General License and Insurance Guidelines for Teens in Arkansas

As of August 1, 2009 all teen drivers are subject to Arkansas’ graduated licensing requirements.

Licensing Requirements for Teens

Arkansas’ graduated licensing program is a 3 stage program that ultimately allows teens to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license.

Stage 1 – The Learner’s License:

A learner’s license allows teens to operate a motor vehicle when accompanied a licensed driver over the age of 21.

Requirements:

• Teen must be at least 14 years old
• Must complete and pass the written examination
• Must pass a vision test

Stage 2 – The Intermediate License:

An intermediate license allows teens to drive a vehicle without supervision. Teens may not drive unsupervised between the hours of 11:00pm and 4:00am unless they are diving to and from work, a school or church activity or in the case of emergencies. Teens may not drive unsupervised with unrelated passengers who are under the age of 21.

Requirements:

• Must have had a learners permit for a minimum of 6 months
• Must be at least 16 years old

Stage 3 – The Unrestricted License:

An unrestricted license allows a teen to operate a motor vehicle without restrictions.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years old
• Must already have an intermediate license
• Must have a clean driving record at the time of the application

Insurance Requirements for Teens

In Arkansas, teen drivers are subject to the same insurance requirements as other drivers. That means all teens must comply with the minimum liability requirements in order to lawfully operate a motor vehicle in Arkansas.

Minimum Liability Insurance

In Arkansas, the current minimum liability insurance requirements are:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident
• $25,000 in property damage insurance per accident

Drivers are not required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage but carrying this insurance in addition to collision or comprehensive coverage will protect you in the event of an accident.

Penalties for Driving without Insurance

In Arkansas, if you are caught driving without insurance, your vehicles license plates will be removed from the car immediately and you will be given 10 days to provide proof of insurance at the time the plates were taken. If you cannot provide proof of insurance you will be subject to a fine as well as a reinstatement fee to have your license plates returned.