In a recent YouGov poll, 5% of drivers said the average driver in their state was terrible. Only 1% ranked themselves as terrible.
It’s easy to get overconfident, even about the most basic driving tasks. Improper turning is an underrated but all too real issue. The law takes it seriously, even if drivers don’t always realize they’re doing it.
Read on to learn misconceptions about what constitutes an illegal turn and how to avoid penalties.
What Counts As An Illegal Turn?
What constitutes an illegal turn?
Examples include:
- Turning from the wrong lane
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Disobeying traffic signs
- Improper U-Turns
- Failing to yield
- Turning without signalling
- Making wide turns
- Turning from a one-way street or private property
- Turning on red when prohibited
Common Misconceptions
Even experienced drivers may harbor misconceptions.
U-turns are tricky, and drivers don’t always know when they can or cannot perform them. It’s also easy to forget when and where signalling is required.
U-Turns Are Legal If There Isn’t a No U-Turn Sign
The general rule for U-Turns in Florida is found in Statute 316.1515, which includes specific allowances and restrictions. It says that U-turns are allowed when there isn’t a sign prohibiting them, as long as you can make them safely without interfering with traffic.
That can lead to the assumption they’re allowed anywhere. A U-turn can be an illegal turn at:
- Intersections with traffic signals
- Three-lane roads
- Crosswalks
Residential Areas Always Allow U-Turns
Drivers may assume U-turns are always legal in residential areas. Look at the signage on the road first.
Is there a double yellow line? A U-turn may be acceptable.
Turn Signals Aren’t Required on Empty Roads
If you’re the sole driver on a long stretch of road, you may wonder whether signalling is necessary.
Failing to do so is a violation. Not signaling contributes to accidents, especially on populated roads.
Illegal Turn Penalties
Illegal turns disrupt traffic flow and increase accident risk. That’s why illegal turn penalties are so steep. Prepare to face financial and legal repercussions.
Traffic fines are almost guaranteed for turn violations. The amount you’ll pay depends on the details of the incident and your driving record.
Traffic violations work on a point system. Every violation gives you a certain number of points depending on the severity and how often you’ve received that violation before. Most illegal turns add three points to your license.
If you get too many points, usually twelve or more, you can even have your license suspended. Depending on your driving record, you may have to attend traffic school to get it back.
An illegal turn can raise your insurance premiums by an average of 22.6%, which amounts to an increase of $332. The worst part is that this increase isn’t always temporary. It can remain on your record for years.
Avoiding Traffic Violations
Careful driving is the simplest method for avoiding traffic violations, including illegal turns.
Get an idea of your route beforehand to know where you’ll need to turn and where the signs are. Follow road safety rules and indicate to other drivers when you intend to turn.
Plan Ahead
Plan your trip to identify where and how to make your turns. This prevents you from making risky last-minute maneuvers or lane changes.
Try to only turn in areas where you’ll have high visibility. Avoid turning at:
- Hills
- Curves
- Areas with high pedestrian traffic
Use Your Signals and Mirrors
Always use your turn signals and other indicators. Failing to do so automatically makes any turn an illegal turn.
It’s important to use indicators far in advance. The general rule is to remember to put them on at least 100 feet before the turn.
Look at your rear and sideview mirrors before making a turn. Check to make sure there are no vehicles in your blind spots. It’s essential when changing lanes to make a turn.
Look for Signs
At intersections, look for signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns on red. Don’t initiate a U-turn or a left turn at a red light.
Only turn at lanes marked for a left or right turn. Rush hour lane change accidents are all too common.
Yield, Slow Down, and Stop
Always yield the right-of-way to opposing vehicles and pedestrians during turns.
Slow down when making a turn and come to a complete stop at stop signs or red lights.
Watch Roundabouts
While facilitating traffic flow, roundabouts also challenge drivers in understanding road safety rules.
Slow down and yield to traffic that’s already moving in the circle. Signal your exit and don’t make last-minute turns in the roundabout.
How to Fight Tickets
Illegal turns are common traffic law mistakes, and they’re not always caused by poor driving. You may not have been able to see a sign telling you not to make a U-turn.
Even your best efforts can leave you with a ticket, which you can fight with the right evidence and representation.
Take a look at all the details in your illegal turn ticket. Make sure you understand the specific violation and penalties it comes with.
Gathering evidence is essential for your case.
Start getting into the mind of a detective and jot down anything you can think of that might be important. Get witness statements if anyone saw the turn. Take photographs of:
- Unclear or improper signage
- Road conditions
- Obstructed sightlines
Look for an experienced attorney. They can gather evidence and build a case. If a collision occurred because of the illegal turn, they can help prove fault.
Find a Traffic Law Expert Today
There are several misconceptions about what constitutes an illegal turn. U-turns aren’t always allowed in residential areas or streets without No U-Turn signs. Failing to signal is as illegal on empty roads as it is on busy highways.
Avoiding illegal turns requires careful driving. Contesting a ticket requires gathering evidence and getting representation.
RHINO Lawyers is passionate about bringing the legal industry into the 21st century. We offer friendly communication on your terms, whether that’s in-person or digitally.
We also have a proven track record, helping thousands of clients in similar situations. Contact us for a free case analysis today.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
