U-turn Tickets – CVC 22100 – 22105

If you’ve been ticketed for this type of traffic violation then iTicket Fight™ can help you! We guarantee your U-turn ticket will be dismissed, or your money back (less $20 administrative fee). This includes all citations for U-turn tickets:

  • 22100 CVC – illegal U-turn in a highway
  • 22100.5 CVC – illegal U-turn in a traffic signal.
  • 22101 CVC – illegal U-turn in an intersection.
  • 22102 CVC – illegal U-turn in a business district
  • 22103 CVC – illegal U-turn in a residential district
  • 22104 CVC – illegal U-turn near a fire station
  • 22105 CVC – illegal U-turn on a highway without an unobstructed view

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How much does a U-turn ticket cost in California?

As of 2019, the standard fine of a U-turn ticket in California is $238.00, and it adds 1 point to your DMV driver’s record. The actual fine you receive can be higher depending on the circumstances, and your previous driving history. By dismissing your ticket, iTicket Fight helps you save time and money!

*All estimates include base fine, mandatory 20% California surcharge, and penalty fees and assessments.

What are the Rules on U-turns in California?

First of all, let’s take a second to understand what a U-turn is.

A U-turn is a ‘u-shape’ turning maneuver that finishes you off at the opposite direction from your original direction of travel, completing a 180-degree turn. You may have heard this referred to as a three-point turn in California (within the given parameters).

In California, you can make a U-turn when:

  • There aren’t any signs prohibiting a U-turn at the location.
  • At a traffic light or stop sign where there aren’t any signs prohibiting it.
  • At a designated intersection or opening while in a business district.
  • If there aren’t any approaching vehicles within 200 feet while in a residential district.

Most common types of U-turn tickets

Now let’s break down the most common types of U-turn tickets.

U-turn in a Highway – CVC 22100

While approaching for a U-turn, it must be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extreme left-hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The U-turn must be end up into a lane going in the intended direction.

U-turn in a Traffic Signal – CVC 22100.5

You cannot make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic signals (with certain limitations). If the traffic signal does not restrict it, the U-turn must be made from the far left-hand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced.

U-turn in an Intersection – CVC 22101

A U-turn is not allowed at an intersection if there are posted “restricted turn” signs regarding it. If the U-turn looks risky, don’t do it. The posted sign is there to prevent a risky movement.

U-turn in a Business District – 22102 CVC

While in a business district, you can’t make a U-turn unless you’re in an intersection or opening that’s designated for turns. Essentially, unless it’s specifically an area where you can execute the U-turn, you cannot make a U-turn in a business district.

What’s a business district? A business district is considered an area where businesses are located on either side of the road. Examples of this include a commercial area where there are many warehouses and small businesses.

Sometimes, what constitutes a “business district” can become unclear and that’s just one of the ways iTicket Fight can help to get your U-turn ticket dismissed. We’ll review you case and cite all of the appropriate California Vehicle Codes (CVC) to grant your dismissal.

U-turn in a Residential District – 22103 CVC

You can make a U-turn in a residential district as long as there are no moving cars within 200 feet of you. If an approaching vehicle is at an intersection controlled by a traffic control device such as a traffic light or stop sign, you can make a U-turn so long as it is safe to do so.

A residential district is considered an area where there are homes on either side of the roadway. An example of this is a neighborhood where you have homes on opposite sides.

U-turn Near a Fire Station – 22104 CVC

You cannot make a U-turn near or in front of a fire station. In addition, you can’t use the driveway of a fire station to turn your vehicle around. Generally speaking, fire stations are areas for emergency vehicles and regular cars are not supposed to make U-turns or enter the driveway.

U-turn on a Highway without an Unobstructed View – 22105 CVC

The rules surrounding U-turns on a highway are similar to U-turning in a residential district. You can make a U-turn on a highway as long as there aren’t any approaching vehicles within 200 feet of you with an unobstructed view. In addition, you must be able to safely complete your U-turn without putting yourself or other drivers on the highway in danger.

What’s the definition of a highway vs. freeway?

All freeways are highways but not all highways are freeways. Sounds confusing, right? Well, the difference is not as bad as you might think. A freeway is considered an “express highway” designed for vehicles to move at high speeds (like 65 mph on I-5 freeway).

The major difference between highways and freeways is that freeways are separated from the rest of traffic so the only way you can get on a freeway is by using an on-ramp. Highways on the other-hand have lower speed limits and can travel through city/residential areas where there are traffic signals and pedestrians.

When is it Illegal to Make a U-turn?

So now that we’ve covered the most common types of U-turn tickets, here’s an overview of situations where you’re not able to make a U-turn.

It’s illegal to make a U-turn when:

  • A “No U-Turn” sign is posted.
  • On the freeway.
  • At a railroad crossing.
  • While in a business district, and not in an intersection or opening designated for turns.
  • On a divided highway that has a curb, two sets of double yellow lines, or a dividing section between you and the other side.
  • You’re unable to see in 200 feet in either direction due to obstructions of view or the angle of the street. This applies to residential districts and highways.
  • It’s unsafe for you or other vehicles.

Answers to common questions about U-turn tickets

Does a U-turn ticket add points to your driving record?

Yes, an illegal U-turn ticket adds 1 point to your driving record, and will likely increase your insurance premium.

Can you make a U-turn in front of a fire station?

No, it is illegal to make a U-turn in front of or near a fire station in California under vehicle code 22104.

Can you make a U-turn at a light with a red arrow?

You can make a U-turn at a traffic light, granted the arrow has turned green; you cannot proceed to make the U-turn on a red arrow.

Can you make a U-turn on a freeway?

No, you cannot make a U-turn on a freeway. You must exit using an off-ramp, and then proceed to an on-ramp that will take you in the opposite direction. On highways, you can make a U-turn as long as there are no approaching vehicles within 200 feet from you on an unobstructed view. There is a difference between freeways and highways that you can learn more about in the section titled “U-turn on a Highway without an Unobstructed View – 22105 CVC.”

Can you make a U-turn at a no left turn?

No, you cannot make a U-turn at a no-left turn sign.

Can you make a U-turn at a left-turn only sign?

Yes, you can make a U-turn at a left-turn only sign.

Can you make a U-turn at a 4-way stop?

Yes, drivers can make a U-turn on a 2-3-4 way stop sign, as long as it is made in a safe manner without any signs that forbid it. Under California vehicle code 22103, a driver can make a U-turn in a residential district if there aren’t any other approaching vehicles within 200 feet from the turn. The rule for 200 feet does not apply when the other vehicle is approaching a traffic control device, such as a stop sign in this case.

Can you make a U-turn at a light?

Yes, you can make a U-turn at a stop light as long as there aren’t any signs that specifically forbid it at the intersection.

How to Fight an Illegal U-Turn Ticket with Us

It works in 3 easy steps:

  1. Fill out the details of your alleged infraction on this page.
  2. We’ll quickly prepare and e-mail you your defense documents for your Trial by Declaration (trial by mail).
  3. You print, sign, and mail the appeal documents along with your post bail to the courts before the due date (1-3 months for the verdict).

iTicket Fight provides you all the tools you need beat your ticket through a trial by declaration; no court appearances, no points, and no traffic school! To get started, click the button below.

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Why Choose iTicket Fight­™

  • No court appearance.
  • No fine payment.
  • No traffic school.
  • No point on your driving record.
  • No insurance premium increase.
  • Professional assistance every step of the way!
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