Illegal Turns Attorney

Whether you are new to the area or you’re in a hurry, making an improper turn while driving a motor vehicle, according to traffic laws in Florida, can result in significant consequences, including fines and points on your driver’s license. If you acquire a ticket for any type of moving violation, it’s important that you contact the traffic ticket lawyers in Orlando with 911 Biker Law. Our attorneys can help build a strong defense on your behalf and help ensure the best possible result to your case. Contact our law firm today to receive a free case evaluation.

What Is An Illegal Turn?

An illegal turn, or improper turn, occurs when a driver turns their motor vehicle in a manner which is considered to be unsafe and/or interfered with other traffic. A turn may also be considered illegal when a driver makes a turn in an area in which a sign clearly prohibits the act. Florida Statute § 316.151 describes the required positions and methods for turning at intersections with regard to both right turns and left turns with the following.

Right turn. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Left turn. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered.

For more information about illegal turns in the State of Florida or to speak with an improper turn violations attorney about your case, contact our law firm today.

Common Types Of Improper Turns

Florida’s driving laws apply to everyone who operates a motor vehicle within the state, including drivers from out of town, who may not be well-acquainted with the stipulations for legal turns. Common examples of improper turns, according to Florida traffic laws, include the following. For more information about illegal turns, contact the ticket lawyers with 911 Biker Law.

Improper U-Turn

A driver may be guilty of making an improper U-turn if he or she turns the vehicle around to proceed in the opposite direction in an area with an obstructed view within 500 feet of the vehicle. A driver who makes a U-turn where a sign states “U-turn prohibited” can also be found guilty of this offense.

Improper Turn Form Approved Turning Course

When turning at intersections that are clearly indicated by buttons, markers, or other directional signs — when such directional signs are installed by local authorities — drivers who fail to turn in the manner so directed can be found guilty of improper turns violations.

Improper Right & Left Turn

Drivers must approach both right and left turns from a roadway into an alley, driveway, private road, or onto property off the roadway by traveling as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. Otherwise, a driver may be found guilty of an improper right or left turn.

Improper Turn At Traffic Light

A driver is guilty of making an improper left or right turn at a traffic signal when he or she fails to turn with adequate care at the green light. A driver may also commit this offense if he or she turns rights when facing a red light without coming to a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic located within the direction in which the driver intends to turn.

What Are The Penalties For Illegal Turns In Florida?

According to Florida Statute § 316.151, a violation of improper, or illegal turns, is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction, which is punishable as a moving violation, as stated within Chapter 316 of the statute. The penalty for an illegal turn can range depending upon a wide range of different factors, such as the type of roadway in which the turn occurred as well as the conditions of the road at the time in which the turn was made, among other factors.

Penalties for an illegal turn may be a minimum of $180 in fines and three to four points on your driver’s license. If you’ve been cited for making an illegal turn, a traffic ticket defense attorney can help you with timely filing of documents; decide whether your ticket should be contested; and assist you with contesting the ticket, among other items. Contact 911 Biker Law today.

Tips For Making Proper Turns

The most effective way to turn is to adhere to the following Florida DMV tips for making a good turn and avoiding being ticketed for an illegal turn while driving on a Florida roadway.

Decide early-on that you will make the turn and avoid turning at the last minute
Move into the correct lane as you approach the intersection — the correct lane for a left turn is typically the left lane and the correct lane for a right turn is typically the right lane
Use the turn signal for a minimum of 100 feet before making a turn
Slow down to a reasonably safe speed to make the turn
Before starting to turn, look over your shoulder for and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
If your driving speed exceeds a safe turning speed or if you are not in the proper turning lane, drive to the next intersection to make the turn
Complete your turn in the correct lane — a right turn should be made from the right lane into the right lane, while a left turn may be completed into any lawfully available and safe lane for the desired direction of travel

How An Illegal Turns Defense Attorney Can Help

A significant portion of individuals fail to realize that they are able to dispute improper turns, among other types of traffic violations and vehicular crimes. However, disputing these violations require evidence to effectively support and justify why the failure to follow Florida traffic laws was necessary. Likewise, such consideration can be extremely difficult to prove in a court of law. The experienced defense attorneys with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. can help you determine whether your violation should be contested, and if so, help you present a strong account of evidence, such as testimonial support, for a strong case.