Arkansas Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way rules determine who must yield in various driving situations and are essential for preventing accidents and promoting orderly traffic flow. Arkansas follows specific regulations to ensure that drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles operate safely on the roads. Understanding these laws helps reduce confusion and keeps everyone safer.

Intersections Without Signs or Signals

When approaching an uncontrolled intersection (one without stop signs or traffic lights), Arkansas law requires drivers to yield to vehicles already in the intersection. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

In T-intersections where one road ends, drivers on the terminating road must yield to cross traffic.

Stop and Yield Signs

At stop signs, drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles or pedestrians with the right-of-way before proceeding. When approaching a yield sign, slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. Yield to all traffic on the intersecting road before entering.

For more on Arkansas traffic regulations, check out the Arkansas Traffic Laws Overview.

Left Turns

When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and any pedestrians crossing your path. This applies at both signalized and unsignalized intersections. Even with a green light, turning drivers must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before proceeding.

Right Turn on Red

Arkansas allows right turns on red unless posted otherwise. Drivers must come to a complete stop, check for a "No Turn on Red" sign, and yield to all other traffic and pedestrians before turning.

Pedestrians and Crosswalks

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at crosswalks—marked or unmarked—especially at intersections. Drivers must stop when a pedestrian is in the same half of the roadway or approaching closely from the opposite half.

Failing to yield to pedestrians can result in significant penalties. Learn more about consequences of violations in Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas, which also touches on general driving infractions.

Emergency Vehicles

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights. Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. This includes police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.

If you’re in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, continue through and then pull over.

School Buses and Stopped Vehicles

When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, all drivers—regardless of the direction they’re traveling—must stop, unless the road is divided by a physical median. Traffic on the opposite side of a divided highway is not required to stop.

Failure to stop for a school bus can lead to severe penalties and license points, contributing to increased insurance rates. Read more about Arkansas insurance requirements at Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Arkansas.

Roundabouts

Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating. Slow down upon approach and look to your left. Enter only when it's safe, and always signal your exit.

Yielding When Entering a Roadway

Drivers entering from a driveway, parking lot, alley, or roadside must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians on the main road. This rule helps prevent collisions at common conflict points.

For legal expectations around documentation during such stops, visit What Counts as Proof of Insurance in Arkansas.

Bicycles and Motorcycles

Bicyclists and motorcyclists have equal rights and responsibilities on the road. Motorists must yield as they would to other vehicles and allow at least three feet when passing a bicycle. Be especially cautious at intersections where smaller vehicles may be harder to see.

Understanding right-of-way laws is essential for keeping Arkansas roads safe and ensuring all road users can travel confidently and legally.