How to Fight a Running a Red Light Ticket in Arkansas
If you got a running a red light ticket in Arkansas, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. First offense: fine up to $100.
How to fight a red light ticket in Arkansas, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the running a red light charge in Arkansas and review the evidence against you.
Check Arkansas's dismissal & mitigation options
Yes — most Arkansas courts offer some form of first-offense relief (court diversion, under advisement, or informal dismissal upon completing a defensive driving course and avoiding new violations for a set period). This must be requested in person at your court appearance.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your running a red light citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
First offense: fine up to $100.
Show up prepared
First offense: fine up to $100. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Arkansas court date — free
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Start my free court prep →Arkansas Running a Red Light ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for running a red light in Arkansas?
ACA § 27-51-501 — Obedience to traffic control signals. A driver facing a steady red signal must stop at the marked stop line (or before the crosswalk or intersection) and may not proceed until the signal is green. Right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop unless posted otherwise.
What are the fines for a red light violation in Arkansas?
First offense: fine up to $100. Second violation within 1 year: fine up to $200. Third or subsequent violation within 1 year: fine up to $500. Some Arkansas courts may also impose jail time for repeat offenses (up to 10 days for a first offense; up to 20 days for a second offense within 1 year; up to 6 months for a third offense within 1 year). Fines vary by court. Verify the exact amount with the court on your citation.
How many points does a red light violation add in Arkansas?
3 demerit points as an unlisted moving violation per the Arkansas DFA point schedule. Points remain on your record for 36 months and count toward the 14-point suspension threshold.
Is there a first-offense diversion or dismissal option for a red light ticket in Arkansas?
Yes — most Arkansas courts offer some form of first-offense relief (court diversion, under advisement, or informal dismissal upon completing a defensive driving course and avoiding new violations for a set period). This must be requested in person at your court appearance. Do NOT pay the fine if you want to pursue diversion — paying records the conviction and points immediately.
What about red light camera violations in Arkansas?
Some Arkansas cities have used automated red light camera systems, though Arkansas law on automated enforcement has been subject to legal challenges. Camera-based citations may be treated as civil administrative penalties rather than moving violation convictions, meaning they may not add points to your driving record. NOT CONFIRMED — verify the specific type of citation (camera vs. officer-issued) with the city listed on your citation and confirm with the court whether the citation carries demerit points.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.