Can You Turn Right on Red in Arkansas?
Turning right on a red light in Arkansas is legal as long as you make a complete stop before and there’s no sign prohibiting it.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Right turns on a red light are legal in
Arkansas
, but you must come to a complete stop first and give the right of way to other drivers and pedestrians. However, right turns on a red may be prohibited at certain intersections, so always check the signs before turning.Hitting a red light at an intersection means one thing—stop, right? But in most US states, turning right on a red is perfectly legal.
Not all intersections allow right turns on a red, so it’s important to pay attention to the signs. Knowing the laws in your state is also important to avoid the potentially hefty fine that can be attached to an illegal turn.
Can you turn right on red in Arkansas?
Yes—turning right on a red light is legal unless a sign prohibits right turns at the intersection.
Section 27-52-107 of the Arkansas Code states that vehicles facing the traffic signal may enter the insertion and make a right turn only after coming to a complete stop unless there is a sign prohibiting right turns. They must still yield to traffic and pedestrians that have the
right of way
.If you approach an intersection with a flashing red or yellow signal, treat it as you would with a stop sign—make a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection and proceed with caution as normal.
What about left turns on red?
As with most states, turning left on a red in Arkansas is only legal if you’re turning from a one-way street to another one-way street. But again, make sure you come to a complete stop before turning and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Key Takeaway: As long as there are no signs posted that prohibit the turn, it’s legal to turn right on a red light in Arkansas.
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Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Arkansas
While turning right on a red may be legal in Arkansas, there are some exceptions to the rule. If you’re caught turning right on a red at an intersection with a prohibited turn sign, you could be nailed with a fine.
Violating a stop sign or red light law is classified as a misdemeanor that carries a minimum fine of $100 and/or 10 days in jail for a first-time violation.
Here’s how the penalties break down:
Offense number | Fine | Jail time |
|---|---|---|
First | $100 | up to 10 days |
Second (within 1 year) | $200 | up to 20 days |
Third + | $500 | up to six months |
You may also be subject to three
demerit points
for getting a stop sign or red light ticket. Keep in mind that if you accumulate 14 or more points on your driving record within 36 months, you could face a license suspension
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