U-Turn Law in Michigan
Understanding the regulations surrounding U-turns in Michigan is critical to helping you avoid legal complications. Though U-turns are legal in Michigan, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to perform them wherever and however you’d like. Michigan law does govern where and when it’s acceptable to make a U-turn. According to Michigan traffic statutes, U-turns are generally legal unless required signs indicate otherwise. More specifically:
- U-turns are prohibited upon a limited access highway if the highway has been divided into three or more clearly marked lanes.
- No driver may perform a U-turn in a business district unless the U-turn can be performed without interfering with other traffic .
- Drivers on a road having a single line of traffic moving in either direction shall not make a U-turn, unless the intersection is controlled by an officer.
- It is illegal to make a U-turn at an intersection such that the tires of the vehicle being backed up will or may be driven upon the left side of the center line of the roadway.
- It is also illegal to make a U-turn across the center line of a divided highway at a point where the vehicle would be driven upon the right of the center line of traffic destined to the left on the receiving highway.
That means that while a U-turn can be made on many streets throughout Michigan, some streets are simply off-limits for U-turns. Most notably among those roads are ones that are under certain restrictions, like limited access and heavy traffic.
Exceptions to Michigan U-Turn Laws
While Michigan law generally prohibits U-turns, there are a few notable exceptions:
- For example, if a driver is passing another vehicle and the other driver has turned on his or her left turn signal to signify intent to make a left turn onto a different road, the first driver can quickly maneuver into a U-turn to avoid the passing vehicle. – Practically speaking, however, it is not a good idea to execute U-Turns at high speeds or while passing another vehicle. – These examples demonstrate that a U-turn is still the best approach and safest route of action for motorists when planning for a legal U-turn.
- But there are times when a U-turn may not be permitted. For example, if a "No U-turn" or "Don’t U-turn" sign is posted at an intersection, then a U-turn typically will not be allowed. – This law is particularly relevant for issues involving highway construction, detours, and alternative routes where the law directly affects roadway behavior.
- Additionally, if you are in an urban area or on a city street, a "Cruising Prohibition", or ordinance including a "No U-Turn" or "Right Turn Only" sign may prohibit such maneuvers.
- In addition, if there is an oncoming vehicle, law enforcement may decide that the safety and welfare of the public is in jeopardy. As such, law enforcement officers may issue a ticket that reasons that a U-turn would be considered unsafe. Providing such a ticket could give a driver the opportunity to contest the ticket based on the objective circumstances surrounding the event. However, if you are in a high speed area, more than likely a U-turn will be prohibited or a ticket will be issued.
When Making a U-Turn in Michigan: Safety Tips
When you are making a U-turn to reverse direction in your lane of traffic, you are required to yield to oncoming traffic. It is the responsibility of the driver making a U-turn to determine if the way is clear, so it is important to check for oncoming cars and pedestrians before executing this maneuver – no matter the laws regarding U-turns in your state. Remember to keep your speed down, and that if you are using a roadway with more than two lanes, you should make the U-turn from the lane closest to the center of those lanes. To stay safe and within the law, follow these tips: Even if you feel safe making a U-turn in Michigan, don’t forget that you are required to be aware of traffic laws in the area before making one. Certain areas do have laws against making U-turns, while other areas are simply unsafe to execute U-turns in. As always, remember to use good judgment and to drive defensively. Both of these will serve you well on the road and will keep you safe in general.
Penalties for U-Turning Illegally in Michigan
From a legal standpoint, illegal U-turns are treated much like any other traffic violation. If an officer observes an illegal U-turn, the driver will be pulled over and issued a ticket. There are two possible scripts that can happen from there, and both can deal costly consequences to the driver. The first script occurs if the u-turn was captured on video camera. Many business have video security on their facilities – banks, gas stations, and retail stores in particular. If the driver is captured on video making a u-turn, then the police can utilize that video in determining who is at fault for the crash and a ticket might not be necessary. The second script occurs if the collision involves the insurance company’s insureds. In most instances, opposing insurance adjusters will agree to share information from the witness(es) so that the traffic issues can be properly resolved. If that happens, then it is likely that the officer’s ticket for an illegal u-turn will be dismissed. Regardless of the circumstances, however, if an officer does issue a citation for an illegal U-turn , there will be a fine to pay and points added to your driving record.
Penalties for illegal U-Turns Whether a ticket is issued and a fine must be paid will depend on a few different factors: Fines Points If 2 or more points are assessed, it is likely the driver will also be subject to a License Appeal Hearing (LAH) at the Secretary of State’s office. The LAH takes about 2.5 hours and is held by Zoom or audio call. It can result in a license suspension in some cases. Once the hearing is over, the driver will be charged with an additional $25 fee to reissue their license. It is always important to remember, too, that penalty points will negatively affect your insurance rates. Your insurance company will be notified if a ticket is issued for an illegal u-turn. One or two points may not result in a rate increase, but two will. And most if not all insurance companies will increase your rates, even just a few dollars, for multiple ticket offenses over a short period of time (usually 3 years). So, as a general rule, the more traffic violation points you have on your record, the more you will pay for car insurance.
Michigan U-Turn Laws Compared to Other States
While Michigan’s laws on U-turns are fairly specific, they are not unique in the region. Other states have similar provisions, but Michigan’s attention to pedestrian safety sets it apart. Pennsylvania, for example, has a similar prohibition against making turns at intersections except at traffic lights but does not otherwise address pedestrian safety in the context of U-turns. Ohio does not have a provision pertaining to U-turns at intersections and does not prioritize pedestrian safety . Recent legislation in Ohio imposes a greater duty of care on motorists when passing cyclists, but that law has no application in slowing down for pedestrians.
Michigan’s law requiring U-turns to give way to both traffic and pedestrians reflects the state’s focus on pedestrian safety. Most states do not have this dual requirement. For example, Indiana requires yielding only to traffic. Illinois prohibits U-turns at crosswalks, but does not address stop signs or traffic signals; nor do any of the states nearest Michigan. Michigan’s law arguably put stricter liability on drivers who make U-turns in Michigan than elsewhere in the U.S.