Arkansas State Laws and Requirements

Arkansas Ignition Interlock Device Policies

Arkansas has two terms for drunk driving, driving under the influence or DUI and driving while intoxicated or DWI. Each offense has a variety of associated penalties, including license suspension for at least six months.

State Interlock Regulations

There are often additional penalties like fines and possible community service or jail time, depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident. If they are eligible, some offenders may be able to regain driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider.

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Table of Contents

Ignition Interlock Guide for Arkansas

Arkansas allows some offenders to regain their driving privileges by installing an ignition interlock device. The devices prevent drunk driving by requiring a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) test before driving. They must pass in order to start the car. Installing an IID from an approved provider is just one of many criteria Arkansas offenders must meet to get back on the road.

What are the Penalties for a DUI in Arkansas?

Arkansas considers driving a car or a boat while intoxicated to be a crime. DWI refers to a person over 21 found to be driving while intoxicated, and DUI is used for offenders under 21. The legal BAC limit for DWI is .08 percent, while underage offenders are considered in violation of DUI laws if their BAC is at or above .02 percent. BWI refers to boating while intoxicated, and the legal limit is .08 percent blood alcohol content.

These are the penalties for DWI, which apply to adults 21 and over.

1st Offense

  • Six-month license suspension
  • Required to attend a Victim Impact Panel
  • Required to complete a treatment program
  • Jail sentence of 24 hours to one year
  • $150-$1,000 in fines
  • May need to install an interlock device to regain driving privileges

2nd Offense

  • Jail term of seven days to one year, although the sentence could be commuted to community service
  • $400-$3,000 in fines
  • 24-month license suspension
  • Required to attend a Victim Impact Panel
  • Required to attend and complete a treatment program
  • Must acquire SR-22 insurance
  • May need to install an interlock device to regain driving privileges

3rd Offense

  • $900-$5,000 in fines
  • Jail term of 90 days to one year, although the sentence could be commuted to community service
  • 30-month driver’s license suspension (eligible offenders may be able to obtain a modified license after 12 months)
  • Required to attend Victim Impact Panel
  • Required to attend and complete a treatment program
  • Must acquire SR-22 insurance
  • May need to install an interlock device to regain driving privileges

For offenders under 21 years of age, the penalties are slightly different. The legal limit is lowered to .02 percent for offenders below the legal drinking age. For a first offense, the offender will have a $100-$500 fine and community service and a 90-day license suspension. For a second offense, the penalty increases to a fine of $200-$1,000, 30 days community service, and a one-year driver’s license suspension. For three-time offenders, a $500-$2,000 fine, 60 days of community service, and a driver’s license revocation of three years (or until the offender is 21) are the penalties.

What happens if I fail to complete or refuse to submit to a DUI test in Arkansas?

Penalties still apply even if the BAC is unknown due to a test refusal after a suspected DUI or DWI incident. Penalties for first-time offenders include license suspension for 180 days, a mandatory interlock requirement, and an SR-22 requirement. For repeat offenders, the penalties are similar but the suspension time increases to two years for second offenders and 30 months for third-time offenders.

How Can I Regain Driving Privileges in Arkansas?

Qualified offenders who meet all criteria may be able to get an ignition interlock license, which allows them to get back on the road during the suspension period. The other criteria they must meet include:

list
  • Follow the suspension period for as long as the court requires
  • Complete payment of all fines
  • Finish treatment program as required
  • Install an interlock device from an approved provider
  • Obtain SR-22 insurance and show proof of coverage

Drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license are not eligible for an interlock license. Criteria for an interlock license may change depending on the specifics of the incident.

ADS Interlock Devices in AR

ADS is an approved provider in Arkansas, and currently offers 7 locations. To view our expanded network with partner locations, search your city, state or zip code for more locations near you.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

Another term for IIDs is car breathalyzers. The devices are installed to prevent drunk driving, and here is how they work:

  • Before starting the car, the driver must take a breath alcohol content test and pass
  • During most trips, the device will request random retests to make sure the driver remains sober and prevent tampering

How long is an AR interlock device required?

Arkansas statute will determine the length of time the device is required, although the length may increase due to the circumstances of the offense.

The Cost of Interlock Devices in AR

Offenders pay for the device, which is leased, not purchased outright. ADS offers flexible payment options, and the devices typically cost between $2.50 and $3.50 per day.

Finding an Ignition Interlock Device Installer Near Me AR

With more than 4,500 locations in our partner network, it’s easy to find a location near you for installation. When you visit the service center, the technicians will install your device and show you how it works. They will also provide you with a certificate of installation, which you may need to get your limited license. You will also return to your installation center on a regular basis for device calibration, so keep that in mind when choosing where to go.