Illegal U Turn Laws in California

Making a U-turn can sometimes seem like the fastest and easiest thing to do when you find yourself going in the wrong direction. Sometimes, however, the law does not permit a U-turn to be made. When the law prohibits a U-turn, there is generally a good reason for doing so, and usually that reason is that making a U-turn would not be safe due to traffic flow patterns and visibility. As such, making an illegal U-turn can not only lead to you getting a traffic ticket, points on your license, and a fine, but it can also increase your chances of causing an accident and becoming civilly liable for all damages that result from that accident. If you live in California, you should be sure to know and obey the California U-turn laws so you can avoid this unpleasant result. 

California U-turn Laws

In California, there are specific prohibitions against making a U-turn in some situations. These include:

• U-turns on divided highways that would require you to cut across a dividing section of the highway, or to go across two double yellow lines, a curb or another divided strip of land.
• U-turns in situations in which a barrier, like a curve or a hill, causes you to be unable to see at least 200 feet in both directions, or in situations in which weather, like fog or rain, prevents visibility for at least that distance.
• Situations in which there is a posted sign prohibiting U-turns.
• U-turns onto any one-way street.
• U-turns on street areas located in front of fire stations. You also are prohibited from turning around in a fire station driveway in California.
• U-turns where there is passing traffic that may strike your vehicle.
• U-turns in a business district (an area with multi-family houses or apartments, churches and other public buildings) where there is no opening provided for a turn or where there is no intersection. 

Turning when you are not permitted and making an illegal U-turn can result in a traffic ticket and a moving violation on your driver's license. If you break the rules of the road and make an illegal U-turn, this can also be clear evidence of driver negligence. Since all drivers owe a duty to others on the road to behave with reasonable care, which includes not breaking laws, your illegal U-turn could be used against you in a personal injury claim when an accident occurs. Damages in personal injury claims may include compensation for all medical bills incurred by the injured driver, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional distress and wrongful death if the accident leads to death. These damages can be in the hundreds of thousands or even into the millions of dollars in cases in which you cause serious injury or death through your negligent actions while driving. 

Getting Legal Help

If you believe that you have been injured as a result of someone's illegal U-turn, you should strongly consider speaking with a lawyer for assistance. A qualified and experienced attorney can provide you with guidance and advice on how to handle your case so you have the best possible chance of getting the recovery you deserve.