It consists of a shield which is divided vertically into two halves, featuring respectively the Cross of Saint James and a castle, and is surmounted by a royal crown.

According to the third article of the Statute of Autonomy of La Rioja, Organic Law 3/1982:[1] According to the sixth and seventh article of Law 4/1985, May 31 (BOLR n. 64, June 4): The arms must appear: There is also a simplified version of the arms, more symbolic and suitable for black and white and color sketch reproductions, according to Corporative Identity Manual, Decree 20/2003, 20 May 2003, which defines the Institutional Graphic identity of Autonomous Community of La Rioja and its President (BOR n. 70, June 5, 2003).

A non-official description, but more theoretically correct according to classic heraldry [2] would be: The present shield was approved 5 April 1957 by decree of the Ministry of the Interior (then known as Ministerio de la Gobernación), for use by the then province of Logroño.

Under it is depicted the Ebro river, which irrigates the lands of La Rioja.

Both the fleur-de-lis and Royal Crown are distinctions given to the region by Spanish monarchs in recognition of "heroic deeds performed".