Washington State Improper Turn Laws

Washington State has several laws regarding improper turns. The penalties for violating these laws could include a sizeable fine and an increase in your insurance premiums. If you have recently been ticketed for making an improper turn, Callahan Law can help. Our traffic attorneys help clients contest their tickets in order to avoid serious penalties.

A driver could be charged with making an improper left turn at a traffic light if he or she fails to take proper care when turning on a green light. It is also an offense for a driver to turn right at a red light without coming to a complete stop or yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. If there is a sign at the light that prohibits turning on red, this can also result in a ticket.

When turning from a road onto a driveway, alley, or other property that is off of the road, a driver should stay as close to the right hand curb as practical (without touching the curb or sidewalk of course). The same applies to left-hand turns. Violating this may lead to an improper turning ticket.

A driver may be charged with making an illegal u-turn if he or she turns in the opposite direction, and cannot see vehicles approaching from either direction within 500 feet. In addition, if the driver does not make the turn safely or the turn interferes with oncoming traffic, he or she can also be charged with making an illegal u-turn.  Likewise, if a driver makes a u-turn where there is a “No U-Turn” sign, he or she may also receive a ticket.

The penalty for an improper turn ticket may include a fine, and the offense will be reported on your driving record. Habitual traffic offenders can lose their license for several years.

If you are interested in fighting your improper turn ticket, contact Callahan Law. Police officers do not always issue citations that meet the technical requirements or elements of the offense.  Our skilled traffic attorneys will look at your case to determine if you broke all elements of the law, and to determine whether the officer met all the requirements of a valid citation. If not, we may be able to get your case dismissed.

Call Callahan Law today!