California Motor Vehicle Code 22100

U-Turns

California Vehicle Code 22100 covers all the legal requirements of turning while driving on the roads.

Drivers who intend to turn onto highways (or any roadway) must do as follows:

Right Turns: Both the approach for a right-hand turn and a right-hand turn itself shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except:

• Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction which terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions. In this instance, a driver of a vehicle located in the middle lane may turn right from either the middle lane or the far right lane.
• When a right-hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection,(as stated above) a driver shall approach the turn as provided in subdivision (a) and shall complete the turn in any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
• Upon a highway having signs or marking allowing drivers to turn from more than the far right-hand lane.

Left Turns: The approach for a left turn shall be made as far 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 as the turning vehicle. When turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection (i.e., don't cut the corners short). When making a left turn onto an intersection, turn into lanes made for travel in your direction and not into the lane for on-coming vehicles expect:

• Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction which terminates at an intersecting highway that accommodates traffic in both directions. In this instance, the driver in a middle lane may turn left from either the middle lane or the far left-hand lane and into any lane lawfully available upon the roadway being entered.

U-turns: Only make u-turns at intersections where u-turns are allowed. You must always make a u-turn from the far left-hand lane.

• U-turns are not allowed in business districts unless an opening has been left in the lane divider to allow u-turns. Some intersections also allow u-turns if it is safe to do so.
• U-turns shall not be made in a residential district if an oncoming car is less than 200 feet away, except at an intersection where the oncoming car is stopped at a traffic light or stop sign.
• No u-turns shall be made in front of fire station driveways. Using fire station driveways as turnarounds is also prohibited.
• Do not make u-turns when you cannot see at least 200 feet in all directions.

Signals: any signal of intention to turn must be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled before making the turn.

At BISNAR CHASE we want everyone to be safe using the roads.