This Traffic Law May Get You A Fine In A Parking Lot In TX & AR

You see people do it all the time, you're sitting at a long red light that seems to be taking forever, and there it is, one quick flick of the wheel and you could cut through this gas station or a shopping center parking lot, bypass the light and be on your way. Is it legal or illegal in Arkansas and Texas to do that? Can You get a ticket? Let's find out.

Arkansas

According to the Arkansas Motor Vehicle and Traffic Laws and State Highway Commission Regulations, the answer is YES, it is illegal, and YES, you can get a ticket for it.

Jefferson at Arkansas Blvd - Google Maps

27-51-104. Careless and prohibited driving.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate
any vehicle in such a careless manner as to evidence a
failure to keep a proper lookout for other traffic, vehicular
or otherwise, or in such a manner as to evidence a failure
to maintain proper control on the public thoroughfares or
private property in the State of Arkansas.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or drive
any vehicle on the public thoroughfares or private property
in the State of Arkansas in violation of the following
prohibited acts: (1) Improper or unsafe lane changes on
public roadways;
(2) Driving onto or across private property to avoid
intersections, stop signs, traffic control devices, or traffic
lights;

Texas

According to the Texas Transportation Code, the answer is again a resounding, YES to both questions.

Sec. 545.423. CROSSING PROPERTY. (a) An operator may not cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without stopping the vehicle.

(b) An operator may not cross or drive in or on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance at an intersection to turn right or left from one highway to another highway.

Richmond at Moores Lane - Google Maps

Are you one of those people? We have all done it at one time or another, but as you can see, if you are caught you could be convicted of a misdemeanor and fined $250 in Texas.

Now you know, patience, especially at a traffic light, is always the right-of-way to go.

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