FORT SMITH ARKANSAS

Information on Fort Smith Arkansas Licensing Procedures

We understand that learning to drive can be both exhilirating and daunting, so we've provided this information sheet containing a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your Fort Smith Arkansas driving license is as problem-free as possible. The first thing you should know is that Fort Smith Arkansas has a three level graduated driver license program for Fort Smith Arkansas drivers ages 14-18. The three levels are: learner's license, intermediate license, and regular license. Let's delve more deeply into each of these.

Fort Smith Arkansas Learner's Permit

The Fort Smith Arkansas learner's permit will allow you to practice driving as long as you have someone 21 years or older in the seat next to you as you learn. Although you won't be able to apply for your first Fort Smith Arkansas driver license until you're 16, you can get a learner's license once you turn 14. So if you're 14 or older, take the required identification documents to your local revenue office.

You'll receive your Fort Smith Arkansas learners driver license once you pass the written exam, vision test, and dreaded road test.  However, your Alaska learner's permit, or Alaska graduated drivers license, will expire on your 16^th birthday.

Fort Smith Arkansas Teen Driver's License: Intermediate and Regular Licenses

If you manage to avoid accidents or serious traffic convictions while driving with your Fort Smith Arkansas learners permit, you're ready to move to level two, the Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license! This Fort Smith Arkansas license will expire when you turn 18. Keep in mind that all passengers must wear seatbelts while an Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license holder is driving. Also, although we know it's tempting, NO cell phones or other interactive wireless devices are allowed.

When you reach 18, your Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license will expire and you'll apply for your Fort Smith Arkansas regular license. However, if you've had a major driving conviction, you'll have to wait exactly one year before you can apply for the Fort Smith Arkansas regular license. With an Fort Smith Arkansas regular driver license, you may use a hands-free wireless telephone while driving, but ONLY a hands-free device. 

Fort Smith Arkansas Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

Driving at any age is a privilege, not a right. Several rules apply regarding your Fort Smith Arkansas learner's license, Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license, or Fort Smith Arkansas regular drivers license.

Fort Smith Arkansas learner's permit restrictions:

• ALL passengers must wear seat belts at all times (not just those in front)
  
• No cell phones while driving (except for emergencies)
• You must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older

Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license restrictions:

The Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate driver license (for drivers between the ages of 16 and 18), comes with a few rules of its own. Mainly, an Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license holder cannot drive a vehicle between 11:00PM and 4AM unless:

• you have a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver 21 or older with you
• you are going to or from your workplace, a school sponsored or religious event
• you are driving for reasons of a family emergency

Also, you cannot drive with more than one "unrelated minor passenger" unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older.

Fort Smith Arkansas Auto Insurance Fort Smith Arkansas Financial Responsibility Laws

A big part of being a responsible driver is being able to prove financial responsibility for your vehicle. Any vehicle registered in Fort Smith Arkansas must be covered by liability insurance. The minimum coverage is $25,000 for personal injury and $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.  Information on fines and insurance restrictions can be found on the Fort Smith Arkansas insurance department website. Basically, you do not want to drive the streets of Fort Smith Arkansas in an uninsured vehicle!

Fort Smith Arkansas Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws

As a new Fort Smith Arkansas driver, it's important that you learn and take seriously the Fort Smith Arkansas drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws.

Fort Smith Arkansas drunk driving laws:

Upon your first conviction of an Fort Smith Arkansas DUI, you face:

• imprisonment of 24 hours to 10 days
• public service
• a fine of $150-$1000
• Your license will also be suspended a minimum of 6 months
• The court could also install an ignition interlock device on your car at your expense
• and you may have to take an Alcohol education or treatment program ($125)

Further Fort Smith Arkansas DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Fort Smith Arkansas license suspension or even Fort Smith Arkansas license revocation.

Cell phone and text messaging laws:

Drivers who are distracted by cell phone calls and text messaging are a proven safety hazard. Thus, as of July 2009 there are several laws in the Fort Smith Arkansas legislature aimed at banning or restricting the use of text messaging and cell phones while driving. These include:

• You may not use a cell phone or interactive wireless device while driving if you have an Fort Smith Arkansas learner's license or Fort Smith Arkansas intermediate license (until you obtain a regular driver's license, this applies to you)
• ALL Fort Smith Arkansas license holders are prohibited from using a cell phone (or hands-free device) while transporting children or in school zones
• There is also a ban on text messaging for ALL Fort Smith Arkansas drivers, regardless of age or license class.

Fort Smith Arkansas Online Driver Education

The Fort Smith Arkansas Department of Workforce Education oversees driver education. Their website contains a list of approved Fort Smith Arkansas online driver education course. You can also check with the Department of Education to find approved driver education classes.