{"id":355914,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/illegal-u-turn.html"},"modified":"2023-11-29T17:31:16","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T22:31:16","slug":"illegal-u-turn","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/illegal-u-turn.html","title":{"rendered":"Illegal U-Turns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illegal U-Turns<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A common traffic violation<\/a> is an illegal U-turn. Drivers make this maneuver to turn around, with the shape of the turn resembling a \u201cU." The U-turn tends to be a go-to move for motorists who have missed their turn or realized they need to head in the opposite direction.<\/p>\r\n

While a U-turn can seem like the most efficient way to reverse direction, it can result in a traffic ticket<\/a> in some areas or under certain conditions. In most states, you can receive an illegal U-turn ticket if you make an unlawful or unsafe U-turn. Read on to learn more about what makes a U-turn illegal, penalties, safety concerns, and more.<\/p>\r\n

What Is an Illegal U-Turn?<\/h2>\r\n

What exactly is an illegal U-turn? It depends. Factors that determine the legality of a U-turn include:<\/p>\r\n