Reckless driving is not simply a traffic ticket in Arkansas — it’s a criminal offense that can land you in jail, cost you hundreds in fines and lead to a suspended license. You don’t have to be racing down the highway for it to count either. If you drive in a way that disregards safety, even for a moment, you could face serious consequences.
This guide breaks down what the law says, what penalties you might deal with and what steps you can take if you are charged.
What counts as reckless driving under Arkansas law
Arkansas law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with blatant disregard for the safety of persons or property. That broad definition means the court can charge you for more than just speeding — if you weave through traffic, tailgate in heavy rain or blow through a stop sign without slowing down, the court may treat that as reckless. The key factor is how your actions impact safety, not whether you intended harm.
What penalties apply for reckless driving in Arkansas
For a first offense that doesn’t involve injury, the court may sentence you to five to 90 days in jail, fine you $25 to $500 or impose both. If someone gets hurt, those penalties increase to 30 to 90 days in jail and a $100 to $1,000 fine. If you get charged again within three years, the penalties jump — 30 to 180 days in jail for a second offense without injury or up to one year if your actions caused injury.
These penalties don’t just live on paper; they can follow you for years and affect your job, license and reputation.
How reckless driving affects your license and insurance
A single conviction adds eight points to your license in Arkansas, and if you accumulate 14 points within three years, the state may suspend your driving privileges. Insurance companies often treat reckless driving as a major violation, which leads to higher premiums or canceled coverage. These consequences don’t stay in the courtroom — they show up when you apply for jobs, renew your insurance or even when you simply try to drive again.
What you should do if you are facing a reckless driving charge
You need to take the charge seriously. Reckless driving does not just go away on its own, and failing to respond can make the situation worse. Start by carefully reviewing the citation or ticket. Avoid saying anything in court or to the police that could hurt your case, and don’t assume you know how things will play out. You still have legal options, but only if you take action early, stay informed and base your next move on facts, not fear.
After the ticket
A reckless driving charge can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time dealing with the legal system. But you don’t have to let it define your record. Now that you know what the law says and what the penalties look like, you can figure out what makes sense for your situation.
Whether you plan to fight the charge, negotiate a lesser offense or simply prepare for what comes next, the most important step is moving forward with clarity and confidence.