As of March 2025, Arkansas continues to allow right turns on red lights, maintaining its long-standing traffic regulation. Drivers in Arkansas may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and entering the intersection for the purpose of making a right-hand turn only, unless there is a sign prohibiting the turn.
Key Points of the Right Turn on Red Rule in Arkansas
Complete Stop Required: Vehicular traffic facing a red signal must come to a complete stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection.
Yielding: After stopping, drivers may cautiously enter the intersection to make a right turn, but must yield the right-of-way to:
- Pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk
- Other traffic lawfully using the intersection
Exceptions: The right turn on red is prohibited if:
- There is a sign explicitly prohibiting the turn
- The intersection has specific configurations or traffic patterns that make the turn unsafe
Safety Considerations
While Arkansas maintains the right turn on red rule, it’s important to note the ongoing national discussion about pedestrian safety. Some cities and states are reconsidering this rule due to increasing pedestrian fatalities. In 2022, over 7,500 pedestrian deaths were reported in the United States, prompting some jurisdictions to reevaluate their stance on right turns on red.
Comparison with Other States
As of 2025, most U.S. states, including Arkansas, continue to allow right turns on red. However, some areas have implemented restrictions:
- New York City generally prohibits right turns on red
- Washington D.C. allows it but may restrict it at certain intersections
- Seattle, Washington has new traffic signals that prohibit right turns on red by default
While Arkansas has not made any recent changes to its right turn on red rule, drivers should remain vigilant of potential future updates. Always obey traffic signs, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, and prioritize safety when making right turns at red lights.
Sources:
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-27-transportation/ar-code-sect-27-52-107/
- https://internationaldriversassociation.com/no/blog/right-turn-red-laws-usa/
- https://1440wrok.com/will-illinois-ban-right-turn-on-red/
- https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Arkansas-DL-Manual-English_July2023_042524.pdf
- https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/motor-vehicle/recent-changes-in-the-law/
