"Right turn u-turn" left turns

[anycee]

Apart from being unsafe, are the illegal? I have started doing them to avoid a set of very poorly timed traffic lights.

[bobbings]

i believe it is illegal. especially where there are signs stating no U-turns allowed or where there are solid lines.

[ES_Revenge]

It's certainly not illegal to make a U-turn in Ontario (hence why there are signs for no U-turn in designated areas--otherwise there would be no signs at all, lol).

Making a U-turn is like making a left hand turn in that you have to make sure there is no one coming and that you won't get in the way of oncoming/approaching traffic.

However I have no idea what you mean by "right turn" left turns, like huh? :confused: That sounds like an oxymoron, lol.

[Wrk_InProgress]

However I have no idea what you mean by "right turn" left turns, like huh? :confused: That sounds like an oxymoron, lol.


You are proceeding northbound and are approaching an intersection. You want to turn left at this intersection, so you are going westbound (after the turn). You notice that the left turn lane is X cars long and it will take you at least 3-4 lights before you can make your left turn.

So you stay in the right line (still going northbound) and then make a right (i.e. turn east) at the intersection. You then proceed (as soon as possible) to make a u-turn, so that you are now going westbound.

[BeaverLiquor]

in other words this

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1582/rightuleftey8.th.png (http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rightuleftey8.png)

[ES_Revenge]

in other words this

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1582/rightuleftey8.th.png (http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rightuleftey8.png)

Haha, picture tells 1000 words eh? :)

Yeah okay, I don't think there's anything illegal about that really so long as you aren't executing any of those movements illegally. Making a right turn, not illegal; making a U-turn [properly], not illegal. Unless some clown officer wants to pick you up for driving agressively (or perhaps he's not a clown and you are driving over aggressively, lol) then I do't see how could be illegal. In fact it sounds like you're actually decreasing traffic which I personally cannot see as a bad thing.

[D-3vil]

This is the only thing the HTA says about U-Turns:
143. No driver or operator of a vehicle upon a highway shall turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction when,

(a) upon a curve where traffic approaching the vehicle from either direction cannot be seen by the driver of the vehicle within a distance of 150 metres;

(b) on a railway crossing or within 30 metres of a railway crossing;

(c) upon an approach to or near the crest of a grade where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle approaching from either direction within 150 metres; or

(d) within 150 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 143.
So, as you can see, your case isn't covered. That being said, if a cop decides you pulled a dangerous move, you could get nabbed for other things.

[bobbings]

It's certainly not illegal to make a U-turn in Ontario (hence why there are signs for no U-turn in designated areas--otherwise there would be no signs at all, lol).

I guess you could be right but I was just basing my initial response on the solid lines on the road. If it's solid, we can't cross over right? Also, I was thinking if there are designated signs for no U-turns at certain locations, it was probably because enough people have been caught doing that and therefore it became a problem. As a result, they put up a sign to remind drivers not to do it. It's slightly the same concept with stop signs. A few years back, I remember stop signs being roughly or universally the same size. However, I'm seeing HUGE stop signs at certain places now because those intersections are the ones where people neglect or do not see the smaller stop signs and therefore, they have replaced them to make sure the drivers are well-informed and reminded. When I say HUGE, I mean HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE stop signs!! lol

Again, it's up to the officer to make that "judgment" call whether it was safe or not. If you make a U-turn when the opposite lane has cars approaching and they need to stop or slow down because of you, then the officer might pull you over. If there are no cars on the road at all and you make a U-turn while a cop happens to be driving by, there's a good chance he might follow you and check up on your license. Remember, cops have so much power now that they can do almost anything they desire.

[BeaverLiquor]

I guess you could be right but I was just basing my initial response on the solid lines on the road. If it's solid, we can't cross over right? Also, I was thinking if there are designated signs for no U-turns at certain locations, it was probably because enough people have been caught doing that and therefore it became a problem. As a result, they put up a sign to remind drivers not to do it. It's slightly the same concept with stop signs. A few years back, I remember stop signs being roughly or universally the same size. However, I'm seeing HUGE stop signs at certain places now because those intersections are the ones where people neglect or do not see the smaller stop signs and therefore, they have replaced them to make sure the drivers are well-informed and reminded. When I say HUGE, I mean HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE stop signs!! lol

Again, it's up to the officer to make that "judgment" call whether it was safe or not. If you make a U-turn when the opposite lane has cars approaching and they need to stop or slow down because of you, then the officer might pull you over. If there are no cars on the road at all and you make a U-turn while a cop happens to be driving by, there's a good chance he might follow you and check up on your license. Remember, cops have so much power now that they can do almost anything they desire.

there is a solid yellow on the danforth, we can't cross over then no one could turn left onto a side street.

[kleptodathief]

i think the op means: after the u turn he turns right to head in the same direction bfore the intersection? i do this sometimes late at nite when no ones around i just sort of take a shortcut :cheesygri

i'd draw a pic but im too lazy :twisted:

[ES_Revenge]

I guess you could be right but I was just basing my initial response on the solid lines on the road. If it's solid, we can't cross over right?
You can cross-over solid lines, otherwise (as someone else mentioned) you'd be very limited in where you could turn in/out of. You just can't cross the line for the purpose of going straight (i.e. against traffic/opposite direction) on the other side of the line. Crossing over a solid line to make a U-turn does not constitute going the wrong way down the road so you can cross the line you just can't go over and drive [straight] on the other side of the line like it were the correct side of the road.

If there are no cars on the road at all and you make a U-turn while a cop happens to be driving by, there's a good chance he might follow you and check up on your license. Remember, cops have so much power now that they can do almost anything they desire.
Yes this is largely true, so I would not recommend doing such manoevers aggressively or when a cop is around, lol.

[bobbings]

You can cross-over solid lines, otherwise (as someone else mentioned) you'd be very limited in where you could turn in/out of. You just can't cross the line for the purpose of going straight (i.e. against traffic/opposite direction) on the other side of the line. Crossing over a solid line to make a U-turn does not constitute going the wrong way down the road so you can cross the line you just can't go over and drive [straight] on the other side of the line like it were the correct side of the road.

I see your point but what about making a left turn into a gas station at the corner of an intersection where there is a solid line and part of an island is sticking out for the purpose of deterring people from making those left turns? I see enough people make left turns like that and causing the left lane to congest while the right lane is occupied by a bus or a big truck accelerating at the pace of a snail.

[hightech]

Years ago, I got stopped by a cop telling me I made a U Turn. I told him I did not make a U turn, but made a left turn. U Turn implies the vehicle rotating 180 degrees and driving in the opposite direction. He begins to argue with me saying it is a the same thing.

I tell him "fine, give me a ticket, and we will discuss this in court, because the sign CLEARLY says no U Turn. It did not say no left turn or turns or with timings. The ball is in your court now". He looked pissed and said "have a good day" and walked away.

Dumbas* flatfoot :D

[ES_Revenge]

Years ago, I got stopped by a cop telling me I made a U Turn. I told him I did not make a U turn, but made a left turn. U Turn implies the vehicle rotating 180 degrees and driving in the opposite direction. He begins to argue with me saying it is a the same thing.
LMAO U-turn = Left turn? Yeah you got a really dumb one there...

[speedster7]

LMAO U-turn = Left turn? Yeah you got a really dumb one there...

haha, unlucky you

[led2]

I see your point but what about making a left turn into a gas station at the corner of an intersection where there is a solid line and part of an island is sticking out for the purpose of deterring people from making those left turns? I see enough people make left turns like that and causing the left lane to congest while the right lane is occupied by a bus or a big truck accelerating at the pace of a snail.

I got a ticket once in the US. I went in an empty supermarket parking lot at midnight instead of waiting for the red light - there is an offence such as "going on private property to avoid a traffic light".

[bobbings]

I got a ticket once in the US. I went in an empty supermarket parking lot at midnight instead of waiting for the red light - there is an offence such as "going on private property to avoid a traffic light".

ya, you can get that here in Canada too. ie: going through a gas station to avoid the lights. There are usually no signs saying you can't do it but in some places where there are a lot of drivers doing it, I've seen signs like "No Through Traffic"

[gman]

In Troy (the city of Somerset Collection mall), that is the only way you can make a left turn in its major intersection. You are not allowed to make a left turn. ;)

[xenyz]

ya, you can get that here in Canada too. ie: going through a gas station to avoid the lights. There are usually no signs saying you can't do it but in some places where there are a lot of drivers doing it, I've seen signs like "No Through Traffic"

I've actually tried looking this up in the HTA and can't find a thing. I'm not sure if this is an offence. The 'No Through Traffic' sign is a private sign on private property, in a parking lot designed for cars to pass through. It's like putting up a 'no nose picking' sign: how could it be enforced?

I do this most mornings to avoid a poorly timed light, but haven't seen a cop around to 'ask about it' yet. It's similar to the OP but instead, it's two left-turns in order to continue straight through the intersection.

[googoo]

I don't know folks, my buddy got charged for doing exac tly the question that was asked here. The charge was something like "circumventing traffic control measures"

Imagine the chaos if this were allowed.

Brent

[Oreo_The_Cookie]

I don't know folks, my buddy got charged for doing exac tly the question that was asked here. The charge was something like "circumventing traffic control measures"

Imagine the chaos if this were allowed.

Brent

Chaos :rolleyes:

[romsan04]

Chaos :rolleyes:

India :)

[bobbings]

I've actually tried looking this up in the HTA and can't find a thing. I'm not sure if this is an offence. The 'No Through Traffic' sign is a private sign on private property, in a parking lot designed for cars to pass through. It's like putting up a 'no nose picking' sign: how could it be enforced?

I do this most mornings to avoid a poorly timed light, but haven't seen a cop around to 'ask about it' yet. It's similar to the OP but instead, it's two left-turns in order to continue straight through the intersection.

I guess it depends on the mood of the cop that day and if you get caught doing it. I've actually seen people get stopped for it. Again, imagine the chaos we would have if cars were allowed to pass through a gas station during a busy time.

Since I drive past the place with that "no through traffic" sign, I'll try to notice and see if it's a private sign or from the government.

[xenyz]

I don't know folks, my buddy got charged for doing exac tly the question that was asked here. The charge was something like "circumventing traffic control measures"

Imagine the chaos if this were allowed.

Brent

Was this in Ontario? I'm fully aware this is illegal in Michigan and probably New York, but in Ontario?

Here's the HTA: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm

I've gone through and searched for 'circumvent' and 'traffic control' and can't find a thing.

Could this possibly be in the form of municipal by-laws only?

[Fx45]

In Troy (the city of Somerset Collection mall), that is the only way you can make a left turn in its major intersection. You are not allowed to make a left turn. ;)

Yeah, they actually call them "Michigan lefts" I think. I love them - I personally think it's safer than left turns and easier. Although I thought it was wierd that nobody knows how to parallel park in Michigan....

[ES_Revenge]

I've actually tried looking this up in the HTA and can't find a thing. I'm not sure if this is an offence. The 'No Through Traffic' sign is a private sign on private property, in a parking lot designed for cars to pass through. It's like putting up a 'no nose picking' sign: how could it be enforced?
It's not an offence but they can get you on stupid trespassing. Stupid because it's not like criminal trespassing it's just stupid trespassing, LOL.

Had a friend she did the same thing through a Tim Horton's and got charged.

This one is really easy to get out of in court I think, you just have to make it so they can't prove you're guilty which is pretty easy to do if you ask me. Plus for trespassing you could even get a letter from the business saying you had permission to be there, and it would get tossed from court so fast the officer would be more puzzled than they are on a regular basis, LOL.

I wouldn't do it if I were you but if you ever do it and get caught? It's not too hard to get around IMO.

[googoo]

"Was this in Ontario?"

Yes, Northbound Mccowan at 14th