Types of Improper Turns in New York

In New York, there are state laws that govern driving procedures. Whether a driver is turning right, turning left, or making a u-turn, there are certain regulations that must be followed when making each type of turn. Failure to follow these rules could result in a traffic ticket if the driver is caught by a police officer or traffic camera.

Some of the tickets that can be given for improper turns include:

  • Failing to remain on the edge of the road
  • Turning when prohibited by a sign or marked lane
  • Making a prohibited u-turn
  • Unsafe turns
  • Lane changes
  • Failing to signal a turn

Contact Gannes & Musico, LLP for your free consultation.


NY Traffic Law – Right & Left Turns

When turning right or left, state laws commonly regulate that the driver must make the turn as close as practicable to the curb or edge of the roadway. The key to this law is the part stating "as close as practicable."

A skilled New York City traffic ticket attorney will be able to use this term to show that their client did the most practicable thing to do in their specific situation. Some common defenses include that the client was avoiding a parked car, a pedestrian, or a construction zone.

Turning Violations: Traffic Signs & Signals

There are three common laws that make certain turns illegal using signs or marked lanes. There are intersections in which some lanes must turn, this requirement needs to be shown on a sign. Another instance is when a right or left turn is prohibited, this regulation should be shown on a sign.

Lastly, when traffic-control devices are placed where required by law, a driver cannot disobey the directions given by the device. A skilled lawyer can often find ways to show that the visibility of a sign was impaired or that "reasonable notice" of the regulations were not made clear at a given intersection.

U-Turn Violations in New York

Prohibited u-turns are another example of improper turns that often lead to traffic tickets in New York. U-turns are generally always illegal in business districts. When it comes to residential districts, they are likely to be legal as long as the traffic conditions make the turn safe.

The regulation for u-turns in residential areas commonly state that a person cannot make the turn if another car is approaching from either direction within 200 feet. The turn can be made, however, if there is a traffic-control device controlling the turn and the oncoming vehicle.

To be convicted of a prohibited u-turn in a residential area, the court must prove that:

  1. You were indeed in a residential district
  2. You made a full 180 degree u-turn
  3. Another car was approaching and was within the distance in the law
  4. You were at an intersection that did not have a traffic-control device sign or signal

There are many other regulations for u-turns depending on the location of the turn.

Get in Touch with a New York City Traffic Attorney Today

When it comes to unsafe turns or lane changes the law generally states that: a person cannot turn a vehicle unless the movement can be done with reasonable safety and they must signal the turn to inform other vehicles.


If you have received a traffic ticket, be sure to obtain the representation of a New York City traffic lawyer from Gannes & Musico, LLP. Call our firm right away!


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