Improper U-Turn

Police throughout Illinois commonly issue citations for Improper U-Turns. Even when the law permits you to make a U-Turn, you must always make sure that there are no pedestrians and that oncoming traffic has passed. The turn must be made from the proper location and lane. The law concerning U-Turns can be found under the Illinois Vehicle Code at 625 ILCS 5/11-802. Specifically, the law states:

“(a) The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(b) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within 500 feet.”

Improper U-Turns in Chicago

U-Turns in Chicago often cause traffic accidents and injuries to pedestrians. As a result, the law concerning U-Turns in Chicago is stricter than in the rest of the State of Illinois. Specifically, if a motorist makes a U-Turn that results in injury, he or she will be responsible for damages, including medical care, vehicle repairs, and wages that were lost because of the injuries. If the officer determines that the offender was driving recklessly, additional charges could be filed.

Section 9-16-040 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code states:

The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction at any point closer than 100 feet to any intersection unless official signs are erected to permit such turns.
It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to turn such vehicle in any street so as to proceed in the opposite direction in the territory bounded by and including Wacker Drive on the west and the north, Michigan Avenue on the east, and Congress Parkway on the south, unless official signs are erected to permit such turns.
The Commissioner of Transportation, subject to the review and approval of the Executive Director of Emergency Management and Communications where appropriate, is authorized to determine those places within 100 feet of an intersection or within the area described in subsection (b) where turns in the opposite direction shall be permitted and to erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.

As a result, in Chicago, U-Turns are completely prohibited in the territory bounded by and including Wacker Drive on the west and the north, Michigan Avenue on the east, and Congress Parkway on the south unless otherwise posted. Also, U-Turns are completed prohibited at any point closer than 100 feet to any intersection unless otherwise posted.

Penalties for an Illegal U-Turn Ticket

A traffic ticket for an illegal U-Turn is a moving violation. Simply paying the ticket will result in a conviction. A conviction will appear on your public driving record and count towards a suspension of your driver’s license. If you are 21 years of age or older and have three moving violation convictions within 12 months, the Secretary of State will suspend your license. If you are under the age of 21, two moving violations within a 24 month period will cause a license suspension. Avoiding a conviction for an illegal U-Turn is important so that your driving privileges will not be impacted.

Increased insurance rates, fines, court costs and traffic school are all possible consequences of this offense. In addition, if you drive for a living, a U-Turn ticket could impact your employment.

U-Turn Traffic Ticket Defense Attorneys

If you receive a ticket for making an Improper U-Turn, contact the traffic attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. to discuss your options. Our defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience to assist you in ensuring the best result possible. Our priority is to avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.

Contact us today to discuss the specific details of your case. We can explain your options by means of a free consultation. We represent clients on traffic tickets throughout the Chicago Area including Cook County, Lake County, and DuPage County.