by Little Rock, Arkansas – As of 2025, Arkansas has reaffirmed its long-standing traffic regulation on right turns at red lights, but with updated clarifications to improve driver awareness and pedestrian safety. While the rule continues to allow drivers to make right turns at red signals, new guidance highlights the conditions, exceptions, and penalties that apply.
Complete Stop Still Required
Under Arkansas law, drivers must always come to a complete stop before making a right turn on red. This means stopping at the marked stop line, or—if none is present—before entering the crosswalk or the intersection itself. Rolling stops, often seen at busy intersections, are not permitted and can result in citations.
The rule ensures that vehicles do not interfere with pedestrians crossing the street or other drivers who have the legal right of way.
Yielding to Vehicles and Pedestrians
After coming to a full stop, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk. Failure to yield is one of the most common causes of red-light accidents, and officials say this clarification is aimed at reducing collisions in urban areas.
According to the Arkansas State Police, drivers must only proceed when the way is completely clear and safe.
Exceptions: Signs That Prohibit Right on Red
According to mywaynecountynow, A right turn on red is not universally allowed. At certain intersections, signage may explicitly prohibit the maneuver. In these cases, drivers must wait for a green light, regardless of traffic conditions. Ignoring a posted “No Turn on Red” sign can result in fines and, if an accident occurs, more severe penalties.
Special Situations and Clarifications
Red Arrow Restrictions
Drivers are generally not permitted to turn right on a red arrow unless a sign specifically allows it. This differs from a steady red light, where the default rule allows the turn after a complete stop.
Left Turn on Red
Arkansas law also allows left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street. However, the same requirements apply: drivers must stop fully, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and comply with posted signs.
Rules for Bicyclists
The 2025 update adds clarity for bicyclists. Cyclists are allowed to make a right turn on red after slowing down and yielding, even without coming to a complete stop, provided that no immediate hazard exists. Safety officials emphasize that while this exception applies, cyclists should still exercise caution at busy intersections.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Arkansas State Police have noted that failure to follow right-turn-on-red rules can lead to tickets, fines, and higher insurance costs. If a violation leads to an accident, penalties may be more severe, especially if injuries are involved.
A new 2025 provision also increases the consequences in work zones. Any violations—including improper right turns on red—carry double fines when committed in designated construction areas. The measure is designed to enhance worker and driver safety along Arkansas roadways.
Read Also: Kansas Traffic Laws 2025: Updates on the Right Turn on Red Rule Every Driver Should Know
Why the Update Matters
Traffic safety experts note that while the right-on-red law has been around for decades, many drivers still misunderstand its requirements. Misinterpretation often leads to rolling stops, failure to yield, and risky maneuvers, all of which contribute to accidents at intersections.
By reinforcing the rules and adding specific provisions for work zones and bicyclists, Arkansas hopes to strike a balance between driver convenience and roadway safety.
Final Thoughts
For Arkansas drivers in 2025, the message is clear: you can still turn right at a red light, but only after a full stop, yielding appropriately, and checking for signs that prohibit it. With stricter enforcement and doubled fines in construction zones, motorists are encouraged to exercise greater caution to avoid costly penalties—and most importantly, to keep roads safe for everyone.
Do you think Arkansas’ updated right-on-red clarifications will improve traffic safety, or do more changes need to be made? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
