7.738 — ILLEGAL U-TURN

Violations of "Statute 7.738" results in an Infraction and a fine of $120

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(a) Definitions

An illegal U-turn refers to the act of making a U-turn (a turn in the road to go in the opposite direction) where such a maneuver is prohibited by traffic laws or road signs. This includes U-turns made in restricted areas, intersections, or places where they would create a safety hazard or obstruct traffic.

"Restricted areas, intersections, or places" is defined and exampled as: Intersections, School Zones, Residential Areas, No U-Turn Signs, Railroad Crossings, Highways, Freeways, Bridges, Tunnels, Overpasses, Business Districts, Curves, Hills, Poor Visibility Areas, Near Traffic Signals, Pavement Markings ("Double Yellow Lines"), Expressways, Controlled Access Roads.

(b) Elements

To establish the offense of making an illegal U-turn, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:

• The defendant made a U-turn while driving a vehicle.

• The location of the U-turn was specifically prohibited by law, such as at a traffic signal, near intersections, or where signage indicates no U-turns.

• The defendant’s U-turn created a potential hazard or disruption to traffic flow.

• The defendant knew or should have known that making the U-turn was prohibited in that location.

(c) Defenses

Defenses against a charge of making an illegal U-turn may include:

• The defendant did not notice the prohibition sign or traffic signal indicating no U-turn was allowed.

• The defendant made the U-turn in a situation where it was safe, and no traffic was impeded.

• The defendant had an emergency situation that justified the illegal U-turn.

(d) Aggravating Factors

The court may consider the following aggravating factors when determining the severity of the offense:

• The defendant’s U-turn caused a near collision or traffic hazard.

• The U-turn was made in a high-traffic area or during peak driving hours, worsening the impact on road safety.

• The defendant has a history of traffic violations, including previous illegal U-turn offenses.

• The U-turn was made in a location with clear signage or markings prohibiting the action, indicating reckless disregard for traffic laws.