Defending Your Future Against Reckless Driving Charges And Penalties In Arkansas
Last updated on October 22, 2026
Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor in Arkansas, not a traffic ticket. A conviction can mean jail, a fine, or both — up to a year in jail for a repeat offense involving an injury — plus points on your license and, for commercial drivers, consequences for your CDL.
At Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, we provide tailored reckless driving defense in Little Rock, Saline County and Faulkner County. Our experienced reckless driving attorney is ready to fight the charges you face.
What Constitutes Reckless Driving In Arkansas?
Under Ark. Code § 27-50-308, a person commits reckless driving by driving “in such a manner as to indicate a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Excessive speed, weaving in and out of traffic, or very aggressive driving can be charged that way — but a speeding ticket or a lane violation isn’t automatically reckless driving. The question is whether the driving showed wanton disregard for the safety of others.
Is Reckless Driving A Violation?
No. In Arkansas, reckless driving is never just a violation. Because it carries possible jail time, it is always a misdemeanor criminal traffic offense, and a conviction becomes part of your criminal record.
An Overview Of Arkansas Reckless Driving Penalties
The range depends on whether anyone was hurt and whether you have a prior conviction within three years. In every tier, the court can impose jail or a fine, or both.
| Offense | Jail | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| First offense, no injury | 5 to 90 days | $25 to $500 |
| First offense, physical injury | 30 to 90 days | $100 to $1,000 |
| Second or later within 3 years, no injury | 30 days to 6 months | $500 to $1,000 |
| Second or later within 3 years, physical injury | 60 days to 1 year | $500 to $1,000 |
Ark. Code § 27-50-308(b). Each tier allows imprisonment or a fine, or both.
Consequences Beyond The Sentence
Points
Moving violations carry 3 to 8 points. At 14 points, Driver Services schedules a hearing, and missing it means an automatic suspension. See the point system.
Commercial Drivers
Reckless driving in a commercial vehicle is a “serious traffic violation.” Two within three years mean a 60-day CDL disqualification; three mean 120 days.
Your Record
A misdemeanor conviction can generally be sealed once the sentence is complete — but CDL holders can’t seal most traffic offenses committed while licensed.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Improvements; Ark. Code §§ 27-23-103(41), 27-23-112(c). A reckless driving conviction in a personal vehicle counts toward CDL disqualification only if it leads to a suspension, revocation, or cancellation of your license.
Reckless Driving And DWI
In many states, a DWI is negotiated down to reckless driving. Arkansas doesn’t allow that: a DWI charge can’t be reduced to a lesser offense such as reckless driving (Ark. Code § 5-65-107). If alcohol was part of your stop, the defense has to be built on the evidence from the start. Reckless driving charges also come up alongside more serious ones, such as leaving the scene of an accident.
What Defense Options Are Available?
Common defense avenues in Arkansas reckless driving cases include:
- challenging the charge — whether the driving really showed wanton disregard, what the video and witnesses show, and whether the stop itself was lawful;
- seeking dismissal — see can charges be dropped before trial?;
- pursuing deferred disposition or, for a defendant with no felony record, probation under the First Offender Act;
- negotiating a resolution with the prosecutor; and
- fighting the charge at trial.
Our reckless driving attorney can help you explore and pursue your options.
Related Guides
Your License
If Alcohol Was Involved
Charged With Reckless Driving?
It’s a criminal charge, and it deserves a criminal defense. Let’s talk about the evidence and your options.
Discover how we can protect your rights. Call us at 501-301-4591 or email us for a free consultation with our reckless driving attorney.
This page reflects Arkansas law as of October 2026. It is general information, not legal advice about your specific case.