An illegal U-turn violation can have serious consequences for your driving record and insurance rates.
Drivers must understand the implications and take the proper steps to address these violations, often with the assistance of a Bakersfield traffic attorney.
Understanding Illegal U-Turns in California
What does California law say about illegal U-turns? According to the CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22100.5, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals:
“No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic signals except as provided in Section 21451, and then only from the far lefthand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced. No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic control devices except from the far lefthand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced.”
Illegal U-turns are not allowed under these circumstances:
Crossing railroad tracks to complete the turn.
On divided highways with no openings or where prohibited by signs.
Onto one-way streets heading in the wrong direction.
In business districts without intersections or openings.
At intersections where traffic is within 200 feet or visibility is obstructed by weather or fog.
These laws are strictly enforced within Bakersfield in Kern County, CA, and violations carry significant penalties.
How an Illegal U-Turn Violation Affects You & Your Auto Insurance
An illegal U-turn violation can impact your record and insurance rates.
Convictions often result in a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point, higher insurance premiums, and potential civil liability if an accident occurred.
It’s vital to address these issues promptly and consult a traffic attorney.
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) may misinterpret or misapply the law.
A traffic attorney’s knowledge and experience can help identify mistakes or mitigate penalties.
Traffic attorneys spend a good deal of their working hours listening to traffic court judges rule on similar cases, and experienced attorneys know how to leverage this knowledge for a possible favorable outcome.
Why You Need a CA Traffic Attorney to Resolve an Illegal U-Turn Violation
Hiring a traffic attorney provides key benefits.
Attorneys can craft defense strategies, subpoena the LEOs’ records and statements, negotiate reduced penalties, or secure dismissals.
Their knowledge of the California traffic code and the procedures and decorum of local courts ensures you receive effective representation.
In Bakersfield, Kern County, CA, an attorney can protect your driving record and minimize the impact of an illegal U-turn violation on your insurance.
Bigger & Harman are local Bakersfield traffic ticket defenders who spend much time in Bakersfield Courthouse. They know the judges, many of the LEOs who issue tickets and whether they routinely attend court.
This knowledge could be vital to your case.
Likewise, they know when it is appropriate to plead nolo contendere or no contest.
What Is Nolo Contendere or No Contest?
“A defendant might enter a no contest plea if the prosecution has a really strong case, and the defendant knows a conviction is likely. But, because a related civil case is also pending, the defendant doesn't want to admit guilt. Admitting guilt in criminal case will essentially serve to admit fault or prove liability in a related civil case.”—Nolo.com.
Remember, paying a fine might be the legal equivalent of pleading guilty. Always consult a traffic attorney before deciding on a plan of action.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About an Illegal U-Turn Violation
If you need assistance with an illegal U-turn violation in Bakersfield Courthouse in Kern County, contact the office of Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
We can also resolve traffic tickets in other Kern County courthouses, such as Lamont, Mojave, Ridgecrest, Shafter, and Delano. Plus, other Central Valley Counties: Hanford Courthouse in Kings County, Porterville or Visalia Courthouse in Tulare County, Fresno Courthouse in Fresno County, Modesto Courthouse in Stanislaus County, and Eastern CA counties, like Mammoth Lakes or Bridgeport Courthouse in Mono County and Bishop or Independence Courthouse in Inyo County.
Email us today at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Use our handy online contact form to schedule an appointment.
References:
The Nolo.com article, What Does Pleading No Contest Mean?
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.
CA VC Section 22100.5, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals.