Arkansas Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Seniors account for a disproportionate number of traffic deaths. The latest figures show 21% of all traffic fatalities in Arkansas were people over 65, more than any other age group. But, unlike most states, Arkansas imposes no special requirements or restrictions on older drivers.

The rules and regulations enforced by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Driver Services (ODS) apply to all adult drivers, including seniors. But the state has implemented some rules and procedures aimed at keeping both older drivers and Arkansas roadways safe, and giving seniors special options at license renewal.

Arkansas License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

All Arkansas drivers must renew their licenses in person at a local Revenue Office. All drivers must take and pass a free vision test at every renewal.

When Do Older Arkansas Drivers Have to Renew Their Licenses?

Arkansas driver's licenses are valid for eight years. But drivers 70 and older can opt to renew for just four years and pay a reduced fee.

Do Older Arkansas Drivers Have to Pass a Driving Test at Renewal?

Arkansas ODS doesn't require drivers to retake a written exam or driving skills test based on age alone. But if licensing authorities believe you have a physical or mental condition or limitation that could affect your ability to drive safely, you might have to take a road test to keep your license.

Possible License Restrictions for Older Arkansas Drivers

The ODS can place restrictions or conditions on your driver's license when there's good cause, like after you self-report a medical condition or take a vision or driving test. The most common restriction for older drivers is the requirement to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses.

In Arkansas, other common driving restrictions and requirements the ODS might impose include the following:

• using a mechanical aid, such as:
• a seat cushion or other supports for proper driving position
• a special steering device, or
• hand controls for brakes or acceleration
• using a prosthetic aid
• having an additional outside mirror on the vehicle
• only driving during daylight hours, or
• other restrictions, such as:
• no highway driving
• no driving during rush hour
• driving only within a specific geographic area, or
• using bioptic telescopic lenses while driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Arkansas

In Arkansas, ODS can require an evaluation by a Driver Control Hearing Officer after receiving a report of a potentially unsafe driver from:

• law enforcement
• a medical professional
• driver or vehicle licensing official, or
• a concerned relative.

Driver Services will only consider reports based on personal knowledge or observation and won't investigate those based solely on the driver's age. Depending on the situation, ODS could require the driver to have a medical evaluation or retake part or all of the driver's license exam.

You can report a family member you believe is unsafe to drive by completing a Medical Evaluation Request form and submitting it to ODS by:

• mail: Driver Control, P.O. Box 1272, Room 1070, Little Rock, AR 72203
• fax: 501-683-0955, or
• email: [email protected].

You'll need to include the driver's name, contact information, and driver's license number (if available) on the form, as well as your name and contact information. An immediate family member who makes a report must attend the initial driver evaluation.

Note that ODS doesn't accept anonymous reports and won't release the outcome of the investigation to the reporting party.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Arkansas, contact the Office of Driver Services. You can visit a local office or call ODS at 501-371-5581.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver in Arkansas

The Arkansas DFA Office of Motor Vehicles issues disability parking placards and license plates to drivers who have impaired mobility if a licensed medical professional verifies the condition. The state issues permanent disability placards and license plates, as well as temporary disability parking placards.

The placards and plates are available for those who:

• can't walk 100 feet without stopping to rest
• can't walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device or person
• have severe lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition
• have a spinal cord injury
• have a genetic ambulatory disorder
• have had a limb amputated
• have spina bifida
• have multiple sclerosis
• have chronic heart disease, or
• have some other permanent medical condition that substantially impacts their mobility.

Permanent placards must be renewed every four years, and plates are renewed annually, like regular license plates. Temporary placards are valid for three months from the last day of the month in which they're issued and can't be renewed.

To get a disabled parking placard or license plate, take the following steps:

• Complete and sign the driver's portion of the doctor's certification form.
• Have a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician's assistant complete the medical information section, indicate whether your disability is permanent or temporary, and sign the form.
• Submit the completed form at your local Arkansas Revenue Office or by mail to the DFA's Special License Unit in the Ragland Building, 1900 W 7th Street, Suite 1010, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Learn More About Arkansas Driving Rules for Seniors

The DFA's MyDMV website contains basic information for Arkansas drivers, including links to the controlling laws. You can also make an appointment to renew your driver's license or state ID at your local DMV licensing office.

You might also want to check out the Department of Public Safety's Driver Exam information page. Of special interest is the Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide, which you can download for free and use to prepare for the written driver's license exams. It's available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.