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Republican Sponsorship
Transportation

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.

Failed

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, 2025
Yea: 7 Nay: 12 NV: 16 Absent: 0 Failed
View 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
Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us