Hardship License and Restricted Driving in Arkansas

1. What is a Hardship License and how can I obtain one in Arkansas?


A Hardship License in Arkansas is a type of restricted license that allows drivers to operate a vehicle for specific purposes, such as to go to and from work, attend school, or take care of necessary medical appointments. Hardship Licenses are typically granted to drivers whose regular license has been suspended due to certain offenses, including driving without insurance or a DUI. In order to obtain a Hardship License in Arkansas, drivers must submit an application to the state’s Department of Finance and Administration, along with proof of financial hardship and proof of enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for a Hardship License in Arkansas?


In order to qualify for a Hardship License in Arkansas, a driver must meet the following requirements:
# The driver must be at least 18 years old.
# The driver must have a valid Arkansas driver’s license.
# The driver must have completed an 8-hour defensive driving course.
# The driver must have proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance).
# The driver must provide a letter of hardship from an employer or other responsible party.
# The driver’s license must not have been suspended or revoked in the past three years.
# The driver must not have any pending criminal charges or driving-related convictions.

3. What are the restrictions on a Hardship License in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, a Hardship License may be issued to allow the licensee to drive a motor vehicle for any of the following purposes only:

1. To and from the licensee’s place of employment.
2. To and from school or training courses related to the licensee’s employment or trade.
3. To and from an alcohol or drug treatment program, as required by court order or other condition of release.
4. To and from medical appointments necessary for the treatment of a serious illness or injury of the licensee or a member of his or her immediate family.
5. To transport a minor child of the licensee to and from school, daycare, or medical appointments.

The conditions and restrictions of a Hardship License vary in each jurisdiction; however, generally speaking, it is important to note that the Hardship License is not valid for any other purpose than those listed above, and the licensee is not allowed to transport any passengers other than immediate family members living in the same household.

4. How much does a Hardship License cost in Arkansas?


The cost for a hardship license in Arkansas will vary depending on the type of license needed and the circumstances of the applicant. Generally, the cost for a hardship license is around $50-$100 plus any applicable court fees.

5. What documents do I need to apply for a Hardship License in Arkansas?


In order to apply for a hardship license in Arkansas, you will need to provide your driver’s license, proof of insurance, proof of financial responsibility, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed hardship license application. Additionally, you may need to provide a signed letter from an employer or school verifying that a driver’s license is necessary, or a declaration of hardship.

6. How long does it take to get a Hardship License in Arkansas?


The process for obtaining a hardship license in Arkansas typically takes between one and two weeks.

7. Can I use a Hardship License to drive to work in Arkansas?


No, Arkansas does not offer Hardship Licenses.

8. Can I use a Hardship License to attend medical appointments in Arkansas?


No, a Hardside License cannot be used to drive to medical appointments in Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration does not issue hardship licenses.

9. What are the laws for Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, Restricted Driving Privileges (RDPs) may be issued to individuals who have had their license suspended or revoked for certain offenses. An individual must meet specific requirements to be eligible for an RDP, including being a resident of Arkansas, having a valid license or identification card issued by Arkansas, and having proof of financial responsibility. An individual must also provide proof of completion of a substance abuse evaluation by a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Additionally, the individual must have a valid reason for needing an RDP, such as driving to work, school, medical appointments, or community service. The RDP is valid for up to six months at a time and may be renewed if necessary. The individual must also abide by all other restrictions placed on the RDP, such as no driving during certain hours and not driving in certain areas.

10. Can I apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


Yes, you can apply for an RDP in Arkansas. To do so, you must file a petition with the court that issued your suspension or revocation. The court will then review your application and determine whether or not to grant your request.

11. How much does a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) cost in Arkansas?


The cost of an RDP in Arkansas is $125.

12. What documents do I need to apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


In order to apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas, you will need the following documents:

1. Proof of identity (valid driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport)
2. Proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance form)
3. Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
4. Proof of enrollment in an approved alcohol/drug education and/or DUI program
5. Payment for the required RDP fee
6. A signed affidavit confirming that you have not applied for an RDP in any other state and that you do not have any prior RDP suspensions or revocations.

13. What are the restrictions for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, an RDP allows individuals whose driver’s license has been suspended or revoked to drive a motor vehicle under certain restrictions. Restrictions include that the licensee drive only:

-To and from a place of employment, or to and from an educational institution or vocational school

-During the period of suspension or revocation only if it is necessary to attend court or satisfy any other lawful obligation

-To and from medical appointments, if medically necessary

-To and from drug/alcohol treatment, if ordered by the court

-For hardship purposes, including for farm work, if the licensee has an ownership or leasehold interest in a farm

-To and from a driver’s license testing facility or for the purpose of taking a driver’s license test

-To and from an ignition interlock device service provider, if required by law

14. How long does it take to get a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


It typically takes about three to four weeks after filing the application for an RDP to be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles in Arkansas.

15. Can I use a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) to drive to work in Arkansas?


No. Restricted Driving Privileges are only available to drivers whose license has been suspended or revoked due to certain offenses. Driving to work is not an eligible use for an RDP in Arkansas.

16. Can I use a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) for medical appointments in Arkansas?


No, Arkansas does not offer a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) for medical appointments.

17. Are there any other restrictions on my driving privileges in Arkansas?


Yes, there are additional restrictions on driving privileges in Arkansas. These include restrictions related to the type of vehicle you may drive, limitations on the number of passengers you may have in your vehicle, limitations on the time of day you may drive, and restrictions on driving with a suspended or revoked license. Additionally, if you are younger than 18 years old, you must adhere to Arkansas’ Graduated Driver Licensing Program.

18. Who is eligible for a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


In order to be eligible for a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas, the driver must:

• Be a resident of Arkansas
• Have had their license suspended or revoked due to a DWI offense or an accumulation of points
• Have served at least half of their suspension period
• Not have had any other violations on their driving record within the past two years
• Demonstrate financial hardship that requires them to drive in order to maintain employment or attend school
• Participate in an alcohol/drug safety program and pay all associated fees
• Provide proof of insurance

19. How long is the validity of a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


The validity of a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas is six months.

20. Are there any additional costs associated with obtaining a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Arkansas?


Yes, there are additional costs associated with obtaining a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege in Arkansas. These include a $20 fee to the court, a $100 fee to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), and an additional $125 fee for the Ignition Interlock Device (IID).