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.
Summary
SB372 amends Arkansas traffic law governing steady red lights and stop signals. The bill creates a narrow exception allowing a driver to cautiously enter an intersection while facing a red light if the driver first comes to a complete stop and there is no other vehicle approaching or already in the intersection. The stop must occur on the near side of the intersection, before the crosswalk, stop line, or the point with the best view of cross traffic.
The bill also provides that if another vehicle is already in the intersection or is approaching it, the driver may not enter. If a driver does enter under the new exception, other vehicles approaching or entering afterward must yield to that driver. In practical terms, the bill would modify the rules for red-light compliance at intersections by adding a limited right-of-way exception under specific safety conditions.
Impact
If enacted, SB372 would amend Arkansas Code § 27-52-107, which governs when drivers must stop for steady red traffic signals and stop signs. The change would create a new statutory exception to the general red-light stop requirement, affecting motorists, law enforcement, and traffic-control enforcement at intersections statewide. It would also alter right-of-way expectations by requiring later-arriving traffic to yield to a vehicle that lawfully enters under the new provision.
Sentiment
The recorded vote suggests the bill faced significant opposition. On third reading, it received 7 yeas and 12 nays, indicating that a majority of voting members were not supportive of the measure. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no additional recorded discussion to show support or opposition beyond the floor vote.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the safety and traffic-enforcement implications of allowing entry into an intersection on a red light, even under limited conditions. Supporters would view the bill as a narrowly tailored exception for situations where the intersection is clear, while opponents appear to have been concerned enough to vote it down, likely over the risk of confusion, collisions, or weakening the red-light rule. Because no committee debate is available, the specific arguments of individual legislators are not documented in the provided materials.
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 54-03-01.14 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to legislative districts; and to provide for application.
Relating to the issuance of and fee for a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles on certain routes in Hidalgo County and the use of those fees for the payment of the costs of constructing and maintaining certain of those routes.
Relating to the route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles for certain routes in Hidalgo County.