DUI and DWI Programs in Arkansas

What DUI or DWI program does Arkansas require, and which agency oversees it?

Arkansas requires people whose driver’s license is suspended or revoked after a DWI or DUI to complete an alcohol education program through the Drug and Alcohol Safety Educational Program (DASEP), and the Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services oversees who may deliver it.

The Department of Finance and Administration’s driver services pages tie this requirement to suspensions under Arkansas Code sections 5-65-103, 5-65-303, 5-65-310 and 3-3-203. The course must come from a contractor of that behavioral health division, or from an alcoholism treatment program the division licenses.

DASEP also serves public intoxication and minor in possession cases, which work as the underage track. Course length can differ by case type, so ask the DASEP provider or your court how many hours apply to you. A separate assessment may also point to outpatient, intensive outpatient or residential treatment.

Finishing the course is one step toward getting a license back, and driver services may set further conditions, for example reinstatement fees or an ignition interlock device. An online course counts only if the court and driver services accept it, so confirm with both before paying, and keep in mind that completion does not change criminal charges.

How does a DUI assessment decide which program or treatment you need in Arkansas?

A DUI assessment is a structured interview with a counselor that looks at your alcohol and drug use and recommends a level of care. The counselor usually asks about your drinking and drug history, past offenses and mental health. The result may call for education only. It may also point to outpatient care, an intensive outpatient program or residential treatment.

Listed Arkansas providers also report alcohol use disorder care, including medication. Some list medication for opioid use disorder, such as care at buprenorphine clinics. A judge can order treatment, and the Arkansas Judiciary lists 14 DWI courts that combine court supervision with care. For referral rules, see court-ordered rehab in Arkansas.

Can you complete a DUI or DWI program online in Arkansas?

An online course counts in Arkansas only if your court and the state’s driver services office accept it, so ask both before you enroll. The state sources used for this page do not say that online DASEP completion is accepted. Treatment is a separate question. Arkansas Medicaid rules effective January 2022 allow telemedicine for substance use assessments and individual counseling, and for group counseling for adults. Detox must be face to face. Audio-only calls do not count unless they are real-time and interactive. Providers offering telehealth treatment in Arkansas can explain which services they run remotely.

How do you pay for a DUI program or court-ordered treatment in Arkansas?

You pay the DASEP course fee to the provider, while treatment an assessment recommends is usually paid through insurance, Medicaid, a sliding fee or state-funded care. The sources used here give no state fee schedule, so ask for the current course fee when you call. Arkansas expanded Medicaid in 2014, and the Department of Human Services administers it. People with complex behavioral health needs may be placed in a PASSE plan. An undated DHS fact sheet names Arkansas Total Care, CareSource PASSE, Empower Healthcare Solutions and Summit Community Care, so ask DHS which plans are active now.

Many listings show Medicaid acceptance, sliding scale fees or state-funded treatment. Pregnant women without insurance coverage for treatment can ask about the DHS Specialized Women Services program, which pays for assessment and treatment. Spanish-speaking readers can filter for Spanish-language and interpreter services. Ask each provider which other languages its staff speak.

What happens after you finish the program, and how do you get your license back?

Finishing DASEP is one step toward reinstatement, which the Department of Finance and Administration’s driver services office handles. Other conditions, such as an ignition interlock device or reinstatement fees, may apply to your case, so ask driver services for the full list. Completing the course does not change criminal charges. Questions about your case belong with an attorney.

What to bring and ask

Bring your court paperwork, any assessment results and your compliance deadline when you contact intake staff. Ask how proof of completion is reported to the court and to driver services, and how long that report takes.

Using these listings and getting help now

Arkansas listings for this term are spread across the state. About 98% sit within 25 miles of a river, most often the West Fork White River, and 32% are within 25 miles of a national forest such as Ozark-St. Francis or Ouachita. Fort Smith Regional Airport is the most common nearest airport, and the median distance to the nearest airport is 33.7 miles. More Arkansas options are on the Arkansas treatment page.

Crisis support is available any time by calling or texting 988. The national treatment referral line is free and confidential at 1-800-662-4357. A 2024 DHS flyer lists the Arkansas Mental Health and Addiction Support Line at 1-844-763-0198. Call that number to make sure it is still in service.