An ordinary (and innocent) manoeuvre with your car can cost you a lot of money, specially if you’re in California. For example, making a U-turn to avoid missing an intersection can be very expensive if you’re driving there. But wait, because if you do it in a commercial area, it will be worse, there the law is stricter.
There’s no such thing as “I was just making a quick turn” there, no excuses. The California Vehicle Code makes it clear that in most cases, you can only make a U-turn at an intersection or on a road with a designated opening for it. Doing it just a few feet earlier can be considered illegal. So be careful, because if they catch you, there’s a fine for sure!
What does the law say exactly?
The law (Section 22102 of the Code) states it very clear, you cannot turn in U in a business district unless you’re right at the intersection or on a divided road with an opening made for the turn.
And what counts as a business district? Well, it is an area where 50% or more of the properties along 300 feet are used for business. If the businesses are only on one side of the street, the distance extends to 600 feet.
The turn that shouldn’t have happened
Yes, there are real cases of this manoeuvre. For example, in Corona, a city in California near Highway 15, a driver decided to make a U-turn just before the intersection of Ontario and California Avenue. He did it in an area clearly surrounded by businesses… Oops! According to local police, the manoeuvre was illegal. There was no accident, but the fine came. That’s how far the officers go…
And when is it allowed?
The California Driver Handbook explains it clearly. U-turns are allowed, for example:
- On a double yellow line, but only in residential areas and if there are no cars within 200 feet.
- At intersections with a green light or green arrow, as long as there’s no sign saying “No U-turn”.
- On divided roads, if there’s an opening designed for that in the center divider.
Places where you should never make a U-turn
Don’t even think about making a U-turn in these places, because there’s no room for debate:
- At railroad crossings.
- In front of a fire station.
- On divided roads with a double yellow line and no opening.
- In business districts, except for the exceptions already mentioned.
It’s not just about the fine
Police insist that this is not only to avoid penalties, but about preventing accidents (that’s what they say). And they explain that an unexpected turn before an intersection can catch any other driver off guard and cause a crash. Better to lose 10 seconds and do it right than end up in trouble.
The DMV also has updates
Since we’re talking about traffic, here’s another one: the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has expanded its online services. Commercial drivers can renew their license online up to 120 days before it expires, and they say that 90% of all processes can now be done from your couch, including renewing your car registration. Pretty useful, honestly.
Don’t get confused with turns
So, remember, if you’re in a commercial area and haven’t reached the intersection yet, it’s better to keep going until the law allows it. You avoid the fine and, most importantly, you avoid putting others at risk. While you’re at it, take advantage of the digital options so you don’t have to go to the DMV in person, because that really is a waste of a whole day.