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Arkansas DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Arkansas

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Arkansas (AR) DUI law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

5 years

Prior offenses count within

First Offense Penalties in Arkansas

Jail TimeUp to 1 year
Fines$150 – $1,000
License Suspension180 days
Ignition Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

May be required

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Arkansas has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

Refusal Penalty

180-day license suspension

Arkansas-Specific Detail

Arkansas offers a first-offender program that can result in a reduced sentence upon completion of alcohol education and treatment.

Is your Arkansas DUI defense on track?

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DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Arkansas DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Arkansas defense topics

Facing a different charge in Arkansas? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in ArkansasAssault in ArkansasDomestic Violence in Arkansas

Important: This page provides general legal information about Arkansas DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Arkansas-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.