Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed May 14, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
One way to switch directions on a roadway is to perform a "u-turn,' in which the driver makes a sharp left turn and heads back the other way. But since these can be dangerous in the wrong situation or wrong spot, states regulate this maneuver. The following is a directory of illegal u-turn laws by state.
| Alabama | Turning movements and required signals |
| Alaska | Negligent Driving (AK Statutes §28.35.410) |
| Arizona | Limitations on turning around (ARS §28-752) |
| Arkansas | Turning on curve or crest of grade prohibited |
| California | Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals |
| Colorado | Limitations on turning around |
| Connecticut | Turns restricted...U-turns |
| Delaware | Limitations on turning around |
District of Columbia |
Browse the D.C. Vehicle Code (scroll to Title 50) |
| Florida | Limitations on turning around (FS §316.1515) |
| Georgia | U-turns |
| Hawaii | Turning so as to proceed in the opposite direction |
| Idaho | Limitations on turning around |
| Illinois | Turning and Starting and Signals on Stopping and Turning |
| Indiana | Vehicle Operation (Indiana Code §9-21-8) |
| Iowa | Turning at intersections (IA Code §321.311) |
| Kansas | Limitations on "U" turns (KS Statutes §8-1546) |
| Kentucky | Turning around on curve or grade |
| Louisiana | Turning movements and required signals |
| Maine | U-turns (MRS Title 29-A §2072) |
| Maryland | Vehicle turning left or making u-turn |
| Massachusetts | Traffic control signs and devices |
| Michigan | Turning at intersection; violation as civil infraction |
| Minnesota | Turning, starting, and signaling |
| Mississippi | Turning at intersections (MS Code §63-3-703) |
| Missouri | Turns at Intersection (MRS §304.341) |
| Montana | Limitation on U-turns (MCA §61-8-334) |
| Nebraska | Turning to proceed in opposite direction |
| Nevada | Allowed and prohibited u-turns (NRS §484B.403) |
| New Hampshire | Turning and starting (NH Statutes §265:45) |
| New Jersey | Turning on curve, grade, or ... [where] marked with "no U turn" sign |
| New Mexico | Turning movements and required signals |
| New York | U-turns in certain areas prohibited |
| North Carolina | Turning at intersections (NCGS §20-153) |
| North Dakota | Limitations on turning around |
| Ohio | Rules for Turns at Intersections |
| Oklahoma | Turning movements and required signals |
| Oregon | Rules of the Road: Illegal U-turn; penalty |
| Pennsylvania | Rules of the Road: Turning, Starting, and Signals |
| Rhode Island | Places where U-turns prohibited (RI Code §31-16-4) |
| South Carolina | Limitations on turning around |
| South Dakota | U-turn prohibited in passing zone or where unsafe |
| Tennessee | Turning movements (TN Code §55-8-142) |
| Texas | Operation and Movement of Vehicles |
| Utah | Turning around -- Where prohibited -- Visibility |
| Vermont | Turning prohibited (23 VSA §1062) |
| Virginia | Limitation on U-turns |
| Washington | "U" turns (RCW §46.61.295) |
| West Virginia | Turning movements and required signals |
| Wisconsin | Where turns prohibited, exception |
| Wyoming | Limitations on turning around |
It's sometimes not necessary to work with an attorney when you have a traffic ticket, whether it's for an illegal u-turn or something more serious, but every situation is different. For example, having a ticket reduced could mean the difference of several thousands of dollars in insurance premium costs. Find a traffic law attorney near you if you need additional help.
Was this helpful?
Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.