Arkansas maintains its longstanding right-turn-on-red rule in 2026 with no major updates altering the core requirements. Drivers must still stop fully at red lights before turning right after yielding, unless signs prohibit it, emphasizing safety amid steady traffic laws.
Rule Basics
Arkansas Code § 27-51-1003 permits right turns at red lights after a complete stop, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. This aligns with the nationwide Uniform Vehicle Code adopted in 1974 to ease congestion post-energy crises. Signs reading “No Turn on Red” override permission; always check intersections.
2026 Legislative Status
No 2026-specific changes target right-on-red in Arkansas; recent laws focus on CDL extensions, tax rates, and bike yields instead. The rule remains unchanged from prior years, with DFA clarifying misunderstandings like mandatory headlights with wipers but no footwear or turn tweaks. Expect continuity unless new bills emerge mid-year.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Approach the red light and come to a full stop behind the limit line or crosswalk.
- Yield to all vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians in or nearing the intersection.
- If clear, proceed with the turn; no re-stopping mid-intersection unless needed.
- Enter cautiously, signaling throughout.
Failure at any step risks tickets for failure to yield (up to $100 fine plus points) or running a red light ($140+).
Safety Concerns Addressed
Right-on-red cuts idling but spikes side-impact crashes 10-20% per IIHS data, especially without protected phases. Arkansas intersections with high pedestrian volumes often post bans; drivers must scan crosswalks thoroughly. Recent bike laws allowing yield-like stops at signals heighten vigilance needs for motorists turning right.
Enforcement Realities
Officers use dash cams and witness accounts for violations; partial stops (“rolling”) draw $100+ citations as full stops are non-negotiable. Rural roads see laxer checks, but urban Little Rock or Fayetteville hotspots enforce strictly amid 2026 traffic growth. Appeals succeed with video proof of proper yield.
Comparisons Across States
All 50 states allow right-on-red with stops, but five (e.g., New York outside NYC) ban it citywide; others mandate signs everywhere. South Dakota requires entering the intersection pre-turn; Arkansas sticks to simple stop-yield-go. Federally, no mandates exist, leaving states flexible.
Common Myths Busted
Myth: You can creep forward before yielding. Fact: Full stop first, or it’s a violation.
Myth: 2026 updates ban it for safety. Fact: No such change; bikes got new rules instead.
Myth: Trucks are exempt. Fact: Applies universally unless placarded otherwise.
Practical Driving Tips
Scan mirrors and blind spots pre-turn; hesitate extra in rain or dusk. Use turn signals early to alert cyclists. Apps like Waze flag no-turn zones. For semis, ensure trailer clearance—wide turns common culprits. Teach teens via simulations emphasizing yield priority.
SOURCES:
- https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/motor-vehicle/recent-changes-in-the-law/
- https://www.facebook.com/KNWAnews/posts/as-the-calendar-turned-to-2026-more-than-a-dozen-new-laws-took-effect-in-arkansa/1322310963271859/
