Can Turning Left at a Red Light in Arkansas land You in Jail?

Everyone is in a hurry these days trying to get to school, work, soccer practice, you name it, Let's just admit it, we're always looking at ways to trim a little time off our busy schedule. However, there are a lot of driving laws you know about, and some you may not depending on what state you live in.

Arkansas

This can all get a little confusing especially when you live in two states. So, here's the question, Could turning left at a red light in Arkansas land you in jail?

Most of us already know you can turn right after coming to a full stop at the red light unless otherwise posted. But left? The answer is YES! The law (section 27-52-107) of the Arkansas Code) states you are allowed to legally turn left after you come to a complete stop at a red light ONLY if both the origin and destination streets are one way and there are no signs prohibiting the turn.  And ONLY if there is no oncoming traffic that could pose a safety hazard to other drivers. You must give them the right away first including pedestrians and vehicles coming from opposite directions.

Texas

Texans can also turn left at a red light as long as they follow posted traffic signs and right-of-way rules. Once again, ONLY if you are turning from a one-way street to another one-way street. Keep in mind, that fines and penalties for improper turns at other intersections that are not one-way streets are prohibited.

As of 2018, 38 states in the U.S. are allowed to turn left at a red light at a one-way intersection. 50 states in the U.S. allow a driver to turn right at a red light or stop sign after coming to a complete stop and the road is clear and only if there are no signs posted that say otherwise.

So there you go, hopefully, that will get you from point A to point B a little faster. Just be careful!