SB372
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.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 372 seeks to amend Arkansas law regarding traffic control devices, specifically the signal legend for steady red lights. The bill proposes an exception that would allow a vehicle operator to cautiously enter an intersection while a steady red light is displayed, provided specific conditions are met. These conditions require the driver to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection, crosswalk, or stop line. Furthermore, the driver may only proceed if there is no other vehicular traffic approaching or already within the intersection. Once a driver has entered the intersection under these circumstances, other approaching traffic would be required to yield the right-of-way to them.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are motorists who would experience reduced wait times at intersections, particularly during periods of low traffic density. By allowing for a controlled proceed-on-red maneuver under specific safety conditions, the bill aims to improve traffic flow efficiency and reduce unnecessary idling at intersections where cross-traffic is absent.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill could negatively impact road safety by potentially increasing the risk of accidents at intersections. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers may be at greater risk if a motorist misjudges the distance or speed of approaching traffic before entering the intersection on a red light. Additionally, law enforcement and insurance providers may face increased complexity in determining fault in the event of a collision occurring under these new parameters.
Vote Records
Third Reading
March 11, 2025View individual votes (35)
| Legislator | Party | Chamber | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane English | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Jonathan Dismang | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Greg Leding | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Missy Irvin | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Bryan King | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Kim Hammer | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Stephanie Flowers | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Frederick Love | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Terry Rice | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Reginald Murdock | Democrat | Senate | NV |
| Gary Stubblefield | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Jim Dotson | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| John Payton | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Alan Clark | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Ronald Caldwell | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Bart Hester | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Jimmy Hickey | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Dan Sullivan | Republican | Senate | NV |
| David Wallace | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Blake Johnson | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Justin Boyd | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Clarke Tucker | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Scott Flippo | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Clint Penzo | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Mark Johnson | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Ricky Hill | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Jamie Scott | Democrat | Senate | NV |
| Breanne Davis | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Ben Gilmore | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Joshua Bryant | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Matt McKee | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Jim Petty | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Steve Crowell | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Tyler Dees | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Matt Stone | Republican | Senate | Yea |
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