TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SIGNAL LEGEND OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES; AND TO ALLOW A VEHICLE DRIVER TO ENTER AN INTERSECTION WHILE A RED LIGHT IS INDICATED ON A TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Clark

SB 372 aimed to allow Arkansas drivers to cautiously enter intersections on red lights under specific conditions, enhancing traffic flow while ensuring safety.

Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

Summary of Senate Bill 372

Bill Number: SB 372
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Signal Legend of Traffic Control Devices; and to Allow a Vehicle Driver to Enter an Intersection While a Red Light is Indicated on a Traffic Control Device in Certain Circumstances
Status: Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 04, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 372 aimed to amend existing traffic laws in Arkansas regarding the operation of vehicles at intersections controlled by traffic signals. The primary intent of the bill was to provide specific circumstances under which a driver could legally enter an intersection while facing a red light, thereby enhancing traffic flow and potentially reducing congestion in certain situations.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following amendments to Arkansas Code § 27-52-107(a)(3)(A):

Cautious Entry into Intersections:

Drivers facing a steady red light could cautiously enter the intersection if:
- They are approaching or already in the intersection.
- They come to a complete stop at the near side of the intersection before entering a crosswalk or stop line, ensuring they have a clear view of any approaching traffic.

Conditions for Entry:

Drivers could only enter the intersection if:
- No other vehicular traffic is present or approaching from other roadways.
- If other vehicles are present, the driver must not enter the intersection.

Yielding Rules:

If a driver enters the intersection under the new provision, all other vehicles approaching or entering the intersection after that driver must yield to them.

Impact

Affected Parties:

The bill would have impacted drivers in Arkansas, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion is common.
It aimed to clarify the rules for entering intersections, potentially improving safety and efficiency for drivers.

Traffic Safety:

By allowing cautious entry under specific conditions, the bill sought to balance the need for traffic flow with safety considerations.

Legislative Timeline

March 04, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.

March 10, 2025: Returned by the committee with a recommendation to pass.

March 11, 2025: Read for the third time and failed to pass; a motion to expunge the vote was carried.

May 05, 2025: The bill died on the Senate calendar at sine die adjournment.

Conclusion

While SB 372 proposed a significant change to traffic control laws in Arkansas, allowing for cautious entry into intersections at red lights, it ultimately did not pass. The bill's failure reflects the complexities and challenges of modifying traffic regulations, which require careful consideration of safety and practicality.