• Records of reported accidents involving the driver, including dates and outcomes
• Any alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses and their penalties
• Accumulated points from violations under Arkansas's Driver Improvement Program

Types of Driver Records Available in Arkansas

There are several types of driver records available in Arkansas, each designed for a specific purpose. Whether you are applying for a job in the state or checking your insurance status, it is important to understand the differences between these driving record types:

• Insurance Record: This type of record generally shows any traffic violations within the past three years. Insurance companies commonly use it to assess driving risk and set premium rates.
• Commercial Record: Often requested by employers, especially in transportation or logistics, this record includes detailed information that may remain beyond three years, depending on the nature of the violation or incident.
• History Record: This comprehensive report typically includes your entire driving history in Arkansas, going back to the date you were first issued a driver's license. It is often used for legal, investigative, or personal review purposes.

You may request these records in certified or non-certified form. A certified driving record is officially validated by the state and may be required for court or official proceedings, while a non-certified record is typically used for personal reference or informal reviews.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Arkansas

In Arkansas, traffic violations are handled under the state's Transportation Code. These violations may be moving or non-moving, civil or criminal, and can range from minor infractions to serious felonies. If you receive a speeding ticket in Arkansas or any other citation, it is important to know the type of violation, how to respond, and the possible penalties.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Arkansas are broadly grouped into moving and non-moving offenses.

Moving violations occur while the vehicle is in motion. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Reckless driving
• Illegal U-turns
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Following too closely

Meanwhile, non-moving violations occur when the vehicle is not in motion or based on paperwork. These cover:

• Expired tags or registration
• Parking violations (e.g., on sidewalks, crosswalks)
• Broken or missing equipment (e.g., lights, mirrors)
• Improper display of plates

Serious offenses like repeated DWIs, vehicular assault, or leaving the scene of an accident with injury may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

If you get a traffic ticket in Arkansas, follow these steps:

• Check the Ticket Details: Read your ticket carefully. It will show:
  • The violation (e.g., speeding, running a red light)
  • The fine amount
  • The court handling your case
  • Your deadline to respond
• Choose How to Respond: You typically have two options:
• Pay the ticket: This means you are pleading guilty or no contest. You may pay:
  • Online: Arkansas Online Court Payment
  • By mail or in person: Check your ticket or court notice for instructions
• Plead not guilty: If you believe you were wrongly ticketed, you may contest it in court. To do this:
  • Mark the "not guilty" option on the back of the ticket and mail it to the court within five working days
  • A hearing date will be scheduled
  • You may represent yourself or hire a traffic attorney
• Don't ignore the Ticket: Failing to respond may lead to:
  • Additional fines
  • A warrant for your arrest (Failure to Appear)
  • Suspension of your driver's license
• Lost Your Ticket?: If you lost your ticket, search for your case on the Arkansas Judiciary Case Search using your name or case/citation number.

How Does the Arkansas Point System Work?

Arkansas uses a point system to track traffic violations and identify high-risk drivers. When you commit a moving violation, points are added to your driving record based on the severity of the offense. Below are key points on how the system works:

• 3 to 8 points are assigned per violation, depending on how serious the offense is.
• Accumulating 10 points will result in a warning letter from the Office of Driver Services, notifying you of potential penalties if violations continue.
• Reaching 14 or more points within 36 months automatically triggers a hearing.
• During the hearing, a Hearing Officer will review your record and may place you on probation or suspend your license.
• Failing to attend the hearing leads to an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
• In some cases, particularly those involving alcohol-related offenses, you may be required to enroll in an alcohol treatment program.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In Arkansas, most traffic violations stay on a driving history for three years, although this may vary depending on the offense. Alcohol-related offenses, such as DUI/DWI, generally remain on your record for five years and may permanently impact your criminal record unless eligible for expungement.

Serious violations, such as vehicular manslaughter, may stay on your record for a longer period, depending on the specifics of the case.

Generally, points accumulate with violations, affecting your driving record and insurance rates. While points for minor violations may drop off after one year, they may lead to penalties, like higher insurance premiums or even suspension, if too many points accumulate.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Traffic violations may be expunged or sealed in Arkansas, making them confidential rather than completely removed from your record. These include most traffic violations, even DWIs. To be eligible for expungement, five years must have passed since the sentence for the offense was completed, meaning all fines, fees, probation, or other requirements must be fulfilled.

While an expungement does not erase the violation, it typically hides it from public view. After expungement, the violation no longer affects your record for purposes like employment or insurance.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

To check your official driving record or vehicle history in Arkansas, you may request it through the following methods:

• Online: To check your driving record online in Arkansas, launch the MyDMV portal. Enter your last name, license/ID number, date of birth, and the last five digits of your SSN. Note that the history records type cannot be requested online.

• By Mail: If you prefer to request your driving record by mail, complete the Arkansas Driving Records Request Form, available on the DFA website. Mail the form with the required payment (check or money order) to:

  Driving Records Section

  P.O. Box 1272

  Room 1070

  Little Rock, AR 72203

• In-Person: You may also visit any DFA Revenue Office or the DFA headquarters' Driving Records Counter at Ragland Building, Room 1070, 1900 W. 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Complete the Arkansas Driving Records Request Form, bring a valid photo ID, and be ready to pay using cash, check, money order, or a credit/debit card.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Arkansas?

The cost of requesting an official Arkansas driving record varies based on the type of record and how it is obtained.

• Insurance Record:
  • $8.50 by mail or in person
  • $12.70 online
• Commercial Record:
  • $10 by mail or in person
  • $14.20 online
• History Record:
  • $8.50 (available by mail and in person at the DFA headquarters' Driving Records Counter only)

The processing time generally depends on the method of request. Online requesters typically have instant access to the record.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

In Arkansas, the DFA Office of Driver Services does not offer free access to your full driving record. However, some third-party websites provide basic driving record information for free. These records usually exclude detailed information like accident history or traffic violations, and their accuracy is not guaranteed.

You may also access Arkansas traffic records through the Arkansas Judiciary Case Search or by visiting the court clerk's office in person. The Case Search offers case information from various courts, including traffic case details, and allows searches by person or case/citation number. This service is free of charge.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

In Arkansas, a bad driving record usually comes from moving violations like speeding, DUI, or reckless driving. These violations typically add points to your record, which may lead to higher fines, steeper insurance premiums, or even a suspended license.

On the other hand, non-moving violations like parking tickets do not show up on your driving record, although ignoring them may result in extra penalties. Warnings from law enforcement will not affect your record, but repeated offenses could lead to citations.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

In Arkansas, insurance companies may assess your driving history to determine the risk of insuring you. A bad driving record, especially with violations such as DUI, reckless driving, or multiple speeding tickets, will likely lead to higher insurance premiums.

Insurance companies see these violations as an increased risk, and they adjust your rates accordingly. Major violations like DUI or multiple offenses may cause your premiums to skyrocket or, in some cases, make it difficult to obtain coverage at all.

For employment, especially in industries like trucking or other commercial driving sectors, a bad driving record may have serious consequences. Employers often perform driving record checks as part of the hiring process. A history of moving violations or accidents may disqualify you from these positions, as employers want to minimize risk.

Who Can Access Your Arkansas Driving History?

In Arkansas, driving histories are generally public under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but personal information is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Here are individuals who may access your driving history in Arkansas:

• You (The Driver): You are entitled to view or obtain an official and certified copy of your driving record.
• Third Parties with Your Consent: If you sign a release form with your information such as name or license number, your personal details may be shared with third parties.
• Government Agencies and Law Enforcement: These entities may access your record for official purposes under the DPPA.
• Employers: Employers may request your record for employment purposes with your consent.
• Insurance Companies: They may access your record to assess rates with your permission.
• Private Investigators: They may access your record for legal reasons with your consent.

FAQs About Arkansas Driving Records

The following provides answers to some of the most common questions about Arkansas driving records.

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