Arkansas FTA License Suspension: Clear Your Hold Fast
Arkansas requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Arkansas at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$150
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas operates under a tort liability system requiring 25/50/25 minimum coverage. Failure-to-Appear suspensions are court-administered, not DMV-initiated—the circuit or district court where you missed your appearance controls the FTA hold. Arkansas courts typically issue bench warrants alongside FTA suspensions for misdemeanor citations; infraction-level FTA holds may not carry a warrant. You cannot reinstate your license until the court releases the FTA hold to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Driver Services.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
What Drivers Pay in Arkansas
$226–$347/mo
Typical monthly rate in Arkansas, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Arkansas courts require proof of paid coverage before releasing FTA holds if the underlying citation was insurance-related—expect to show a current declarations page and paid receipt at your clearance hearing.
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted driving permit (separate interlock restricted license for DWI)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get arrested for an Arkansas FTA bench warrant during a traffic stop?
Yes. Arkansas law enforcement officers have discretion to arrest on active bench warrants during any contact, including routine traffic stops. Misdemeanor FTA warrants are entered into the state's ACIC system and appear immediately when an officer runs your license. Most counties allow you to resolve the warrant by appearing voluntarily at the issuing court during business hours, which avoids arrest but requires you to clear the warrant before reinstatement.
Do I need SR-22 insurance for every type of FTA suspension in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas courts require SR-22 filing only if the underlying citation was for driving uninsured, no proof of insurance, DUI, or refusal to test. FTA suspensions for speeding, equipment violations, or parking citations do not trigger SR-22 requirements. If SR-22 is required, you must maintain it for three years from the date of conviction, and any lapse triggers automatic suspension.
Can I get a hardship license in Arkansas while my FTA hold is active?
No. Arkansas does not issue hardship or restricted licenses while a court-imposed FTA hold is in effect. You must appear in court, resolve the underlying citation, and have the court release the FTA hold to Driver Services before any driving privileges can be restored. Hardship licenses are available only for certain DUI and point-accumulation suspensions, not FTA holds.
What happens if I move to another state with an unresolved Arkansas FTA suspension?
Arkansas reports FTA suspensions to the National Driver Register, and most states will refuse to issue a new license until the Arkansas hold is cleared. The bench warrant remains active and extraditable within surrounding states—Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas honor Arkansas misdemeanor warrants. You cannot legally drive in any state until you return to Arkansas, clear the FTA, and reinstate your license.
Coverage Types
SR-22 After FTA for No-Insurance Citation
Arkansas courts mandate SR-22 filing for three years if your missed court date was for driving uninsured or without proof of insurance. The SR-22 is a continuous-coverage guarantee filed by your carrier with Driver Services.
Non-Standard Auto for Active FTA Holds
Standard carriers decline to quote drivers with unresolved FTA suspensions or recent bench warrant history. Non-standard carriers write immediate-issue policies and accept reinstatement-in-progress applicants.
Liability Coverage at Arkansas Minimums
25/50/25 liability is the bare minimum required to reinstate your license after FTA clearance. It covers injuries and property damage you cause, but not your own vehicle or medical bills.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage if an uninsured driver hits you. Arkansas does not require this coverage, but approximately 16% of state drivers operate uninsured.