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 |
Contact a Local Traffic Ticket Attorney
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.
