California Vehicle Code § 22102
California highways are busy and congested with no end in sight
Navigating California roadways can be challenging at times. Making sure we take the correct street, select proper lanes, navigate all while avoiding other vehicles on the roadway can require your full attention at all times.
California cities can becomes mazes, distracting drivers which causes missed opportunities to loop, interchange, or exit. First thing we do is look for a place to make a U-turn after we realized our desired locations was missed.
Illegal U-turns contribute to many accidents due to lack of awareness. Many times accidents can be prevented if we take the necessary steps of caution when making turns. We don’t want to get caught on the other end of making an improper illegal turn.
Let’s explore U-turn DO’S and DONT’S
Proper U-Turn Maneuvers
- When traveling on a divided highway, you can use the center divider for a U-turn when it is not specifically marked for emergency personnel
- Verify there is not a sign prohibiting the U-turn
- Driver has right-of-way via a green traffic light or a green left turn arrow
- U-turn only sign
- Driver is traveling in the lane to the far left
- No vehicles are approaching within 200 feet when driving through a residential area
Illegal U-Turn Actions
- A sign prohibiting a U-turn is posted
- Choosing to make the U-turn that can cause an accident
- Business districts, driver’s may only turn at intersections or openings for turns unless there is a sign against it
- Never make a U-turn on a one-way street
- If the driver’s view is obstructed 200 feet in either direction
- At or on railroad crossing
- On a divided highway with two sets of double yellow lines or a divided highway that has a curb or other dividing section between the driver and the other side
- When the driver is in front of a fire station
What does the California Code say about U-Turns?
CVC § 22102 states no person shall make a U-turn in a business district except at an intersection, or where an opening is made available on a divided highway in accordance with Section 21651.
When conducting a U-turn make your turn as close to the right hand lane (outside) as much as possible avoiding any other vehicles or lanes in your general vicinty.
CVC § 21651(a) states when you are driving on a divided highway in two or more sections by barrier or dividing sections it is illegal to:
- To drive any vehicle across, over, or upon the dividing section.
- Make any type of U-turn unless you are using a legally, properly, designated opening or dividing section in the barrier
California vehicle code specifically states that it is illegal to conduct a U-turn if your vehicle is driving over, across or upon a divided section of roadway. Safest place to execute a U-turn is at a signal light with a specific right or left turn arrow protecting your vehicle from others in the area and giving priority lane usage.
Consequences for Illegal U-Turn California Traffic Ticket?
Fine for a California traffic ticket for “Making an Illegal U-Turn” is $237 and one point against your driver’s license.
You could plead guilty and pay the fine; however, your automobile insurance could increase for up to three years with the point on your record. Besides that who doesn’t want to keep their driving record squeaky clean?
Therefore, a California traffic ticket under this section can be very costly in the long term. If you received a traffic ticket under CVC § 22102, contact our office to discuss how we can help you avoid court, fines, and increased insurance rates.