Like many other states, Arkansas has the “implied consent law”, which specifies that anyone who operates a motor vehicle on Arkansas roadways automatically gives their permission to be tested for possibly high blood alcohol levels. Anyone who refuses being tested for their blood alcohol level will result in immediate suspension of their license for a period of one hundred eighty days for their first offense. In addition, they will also be denied the right to an “ignition interlock restricted license”.
Prior to reinstatement a person must have completed an approved drug and alcohol education or treatment program, and attend a Victim Impact Panel for each DWI/Refusal offense on the person’s record, and must pay a reinstatement fee of $150.00 per offense.
When you are convicted of a DWI/DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked, which means that your driving privileges will be taken away. You must apply for a reinstatement of your driver’s license with the Department of Finance and Administration after the period of suspension or revocation is over. In addition, you will need to take the driving tests again, which will also include the vision test, knowledge test and the road test. Failure to complete all of these reinstatement requirements will result in your license remaining suspended or revoked.
In order to complete the reinstatement requirements, you must show that you have completed the Drug Alcohol Safety Education Program (DASEP) or a comparable program. Below is additional information about the Drug and Alcohol Safety Education Program:
DASEP was established to implement legislative mandates relevant to the illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and (or) other drugs (see Arkansas Criminal Code § 5-65- 104, § 5-65-109, and § 5-65-115). Through investigation, assessment, referral, and educational services, the program aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by alcohol and other drug impaired drivers.
The DASEP is for persons who have plead guilty, nolo contendere; or have been found guilty of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Boating While Intoxication (BWI) and other alcohol and drug offenses as ordered by the court. This program provides an investigation, screening/assessment, referral to treatment, and (or) 12-15 contact hours of education. Completion of an educational program is required to have the offender‘s driver‘s license reinstated. All DASEP programs must be approved by the administration and authority of DBHS as provided under Ark. Code Ann. §5-65-104 (b) (1) (A). The Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) contracts with various organizations throughout the state for this purpose.
*Resource– Drug and Alcohol Safety Education Program(DASEP) Contract Guidelines ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
In addition to the completion of the DASEP program, you will need to pay the reinstatement fee of $150.00 and maintain financial responsibility for two years from the date of suspension/revocation by filing SR-22 auto insurance form if you are over 21 years old. If you are convicted of a DUI/DWI, for a one year period, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device for breathalyzer tests on any vehicle you drive.
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