Defensive Driving in Arkansas

SUMMARY: Arkansas Defensive Driving Courses

Arkansas defensive driving courses, also known as traffic school, can be helpful for you if you have committed a traffic violation, or want to earn a discount on your auto insurance.

Depending on your circumstances, completing a defensive driving course may allow you to:

  • Dismiss a traffic citation.
  • Avoid driving record points.
  • Avoid an increase in your car insurance rates.
  • Earn a safe driver discount on your car insurance.

Even if you are not eligible to use a defensive driving record for any of the reasons listed above, completing a course may still be valuable. It can provide you with important safe driving skills and knowledge that may prevent you from receiving traffic tickets in the future.

On this page you'll find general information about defensive driving courses in Arkansas and the appropriate agency to contact for more information.

Arkansas Defensive Driving Requirements

If you want to dismiss a traffic ticket you received for an Arkansas traffic violation, or earn a discount on your auto insurance policy, defensive driving may be an option for you.

Usually, you'll have to the option of taking defensive driving either online or in a classroom. Your choice generally only depends upon your own scheduling conflicts.

Online defensive driving courses can be completed at your own pace.

Your eligibility to complete a defensive driving or traffic school course in Arkansas will depend on your specific circumstances. Refer to your traffic ticket or contact the court handling your case for more information.

Dismiss an Arkansas Traffic Ticket

Generally, you'll be able to dismiss a traffic ticket if you've been charged with a minor offense.

Major offenses, such as accidents involving a death or serious injury and alcohol/drug-related offenses, are typically not dismissed if you complete a defensive driving course. However, as part of your sentencing, the court may require you to complete a driver improvement traffic school.

For more information about dismissing a traffic ticket with defensive driving or traffic school, contact the court handling your ticket.

If you are eligible, your court may provide you with specific information, including:

  • Your deadline for completing the course.
  • Whether you can take defensive driving online or in the classroom.
  • Additional fees and documents you may owe to the court to dismiss your ticket.

Car Insurance Discounts

If you complete a defensive driving program voluntarily, your car insurance provider may award you with a safe driver discount.

Defensive driving and traffic school discounts are usually only given to young or aged drivers, but regardless of your age, you should check with their insurance company to see if you are eligible.

Arkansas Driving Record Points

When you are convicted of traffic violations, you'll receive points on your Arkansas driving record.

If you accumulate too many points on your driving record, your driver's license may be suspended.

Check with the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) to see if completing a defensive driving course will affect your driving record points.

For more information, please visit our pages on the following topics:

Arkansas Defensive Driving Course Details

Whether you take a defensive driving course online or in a classroom, it will generally take the same amount of time and cover the same topics.

You'll likely cover topics including:

  • Safe driving techniques and habits.
  • Arkansas traffic rules and violations.
  • Sharing the road with other drivers.
  • Developing and practicing good driving behavior.

Typically, you'll complete your traffic school program by passing a final exam. Once you pass, you should receive a completion certificate, which you'll need to submit to the Arkansas court or your car insurance provider.

For more information about your specific course, contact your Arkansas defensive driving course provider directly.

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