Traffic Violations: Illegal U-Turn Fines, Traffic Points and Defense.

An illegal u-turn is when an individual performs a u-turn in an unauthorized zone where a sign is posted. Illegal u-turns are considered traffic violations, and individuals who are found guilty of this violation could end up with serious fines and penalties. Illegal u-turns have been known to cause accidents and injuries.

Fines and Penalties

The typical fine for an illegal u-turn is around $125, and courts have the opportunity to sentence individuals to jail for up to 15 days as well. However, with a first offense, getting sentenced to jail is unlikely. For second, third or higher offenses, the penalties and fines become harsher. It is then more likely that an individual will be sentenced to jail and will have to pay a fine as well. If an accident or injuries occurred due to the illegal u-turn, penalties and fines may be higher as well.

Traffic Points and Impact on Driving Record

In most courts, individuals are given 3 demerit points on their driving record for making an illegal u-turn. While it doesn’t seem like a big deal, demerit points add up quickly. If an individual accumulates a large amount of demerit points in a short amount of time, he or she could face temporary driver’s license suspension. Another thing that happens is that an individual’s car insurance premiums will most likely be raised as they receive demerit points. Most car insurance companies base their rates on the driving record of the policy holder and whether or not that policy holder is considered a safe driver or not.

Hiring an Attorney

Individuals who have been accused of making an illegal u-turn must usually attend court. Some individuals may want to fight the charge in court, and with the help of a knowledgeable attorney, they can do that. Attorneys are more likely to receive a lesser charge or smaller fines for their clients, due to their extensive knowledge of the law and traffic statutes. In some cases, attorneys can have the charges completely dropped against their client.

Most attorneys offer free consultations so that individuals can determine their rights and options under the laws. This is a great way for an individual to determine whether he or she has a legitimate case in order to fight the traffic violation charge or not.

Got a Traffic Ticket?