The CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22102, Turning and Stopping, and Turn Signals, states, “No person in a business district shall make a U-turn, except at an intersection, or on a divided highway where an opening has been provided in accordance with Section 21651.”
CVC 21651 (b), Driving, Overtaking, or Passing, states, “It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of traffic.” This section of the CA traffic code refers to driving the wrong way on a divided highway or street. All CVCs refer to any roadway as a highway.
However, most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers know not to make a U-turn in a business district. What might need clarification, in many cases, is what is a business district. Many law enforcement officers (LEO) might not be clear on that either, or rather where the business district begins and where it ends.
Therefore, the warehouse or loading dock you need access to might require a U-turn, and the next thing you know, LEO is asking to see your license, registration, proof of insurance, and possibly, your logbook or an electronic logging device (ELD) printout for the last seven days.
Most intrastate truckers are not required to have an ELD. LEO won’t know until they see your commercial driver’s license (CDL) whether you need one or not.
An Illegal U-Turn Ticket Might Leave Some Truckers or Bus Drivers to Ask, “What Do I Do About This Illegal U-Turn Ticket?”
Whether you received the illegal U-turn ticket in your CMV or privately-owned-vehicle (POV), the answer is the same. Consult a CA traffic attorney.
Often, if you get an illegal U-turn ticket, it will be in your POV. It might seem like it will be cheap enough just to pay the fine of around $237 and take the negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point or the 1.5 NOTS points in your CMV. That is until your employer checks your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) annually, as required by the DOT FMCSA, or they learn through the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Programmanaged by the CA DMV.
CMV drivers no longer need to file a list of violations with their employer:
“This requirement is largely duplicative of a separate rule that requires each motor carrier to make an annual inquiry to obtain the motor vehicle record (MVR) for each driver it employs from every state in which the driver holds or has held a CMV [commercial motor vehicle] operator’s license or permit in the past year.” – FMCSA Final Rule.
However, if the motor carrier signs up for the EPN Program, the DMV will automatically send a copy of your CA MVR and any out-of-state convictions they were notified of through the
Independent operators are usually fine, but fleet drivers must deal with fleet managers who constantly worry about their fleet insurance rate going up due to another moving violation by one of their drivers.
You might be the unfortunate driver who gets one immediately after a premium rate hike.
It is often less expensive long-term and less troublesome to consult a traffic attorney and take their advice because you won’t need to sit in traffic court waiting for your name to be called when you could be waiting at the loading dock for your next load.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, to Fight an Illegal U-Turn Ticket in Woodland, CA
If you get a citation for an illegal U-turn around Woodland, CA, contact the office of Bigger & Harman (661) 349-9300 or by email.
We offer a free consultation to all CDL holders and help resolve traffic tickets in Woodland Traffic Court in Yolo County. What’s critical to remember is that Yolo County requires bail when you plead not guilty. We can handle all facets of your case. Give us a call or send an email.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook Copyright 2022.
The Freightwaves article, FMCSA ends requirement for traffic violation lists.
The Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
CVC Section 12810.5, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.