When a driver misses a turn or their destination, it’s tempting to save time and trouble by making a u-turn. But in many places in New York, this practice is illegal. Even where u-turns are permitted, they must be done safely and legally or the driver is at risk of receiving a ticket.

Not understanding where u-turns are illegal and when they are unsafe could land you with a hefty fine and other penalties. But even if you receive a ticket, you have the right to fight back. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers is here to represent you.

Places You Cannot Make a U-Turn

As a general matter, drivers should try to avoid making u-turns because other drivers and pedestrians in the vicinity may not be prepared, potentially causing an accident. Drivers should instead try to use a driveway, parking lot, or other area to correct their mistake after passing a turn or their destination.

There are some locations, however, where it is always against the law to make a u-turn. Those places are:

Near the top of a hill, a curve, or any other place where other drivers are unable to see your vehicle from 500 feet away in either direction
In business districts of New York City
Where “NO U-TURN” signs are posted
On limited access expressways
In school zones

Places Where It May Be Unsafe to Make a U-Turn

Even if the u-turn is allowed, it must be done safely. For instance, a driver can only make a u-turn from the lane that is closest to the center of the roadway (never the right lane). Also, a driver may be allowed to make a u-turn when indicated by a green-arrow left turn signal, but there must be no prohibitions on u-turns and the driver must yield to other vehicles.

A driver who makes an unsafe u-turn or an illegal maneuver where u-turns are otherwise permitted (for instance, by failing to yield) could be ticketed.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal U-Turns?

Knowing where you cannot make u-turns in New York is critical to avoiding a ticket and, with it, several legal and financial penalties such as:

Fines: A fine for a first offense will be up to $150; a second offense will cost up to $300; and a third offense will cost up to $450.
Surcharges: On top of fines, the driver may have to pay a surcharge of $88 or $93, depending on where the driver was ticketed.
Points: A conviction for an illegal u-turn will add 2 points to the driver’s record. Receiving 11 points over the course of 24 months could result in license suspension.
Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA): If you accumulate six or more points in 24 months (previously 18 months), you must also pay a DRA to the New York DMV. The fee is $300, along with an additional $75 for each point over six.
Higher auto insurance premiums: You can expect your automobile insurance premiums to rise if you are convicted of an illegal u-turn in New York. The hike may be as much as 20%.

Are There Ways to Challenge Illegal U-Turn Tickets?

You may be able to contest the ticket, for instance by demonstrating that there was no signage posted that made the u-turn illegal or by challenging the evidence against you. It could be possible to have the ticket dismissed or to work out a plea bargain that could save you fines, points, and insurance premium increases.

Your best decision after receiving one of these tickets is to reach out to The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. Schedule your consultation with us today.