How we calculate these estimates: Figures combine each state's statutory base fine, per-mph-over surcharge, and typical court fees into a single estimated range. We do not add county-, city-, or municipality-specific surcharges, which can push the real total higher or lower.
Actual fines vary by county, municipality, and court, and are set at the discretion of the presiding judge. These estimates are for planning purposes only — always confirm the exact amount on your citation or with your local court before paying.
Arkansas Speeding Ticket Calculator
Key Takeaway
Speeding ticket costs in Arkansas depend on your speed, location, court fees, and state-specific penalties. This guide explains estimated fines, possible license points, insurance impacts, and available options after receiving a speeding ticket in Arkansas.
For drivers in Arkansas who received a speeding ticket and want to understand total cost — fine, court fees, points, and insurance impact — before their court date.
Estimate your fine, license points, and reckless driving risk for Arkansas. State pre-selected.
70 mph
Max highway speed
$190
Typical 10 over fine
15 mph
Over = reckless risk
Estimated Fine
mph over
points
reckless
Tap each tab to explore your full ticket impact
Based on average $1,200/yr premium and 25% increase for 3 years. Your actual costs may vary.
Compare With Nearby States
| State | 10 MPH Over (est.) | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $155–$217 | 70 mph |
| Tennessee | $215–$301 | 70 mph |
| Mississippi | $140–$196 | 70 mph |
| Louisiana | $260–$364 | 75 mph |
Estimate includes typical court fees & surcharges. Not legal advice.
Arkansas Speeding Fine Reference (Highway)
| Speed Over Limit | Typical Fine Range | License Points | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| +5 mph | $170 – $238 | 2 pts | Low |
| +10 mph | $190 – $266 | 2 pts | Low |
| +15 mph | $210 – $294 | 3 pts | Moderate |
| +20 mph | $230 – $322 | 3 pts | Moderate |
| +25 mph | $250 – $350 | 4 pts | Reckless |
| +30 mph | $270 – $378 | 5 pts | Reckless |
Ranges include estimated court fees and surcharges. Actual fines vary by county. Not legal advice.
Understanding Speeding Fines in Arkansas
Arkansas uses a relatively low baseline fine structure, but its 14-point-per-year threshold is one of the more aggressive in the region — drivers who accumulate violations quickly face suspension. The state also has a notably low reckless-driving trigger at just 15 mph over the limit, meaning what might be a routine citation in other states becomes a criminal charge in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, going 10 mph over the speed limit on a highway typically results in an estimated fine of $190–$266, including court costs and administrative fees. The fine increases to approximately $230–$322 for 20 mph over and $270–$378 for 30 mph over. Road type significantly affects your total: fines in school zones are multiplied by 2.5×, and construction zone fines are doubled.
A Arkansas speeding ticket consists of a base fine of $25 plus $4/mph over the limit, with an additional $125 in court costs and administrative surcharges. For example, going 15 mph over the speed limit would cost approximately $210 before road-type multipliers are applied. These figures reflect typical statewide fine schedules; exact amounts vary by county.
Key Arkansas Speeding Laws
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Arkansas doubles fines in active construction zones when workers are present — signs must be posted indicating the doubled-fine zone.
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Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit qualifies as a "high-speed" violation, which carries enhanced fines and mandatory reporting to your insurer.
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The Basic Speed Rule applies: driving at the limit during ice, heavy rain, or dense fog can still result in a citation if an officer determines the speed is unsafe.
License Points in Arkansas
Arkansas uses a point system to track driver violations. A standard speeding infraction typically adds 2–4 points to your Arkansas license depending on the severity. Accumulating 14 or more points within 1 year triggers a license suspension or mandatory DMV hearing.
Beyond license points, a speeding conviction in Arkansas typically raises auto insurance premiums by 20–35%, with the surcharge lasting 3–5 years. The total long-term financial impact of a single speeding ticket — including fines, court costs, and insurance — commonly exceeds $1,000–$1,500 over the surcharge period.
Tips for Arkansas Drivers
Arkansas courts frequently allow deferred judgment for first-time speeders, particularly those with clean records. Under a deferred judgment, the ticket is dismissed if you complete a driving course and remain citation-free for a set period — an arrangement worth requesting explicitly when you appear in court.
If you are stopped for speeding in Arkansas, be polite and cooperative with the officer. Anything you say can be referenced in court. Before paying a ticket online, consider whether contesting it or requesting traffic school produces a better financial outcome — the insurance savings over 3–5 years typically far exceed the inconvenience of a court appearance.
Arkansas at a Glance
Updated Jun 2026- Max highway speed
- 70 mph
- School zone speed
- 25 mph
- Reckless driving
- 15+ mph over
- Base fine
- $25
- Per mph over
- $4
- Court fees
- ~$125
- Suspension threshold
- 14 pts / 1yr
What to Do After Getting a Speeding Ticket in Arkansas
- 1
Remain calm at the stop
Be polite and cooperative with the officer. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Anything you say can be referenced in court.
- 2
Review the citation for errors
Check the date, location, vehicle description, and posted speed limit. Clerical errors on the citation can support a dismissal request in Arkansas traffic court.
- 3
Know your response deadline
Most states require a response within 30 days. Ignoring the ticket leads to late fees, license suspension, and a potential hold on your vehicle registration.
- 4
Evaluate your options
You can pay the fine (admission of guilt), request traffic school (available for most first-time offenders in Arkansas), or contest the ticket in court for a possible reduction or dismissal.
- 5
Consult an attorney for serious charges
For reckless driving, commercial license risk, or potential suspension in Arkansas, legal counsel often costs less than one year of insurance surcharges.
Ways to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Arkansas
Request traffic school / defensive driving
Available in most states for first-time offenders. Completing an approved course typically prevents the conviction from appearing on your record, blocking any insurance surcharge.
Challenge radar or laser calibration
Request the calibration records for the speed-detection device used. Expired certification or improper calibration can invalidate the citation entirely.
Negotiate a non-moving violation plea
A traffic attorney can often reduce a speeding charge to a non-moving violation (no DMV points, no insurance impact) — worth thousands in avoided premiums over 3–5 years.
Request a deferred judgment
Available in many states for first-time offenders: the charge is dismissed after a clean 6–12 month period. Must be requested at a court appearance — not available through online payment.
Appear in court rather than pay online
Paying online is an admission of guilt. Appearing in person — even without an attorney — almost always produces a better outcome, from reduced fines to alternative sentencing.
How Speeding Tickets Affect Insurance in Arkansas
20–35%
Average premium increase after a speeding conviction
3–5 yrs
How long the insurance surcharge stays on your policy
$800–$2K
Typical total insurance increase per speeding conviction
How insurers learn about your ticket
When your policy renews (typically every 6–12 months), your insurer runs a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. Any new convictions since the last check can trigger a premium increase. Traffic school prevents the conviction from appearing on the MVR — blocking the surcharge entirely.
The true cost calculation
If your annual premium is $1,200 and a ticket causes a 25% increase, that's $300/year extra — or $900–$1,500 over the surcharge period. On a $250 fine, the insurance cost alone is 3–6× the citation amount. Traffic school (typically $25–$75) is almost always financially worthwhile for first-time offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas Speeding Tickets
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Arkansas Speeding Laws
- ⚖️Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-201 — No person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and potential hazards then existing
- ⚖️Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-202 — Absolute speed limits (75 mph designated interstates, 65 mph divided highways, 55 mph other roads, 30 mph urban districts)
- ⚖️Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-1304 — Fines doubled for speeding in active highway work zones when workers are present; signage required
- ⚖️Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-603 — Reduced speed limits in school zones during school hours; enhanced fines for violations
- ⚖️Ark. Code Ann. § 27-50-308 — Street racing is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year jail; conviction triggers mandatory 6-month license suspension
Arkansas Speeding Fine Schedule
| MPH Over Limit | Base Fine | Est. Total w/ Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | $110 | — | Standard infraction; court costs add ~$165 on top |
| 11–15 | $140 | — | Work zone or school zone violations are doubled |
| 16–25 | $180 | — | Court appearance may be required at judge's discretion |
| 26–35 | $230 | — | Judge may charge reckless driving; possible misdemeanor |
| 36+ | $260+ | — | Reckless driving / Class B misdemeanor likely; possible license suspension |
How Much a Arkansas Speeding Ticket Raises Your Insurance
Average rate increase: 15–35% for a standard speeding conviction
How long it stays on your record: 3 years (minor violations); longer for misdemeanor-level convictions
Defensive driving discount: 5–10% off base premium for 3 years after completing an approved defensive driving course
Estimated 3-year total cost: $500–$1,800+ over 3 years in added premiums for a mid-range speeding ticket
Arkansas violations are visible to insurers for 3 years. Two or more violations in this window frequently trigger non-renewal or significant rate jumps.
Arkansas License Point System
Traffic School in Arkansas
Speeding Enforcement by City
Little Rock
Highest enforcement density in state. LRPD actively patrols I-30, I-40, I-430, and the I-630 connector. Little Rock District Court handles violations. Hot spot: I-30 through downtown and the I-430/I-630 interchange.
Fort Smith
Active enforcement on I-40 and US-71 business corridor. Sebastian County District Court. High volume of out-of-state plates (Oklahoma border); officers patrol US-64 and Garrison Avenue corridors regularly.
Fayetteville / NW Arkansas
I-49 (former US-71B) frequently patrolled through Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. Washington and Benton county courts. University of Arkansas student traffic drives elevated enforcement near campus.
Jonesboro
Craighead County District Court. US-63 and US-49 corridors are primary patrol zones. Arkansas State University area sees elevated enforcement. Northeast Arkansas regional hub with active state police presence on US-412.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Arkansas
Common defenses:
- Radar or laser calibration records — request officer's calibration and maintenance logs
- Officer certification for the specific speed measurement device used
- Speed limit sign visibility, placement, or missing signage at citation location
- Work zone not properly marked or workers not actually present during violation